Symbol Display Layer With Segmented Edge Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display units for operating elements with transparent surfaces face issues in uniformly displaying different symbols due to varying light intensity and depth perception, which affects visibility.
Innovation Solution
A display unit with a single transparent layer divided into subregions, each illuminated by a dedicated light source, using a delimitation element like slats or light channels to ensure uniform light distribution and selective illumination of symbols, preventing cross-illumination between subregions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are used to display different symbols, then the number of displayable functions increases, but the light intensity uniformity and depth perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single layer is segmented into multiple subregions, each corresponding to a different function and symbol. This segmentation allows multiple functions to be displayed in one layer without requiring multiple physical layers, thereby maintaining light intensity uniformity while increasing the number of displayable functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different subregions within the layer are assigned different optical properties or microstructures tailored to their specific function. This local quality approach ensures that each symbol is optimally displayed in its designated subregion while maintaining overall uniformity across the entire layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are used to display different symbols, then the number of displayable functions increases, but the depth perception and visibility uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The layer is divided into multiple subregions with distinct symbols for different functions. This segmentation enables multiple functions to be displayed simultaneously in a single layer, improving visibility uniformity by eliminating the depth variations inherent in multi-layer structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral edge illumination is used for each layer, then selective symbol display is achieved, but light intensity variation across different symbols occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide structure acts as an intermediary between the light source and the subregions. This light guide uniformly distributes light across all subregions while maintaining selective illumination capability, thereby reducing light intensity variation across different symbols.
4Volume of moving object
If a single layer with multiple subregions is used, then installation space is reduced, but precise light distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide structure serves as an intermediary component that simplifies light distribution control within the single layer. This intermediary element manages the complexity of distributing light precisely to different subregions while maintaining a compact installation footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure provides localized light control to different subregions through its design features, enabling precise light distribution control within the single layer without increasing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a compact and efficient display with uniform light intensity and depth perception for symbols, enhancing visibility and reducing installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The display unit comprises a plurality of light sources (for example light-emitting diodes, LEDs) for the corresponding plurality of subregions, wherein the different (punctiform) light sources are arranged adjacent to one another along the illuminated edge of the layer. The individual light sources are each designed to emit light into the respective subregion of the layer via the illuminated edge of the layer.
Implementation Method 2
The display unit furthermore comprises a delimitation element, which is arranged between the illuminated edge of the layer and the plurality of light sources, and which is designed to delimit the light emitted from the individual light sources for one subregion in each case such that the symbol in the respective subregion is illuminated by the individual light sources in a selective manner.
Implementation Method 3
The symbol in a subregion of the layer can include a microstructure, at which the light is reflected and/or scattered in the subregion such that the symbol becomes visible on the surface of the layer, in particular on the operating surface of the operating element.
Implementation Method 4
The symbol in a subregion of the layer can include a microstructure, at which the light is reflected and/or scattered in the subregion such that the symbol becomes visible on the surface of the layer, in particular on the operating surface of the operating element.
Data Source
AI summary
A display unit includes a layer with a plurality of sub-regions which are arranged adjacently to one another along an illuminated edge of the layer. A corresponding number of symbols are arranged in the sub-regions. The display unit additionally has a plurality of light sources. The said light sources are arranged adjacently to one another along the illuminated edge of the layer. Each light source is configured to emit light into the respective sub-region of the layer via the illuminated edge of the layer. The display unit additionally has a limiting element which is arranged between the illuminated edge of the layer and the light sources and which is configured to limit the light emitted from the light sources for each sub-region such that the symbol in the respective sub-region is illuminated in a selective manner by the light sources.