Steering Column Display Panel With Movable Projection Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems are space-consuming and inefficient in utilizing the steering column space, and they often require the image to be reflected through the windshield, which limits visibility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A display system integrated into the steering column with a movable display panel and optical modules, such as a display field and/or mirror, that projects images directly onto a display panel within the vehicle interior, allowing for a compact design and clear image projection without relying on the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the display system is integrated into the steering column with a movable display panel, then the space utilization is improved and the design is compact, but the device complexity increases due to the movable mechanism and optical modules
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is nested within the steering column housing and can be moved between a stowed position (within the housing) and a deployed position (projecting from the housing). This nesting approach allows the display system to be compact when not in use while providing full display functionality when needed, effectively resolving the contradiction between space utilization and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic design enables the system to optimize space when the display is not needed while providing access to the display function when required, balancing space utilization with operational requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If the image is projected directly onto the display panel within the vehicle interior, then the visibility is improved and the windshield obstruction is minimized, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element to redirect light from the display panel to the windshield. This allows the display panel to be positioned within the steering column while still projecting images onto the windshield, improving visibility without requiring the display panel to be directly in the driver's line of sight and reducing the need for complex direct-projection optics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the display panel covers the opening in the steering column, then the structural integrity is improved and the design is streamlined, but the image projection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is designed to be movable between a closed position (covering the opening and maintaining structural integrity) and an open position (allowing light to pass through for image projection). This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain structural integrity when the display is not in use while enabling image projection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is positioned to cover the opening in the steering column when not in use, maintaining structural integrity and aerodynamic streamline. Before image projection is needed, the panel is moved to an open position to allow light passage. This preliminary positioning resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and projection capability.
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
The system provides a space-saving solution that projects images directly into the vehicle interior, enhancing visibility and comfort by minimizing obstruction and accommodating various windshield angles, while maintaining a slim and unobstructed view of the front.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical module (i.e., only one optical module or several optical modules) for generating and/or reflecting light for an image to be shown or to be displayed
Implementation Method 2
The display panel may be configured to reflect the image emitted thereon into an interior of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for a vehicle having a steering column with a housing is disclosed, and may comprise at least one optical module, one opening in the housing, and one display panel. The at least one optical module may be arranged within the housing of the steering column. The display panel may be arranged on the housing and may be configured to be movable relative to the opening, to cover the opening in the upper side of the steering column in a covering mode, and to uncover the opening in the steering column in a projection mode. The at least one optical module may be configured to emit an image through the uncovered opening in the housing onto the display panel when the display panel is in the projection mode. The display panel may be configured to reflect the image emitted thereon into an interior of the vehicle.