Steering Wheel Display System with Stationary Irradiation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel display systems face issues with poor visibility and information becoming upside down when the steering wheel rotates, as the displays are not designed to maintain a stable position relative to the driver during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a vehicle information acquiring unit, a stationary irradiation unit mounted on the steering column, and a display device on the steering wheel, which uses light sources like laser diodes or high luminance LEDs to project information at a predetermined position on the steering wheel, ensuring visibility regardless of the wheel's orientation, and a display controller to adjust display content and range based on acquired vehicle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If display devices are mounted on the steering wheel periphery, then driving information can be displayed, but visibility is poor and information becomes upside down when the steering wheel rotates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the display device on the rotating steering wheel, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the light source on the stationary steering column and the display device on the rotating steering wheel. This inversion allows the display to rotate with the wheel while the light source remains stationary, solving the visibility problem during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical transmittance member as an intermediary between the light source and the display device. This member transmits light from the stationary source through the rotating display device, enabling the display to maintain visibility regardless of the steering wheel's rotational position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting diodes are placed at the periphery of the steering wheel, then display functionality is achieved, but the information becomes upside down when rotated 180 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting arrangement by placing the light source on the stationary steering column rather than on the rotating steering wheel. This inversion ensures that the light source remains in a fixed position while the display device rotates with the wheel, maintaining proper information orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the light source position dynamic by allowing it to be adjusted along the steering column to accommodate different steering wheel positions and tilt angles, ensuring the light always reaches the display device properly regardless of wheel orientation.
3Area of stationary object
If a large display device is mounted at the periphery of the steering wheel, then more information can be displayed, but visibility deteriorates during steering wheel rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical transmittance member as a mediator to transmit light from the stationary light source through the large display device mounted on the rotating steering wheel. This intermediary enables the large display to maintain visibility throughout rotation by ensuring consistent light transmission regardless of wheel position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by positioning the light source on the steering column rather than on the wheel itself, creating a three-dimensional light transmission path that accommodates the rotation of the wheel while maintaining display visibility.
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 clear and stable display of steering direction, amount, and timing information on the steering wheel, maintaining visibility and eliminating the need for a steering angle sensor, with efficient fabrication and reduced dazzling effects on the driver.
Implementation Method 1
The irradiation unit may include a laser diode, a high luminance light emitting diode, or a thin panel display device.
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for a steering wheel includes: a vehicle information acquiring unit for acquiring vehicle information; an irradiation unit mounted to the steering column such that the irradiation unit is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel; a display device mounted to the steering wheel; and a display controller for controlling display content based on the vehicle information. A method includes: acquiring vehicle information; detecting a steering direction and/or a steering amount of the steering wheel; calculating a display range and/or a display speed to be displayed based on the steering information; controlling display content, based on information acquired by the vehicle information acquiring unit and a result calculated by the display portion calculating unit; and displaying the steering direction, the steering amount, and/or the steering time at a position on the steering wheel that is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel.