Plug-and-play Stepper Motor for Vehicle Display Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The consolidation of electronic control modules in vehicles hinders the implementation of analog gauges alongside TFT displays, as the circuitry for stepper motors is not integrated within the TFT display device, making it difficult to incorporate analog gauges effectively.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play stepper motor system for vehicle displays, comprising a needle control module, motor driver circuit, and housing, which receives signals from an optical sensor to control the stepper motor's movement based on vehicle state information, and can be powered by a photovoltaic converter system or hardwired/wireless interfaces, allowing for attachment to vehicle displays using adhesives or clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If circuitry for stepper motors is not integrated within the TFT display device, then display device simplicity is improved, but analog gauge incorporation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the TFT display device from the pointer display assembly, placing the stepper motor control circuitry exclusively within the pointer assembly. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of the TFT display device while enabling analog gauge functionality through the dedicated pointer assembly with integrated motor control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the TFT display device and the pointer display assembly. This intermediary enables data exchange and coordination between the two components, allowing the analog gauge to be incorporated without requiring direct integration of motor control circuitry into the TFT display device
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
Enables the integration of analog gauges with vehicle displays by allowing the stepper motor to adjust its position based on vehicle state information, providing a flexible and efficient solution for displaying metrics like speed and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic converter system configured to convert light emitted by the display into electrical power, wherein the needle control module and the motor driver circuit receive the electrical power from the photovoltaic converter system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed and include a needle control module that includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium, a motor driver circuit in communication with the needle control module, the motor driver circuit controlling a stepper motor attached to a needle, and a housing enclosing the needle control module, the motor driver circuit, and the stepper motor, the housing being physically attached to a display of a vehicle. In response to the needle control module receiving a signal representing vehicle state information, the needle control module is configured to instruct the motor driver circuit to control movement of the stepper motor and adjust a position of the needle based on the signal.