Telltale Light Guide for Instrument Cluster Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument clusters face challenges in efficiently utilizing space and manufacturing complexity due to the need for multiple dedicated light sources and housings for telltale lights, which limits the number of telltales and complicates placement within the instrument panel.
Innovation Solution
A gauge assembly with a main circuit board supporting light emitting devices, where a light guide within a telltale housing directs light from the LEDs to telltale images spaced apart from the gauge surface, allowing for flexible placement and reduced complexity by sharing light sources and housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each telltale has its own dedicated light source and housing, then the telltale can be reliably illuminated, but the space utilization is limited and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple telltales share a common light source (LED) and housing structure. The single LED mounted on the circuit board illuminates multiple telltale indicators through a light guide, eliminating the need for separate light sources and housings for each telltale. This merging approach increases space utilization while maintaining reliable illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
A single light source and housing structure serve multiple functions by illuminating multiple different telltale indicators. The light guide distributes light to various telltale positions, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple dedicated components, thereby optimizing gauge surface area.
2Reliability
If each telltale has its own dedicated light source and housing, then the telltale can be reliably illuminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and housing structures into a single integrated system. One LED and one housing structure replace what would otherwise be multiple separate assemblies, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to reliably illuminate all telltale indicators through the light guide mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source and housing structure are designed to serve multiple telltale indicators simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated components, simplifying the overall device architecture while ensuring reliable illumination across all indicator positions.
3Area of stationary object
If telltales are placed on the gauge surface, then space is utilized, but the placement options are limited by the gauge surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves telltale indicators from the traditional two-dimensional gauge surface to a three-dimensional arrangement in space. By spacing telltales apart from the gauge surface and using a light guide to project illumination, the system gains placement flexibility in the vertical and lateral dimensions, allowing telltales to be positioned without being constrained by the limited gauge surface area.
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 enables a higher density of telltale indicators without increasing the number of light sources or housings, optimizing space usage and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining effective illumination and information communication to the driver.
Implementation Method 1
A light guide is supported within the tell tale housing and directs light from the LED to the at least one tell tale spaced apart from the main circuit board and the main gauge surface
Data Source
AI summary
A gauge provides information indicative of vehicle speed and includes a pointer that moves relative to the scale to indicate a current measured the vehicle parameter. A tell tale housing is supported above and spaced apart from the gauge face. A main circuit board supports light emitting devices such as LEDs that are turned on or off to illuminate the corresponding tell tale. A light guide is supported within the tell tale housing and directs light from the LED to the at least one tell tale spaced apart from the main circuit board and the main gauge surface.