Transparent Pointer for Unobstructed Vehicle Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle instrument panels face limitations in displaying high resolution information due to digital display constraints and pointer interference, which restricts the ability to show multiple vehicle performance criteria without obstructing the view.
Innovation Solution
A dual-dial face system with a transparent second pointer that rotates about a separate axis, allowing unobstructed viewing of a digitally generated scale and information display, using a dot matrix LCD for scalable and graphical data presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a digital display is used to display multiple vehicle performance criteria, then the quantity of information displayed is improved, but the resolution and viewing clarity deteriorate due to pointer obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer is divided into two distinct parts: an opaque pointer portion for indicating values on the scale, and a transparent disk portion that allows unobstructed viewing of the digital display. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the indication function from the viewing function, enabling both high information quantity and high display resolution to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the pointer have different optical properties: the pointer portion is opaque to provide clear visual indication against the scale, while the disk portion is transparent to allow viewing of the digital display behind it. This local differentiation of quality (transparency vs. opacity) enables the pointer to simultaneously fulfill its indication role and not interfere with digital display visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional opaque pointer is used, then the pointer provides clear indication of scale values, but the digital display behind the pointer becomes obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer is segmented into an opaque pointer portion for clear scale indication and a transparent disk portion for allowing digital display visibility. This segmentation enables both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between clear indication and display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent disk acts as an intermediary element between the pointer and the digital display. It allows light from the digital display to pass through to the viewer while still providing the structural framework for the pointer indication, thus mediating between the need for clear indication and the need for display visibility.
3Device complexity
If the pointer covers the digital display during operation, then the pointer structure is simple, but the viewing of information display is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pointer into opaque and transparent portions, the design maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving information display viewing. The transparent disk portion allows the digital display to be viewed through the pointer, eliminating the obstruction problem without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer utilizes a change in optical property (transparency) rather than color. The transparent disk portion allows light transmission for display visibility, while the opaque pointer portion provides contrast for clear scale indication. This optical property variation enables both simplicity and ease of viewing.
Data Source
AI summary
An example display assembly includes a first and second dial face with a first pointer and a second pointer. An information display is disposed between the second scale and the second axis that generates data to communicate information about the vehicle. The second pointer includes a transparent portion to provide uninterrupted viewing of an information display within the second dial face.