Variable Length Pointer for Vehicle Instrument Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument panel assemblies with mechanical pointers face issues such as obstruction of graphical indicators, limited pointer arrangement due to overlapping or collision risks, and underutilization of display area due to circular pointer sweeps.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel assembly utilizing a variable length pointer that adjusts its length in response to a magnetic field, allowing for retraction to avoid collisions and obstruction, and enhancing visibility by varying length based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of graphical indicators is increased, then more vehicle information can be conveyed, but the pointers may obstruct the view of the graphical indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable length pointer that dynamically changes its radial extension based on the angular position. The pointer extends to full length when not obstructing graphical indicators and retracts when approaching positions that would block indicators, allowing both multiple indicators and pointers to coexist without mutual obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer's physical parameter (length) is changed based on its angular position. A magnetic sensor detects the pointer's angular position and controls the motor to adjust the pointer's radial extension, optimizing the pointer length parameter to minimize obstruction of graphical indicators at different angular positions
2Quantity of substance
If the number of mechanical pointers is increased, then more vehicle information can be displayed, but the risk of pointer collision increases due to overlapping swept areas
Solution Approach 1:
The variable length pointer dynamically adjusts its radial extension based on angular position and proximity to other pointers. When the pointer approaches angular positions where other pointers are located, it automatically retracts to avoid collision, enabling safer arrangement of multiple pointers with overlapping swept areas
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic sensor provides feedback on the pointer's angular position to a controller, which then adjusts the pointer's length accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors pointer positions and adjusts lengths to prevent collisions between multiple pointers
3Device complexity
If fixed length pointers are used, then the structure is simpler, but the display area is not fully utilized due to circular pointer sweeps
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer transitions from a fixed length structure to a variable length structure that dynamically adjusts its radial extension. This allows the pointer to optimize its length based on angular position, filling in triangular gaps between circular pointer sweeps and achieving more efficient utilization of the display area
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension of adjustment to the traditional angular rotation of pointers. By controlling the pointer's radial extension in addition to its angular position, the system transforms the pointer's motion from a simple circular path to a more complex two-dimensional trajectory that better fills the display 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
Enables closer arrangement of multiple pointers without collision and ensures graphical indicators are not obstructed, improving the utilization of display area and providing a more effective means to convey critical vehicle information.
Implementation Method 1
The pointer is also operable to vary a length of the pointer in response to a magnetic field proximate to the pointer
Implementation Method 2
the assembly makes use of magnetic attraction/repulsion to vary the length of the pointer
Data Source
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AI summary
An instrument panel assembly (12) for displaying vehicle (10) information includes a pointer (24) and a magnetic device (44). The pointer (24) is operable to move about an axis (32) to point at indicia (26) defined by the assembly (12). The pointer (24) is also operable to vary a length (34) of the pointer (24) in response to a magnetic field (36) proximate to the pointer (24). The magnetic is device configured to cooperate with the pointer (24) to vary the length (34) of the pointer (24).