Vehicle Display Frame Latching and Laser Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle instrument clusters require costly hot stamping foil to obscure certain objects from view, which is both expensive and aesthetically impairing.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a windshield and front frame connection using a mechanical latching system and laser welding, eliminating the need for hot stamping foil by ensuring a stable, impermeable, and aesthetically neutral design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hot stamping foil is applied to the windshield to obscure objects, then visibility control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hot stamping foil from the windshield and relocates the obscuring function to a separate frame structure surrounding the windshield. This extraction eliminates the need for costly foil application while maintaining the visibility control function through the frame's covering edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the obscuring function from the windshield itself and implements it through a separate frame structure. This segmentation allows the windshield to remain transparent and aesthetically pleasing while the frame provides the necessary coverage to obscure objects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hot stamping foil is applied to the windshield to obscure objects, then visibility control is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the obscuring function from the windshield surface and implements it through a separate frame structure. This allows the windshield to maintain its original transparent and aesthetically pleasing appearance while the frame's covering edge provides the necessary object obscuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the obscuring function into a distinct frame structure, the patent preserves the aesthetic integrity of the windshield while achieving the desired visibility control through the frame's design.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical latching is used to connect windshield to front frame, then assembly ease is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical latching elements with laser welding to create a hybrid connection system. The mechanical latching provides easy assembly while the laser welding ensures stable and reliable connection, thus merging the advantages of both methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical latching elements are designed to preliminarily position and secure the windshield to the front frame before final laser welding. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and initial stability, making the subsequent welding process more effective and reliable.
4Reliability
If laser welding is used to connect windshield to front frame, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical latching with laser welding in a sequential process. The mechanical latching first secures the components in place, followed by laser welding for permanent bonding. This combination achieves high connection stability while managing manufacturing complexity through a clear two-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical connection methods with laser welding technology, which provides superior connection stability and impermeability. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical fastening systems while achieving more reliable connections.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the front frame has a covering edge to obscure objects, then visibility control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the windshield, offers aesthetic framing, and includes a covering edge for object obscuration. By making the frame multi-functional, the patent achieves visibility control without adding separate components, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the obscuring function into the front frame structure itself through the covering edge. This integration eliminates the need for separate obscuring components, achieving visibility control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 solution allows for a cost-effective, easy assembly and maintenance of the display device with enhanced impermeability and uniform transparency, avoiding the aesthetic and financial drawbacks of hot stamping foil.
Implementation Method 1
laser welding takes place in particular, with the laser beam required for laser welding being guided in particular through the front pane to the welding zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention proposes a display device (10) for a vehicle, in particular a combination display instrument, and a method for producing a display device, wherein the display device has a front panel (2) and a front frame (1), wherein the front frame has a front side (4), which faces toward a viewer, and an opposite rear side (5), wherein the front panel is connected to the front frame, wherein the front frame also has, on the front side thereof and in an encircling fashion in the edge region of the front panel, an aperture edge (3), wherein the aperture edge is provided substantially parallel to the extent of the front panel and wherein the front panel is connected to the front frame on that side of the aperture edge which faces toward the rear side of the front frame.