Vehicle Display Layout With Upper-Edge Switches for Steering Clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display devices positioned near the instrument panel obstruct operation switches and compromise visibility and operability.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a main body portion extending beyond the steering wheel on both sides, featuring angled display portions and operation switches at the upper edge, allowing for minimal space usage and easy operation without obstructing hand movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display portion is provided nearer than the instrument panel, then the visibility of information is improved, but the display section becomes an obstacle to operating operation switches provided at the instrument panel
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into a main body portion and side display portions. The main body portion is disposed between the steering wheel and instrument panel, while side display portions extend laterally. This segmentation allows the main display to be positioned for optimal visibility without blocking access to instrument panel switches, as the side portions can be positioned clear of the driver's hand path.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device extends in the vehicle width direction beyond the steering wheel, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than only the front-rear dimension. The side display portions project sideways, allowing information to be displayed in a direction that does not conflict with the vertical space needed for hand operation of instrument panel switches.
2Loss of information
If the main body portion extends further to both left and right sides than the steering wheel, then the visibility of display contents is improved with less eyeline movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main body portion and side display portions are integrated into a single display device unit. The side display portions are configured to be angled toward the vehicle rear side, merging the lateral extension function with the display function, thereby reducing the need for separate components while achieving expanded visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The side display portions are specifically angled toward the vehicle rear side in plan view, creating different display orientations for different regions. This local quality optimization allows each portion to serve its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If operation switches are provided at the upper edge of the main body portion in a long, narrow shape, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area available for other controls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Control functions are segmented between the long, narrow operation switches at the upper edge and the touch panels on the side display portions. This segmentation allows the narrow switches to provide easy manual operation for critical functions while the larger side areas can be used for touch-based controls, effectively distributing control areas without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical switches are replaced with touch panels on the side display portions. This substitution allows for larger control areas that do not require physical switch mechanisms, thereby providing both ease of operation through touch interface and maximizing the available control area on the side portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device for a vehicle includes: a main body portion disposed between a steering wheel and an instrument panel, the main body portion extending further to both left and right sides than the steering wheel, and a surface of the main body portion that is disposed opposite a driver who is gripping the steering wheel to steer being a display screen; and an operation switch in a long, narrow shape that is provided at an upper edge of the main body portion, a length direction of the operation switch being in a vehicle width direction.