Vehicle Instrument Cluster Input Switching via Holder Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles require advanced display solutions to integrate and manage increasing vehicle functions and driver assistance systems, with existing systems lacking seamless integration and intelligent switching between instrument clusters and mobile electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows a mobile electronic device to be detachably mounted in a vehicle, featuring an instrument cluster with a display, a holder, an interface for signal transmission, and an operating device that automatically processes inputs to operate either the instrument cluster or the mobile device based on its presence, enabling intelligent switching between the two.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile electronic device is detachably mounted in a vehicle holder, then the device can be easily removed and used outside the vehicle, but the system complexity increases due to the need for automatic switching between instrument cluster and mobile device operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable mountingVSAvoidautomatic switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the presence or absence of a mobile electronic device in the holder and autonomously switches between operating modes without requiring manual intervention from the user. The processing device monitors the holder status and automatically configures the system to operate either the instrument cluster or the mobile device based on detected conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the operating device automatically switches between instrument cluster and mobile device, then user convenience is improved, but the processing complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic switchingVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a feedback mechanism where the processing device continuously monitors the state of the holder and the mobile electronic device. Based on this feedback information regarding device presence and operational status, the system automatically adjusts its configuration and switches between operating modes to optimize user convenience while managing processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the interface detects mobile device presence in the holder, then seamless integration is achieved, but the detection and measurement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless integrationVSAvoiddevice presence detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The interface acts as an intermediary component between the holder and the processing device. It simplifies the detection process by providing a standardized detection mechanism that identifies whether a mobile electronic device is present in the holder, translating physical presence into detectable signals without requiring complex measurement systems in the processing device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3099521B1System for operating an instrument cluster of a vehicle and a mobile electronic device which can be detachably held by a holder on the vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 AUDI AG
  • EP3099521B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for operating an instrument cluster of a vehicle and a mobile electronic device which can be detachably held by a holder on the vehicle and which has a display device for displaying first information, wherein the system has an instrument cluster (1) having a display device (2, 2', 2", 2"') for displaying second information, a holder (3) for detachably accommodating the mobile electronic device, an interface (4) for transmitting signals to the mobile electronic device and for detecting whether a mobile electronic device is located in the holder (3), and an operating device (5, 5', 5") for operating the mobile electronic device, wherein the system furthermore has a processing device (6) which is designed automatically to process operating inputs on the operating device (5, 5', 5") as inputs for operating the instrument cluster if no mobile electronic device is located in the holder (3) and as inputs for operating the mobile electronic device if the mobile electronic device is located in the holder (3). The present invention also relates to a vehicle (7) comprising the system.