Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ford Motor Company Limited

Kathleen M Schulz

Todd Nelson Clark

Mark Larry

Daniel K Angell

Christopher Tulik

Scott D Saari

A configurable vehicle cluster is described which extends down below a top of the steering column to provide a display of information. The display can display information to the driver through or around the steering wheel and the recess in the vehicle cluster through which the steering wheel column extends. An instrument cluster is positioned adjacent the steering assembly and includes a display having an edge that is non-linear and may at least partly wrap around the steering column to increase the viewing area of the cluster. The display may extend around the steering column behind the steering wheel. The vehicle cluster can be mounted lower in a vehicle while providing adequate viewing area and conserving space in the vehicle cabin.

Vehicle instrument cluster

A transreflective instrument display has a generally planar reverse image light emitting display panel, a transflector surface positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the display panel. The transflector has a P-plane reflectance and S-plane reflectance. A illuminated pointer is positioned behind the transflector. The display is formed of light transmitted from the pointer and reflecting light from said display panel simultaneously to form an image. The transflector is preferably coated with a coating that increases the reflectivity of the P-plane polarization of the transflector.

Transreflective instrument display

Growing community of inventors

Novi, MI, United States of America

Kathleen M Schulz