Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 1003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Device for Displaying Vehicle Information

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a display device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for displaying vehicle information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In existing saddle-type vehicles, an instrument cluster is disposed in a front zone of the vehicle. The instrument cluster is an essential part of the vehicle required to display vehicle information to a rider of the vehicle. With the advances in technology and everchanging requirements of the customers, manufacturers are required to improve the instrument clusters by adding more features to the instrument cluster.
[003] Typically, an assembly of the instrument cluster is a multi-part assembly having a display unit, a front cover, a rear cover, and various electronic components being disposed between the front cover and the rear cover. The rear cover is attached/fastened to the vehicle. The front cover being attached to the display unit is further attached to the rear cover through fasteners. Owing to existing configuration of the instrument cluster, the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels of the vehicle also increase. Such assembly of the instrument cluster requires connection portions or corresponding mounting elements to mate or align precisely with each other to effectively assemble the instrument cluster. In case the parts are not manufactured precisely and uniformly, the same leads to issues like fitment, finishing and compatibility which further increases the assembly time. Further, it has also been observed existing instrument clusters are more prone to issues like water ingression which may cause damage to electronic components or display unit of the instrument cluster. To prevent such issues, a sealing is required which increases the overall cost and weight of the instrument clusters. Furthermore, it has also been observed that it remains a huge challenge in dispose components like camera, radar, lidar inside integrated circuits etc, inside the instrument clusters.
[004] In existing instrument clusters, plurality of fasteners are required to assemble the rear cover with the display unit. Further, it is also known in the art to assemble the rear cover and display unit using glue. However, these glues require curing time based on type/grade of the glue. Such assembling further increases the lead time to manufacture the instrument clusters. Furthermore, it is also observed that if the glue solidification is not uniformely placed, the quality of smart cluster is affected.
[005] Existing instrument clusters also include antennas and/or a telematic unit configured to connect the instrument cluster with a smart phone or other network devices being in proximity to the vehicle. However, it has been observed that antennas are disposed/mounted on the vehicle and outside the assembly of the instrument cluster. In existing configuration, the antenna is connected with the instrument cluster with a wire using multiple connectors or couplers and also requires external antenna circuit or an additional external telematic unit. Such mounting also necessitates the requirement of separate mounting arrangement for each antenna on the vehicle. Using multiple connectors/couplers affects or interferes with the functionality of the antenna signals and also results into connectivity issues which is undesirable. Also, the wire of the antenna is susceptible to get damaged while assembling or servicing of the vehicle. Further, due to existing configuration, the instrument cluster has limitations or challenges in mounting the antennas of different sizes or variations inside the assembly and have problems in terms of signal interference. Such problems cause a displeasure and inconvenience to the customers. It has also been observed that owing to structural limitations, existing instrument clusters are not retrofittable.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved device for displaying vehicle information and which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a device for displaying a vehicle information is provided. The device includes a support structure and a cover unit for covering the support structure. The support structure having a mounting surface and a peripheral support member extending along the periphery of the mounting surface. The mounting surface includes a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The second mounting surface being opposite to the first mounting surface. The first mounting surface being configured to supportably receive at least one or more first set of components. The second mounting surface being configured to supportably receive at least one or more second set of components. The cover unit being attached to the peripheral support member of the support structure.
[008] In an embodiment, the first set of components comprises a display unit.
[009] In an embodiment, the second set of components comprises at least one Printed Circuit Board (PCB), at least one telltale board, at least one image capturing device and one or more antenna units.
[010] In an embodiment, the second mounting surface being configured to receive attachment means for mounting each of the at least one Printed Circuit Board (PCB), at least one telltale board, at least one image capturing device and the one or more antenna units.
[011] In an embodiment, the cover unit being configured to be hermetically attached to the peripheral support member of the support structure through an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape is a double-sided foam tape.
[012] In an embodiment, the second mounting surface includes a first curved projection and a second curved projection located opposite to the first curved projection. Each of the first curved projection and the second curved projection extends away from the second mounting surface. The first curved projection and the second curved projection being disposed on the second mounting surface with a predetermined distance from each other.
[013] In an embodiment, each of the first curved projection and the second curved projection being oriented inwardly towards a central plane of the second mounting surface.
[014] In an embodiment, at least one of the first curved projection or the second curved projection comprises one or more apertures. The one or more apertures being configured to provide an access for mounting the at least one image capturing device on the second mounting surface.
[015] In an embodiment, at least one of the antenna units and the image capturing device being disposed on a portion of the second mounting surface. The portion being covered by the first curved projection when seen from above.
[016] In an embodiment, at least one of antenna units and image capturing device being disposed on a portion of the second mounting surface, the portion being covered by the second curved projection when seen from above.
[017] In an embodiment, one of the antenna units being configured to be attached to one of the telltale boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[001] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1a illustrates a schematic front perspective view of a device for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1b is a cross sectional view of the device for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a rear view of the support structure of the device for displaying vehicle information, where few parts are omitted from the figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a cover unit for covering the support structure of the device for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another type of cover unit for covering the support structure of the device for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates the mounting configuration of the second set of components on the second mounting surface of the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7a illustrates a front view of the display unit of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7b illustrates a rear view of the display unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates the orientation of the first and second projection along a central plane of the second mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates the configuration of the first and second projection on the second mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates the configuration of the first and second projection on the second mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present invention relates to a device for displaying vehicle information.
[003] Referring to Figures 1a, 1b and Figure 2, the device 100 for displaying vehicle information includes a support structure 120 and a cover unit 130 for covering the supporting structure 120. The support structure 120 includes a mounting surface 121 and a peripheral support member 122. The peripheral support member 122 is a rim-like structure extending along the periphery of the mounting surface 121 and configured to surround peripheral edges of the mounting surface 121. The peripheral support member 122 includes a top side portion 122a, a bottom side portion 122b, a left-side portion 122c and a right-side portion 122d. The cover unit 130 being configured to be hermetically attached to the peripheral support member 122 of the support structure 120 through an adhesive tape (M). The adhesive tape (M) being, but not limited to, a double-sided foam tape and configured to closely seal the adjacent surfaces of the cover unit 130 and the peripheral support member 122 to prevent any water ingression inside the device 100.
[004] The mounting surface 121 has a first mounting surface 121a and a second mounting surface 121b. The first mounting surface 121a being a surface facing a rider/driver of a vehicle. The second mounting surface 121b being opposite to the first mounting surface 121a. The second mounting surface 121b being a surface facing a side of the vehicle on which the device 100 is to be attached.
[005] The first mounting surface 121a being configured to supportably receive at least one or more first set of components. The second mounting surface 121b being configured to supportably receive at least one or more second set of components. The first set of components includes, but not limited to, a display unit 110. The display unit 110 has a display screen configured to display the vehicle information. The display screen may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) screen. The vehicle information includes, but not limited to, data in form of real-time speed of the vehicle, trip distance, fuel level indications, turn indications, headlights ON/OFF indication, distance to empty, real time and/or average fuel efficiency, alert/ notification(s), warnings etc. The display unit 110 includes a user interface for user interaction such as physical buttons, touchscreens etc. The second set of components includes, but not limited to, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 140, a plurality of telltale boards 150, one or more image capturing device(s) 160 and one or more antenna units (not shown).
[006] In an embodiment, the support structure 120 is a plate like structure and includes the second mounting surface 121b having mounting holes, grooves, engagement slots, ribs, protrusions, or projections for mounting multiple components. depending upon the mounting requirements of the second set of components. The second mounting surface 121b is configured to receive attachment means 125 for mounting the second set of components. The attachment means 125 includes, but not limited to mechanical fastening means or adhesive means. The mechanical fastening means includes fastener, screw, rivet, nut and/or bolt etc. The adhesive means includes, but not limited to, an adhesive, glue etc.
[007] In an embodiment, the second mounting surface 121b includes a first curved projection 126a and a second curved projection 126b. The first curved projection 126a and the second curved projection 126b are disposed on the second mounting surface 121b being distant from each other. The second curved projection 126b is located opposite to the first curved projection 126a. Each of the first curved projection 126a and the second curved projection 126b extends away from the second mounting surface 121b.
[008] In an embodiment, each of the first curved projection 126a and the second curved projection 126b includes one or more apertures 127. The one or more apertures 127 being configured to provide an access for mounting the at least one image capturing device 160 on the second mounting surface 121b of the mounting surface 121.The apertures 127 may also be used to remove said image capturing device 160 out of the support structure 120 of the device 100.
[009] In an embodiment, at least one of the antenna units and the image capturing device 160 being disposed on a portion 124a (shown in Figure 9) of the second mounting surface 121b. The portion 124a being covered by the first curved projection 126a when seen from above.
[010] In an embodiment, at least one of the antenna units and the image capturing device 160 being disposed on a portion 124b (shown in Figure 9) of the second mounting surface 121b.The portion 124b being covered by the second curved projection 126b when seen from above.
[011] In an embodiment, the antenna units being attached on the second mounting surface 121b using adhesive pasting or the adhesive means (M).
[012] As shown in Figure 2, the PCB 140 is mounted on the second mounting surface 121b through the attachment means 125. The PCB 140 is a circuit board configured to control overall functioning of the device 100 for displaying vehicle information. The PCB 140 includes a processor, a memory unit, a storage unit, and communication interfaces. The communication interfaces include a Controller Area Network (CAN) or other automotive communication protocol configured to receive vehicle data from engine control unit or other sensors of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the PCB 140 includes one or more openings 141, a heat sink and a connection terminal 142. The connection terminal 142 includes connection terminals/electrical pins for connecting the PCB 140 to components/ devices like CAN cable/ sensors/ battery of the vehicle. The one or more openings 141 being configured to receive a processor fan for transferring heat from the PCB 140 to flow towards external side.
[013] In an embodiment, each of the one or more telltale board 150 includes mounting holes 154 for receiving the attachment means 125 for attaching the telltale board 150 on the second mounting surface 121b. Each of the telltale board 150 is a signal processing circuit board configured to process the signal received from the ECU or the sensors and alert the driver/rider of the signal by projecting alert signals in form of visual signals on the display unit 110 of the device 100. The telltale board 150 includes electrical components, signal conditioning circuits, analog-to-digital convertors, wirings etc. The telltale board 150 is operably connected to the PCB 140 and configured to project indication lights or signals on the display screen of the display unit 110 to provide information to the rider/driver of the vehicle in relation to vehicle conditions, warnings, or malfunctions. The indication lights include, but not limited to a check engine light, oil pressure warning light, engine temperature warning light, battery charging/warning light, turn signals light, fuel level warning light, tire pressure warning light, hazard warning light, anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light, high beam indicator light etc.
[014] In an embodiment, the one or more antenna units being operably connected to the PCB 140. Each of the antenna units being a telematic antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals for establishing a wireless communication between the vehicle or the external devices or systems or networks including a cellular network. The one or more antenna units are configured to be attached on the second mounting surface 121b, on predetermined portions 124a, 124b, 124c of the second mounting surface 121b. Such portions of the second mounting surface 121b being distant from metal components/ elements of the device 100 to avoid signal interference.
[015] In a non-limiting example, antenna units, include but not limited to, a cellular antenna, a GPS antenna, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth antenna or a satellite antenna depending upon the type and specification of the device 100 and requirements of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the image capturing device 160 mounted on the mounting surface 121 being configured to be exposed to face a rider/driver face through an opening provided on the display screen of the display unit 110. The image capturing device 160 includes a camera unit. The image capturing device 160 is operably connected to the PCB 140 and configured to access/monitor the rider/driver of the vehicle.
[017] Figure 3 illustrates the cover unit 130 for covering the support structure of the device 100 for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 illustrates another type of cover unit 130 for covering the support structure of the device for displaying vehicle information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[018] As shown in figures 3-4, the cover unit 130 includes one or more openings 132, 135, 136 and a plurality of mounting holes 138. The opening 132 being configured to expose the connection terminal 142 of the PCB 140 when the cover unit 130 is assembled to the support structure 120. Likewise, the opening 135 is configured to expose a heat sink 144 of the PCB 140 for blowing the hot air out from the processor fan. The opening 136 is configured to expose a vent plug 146 configured to vent out the moisture contents outside the device 100. The mounting holes 138 are configured to attach the cover unit 130 of the device 100 to an attachment portion (not shown) of the vehicle.
[019] Figure 5 illustrates the mounting configuration of the second set of components on the second mounting surface 121b of the support structure 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the second set of components includes a first telltale board 150a, a second telltale board 150b disposed below the first telltale board 150a and a third telltale board 150c disposed opposite the first telltale board 150a. The second mounting 121b is configured to receive four antenna units. A first antenna unit is configured to be disposed below the first curved projection 126a. A second antenna unit is configured to be disposed below the second curved projection 126b. A third antenna unit is configured to be disposed on the portion 124c of the second mounting surface 121b which is adjacent to the third telltale board 150c. Each of the first, second and third antenna units being operably connected to the PCB 140 through wires (W). The device 100 includes a fourth antenna unit being configured to be attached on one of the telltale boards 151a, 151b, 151c using adhesive means. The fourth antenna unit being operably connected to the PCB 140 through the wire (W).
[020] In an embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth antenna units being disposed away from surrounding metal components/ elements of the device 100 so that the signals transmission loss is reduced and high strength signals with maximum signal reception and transmission efficiency is achieved. By such configuration, the antenna units are disposed inside the device 100.
[021] In a non-limiting example, the antenna units being a 4G or 5G network antenna unit being configured to enable the device 100 to connect to a 4G or 5G cellular network. Such antenna units allow for higher data transmission.
[022] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the device 100 having the display unit 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7a illustrates a front view of the display unit 110 of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7b illustrates a rear view of the display unit 110 of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The display unit 110 includes a display screen 111 and an enclosure 112 for receiving the display screen 111. The enclosure 112 having a top portion 112a, a bottom portion 112b, a left side portion 112c and a right side portion 112d. A rear surface 115 of the display unit 110 includes mounting holes 118, 119 for mounting the display unit 110 on the first mounting surface 122a of the support structure 120 (shown in Figure 1b). Alternatively, the rear surface 115 of the display unit 110 is configured to receive the PCB board 140, the tell-tale board 150, the image capturing device 160 or the antenna units. The rear surface 115 of the display unit 110 is configured to be attached to the cover unit 130 using the adhesive means (M).
[023] Figure 8 illustrates the orientation of the first and second curved projections 126a, 126b along a central plane of the second mounting surface 121b, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The second mounting surface 121b includes a central plane (Cp). Each of the first curved projection 126a and the second curved projection 126b being oriented inwardly towards a central plane (Cp) of the second mounting surface 121b.
[024] Figure 9 illustrates the disposition of the first and second curved projections 126a, 126b on the second mounting surface 121b, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first and second curved projections 126a, 126b being disposed on each longitudinal side of the second mounting surface 121b. The first curved projection 126a and the second curved projection 126b being disposed on the second mounting surface 121b with a predetermined distance (D) from each other. The predetermined distance (D) depends on various factors like configuration of device 100, types or specification of vehicle including the attachment portion of the vehicle. When seen from above, the first curved projection 126a being configured to cover the portion 124a configured to attach one of the antenna units. Likewise, the second curved projection 126b being configured to cover the portion 124b configured to attach one of the antenna units.
[025] Figure 10 illustrates the configuration of the first and second curved projections 126a, 126b on the second mounting surface 121b, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first and second curved projection projections 126a, 126b being disposed on each lateral side of the second mounting surface 121b.
[026] Advantageously, the present invention provides a device for displaying vehicle information. The device is of a compact configuration and is light in weight. The present invention provides ease of mounting multiple components including multiple antennas inside the device and prevents costs of external antenna circuits. The mounting configuration of the antenna units reduces the signal interference between the antennas. The present invention provides an efficient sealing between the support structure and the cover unit to prevent water ingression. Further, the assembly of the device is simple in construction and requires lesser number of parts for assembling the device and due to which the assembly time, overall cost and weight of the device are reduced. The device can be manufactured or serviced easily and is retrofittable. The device of the present invention also allows the user to improve aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. Owing to its configuration, the device of the present invention reduces the noise, vibration, and harshness levels.
[027] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – Device for displaying vehicle information
110 – Display unit
111 – Display screen
112– Enclosure
112a – Top portion of the enclosure
112b – Bottom portion of the enclosure
112c – Left-side portion of the enclosure
112d – Right-side portion of the enclosure
115 – Rear surface of the display unit
118,119 – Mounting holes of the display unit
120 – Support structure of the device
121 – Mounting surface of the support structure
121a – First mounting surface
121b –Second mounting surface
122 – Peripheral support member of the support structure
122a – Top side portion of the peripheral support member
122b – Bottom side portion of the peripheral support member
122c – Left-side portion of the peripheral support member
122d – Right-side portion of the peripheral support member
124a, 124b, 124c – Portions of the second mounting surface for attaching the antenna units
125 – Attachment means
126a – First curved projection
126b – Second curved projection
127 – Apertures of the first curved projection and the second curved projection
130 – Cover unit
132, 135, 136 – Openings of the cover unit
138 – Mounting holes of the cover unit
140 – Printed Circuit Board
142 – Connection terminal of the Printed Circuit Board
144 – Heat sink of the Printed Circuit Board
146 – Vent Plug
150 – Plurality of telltale boards
150a – First telltale board
150b – Second telltale board
150c – Third telltale board
154 – Mounting holes of the telltale board
Cp – Central plane of the second mounting surface
M – Adhesive means
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A device (100) for displaying vehicle information, the device (100) comprising:
a support structure (120) having a mounting surface (121) and a peripheral support member (122) extending along the periphery of the mounting surface (121), the mounting surface (121) having a first mounting surface (121a) and a second mounting surface (121b), the second mounting surface (121b) being opposite to the first mounting surface (121a), the first mounting surface (121a) being configured to supportably receive at least one or more first set of components and the second mounting surface (121b) being configured to supportably receive at least one or more second set of components; and
a cover unit (130) for covering the support structure (120), the cover unit (130) being attached to the peripheral support member (122) of the support structure (120).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of components comprises a display unit.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of components comprises at least one Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (140), at least one telltale board (150), at least one image capturing device (160) and one or more antenna units.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting surface (121b) being configured to receive attachment means (125) for mounting each of the at least one Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (140), at least one telltale board (150), at least one image capturing device (160) and the one or more antenna units.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover unit (130) being configured to be hermetically attached to the peripheral support member (122) of the support structure (120) through an adhesive tape (M).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting surface (121b) comprises a first curved projection (126a) and a second curved projection (126b) located opposite to the first curved projection (126a), each of the first curved projection (126a) and the second curved projection (126b) extending away from the second mounting surface (121b).

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first curved projection (126a) and the second curved projection (126b) being disposed on the second mounting surface (121b) with a predetermined distance (D) from each other.

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first curved projection (126a) and the second curved projection (126b) being oriented inwardly towards a central plane (Cp) of the second mounting surface (121b).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the first curved projection (126a) or the second curved projection (126b) comprises one or more apertures (127).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more apertures (127) being configured to provide an access for mounting the at least one image capturing device (160) on the second mounting surface (121b).

11. The device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the antenna units and the image capturing device (160) being disposed on a portion (124a) of the second mounting surface (121b)), the portion (124a) being covered by the first curved projection (126a) when seen from above.

12. The device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of antenna units and image capturing device (160) being disposed on a portion (124b) of the second mounting surface (121b), the portion (124b) being covered by the second curved projection (126b) when seen from above.

13. The device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the antenna units being configured to be attached to one of the telltale board (150).

14. The device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the adhesive tape (M) being a double-sided foam tape.

Dated this 11th day of September 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471