Mechanically reconfigurable instrument cluster

Abstract

A mechanically reconfigurable instrument cluster is provided. The mechanically reconfigurable instrument cluster includes a first display portion to display information of a first type, the first display portion includes a stem about the first display portion's axis driven by a motor; a second display portion to display information of a second type, the second display portion being configured to move in an inward and outward direction.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A mechanically reconfigurable instrument cluster, comprising:
 a first display portion to display information of a first type, the first display portion includes a stem about the first display portion's axis driven by a motor, the first display portion including at least one mechanical gauge;   a second display portion to display information of a second type, the second display portion being configured to move in an inward and outward direction,   wherein in response to a signal instructing a transformation from a first mode to a second mode, the first display portion rotates about the axis, and the second display portion moves in the inward and the outward direction, the inward and outward direction being tangential to the axis.   
     
     
         2 . The cluster according to  claim 1 , wherein the first display portion rotates about the axis before the second display portion is moves inward or outward. 
     
     
         3 . The cluster according to  claim 2 , wherein the first display portion is a mechanical gauge, and the second display portion is a digital display. 
     
     
         4 . The cluster according to  claim 1 , wherein the first mode pertains to a control of a vehicle. 
     
     
         5 . The cluster according to  claim 4 , wherein the second mode pertains to a display of information via the second display portion. 
     
     
         6 . The cluster according to  claim 1 , wherein the second mode is instigate from a transition to a non-autonomous driving mode to an autonomous driving mode.