Floating Display in Automotive Design & Analysis

Abstract

The increasing integration of large-format infotainment displays in modern vehicles has led to the development of floating display architectures, which provide improved driver visibility and enhanced human–machine interface functionality. However, such cantilever-mounted display systems introduce several engineering challenges related to structural stiffness, vibration stability, and operational safety, particularly when integrated with motorized mechanisms. This study presents the design, structural evaluation, and experimental validation of a motorized floating automotive display system equipped with an anti-pinch safety mechanism.

 A systematic methodology involving CAD modeling, material evaluation, and finite element analysis (FEA) was adopted to develop a structurally robust mounting solution for an 18-inch floating display integrated within the instrument panel assembly. Static structural analysis was conducted to evaluate stress distribution and deformation under cantilever loading conditions, while modal analysis was performed to assess vibration behavior and ensure that the natural frequency of the structure remains above the critical resonance range associated with automotive excitation frequencies. The results demonstrated that the optimized mounting design provides sufficient stiffness and maintains structural stresses within the allowable limits of reinforced polymer materials.

In addition to structural analysis, an anti-pinch safety mechanism was experimentally demonstrated using a motorized actuator system with current-based load monitoring. The system successfully detected obstruction conditions during actuator motion and rapidly stopped or reversed the movement to limit pinch forces and ensure safe operation. The results confirm that current-based detection combined with responsive control strategies can effectively provide pinch protection in automotive electromechanical systems.

Overall, the integration of lightweight structural design, vibration optimization, and intelligent safety mechanisms provides a practical framework for developing reliable floating display systems in next-generation automotive interiors. The proposed approach contributes to the advancement of safe, automated, and user-centric vehicle human–machine interface technologies.

Cite as:

Waseem Harun Nadaf, & Prof. P. S. Ladgaonkar. (2026). Floating Display in Automotive Design & Analysis. Recent Trends in Production Engineering, 9(1), 26–38. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19547881