A compact add-on device for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an add-on device (200, 300) for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle The device comprises a functional unit configured for obtaining an input and responding to the received input; said functional unit comprising a display unit configured to display based on one or more inputs or signals and a control unit operably configured with the display unit. Said functional unit is adaptively configured to include patterned slot for light transmission for the display unit and to function as a spacer; and said device is configured to adaptively integrate into the pillar area or glazing of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] A COMPACT ADD-ON DEVICE FOR A PILLAR AREA OR GLAZING OF A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an integrated glass unit, particularly, this disclosure relates to an add-on device for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0006] As per the present disclosure, adding a display device with low form factor stacked design for easy and economical vehicle integration is the requirement. Utilizing existing critical functional layers of the display device and converting any of the layers to provide two functions, thereby eliminating one or more of the layers, is a preference. Known is a LED display device which can illuminate or communicate vehicle related information to internal or external observers.

[0007] Disclosed is a mechanical assembly that holds the different elements through a single outer two-piece enclosure. The elements like optical films, spacer, PCB, glass are held in place by pressure. This could lead to complete assembly damage if one of outer layer or glass is broken. There are too many elements to arrest the light leakage within the chambers and give a seamless look.

[0008] In view of the disclosure, we need an improved solution.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a solution to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the following aspects of the invention. Disclosed herein is an add-on device (200, 300) for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle. The device comprises a functional unit configured for obtaining an input and responding to the received input; said functional unit comprising a display unit configured to display based on one or more inputs or signals and a control unit operably configured with the display unit . Said functional unit is adaptively configured to include patterned slot for light transmission for the display unit and to function as a spacer; and said device is configured to adaptively integrate into the pillar area or glazing of the vehicle.

[0011] The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This presents some concept of the invention in a simplified form to a more detailed description of the invention presented later. It is a comprehensive summary of the disclosure, and it is not an extensive overview of the present invention. The intend of this summary is to provide a fundamental understanding of some of the aspects of the present invention.

[0012] The significant features of the present invention and the advantages of the same will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the annexed drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0013] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a pillar display according to prior art.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a pillar display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a pillar display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. It would be appreciated by a skilled person that this description to assist the understanding of the invention, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings and the same are used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, the terms / phrases are to be read in the context of the disclosure and not in isolation. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0020] Discloses an add-on device for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle. The device comprises a functional unit configured for obtaining an input and responding to the received input. Said functional unit comprising a display unit configured to display based on one or more inputs or signals, a control unit operably configured with the display unit. Said functional unit is adaptively configured to include patterned slot for light transmission for the display unit and to function as a spacer. Said device is configured to adaptively integrate into the pillar area or glazing of the vehicle. The functional unit comprises a printed circuit board, PCB, having the multiple components of the functional unit being soldered on a bottom side of the PCB. Said PCB being adaptively configured to functional as light guide and as spacer. The PCB is adaptively patterned to enable one or more of intermediate chambers to eliminate the light leakage from one chamber to another during operation using PCB. The PCB comprises a PCB wall thickness adapted to prevent light transparency, wherein the wall thickness is in the range 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The functional unit comprises a bottom case adapted to house adapted to house the PCB and the display unit. The functional unit further comprises a diffuser layer adapted for reducing light transmission by scattering the light and provide an even light distribution. The functional unit further comprises patterned light shielding layer configured to block stray light facilitating desired segmented illumination. The functional unit further comprises a tinted film adapted to be disposed above the light shielding layer. Said device is encapsulated in a compact mechanical assembly including the functional unit for effective prevention of light transparency, said mechanical assembly includes numerous chambers therein. The architecture of said mechanical assembly is adapted to prevent light leakage from onechamber to another at the same time to maintain its structural integrity. The mechanical assembly is adapted to be in compliant with a shape of a surface it is being integrated to. Said thickness of the wall and the shapes of the one or more chambers provide compact structure to the mechanical assembly. Each chamber individually contributes to the collection and blockage of light from one chamber to another. Said mechanical assembly is a two-piece setup adapted to be held with mechanical screws and frictional force of pins. Outer edges of the bottom case comprise plurality of grooves for airtight and watertight assembly.

[0021] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description, or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0022] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the disclosed invention proposes a direct reduction of the spacer component of known display device 100 which was used to position LED display elements away from diffusive films 201 to remove spotted or point sources, in disclosed display device 200. This was achieved by allowing the PCB panel to act as a spacer 202a and with patterned slot enabling light transmission. Through this the overall cost of the assembly is reduced by - removal of one layer (material cost), reduction in assembly steps. The LED & components 202b soldered on the bottom side of the PCB panel 202a. The required design is achieved on the PCB panel 202a. Thereby making the PCB 202a to act as light guide, spacer and design. This reduces the overall thickness to 5mm encompassing the LED panel and display units 202b. PCB panel 202a can be patterned to enable Intermediate Chambers to eliminate the light leakage from one chamber to another during operation using PCB panel 202a. A minimum PCB panel 202a wall thickness of 0.8mm for effectiveprevention of light transparency. A dark color coating of 0.1mm in addition to minimum PCB panel 202a thickness to increase the effectiveness of light transparency prevention. Screws spread within and along the periphery of the shape to rigidly secure the outer case 203 during operation. Design for groove near the periphery of the case 203 so enable water proofing of the same. Shape that follows the shape of the surface on which it is being stuck on. Provision for connector between this system and external interfaces (ECU, battery etc) is moulded as part of the assembly. The edge connector with gold fingers / edge fingers will reduce the thickness further. Achieving sharp and bright images requires careful layering of optical and functional films 201; The stack arrangement would be:

[0023] Case 203 < LED 202b < PCB as Spacer 202a < Diffuser 201 < patterned light shielding layer 201 < black transparent tinted film 201

[0024] The layered structure ensures efficient light diffusion, precise light control, and an elegant appearance.

[0025] In an embodiment the PCB panel is functioning as Spacer 202a. The PCB panel 202a can be made to act as the spacer between the LEDs 202b and the diffuser films 201. All the electronic components will be soldered at the back of the PCB panel 202a.. The LEDs 202b are reverse mounted or back mounted. The required pattern is etched on the PCB panel 202a. This helps the PCB panel 202a to act as the necessary spacer between the LEDs 202b and the films 201 and guiding the light for the required patterns.

[0026] In an embodiment, the Electronics has Connector Assembly. There are provisions for connectors between this disclosed system and external interfaces (ECU, battery etc.) that is molded as part of the assembly. The edge connector with gold fingers / edge fingers will reduce the thickness further.In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.3, is disclosed mechanical Assembly 300. The invention corresponds to a mechanical architecture whose overall thickness is 5 to 6mm, which also encompasses any PCB elements 301a & display elements (LEDs) 301b within. The ability of the architecture to prevent light leakage from one chamber to another while maintaining its structural integrity during manufacturing and operation is the novel aspect of this invention. The mechanical module is designed to follow the shape of the surface it is being stuck on to. The reduction in thickness is and light obstruction is achieved by the collective combination of the wall thickness and shape of the chamber. Each chamber individually contributes to the collection and blockage of light from one chamber to another. To bring about the opaqueness in the model, a dark color paint coating is applied on the required areas and cured. The entire assembly is a 2-piece setup rigidly held together with the help of mechanical screws and frictional force of pins provided. These pins also serve the purpose of assembly location. It was identified that a minimum wall thickness of 0.8mm (black wall material) or a 0.8mm wall thickness (any other color) with a 0.1mm thick black paint proves very effective against transparency to light. Also, it is essential to have any generic shape as a chamber in-between 2 light pockets to ensure that light does not leak from one pocket to another. However, it is mandatory to satisfy the minimum wall thickness criteria to effectively realize the strength and light leakage requirements. On the outer edges of the casing 302, Grooves are provided to watertight the assembly.

[0027] In an embodiment, incorporation of display elements 200 in a B-pillar display, which is integrated into the vehicle's structural pillar between the front and rear doors, achieving sharp and bright images that requires careful layering of optical and functional films 201. Present therein is Diffuser film 201. The Distance and diffusion are the key to get the optimum output. Adding more diffusion directly to the LEDs 202b, 301b will cut the output before seeing the consistency across the existing outer case 203, 302 . So the diffuser film 201 has to be kept as far as possible, 2-13 mm beingthe sweetspot and further distancing will lead to light losses by air diffusion. There by the configuration is kept as LED < Spacer < diffuser < patterned light shielding layer <black transparent tinted film < outer cover.

[0028] In this embodiment, the diffuser film 201 would have one side smooth finish and the other side with rough surface. The smooth side of the light diffusing film should be placed directly on the LEDs 202b. This allows for optimal light transmission from the LEDs 202b into the film 201. The matte side, facing outward, diffuses the light to create an even, glare-free illumination across the display segments. The pocket of the spacer 202a can be utilized to collect the maximum light or diffuse it before reaching the diffuser 201. Optical elements can be made use for this, more preferably passive optical layer, passive optical layers include, but are not limited to, polarizers, diffusers, luminance enhancers, and small lens arrays 201. As an addition or alternative, horizontal lens sheets, one or more small lens arrays can be used.

[0029] The Light shielding layer blocks stray light, ensuring that only the intended segments are illuminated. This film acts as a light-blocking barrier, preventing unintended light leakage into neighboring segments. This enhances contrast and sharpness, making the display more legible in bright environments.

[0030] The Tinted film 201 is provided on top of black light shielding layer and the specifications are:

[0031] • Translucency: Allows the LED segments to be visible when illuminated while appearing completely black when off.

[0032] • Surface Einish: Provides a smooth, flawless finish that blends seamlessly with the device’s outer casing.

[0033] • This film provides a sleek, modern aesthetic by making the display invisible when the LEDs are off. It also enhances the display’s appearance by reducing reflections and improving contrast, giving the device a more premium look.The combination of these films 201 results in a display 200 that not only performs well under various lighting conditions but also offers a visually appealing, high-contrast, and flawless finish. The layered structure ensures efficient light diffusion, precise light control, and an elegant appearance, which can be a significant differentiator in consumer electronics or automotive applications.

[0034] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0035] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Wherever, method steps are indicated, it is meant as a means for conveying the steps involved and it may or may not be sequential in nature. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainly be used in this application.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, “including”, “has”, “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0037] Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventionalapproaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

[0039] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An add-on device (200, 300) for a pillar area or glazing of a vehicle, wherein the device comprises:a functional unit configured for obtaining an input and responding to the received input; said functional unit comprising:a display unit configured to display based on one or more inputs or signals;a control unit operably configured with the display unit;wherein said functional unit is adaptively configured to include patterned slot for light transmission for the display unit and to function as a spacer (202a, 301a); and said device (200, 300) is configured to adaptively integrate into the pillar area or glazing of the vehicle.

2. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit comprises a printed circuit board, PCB (202a, 301a), having the multiple components (202b, 301b) of the functional unit being soldered on a bottom side of the PCB (202a, 301a); andsaid PCB (202a, 301a) being adaptively configured to function as light guide and as spacer.

3. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the PCB (202a, 301a) is adaptively patterned to enable one or more of intermediate chambers to eliminate the light leakage from one chamber to another during operation using PCB (202a, 301a).

4. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the PCB (202a, 301a) comprises a PCB (202a, 301a) wall thickness adapted to prevent light transparency, wherein the wall thickness is in the range 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

5. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit comprises a bottom case adapted to house the PCB (202a, 301a) and the display unit.

6. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit further comprises a diffuser layer (201) adapted for reducing light transmission by scattering the light and provide uniform light distribution.

7. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit further comprises patterned light shielding layer configured to block stray light facilitating desired segmented illumination.

8. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit further comprises a tinted film adapted to be disposed above the light shielding layer (201).

9. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is encapsulated in a compact mechanical assembly including the functional unit for effective prevention of light transparency, said mechanical assembly includes numerous chambers (301a) therein.

10. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the architecture of said mechanical assembly is adapted to prevent light leakage from one chamber to another at the same time to maintain its structural integrity.

11. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the mechanical assembly is adapted to be in compliant with a shape of a surface it is being integrated to.

12. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thickness of the wall and the shapes of the one or more chambers (301a) provide compact structure to the mechanical assembly.

13. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each chamber (301a) individually contributes to the collection and blockage of light from one chamber to another.

14. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mechanical assembly is a two-piece setup adapted to be held with mechanical screws and frictional force of pins.

15. The add-on device (200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer edges of the bottom case (203, 302) comprise plurality of grooves for airtight and watertight assembly.

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