Backlit Bodywork Part Laser Paint Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing motor vehicle body parts with transparent or translucent elements are complex, prone to assembly issues, and do not produce solid and airtight results, affecting visual quality and seal integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving injection molding of two different materials in a single mold, followed by painting and precise removal of paint in predefined zones using a laser beam to create a solid and sealed transparent or translucent zone, allowing for precise control over material proportions and junction lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If transparent elements are attached to bodywork parts to create backlighting zones, then the aesthetic effect and visual quality are improved, but assembly clearances, outcroppings, and seal management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklighting effectVSAvoidassembly and seal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transparent element and the bodywork part into a single integrated component manufactured by injection molding. The transparent zone is formed directly within the molded part itself, eliminating the need for separate attachment of transparent elements and their associated housings, thereby resolving assembly complexity and seal management issues while maintaining the backlighting aesthetic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction with a first material forming the main bodywork part and a second material forming the transparent or translucent zone. This allows the part to have different material properties in different zones (opacity vs. transparency) while being manufactured as a single integrated piece, achieving both aesthetic backlighting and simplified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If transparent elements are attached to bodywork parts, then the style and image reinforcement are improved, but assembly precision and visual quality of joints deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic styleVSAvoidassembly clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent zone is integrated directly into the molded bodywork part as a unified component. The injection molding process creates seamless transitions between the opaque body and transparent zones without assembly joints, eliminating clearance and outcropping issues that degrade visual quality, while maintaining the desired aesthetic style and shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If separate transparent elements and housings are used, then the backlighting function is achieved, but production cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklighting functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transparent zone formation with the main bodywork part manufacturing in a single injection molding operation. This eliminates the need for separate production of transparent elements, housings, and their assembly, thereby reducing production costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the backlighting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The injection molding process is made multi-functional by enabling it to produce both the opaque bodywork part and the transparent zone within the same cycle using the same mold. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized manufacturing processes and assembly operations, reducing overall production cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the production of a single-piece, solid, and airtight bodywork part with improved visual quality and reduced production costs, allowing for customizable transparent zones that enhance the vehicle's aesthetic and backlighting capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

remove the paint located in a predefined zone on all or part of the bodywork part by means of a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3733457B1Bodywork part comprising a backlit area
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 OPMOBILITY SE
  • EP3733457B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3733457B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a painted plastic body part comprising a first zone made at least partially of a first material and comprising at least a second transparent or translucent zone made of a second material, the method comprising a molding step consisting of injecting the first material into a mold to form the first zone and a second material to form the second zone and a painting step at least on the first zone.