Backlit Multi-Layer Trim With Sewing-Like Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interior lighting systems in vehicles lack versatility and personalization options for decorative and functional applications, particularly in creating ambient moods and enhancing driver experience through advanced lighting technologies.
Innovation Solution
A backlighted multi-layered injection-molded article with a sewing-like aspect is developed, incorporating light-emitting yarn or light-scattering yarn integrated within or between layers, using electroluminescent yarns, LEDs, or OLEDs, and featuring perforations or engravings to create dynamic lighting effects, allowing for customizable lighting solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interior lighting systems are used in vehicles, then the lighting function is provided, but versatility and personalization options for decorative and functional applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent layers including a first layer with light-emitting elements, a second layer with light-diffusing elements, and a third layer with light-guiding elements. Each layer can be independently designed and configured to achieve different lighting effects, patterns, and intensities, enabling high versatility while maintaining modular simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first layer provides light emission, the second layer diffuses light for uniform distribution, the third layer guides light along specific paths, and the layers collectively enable both decorative lighting and functional illumination. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Illumination intensity
If light-emitting elements are integrated into multi-layered structures, then decorative effects and ambient lighting are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Light-guiding channels and light-diffusing patterns are pre-formed into the third layer and second layer respectively during the molding process. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for post-manufacturing assembly of optical elements, allowing complex lighting effects to be achieved through a single integrated manufacturing step
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested layering where the first layer (light-emitting) is positioned within or adjacent to the second layer (light-diffusing), which is in turn integrated with the third layer (light-guiding). This nested configuration allows all lighting functions to be contained within a single compact structure that can be manufactured as one integrated component
3Shape
If perforations or engravings are added to create sewing-like aspects, then aesthetic appeal and decorative value are improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Perforations and engravings are selectively applied only to specific regions of the layers where aesthetic appearance is prioritized, while critical structural areas maintain solid construction. This localized application of decorative features allows the sewing-like pattern to be achieved without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting structure utilizes composite material construction where different layers with complementary properties are combined. The layers can be made from materials optimized for both aesthetic appearance (with perforations) and structural strength (solid regions), achieving a balance between decorative value and mechanical durability
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 solution enhances the vehicle's interior ambiance, providing luxury feel, improved safety through alert lighting, and personalized design options, while maintaining functional lighting characteristics and mechanical durability.
Implementation Method 1
A backlighted multi-layered injection-molded article with a sewing-like aspect, a lighted multi-layered injection-moulded article for a decorative material
Implementation Method 2
incorporating light-emitting yarn or light-scattering yarn integrated within or between layers, using electroluminescent yarns, LEDs, or OLEDs
Implementation Method 3
incorporating light-emitting yarn or light-scattering yarn integrated within or between layers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a backlighted multi-layered injection-moulded article with a sewing-like aspect, a lighted multi-layered injection-moulded article for a decorative material, manufacture process and uses thereof. The backlighted multi-layered injection-moulded article with a sewing-like aspect hereby described comprises an external layer wherein said external layer is perforated, or engraving or translucid to form a light path for diffusing light, at least a light source wherein the light source is selected from a list consisting of electroluminescent yarn/fibre or tape, optical fibre, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) stripe; organic light-emitting diode (OLED) stripe, or combinations thereof and a support layer wherein the material of the support layer is selected from a list consisting of textiles as non-woven, woven or knitted fabrics, foam based on synthetic, natural, natural based or recycled materials or combinations thereof, wherein the previous layers are laminated, and the light source is substantially aligned with the light path for diffusing light in order to form a sewing-like aspect and wherein the laminated layers have been attached to injection-moulding article.