Translucent Badge Diffraction Grating for Jewel-Like Appearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle badges struggle to achieve a jewel-like appearance without significant cost increases, as incorporating jewels and precious metals leads to higher costs and potential theft, while mimicking their look with molded plastic often results in a less-than-luxurious aesthetic.

Innovation Solution

A translucent polymeric badge assembly with a diffraction grating and light-emitting diode (LED) sources oriented toward the edge, which diffracts light to produce visible iridescent patterns, maintaining a luxurious appearance without the need for expensive materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If jewels and precious metals are incorporated into a vehicle badge, then a jewel-like appearance is achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejewel-like appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a diffraction grating structure that replicates the optical effects of jewels and precious metals. The grating diffracts light to produce iridescent patterns that mimic the appearance of actual jewels, allowing the badge to achieve a luxurious look without incorporating expensive materials. This is implemented through a molded diffraction grating integrated into the badge structure, which copies the visual characteristics of jewels through optical diffraction rather than physical material substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Shape

If jewels and precious metals are incorporated into a vehicle badge, then a jewel-like appearance is achieved, but the badge becomes vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejewel-like appearanceVSAvoidtheft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing expensive, theft-prone jewels with an inexpensive molded diffraction grating structure. The grating is integrated into the badge as a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate jewel components that could be removed or stolen. The optical effects are achieved through the molded structure itself, creating a durable, theft-resistant solution that maintains the desired aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Shape

If jewels and precious metals are incorporated into a vehicle badge, then a jewel-like appearance is achieved, but the badge lifetime is reduced due to material property dissimilarities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejewel-like appearanceVSAvoidbadge lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the homogeneity principle by integrating the diffraction grating directly into the badge's molded structure, creating a uniform composition throughout. The grating is formed as an integral part of the badge body from the same or compatible materials, eliminating interfaces between dissimilar materials (such as jewels set in metal or plastic). This homogeneous construction prevents the material property mismatches that cause degradation, cracking, or detachment over time, thereby extending the badge's service life while maintaining the jewel-like optical appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Ease of manufacture

If molded plastic is used to mimic diamonds and jewels, then cost is reduced, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates to look like costume jewelry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the optical parameters of the molded plastic through the incorporation of a diffraction grating. Instead of relying solely on the inherent properties of molded plastic, the grating structure alters how light interacts with the material, producing iridescent patterns and sparkle effects that elevate the aesthetic quality. The grating's periodic structure diffracts light at specific angles, creating optical effects similar to real jewels, thereby transforming ordinary molded plastic into a high-aesthetic appearance component without the associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and theft-resistant badge assembly that maintains its appearance over time, offering a jewel-like appearance in both day and night conditions without the high costs associated with precious materials.

Implementation Method 1

a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns. The grating diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS10457201B2Badge assemblies that emanate visible iridescent patterns

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A badge assembly that includes a translucent, polymeric badge comprising an edge and an interior surface with a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns; LED sources oriented toward the edge; and fascia configured to obscure the sources. Further, the grating diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern.