Car Window Graphic Undistorted Curved Surface Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window graphics face issues such as dust accumulation, material weakening, limited material options, difficult installation, distortion on curved surfaces, and limited design capabilities due to physical perforation, which affects light transmission and graphic integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a continuous, transparent substrate with a printed pattern that projects a graphic design from one viewpoint and a transparency design from another, using 3D coordinates to generate undistorted images on non-parallel or curved surfaces, allowing for customizable designs and improved installation with temporary adhesives or clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If physical perforation is used to create transparent areas, then light transmission is achieved, but the substrate material is weakened and susceptible to tearing and peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies perforated substrate material to create transparent areas that allow light transmission while maintaining structural integrity. The perforations are strategically designed to provide visibility without compromising the overall strength of the window graphic substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining opaque printed areas with transparent perforated areas on the same substrate. This composite approach allows different regions to serve different functions - graphic display versus light transmission - while maintaining overall structural strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate is stretched to fit curved mounting surfaces, then the window graphic can be installed on various surfaces, but the printed image becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses curved mounting surfaces by designing the window graphic with appropriate curvature compensation. The substrate and printed pattern are pre-formed to account for the curvature of automotive windows, allowing proper installation without excessive stretching that would cause image distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the substrate (flexibility, thickness) and the printed pattern (geometric distortion compensation) to enable proper installation on curved surfaces while maintaining image integrity. The printing process parameters are adjusted to account for the final curved configuration.
3Strength
If strong adhesive is used to ensure proper bond to mounting surface, then attachment strength is improved, but installation difficulty increases and permanent damage risk increases upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laminated protective layer as an intermediary between the substrate and the mounting surface. This laminate serves multiple functions: it provides a smooth bonding surface that reduces adhesive requirements, protects the printed graphic from direct contact with the window, and facilitates easier removal without damaging the substrate or window.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional stretching method is used to install on curved surfaces, then installation is achieved, but wrinkles and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating or shaping to the substrate before installation to pre-form it to the curvature of the mounting surface. This preliminary action reduces the amount of stretching required during installation, minimizing wrinkles and distortion while maintaining installation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphic, includes a substrate and a printed pattern disposed over the substrate. The substrate is configured to attach to a mounting surface, and is transparent. The printed pattern exposes a nonprinted pattern. The printed pattern is a geometric projection of a graphic design on the mounting surface from a first viewpoint, and the nonprinted pattern is a geometric projection of a transparency design on the mounting surface from a second viewpoint.