Colored Natural Particles in Motor Vehicle Plastic Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic components for motor vehicles lack sustainability and high-quality design options, failing to incorporate natural materials effectively while maintaining a visually appealing and customizable appearance.
Innovation Solution
A plastic composite component is developed with embedded natural particles colored differently to create a 'cloudy' or 'mottled' appearance, utilizing thermosetting or thermoplastic systems with low processing temperatures to minimize thermal stress and enhance the natural fibers' visibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If natural particles are embedded in plastic compound to create sustainable components, then sustainability and CO2 balance are improved, but the visual appearance and design quality deteriorate due to uneven natural coloring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing at least one portion of the natural particles with a color different from the natural color of the natural particles. This allows the natural particles to maintain their sustainable properties while achieving a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance that overcomes the uneven natural coloring issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by embedding colored natural particles in a plastic compound matrix. This creates a composite structure that combines the sustainability benefits of natural particles with the design flexibility and visual quality of colored particles embedded in a controllable plastic matrix.
2Productivity
If conventional plastic components are produced with high processing temperatures, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the natural particles suffer thermal stress that degrades their appearance and properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using thermosetting plastic systems or thermoplastic systems with low processing temperatures. This changes the processing temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures to low temperatures, thereby protecting natural particles from thermal stress while still enabling effective manufacturing through the molding process.
3Weight of moving object
If natural fibers are used to reduce material weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but the lack of protective top layers makes the surface vulnerable to superficial damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where natural particles are embedded in a plastic compound matrix that provides inherent protection. The plastic compound acts as a protective medium that shields the natural particles from superficial damage while maintaining the weight reduction benefits of using natural materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic composite component for a motor vehicle has a molded body including a plastic compound that contains natural particles. At least some of the natural particles are dyed in a shade of color different from a natural color of the natural particles, and the plastic compound is designed such that the particles are visible. Also disclosed is a motor vehicle including a plastic composite component of this type.