Composite Cabin Panel Lighting With Hidden Dynamic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cabin lighting systems face challenges in providing integrated, aesthetic, and space-efficient lighting solutions that can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of vehicle interiors while maintaining a normal appearance in non-illuminated states.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a composite material substrate with a light diffuser material section and a light source positioned to direct light through strategically placed cutouts in a light impervious or pervious material layer, allowing for selective illumination of vehicle cabin panels and creating visually detectable images or patterns that can move or change color, without altering the exterior appearance when not illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dedicated light sources are positioned remotely from the vehicle cabin structure to illuminate it, then the lighting function is achieved, but the light sources become visible and accessible which compromises the aesthetic appearance and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source with the panel structure itself by embedding LEDs within recesses of the composite panel. The light source, diffuser material, and structural layers are combined into a single integrated unit where the panel serves both as the light-emitting component and the structural element, eliminating the need for separate visible lighting fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is nested within recesses of the composite panel structure. The LED is positioned within a cavity formed by the face material and core material, with the diffuser material layered over it. This nesting arrangement hides the light source within the panel's internal structure while maintaining its lighting function
2Device complexity
If the light source is positioned close to the vehicle cabin structure to integrate it, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the light source becomes accessible which complicates servicing and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The composite panel is segmented into distinct functional layers including a face material layer, core material layer, recesses, light sources, and diffuser material sections. This segmentation allows the light source to be integrated aesthetically while maintaining access through designed openings or removable sections of the face material for maintenance purposes
3Device complexity
If a composite material substrate with multiple layers is used to hide the light source, then the aesthetic appearance and integration are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite panel construction with a face material layer and core material layer forming a structurally integrated unit. The light source and diffuser material are embedded within this composite structure during manufacturing, allowing the lighting function to be integrated aesthetically while the composite nature enables efficient fabrication through coordinated processing of the layered materials
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 enables the creation of visually appealing and functional lighting effects within vehicle cabins, enhancing ambiance and providing selective illumination that can move or change, while maintaining a normal appearance in non-illuminated states, and can be synchronized with or independent of typical cabin lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffuser material section, said light diffuser material section comprising a light diffuser material section first side and a light diffuser material section second side
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle cabin structures comprising vehicle structure panels with embedded or associated lighting for producing changing and visually detected illuminated images appearing within the vehicle structure panels are disclosed with methods of their manufacture.