Vehicle Decorative Element with Functional Body and Sealing Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing decorative elements for vehicles lack efficiency and versatility, particularly in integrating functional components like sensors, lighting, and safety systems into the vehicle's interior while maintaining a cohesive design language.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a filling tool and decorative cut-outs made of flexible materials, where functional bodies are inserted and sealed with a filling material that is adhesive and translucent, allowing for efficient integration of electronic components and lighting features without visible gaps, using a suction device and heating to ensure a tight fit and clean application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional components are integrated into vehicle interior decorative elements, then functionality and versatility are improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (sensors, lighting elements, displays) directly into the decorative element structure itself, merging aesthetic and functional purposes into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various functional elements (sensors for radar/camera/ultrasound, lighting elements, display components) within a single structure. This multi-functional design allows the same base decorative element to serve multiple purposes depending on which functional components are integrated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional components are integrated into decorative elements, then versatility is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary preparation of the decorative element structure with pre-formed recesses and mounting features that accommodate functional components. By preparing the structure in advance with integrated mounting provisions, the actual assembly process is streamlined and production efficiency is maintained despite the increased versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If filling material is used to seal functional bodies, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the filling material, specifically its viscosity and curing characteristics. The filling material is applied in a fluid state to ensure complete sealing and then cured to achieve the final sealed structure. By controlling the viscosity and curing parameters, the process achieves high sealing precision while minimizing the time required for the material to set.
4Shape
If adhesive and translucent filling material is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but material selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the filling material with specific local properties (adhesive and translucent) only in the areas where sealing and aesthetic appearance are required. The filling material serves dual purposes: providing structural sealing between components and creating the desired aesthetic appearance when light passes through it. This localized application of specially formulated material maintains aesthetic quality without requiring complex material systems throughout the entire component.
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 method enables the production of decorative elements that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with integrated electronic components and lighting, while maintaining a cohesive design language, and allows for efficient manufacturing with minimal effort and short cycle times.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device, via which a negative pressure is generated, thereby a fluid-tight fixation is formed
Implementation Method 2
a heating device, by means of which the assembly is heated
Implementation Method 3
The filling material has adhesive properties of an adhesive or is an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a filling tool used to produce a decorative element with a functional body for a motor vehicle. The functional body has a visible side and a rear side. A decorative blank with a visible side, an adhesive side, and an insertion opening corresponding to the functional body and a filling tool is provided. The filling tool includes a sealing unit which corresponds to the insertion opening of the decorative blank. The decorative blank is placed in the filling tool and the functional body is inserted into the associated insertion opening, so that an assembly formed from the decorative blank and the functional body is supported via the sealing unit. A non-destructively removable and fluid-tight fixation is formed between the sealing unit and the assembly on the visible sides. The insertion opening of the decorative cut is filled with a filling material.