Detachable Backlit Component Structure for Repairable Vehicle Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlit components for vehicles have complex structures, making them expensive to manufacture and difficult to recycle or repair.
Innovation Solution
A backlit component design featuring a detachable first component unit with a translucent carrier layer and electronic elements, and a second component unit with a light guide, allowing easy disassembly and replacement of the electronic elements, and made from lightweight, recyclable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sources are permanently attached to the light guide or housing, then the component structure is stable and reliable, but the component becomes difficult to repair and recycle, requiring complete disposal or replacement upon failure
Solution Approach 1:
The component is divided into separate modular units: a housing, a light guide, and detachable light source assemblies. Each light source is mounted on a separate circuit board that can be independently removed from the housing, allowing repair or replacement of individual light sources without discarding the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment method transitions from permanent to dynamic/reversible. The light source assemblies are designed with detachable connections (such as snap-fit mechanisms or removable adhesives) that allow the light sources to be easily attached and detached from the housing, enabling maintenance and recycling while maintaining stable operation during use.
2Shape
If multiple layers and components are integrated into a single monolithic structure, then the component achieves compact size and aesthetic appearance, but the manufacturing complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a single complex monolithic structure, the component is segmented into separate functional units (housing, light guide, circuit board with light sources) that are manufactured independently and then assembled. This reduces the complexity of individual manufacturing steps while achieving the same compact integrated appearance when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into compact arrangements within each module. The circuit board integrates the light sources and electrical connections in a compact unit, and the final assembly merges these modules into a space-efficient configuration that maintains aesthetic appearance without requiring complex monolithic manufacturing processes.
3Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to permanently attach the light guide to the housing, then the component achieves strong structural integrity, but the component becomes difficult to disassemble for recycling or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding method transitions from permanent to reversible. Instead of using strong permanent adhesives that cannot be removed, the design employs removable adhesives or alternative mechanical attachment methods (such as snap-fit connections or clips) that provide sufficient structural integrity during operation but allow easy separation when disassembly is needed for recycling or repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into detachable connection points rather than continuous permanent bonding. This allows the light guide and housing to be strongly connected during use while enabling clean separation at specific interfaces when disassembly is required, facilitating recycling and repair without compromising structural integrity during operation.
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
Facilitates easy repair and recycling while reducing manufacturing costs and weight, maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic elements comprise at least one luminaire element which projects at least partially into the light guide and is designed to emit light into the light guide
Implementation Method 2
the emitted light is radiated towards the viewing side by means of deflection through the carrier layer
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~6b
Figure 7~10b
AI summary
A backlit component (1), particularly for a vehicle, is described, comprising a visible side (10) and a reverse side (11), and having a first component unit (2) and a second component unit (3). The first component unit (2) comprises a translucent carrier layer (20), in particular a carrier film, and electronic elements (22) attached to the reverse side of the carrier layer (20). The second component unit (3) has a light guide (30) arranged on the reverse side of the first component unit (2). The electronic elements (22) comprise at least one light-emitting element (220, 223, 224) which projects at least partially into the light guide (30) and is configured to emit light into the light guide (30) such that the emitted light is deflected through the carrier layer (20) and directed towards the visible side (10). The first component unit (2) is detachably attached to the second component unit (3).Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a component (1) is specified.