Vehicle Display Element With Seamless Masking Edge Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display elements for motor vehicles with different materials or layers on the back often have aesthetically unappealing visible transitions due to visible borders or edges, which are difficult to seamlessly integrate, especially in upscale vehicles where complex and expensive lamination solutions may not meet the requirements of optical seamlessness.

Innovation Solution

A display element design featuring a transparent carrier layer on the visible side and opaque edge and masking layers on the rear, with the edge layer tapering to form an inner edge section that overlaps with the masking layer, creating a seamless transition area by compensating for light permeability differences, and potentially including recesses, electrical conductivity, and a protective layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If different materials or layers (edge layer and masking layer) are used on the rear side of the display element, then functional requirements are met, but visible borders or edges appear at the transition area, reducing aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional design flexibilityVSAvoidvisual seamlessness of transition area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The edge layer is designed with spatially varying optical properties: the first region has different light permeability than the second region. This local differentiation allows the transition area to appear seamless from the front while maintaining functional requirements at the rear side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light permeability parameter of the edge layer is changed across different regions. The first region has higher light permeability to blend with the display area, while the second region has lower light permeability to match the masking layer, creating a visually seamless transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the edge layer is made opaque to match the masking layer, then aesthetic appearance improves, but light transmittance to the display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual seamlessness of transition areaVSAvoidlight transmittance to display area

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The edge layer is made opaque only in the second region where it overlaps with the masking layer, while the first region maintains higher light permeability. This partial application of opacity achieves the necessary aesthetic appearance without excessive light blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Shape

If complex lamination solutions are used to achieve seamless transitions, then aesthetic appearance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual seamlessness of transition areaVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge layer combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines the transition area, and creates the seamless visual appearance through its differentiated light permeability regions. This merging eliminates the need for separate lamination layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge layer is formed as a composite structure with regions of different light permeability, integrating the functions of both transparent and opaque elements into a single component that simplifies manufacturing while achieving the desired aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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

The solution achieves an optically seamless transition between the display and edge areas, making the transition almost imperceptible to the naked eye while maintaining structural stability and aesthetic appeal, suitable for high-end vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the light transmittance in the first section of the edge layer is increased by the reducing thickness, and the region of the edge layer having the second thickness, or the second section of the edge layer, is translucent. The resulting light transmittance is compensated for by the preferably opaque masking layer arranged on the rear thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight permeability compensation through thickness reduction:

Data Source

PatentEP4375111A1Display element for a motor vehicle with seamless transition area

Publication Date: 2024.05.29 MARQUARDT GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a display element (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a visible side (S) and a reverse side (R), further comprising a visible-side translucent carrier layer (2) and, arranged on the reverse side, an edge layer (3) and a masking layer (4), wherein the edge layer (3) surrounds the masking layer (4) at least partially, forming a border of the masking layer (4), and overlaps it, so that a display area (C) is defined on the visible side (S) by the masking layer (4) and an edge area (D) is defined by the edge layer (3), which form a transition area (E) on the visible side in the area of their overlap (5), wherein the edge layer (3) has, adjacent to the masking layer (4), a first section (11) tapering towards the masking layer (4) from a first thickness (b) to a second thickness (d) and a second section (12) adjoining it of the second thickness (d).and wherein the masking layer (4) at least partially overlaps the second section (12).