Flexible Optical Element Elastic Interlocking Motor Vehicle Bodywork

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle body parts with optical elements face challenges in adapting to various bodywork housings due to the need for rigid supports, which leads to assembly issues like clearances and outcrops, especially for large parts, and difficulties in maintaining uniform light distribution.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and transparent optical element made of materials like polycarbonate mixed with elastomers or transparent polypropylene, which can be attached to the full skin of bodywork parts without play or flush, allowing it to follow curves and maintain light homogeneity through elastic interlocking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid support is used to attach the optical element, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to various bodywork housings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to bodywork housings

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible optical element made of transparent or translucent material that can bend and conform to the contours of different bodywork housings. This flexible element is inserted into a slot in the body panel and retained by elastic interlocking, allowing adaptation to various housing shapes while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the optical element from rigid to flexible by using materials with elastic properties. This parameter change allows the element to deform during insertion and then maintain its position through elastic interlocking, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a long slot is created in the body panel to accommodate a large optical element, then the adaptability to large body panels is improved, but the assembly precision deteriorates due to slot widening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to large body panelsVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible optical element can be inserted into a relatively short slot and will bend to cover the entire required area. This eliminates the need for long slots that would widen and create assembly gaps, while still achieving full coverage on large body panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the slot length to accommodate the optical element, the solution uses the flexibility of the optical element to bend in three-dimensional space, allowing it to span the required distance without requiring a proportionally long slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If attachment points are used on the body panel wall, then the assembly precision is improved, but the uniformity of light transmission deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoiduniformity of light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible optical element is retained by elastic interlocking with the slot, which distributes the attachment force along the entire length of the slot rather than at discrete points. This prevents visible attachment points from disrupting light transmission while maintaining secure assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic interlocking mechanism is distributed along the length of the slot rather than concentrated at single attachment points, creating multiple small retention zones that collectively secure the optical element without creating visible disruptions to light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables seamless assembly on large body parts without visible assembly issues, retains the absorption characteristics of plastic parts, and ensures uniform light transmission, improving visual quality and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element (40), in particular a flexible and transparent optical element, capable of transmitting light from the inner face (24) to the outer face (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The assembly method makes it possible to retain the absorption characteristics of the plastic body parts without adding stiffness due to a stacking of plastic parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3717829B1Bodywork component comprising an optical element applied by elastic interlocking

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM SA

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Figure 3A~4B
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AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle bodywork component (10) having a wall (20) that has an external face (22), an internal face (24), and at least one slot (30), characterized in that the component (10) has an optical element (40) provided with a body fitted in the slot (30) by snap-fastening (of the clip type), the optical element (40) having at least one part made of transparent or translucent material that is able to transmit light from the internal face (24) to the external face (22) of the wall (20).