Glass Trim Element with Integrated Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interior vehicle trim elements, primarily made of plastics or leather, lack durability, aesthetics, and recyclability, and fail to integrate functional touch-screen capabilities, leading to cluttered interfaces, hygiene issues, and environmental concerns due to their non-recyclable nature and sensitivity to UV degradation.
Innovation Solution
A glass trim element composed of soda-lime-silica glass with specific chemical compositions and treatments, such as infrared reflection enhancement, tempered for scratch resistance, and integrated with touch functionality, lighting, and ergonomic design, allowing seamless connectivity and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If plastic or leather materials are used for interior trim elements, then aesthetic appearance and ease of manufacture are improved, but scratch resistance and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining glass substrate with protective coatings (such as diamond-like carbon or ceramic coatings) to create a trim element that maintains the aesthetic qualities of smooth surfaces while achieving superior scratch resistance and durability. The composite structure integrates the visual appeal of glass with the protective properties of specialized coating materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic materials (plastic, leather) to inorganic glass material, fundamentally altering the scratch resistance property while maintaining aesthetic appearance. This parameter change enables the trim element to achieve both visual appeal and durability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are installed on plastic trim to provide touch functionality, then functional capabilities are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cluttered interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a capacitive touch sensor system integrated into the glass surface. This substitution eliminates the need for physical buttons while maintaining full functional capabilities, resulting in a seamless interface that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass surface itself serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural trim element and the interactive interface medium. The capacitive sensors embedded in the glass enable touch functionality across the entire surface, allowing the same component to provide both aesthetic coverage and user interaction capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for interior trim, then ease of manufacture is improved, but recyclability and environmental sustainability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from mixed plastic/composite materials to primarily glass-based materials with inorganic coatings. This parameter change enables the trim element to be fully recyclable while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established glass processing techniques such as cutting, polishing, and coating.
4Shape
If plastic or leather trim materials are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but resistance to UV degradation and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of glass substrate with protective coatings that specifically address UV resistance. The glass material itself is inherently resistant to UV degradation, and the additional coatings enhance this property while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the trim surface.
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 glass trim element provides enhanced scratch resistance, improved aesthetics, reduced weight, recyclability, and the ability to integrate touch-screen functionalities, enhancing driver safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability while reconciling multiple software systems into a single OS.
Implementation Method 1
the glass sheet has a high reflection in infrareds (RIR)
Implementation Method 2
The glass according to the invention may be chemically or thermally tempered in order to avoid scratches and to enhance the resistivity of the upper part of the center console
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a trim element for interior vehicle. According to the invention, the trim element is made of glass sheet.