Vehicle Decorative Element Coating for Hidden Camera Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle radomes with integrated cameras face the challenge of maintaining a metallic appearance while allowing radar signals to pass through, while also avoiding color distortion of the camera's image.
Innovation Solution
A decorative element for vehicles with a built-in camera, featuring a transparent resin layer with two decorative layers: an opaque layer and a metallic-looking layer achieved by an alloy of Cr or Mo with Al, Mg, Ag, or In, which allows for unobstructed radar signal transmission and maintains image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is hidden behind the metal-like layer with metalloids such as Si and/or Ge, then the radar signal transmission is maintained, but the color of the image received by the camera is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters of the metallic-looking layer by using specific alloys (Cr-Al, Mo-Al, Cr-Mg, Mo-Mg, Cr-Ag, Mo-Ag, Cr-In, or Mo-In) with controlled thickness (10-100 nm), which allows simultaneous achievement of radar signal transmission and color-accurate light transmission, resolving the contradiction between radar functionality and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including: (1) transparent resin base layer, (2) opaque decorative layer, (3) metallic-looking layer with specific alloys, and (4) protective clear coat. This multi-layer composite structure enables each layer to perform its specific function while collectively solving the contradiction between radar signal penetration and optical clarity
2Loss of information
If the camera is placed in front of the metallic-looking layer to avoid color distortion, then the image color accuracy is maintained, but the camera is not hidden from an external observer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by adding the dimension of layer stacking arrangement. By positioning the camera at a specific depth within the multi-layer structure (between the opaque layer and the metallic-looking layer, or behind the metallic-looking layer), the solution achieves both camera concealment from external observers and accurate color transmission to the camera sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the camera is embedded within the decorative element assembly, specifically positioned between or behind the decorative layers. This nesting arrangement allows the camera to be concealed within the emblem structure while maintaining optical access through the transparent and metallic-looking layers
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If an opaque layer is added to conceal the camera, then the camera concealment is improved, but the radar signal transmission may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the opaque layer selective in its properties - it is opaque to visible light (concealing the camera) but transparent to radar wavelengths (allowing signal transmission). This localized optical property differentiation resolves the contradiction between concealment and radar functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the principle of porous or selectively permeable materials where the opaque decorative layer allows penetration of radar waves while blocking visible light. The material structure enables differential transmission based on wavelength, achieving both camera concealment and radar signal transmission
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 effectively conceals the camera from external observers, maintains the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, and prevents color distortion of the camera's image, while ensuring compatibility with radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
the metallic-looking is achieved by an alloy of Cr or Mo with Al, Mg, Ag, or In. This alloy ensures transmittance in a wavelength range that does not distort the color of the image received by the camera
Implementation Method 2
a transparent resin layer on which there are two decorative layers
Implementation Method 3
One layer will be opaque, general but not necessarily dark in color
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a decorative element for vehicles, which comprises: on the rear part thereof, an opaque resin base (8) and a camera, the resin base having a thickness that allows the camera (9) to be positioned; and on the front part thereof, a layer of transparent resin (2) on which two decorative layers, a discontinuous opaque layer (3) and a metallic-looking layer (4), are disposed, wherein the camera is placed facing one of the discontinuities of the opaque layer (3), and wherein the metallic-looking layer (4) comprises an alloy of Cr or Mo with Al, Mg, Ag or In. By means of the metallic-looking layer, color distortion is prevented, and the camera is concealed from an external observer.