Hidden-Illumination Vehicle Interior Interface With Light Guide Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior components lack an effective and aesthetically pleasing way to integrate a user interface that is both functional and visually appealing, particularly in terms of illumination and input devices, which are not seamlessly integrated with the vehicle's design.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a composite structure with a light guide and a cover that allows for the transmission of light from a light source, incorporating a light-transmissive resin material and a depression in the cover's inner surface to house the light guide, providing a hidden icon that is visible only when illuminated, along with an input device such as a sensor or button, to create a cohesive and interactive user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user interface is integrated into the vehicle interior component, then functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible buttons and indicators
Solution Approach 1:
A light-transmissive cover is introduced as an intermediary layer between the light guide and the external environment. This cover allows light to pass through while providing a sleek, buttonless surface that improves aesthetic appearance. The cover acts as a mediator that reconciles the functional need for user interface elements with the aesthetic desire for a clean surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes light transmission and optical properties to create visual effects. The light-transmissive cover changes its appearance based on illumination - appearing opaque or translucent depending on whether the light guide is active. This dynamic optical property allows the interface to be visually appealing in both active and inactive states, resolving the contradiction between functionality and aesthetics.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide is used to illuminate the user interface, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts illumination parameters based on operational context. The light guide is activated only when user interface interaction is needed or when specific vehicle functions are active. This conditional illumination approach maintains high visibility when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously - illuminating during user interaction periods and remaining dormant during idle periods. This periodic activation pattern ensures that visibility is maintained when needed while minimizing energy consumption during non-critical periods, effectively resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and energy use.
3Shape
If the cover is made opaque to hide the light guide, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's optical properties are made dynamic rather than static. The light-transmissive cover transitions between appearing opaque and translucent based on the activation state of the light guide behind it. When the light guide is off, the cover appears opaque and sleek; when activated, it becomes translucent to allow light transmission. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the cover to exhibit both aesthetic appeal and light transmission capability at different times.
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 enhances the vehicle's interior design by providing a visually appealing and functional user interface that is both illuminated and interactive, improving occupant engagement while maintaining a sleek aesthetic, and can be integrated into various components like steering wheels, consoles, and dashboards.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide configured to allow transmission of light from the light source to the light display
Implementation Method 2
The icon of the light guide may comprise a light-transmissive resin material configured to fit within the depression in the inner surface of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a light guide to allow light transmission from a light source, and a cover to cover the light guide. The light guide may comprise an icon or indicator and the cover may comprise a depression or indentation in an inner surface of the cover. The icon/indicator of the light guide may comprise a light-transmissive resin material configured to fit within the depression/indentation in the cover. The icon/indicator may be presented when illuminated and hidden by the cover when not illuminated. The cover may comprise a polymer material coupled to the light guide. The cover may present a user interface. A surface of the cover may comprise an information region and/or a decorative region. The component may comprise a steering wheel, console, floor console, center console, instrument panel, door panel, dashboard, display, armrest, or cockpit.