Hidden Switch Assembly Illumination for Vehicle Trim Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of features requiring user input in vehicles leads to overcrowding of interior surfaces with switches and controls, necessitating an aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient solution for incorporating switches.
Innovation Solution
A hidden switch assembly is designed, comprising a housing coupled to a trim panel with a feedback device, printed circuit board, proximity sensor, and light source, where the light source luminesces in response to activation, illuminating an icon layer and panel skin to reveal the switches when needed, while concealing them otherwise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more switches and controls are added to the vehicle interior, then more features requiring user input are available, but the interior surfaces become overcrowded and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly utilizes the third dimension by embedding controls within a recessed cavity in the trim panel, allowing switches to be hidden when not needed and revealed when activated by illumination, thus adding functional depth without consuming additional surface area
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple switches and controls are nested within a single housing structure that is integrated into the trim panel, allowing multiple functions to be contained within one compact unit rather than spreading controls across the surface
2Ease of operation
If switches are made visible at all times, then user input is convenient, but visual clutter increases and aesthetic appeal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly employs periodic illumination to reveal switches only when needed, using a light source that activates at specific times (such as when the vehicle is locked or unlocked) rather than remaining continuously on, thus reducing visual clutter while maintaining operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly uses light emission to change the visual state of the switches from hidden to visible, utilizing optical properties to reveal controls through illumination of the translucent panel and icon layer
3Area of stationary object
If a hidden switch assembly is used, then aesthetic appeal and space efficiency are improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components including switches, light sources, icons, and structural elements are merged into a single integrated assembly that couples to the trim panel as one unit, consolidating complexity into a modular package rather than distributing separate components across the 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
This solution provides a visually appealing and space-efficient way to integrate switches into vehicle interiors, enhancing user experience by minimizing visual clutter and optimizing surface usage.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to a printed circuit board and configured to luminesce in response to actuation of the proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly comprising a housing configured to operably couple to a trim panel and defining a cavity, a feedback device operably coupled to the housing and positioned within the cavity, a printed circuit board operably coupled to the feedback device, a proximity sensor operably coupled to a connector and configured to actuate the feedback device, and a light source operably coupled the printed circuit board and configured to luminesce in response to actuation of the proximity sensor. The trim panel comprises a panel substrate operably coupled to a backup layer, an icon layer positioned within the cavity and operably coupled to the backup layer, an outline positioned about a periphery of the backup layer, and a translucent panel skin bonded to a foam layer positioned over the panel substrate, wherein the panel skin stretches over the panel substrate and the backup layer.