Composite Touch Surface With Hidden Illumination for Vehicle Buttons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions do not provide a system to replace conventional buttons in motor vehicles with a seamless surface containing hidden touch sensors that can be made invisible unless illuminated.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure comprising a translucent layer with 1-50% light transmittance, an opaque layer containing a translucent area, and a touch sensor area that can be arranged within or beneath the opaque layer, allowing for a seamless and hidden-until-lit functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional buttons are used in motor vehicles, then the functionality is clear and reliable, but the surface is not seamless and the design is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single composite structure: the translucent layer, opaque layer with translucent area, and touch sensor area are merged into one integrated assembly that replaces conventional buttons, achieving a seamless surface while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure serves multiple purposes: it provides a seamless aesthetic surface, houses hidden touch sensors for input functionality, and allows for illuminated areas to indicate active regions, replacing what would traditionally require separate buttons and indicators
2Ease of operation
If touch sensor areas are made visible, then the functionality is clear, but the aesthetic seamless appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque layer contains specific translucent areas that selectively reveal the touch sensor areas underneath only where needed, while the rest of the surface remains opaque and seamless. This local differentiation allows functionality to be visible only in specific zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical properties (translucency vs opacity) to dynamically control visibility. When illuminated from behind, the translucent areas become visible while maintaining the overall seamless appearance in non-illuminated states
3Illumination intensity
If the translucent layer has high light transmittance, then the illuminated areas are bright, but the hidden areas become visible when not illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure uses local variations in light transmittance: the translucent layer allows light to pass through illuminated areas to create brightness, while the opaque layer with its translucent areas selectively controls which underlying sensor areas become visible, maintaining hidability in non-illuminated regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a composite structure comprising a translucent layer (1) having a light transmittance of 1 to 50%, an opaque layer (2) containing a translucent area (6), and a touch sensor area (5) that is at least partly arranged in or above or below the translucent area of layer (2). The present invention also provides a method of producing the composite structure. The composite structure can be used to replace conventional buttons in motor vehicles.