Hidden Vehicle Surface Display With Switchable Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle components with integrated display and control elements fail to achieve an aesthetic appearance while maintaining functionality, as they remain visible even when inactive, disrupting the vehicle's surface aesthetics and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle component with a display or control element comprising a light source, base support, and a surface layer that becomes transparent upon activation, allowing the mask and associated information to be visible only when the element is active, integrating seamlessly into the vehicle's surface and enhancing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If display elements and control elements are integrated into vehicle surfaces to improve aesthetics, then the visual appearance is improved, but the elements remain visible even when inactive which disrupts the aesthetic surface
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer changes its optical properties from opaque to transparent based on activation state. When inactive, the surface layer appears opaque matching the vehicle surface aesthetics; when activated, it becomes transparent to reveal the display element or control element beneath, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and functional visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element and control element transition from a static visible state to a dynamic state where visibility is controlled by activation. The surface layer dynamically changes between opaque and transparent states, allowing the elements to be hidden when not in use and revealed when needed, maintaining both aesthetics and functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display elements and control elements are provided for communication and interaction, then functionality is improved, but the plurality of elements disrupts the aesthetic surface
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display and control elements utilize the same opaque-to-transparent transition mechanism through their respective surface layers. This allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into the vehicle surface without permanently disrupting aesthetics, as each element remains hidden (opaque) when inactive and only reveals itself (transparent) when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a universal surface layer mechanism across multiple different display and control elements. This multi-functional approach allows various communication and interaction elements to share the same aesthetic solution, maintaining surface integrity while providing comprehensive functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If display elements are made visible through light sources illuminating from behind, then visibility is improved, but the elements remain visible even when the light source is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a transparency-changing surface layer between the light source and the viewer. When the light source is off, the surface layer remains opaque, hiding the display element and maintaining aesthetic surface integrity. When activated, the surface layer becomes transparent, allowing the illuminated display element to be visible, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and aesthetic integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface layer acts as an intermediary between the light source/display element and the external environment. It mediates the visibility by transitioning between opaque and transparent states, allowing the light source to illuminate the display element effectively when needed while preventing the display element from being visible when the light source is off.
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 provides an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly interface by ensuring the display or control element is only visible when active, reducing visual distractions and improving user focus, while maintaining high functionality and safety through selective visibility and activation.
Implementation Method 1
The surface layer comprises a material which becomes transparent through activation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle component includes a display element and/or operating element integrated into a vehicle component surface. The display element and/or operating element has a light source, a base support, a mask and a surface layer. The surface layer is made of a material that becomes transparent when activated.