Illuminable Metallic-Look Trim With Distortion-Free Backlighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chrome plating, commonly used for decorative trims, is opaque and cannot be used for back-lit lighting effects, and its environmental impact is a concern, while A-side masking methods can result in distortion when viewed at angles.

Innovation Solution

A selectively illuminable trim is created using a transparent substrate with an opaque layer having apertures for light passage, and translucent metallic-looking layers applied on top, along with a light source and optional light guide, manufactured through techniques like pre-deposit masking or laser etching, and physical vapor deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If chrome plating is used for decorative trim, then high gloss appearance is achieved, but light cannot pass through and environmental damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trim is divided into multiple functional layers: a translucent substrate layer for light transmission, a metallic-looking layer for aesthetic appearance, and an opaque layer with apertures for selective light passage. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the others, enabling both light transmission and environmental friendliness while maintaining chrome-like appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trim combines multiple materials with different properties: a translucent substrate material (such as translucent plastic or glass) that allows light passage, a metallic-looking material (such as PVD-coated metal or metallic paint) that provides chrome-like appearance, and an opaque material for the background layer. This composite structure achieves the desired optical and aesthetic properties while avoiding harmful materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If opaque metallic layers are used for decorative trim, then chrome-like appearance is achieved, but back-lit lighting effects cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting effect capabilityVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The opaque layer is designed with localized apertures or openings in specific patterns that correspond to desired lighting effects. This local quality approach allows light to pass through specific areas while blocking other areas, enabling selective illumination that creates various lighting effects while maintaining the overall metallic appearance of the trim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The trim structure is designed to be dynamically adaptable to lighting conditions by incorporating controllable light sources behind the substrate and using the aperture patterns in the opaque layer to create variable lighting effects. This allows the trim to transition between different illumination states and adapt to various ambient lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If A-side masking methods are used for manufacturing, then production efficiency is improved, but distortion occurs when viewed at angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidvisual distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is moved from A-side masking (working on the front surface) to B-side masking (working on the back surface of the substrate). This dimensional change allows the masking to be applied from the opposite side, eliminating the distortion problem that occurs when masking is applied from the front surface at angles, while still maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, and distortion-free back-lit lighting effects, matching the appearance of chrome plating while avoiding its environmental drawbacks.

Implementation Method 1

at least the one or more metallic-looking layers are applied using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

the one or more apertures in the opaque layer are formed by pre-deposit masking or post-deposit laser etching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11807159B2Selectively illuminable metallic looking trims and their methods of manufacture

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 SRG GLOBAL LIRIA SL

AI summary

A trim for an object and its method of manufacture involve providing a transparent or translucent substrate defining a top surface, applying an opaque layer above the top surface of the substrate, the opaque layer defining one or more apertures through which light can pass, and applying one or more translucent metallic-looking layers above a top surface of the opaque layer. In some implementations, the trim is a selectively illuminable trim whereby a light source is arranged beneath a bottom surface of the substrate, the light source being configured to output light through the substrate, the one or more apertures defined by the opaque layer, and the one or more metallic-looking layers.