3D Illuminable Vehicle Trim for Vibration-Stable Light Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating light effects in vehicle interiors require large installation spaces and suffer from efficiency losses, and projected light effects experience blurring due to vibrations during driving.
Innovation Solution
An illuminable vehicle component with a three-dimensional structural pattern illuminated from at least two directions by first and second light generating devices, creating a light/shadow effect that emphasizes the structure without blurring, using LEDs or laser lamps and optionally lenses to shape light cones, and potentially varying light colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If projected light effects are used to create patterns on surfaces, then light effects can be generated, but blurring occurs due to vibrations during driving
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting light patterns that can blur, the patent uses a three-dimensional structural pattern physically integrated into the component surface. This structural pattern serves as a permanent copy of the desired design, illuminated by light generating devices to create shadow effects that remain stable during vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projected light patterns to three-dimensional structural patterns with elevations and depressions. By adding the vertical dimension through raised and recessed surfaces, the design creates genuine shadowing effects that are resistant to blurring during vibration.
2Illumination intensity
If decorative covers are illuminated in transmission to generate light effects, then interior ambiance can be enhanced, but large installation space requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decorative pattern directly into the functional component surface through three-dimensional structural integration. This eliminates the need for separate decorative covers, reducing installation space while maintaining aesthetic effects through shadowing created by illuminated structural sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of illuminating entire decorative covers, the patent applies illumination locally to specific light generating devices positioned to highlight particular three-dimensional structural sections. This selective local illumination achieves effective decorative impact with reduced space requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If entire surfaces are illuminated indirectly and diffusely for ambient illumination, then uniform lighting is achieved, but efficiency losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of diffusely illuminating entire surfaces, the patent uses partial action by directing light generating devices to illuminate only specific three-dimensional structural sections. This selective illumination creates effective ambient lighting with improved energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary illumination of non-contributing areas.
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
Achieves clear and vibrant light/shadow effects on vehicle components without installation space inefficiencies and blurring, allowing for versatile optical effects and efficient lighting of large areas with minimal devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first light generating device (50), which is arranged in a defined position with respect to the component surface (30) in such a way that light radiated by the device illuminates first structural sections (42) and generates shadowing on second structural sections (44)
Implementation Method 2
light radiated by the device illuminates first structural sections (42) and generates shadowing on second structural sections (44)
Implementation Method 3
The three-dimensional structural pattern comprises elevations and/or depressions, and may for example be formed by corrugations, angled or round depressions or projections, points, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminable vehicle component includes a visible side and a component surface that is arranged on the visible side and provided with a three-dimensional structure pattern. At least one first light-producing device is arranged in a defined position relative to the component surface such that light emitted thereby illuminates first structure portions and generates a shadow that is cast on second structure portions. At least one second light-producing device is arranged in a defined position relative to the component surface such that light emitted thereby illuminates the second structure portions and generates a shadow that is cast on the first structure portions.