Selectively Illuminated Trim Panels with Backlighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current trim panels and appliqués in the transportation industry face challenges in achieving a luxurious appearance and extended durability while integrating lighting effectively for aesthetic and functional purposes, as previous solutions like real wood and metal panels are costly and lack durability, and earlier plastic composite methods do not meet modern market requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of molded trim panels and appliqués with multiple decorative layers and transparent or opaque plastic layers, integrated with lighting capabilities through backlighting or edge-lighting, using injection molding techniques to create a luxurious appearance and enhance the vehicle's interior ambiance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If real wood appliqués and finished metal panels are used, then a luxurious appearance is achieved, but cost increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a decorative layer (simulating wood, metal, or other luxurious materials) with a plastic substrate. This composite structure provides both the desired luxurious appearance and improved durability, as the plastic base offers resistance to moisture, corrosion, and wear while the decorative layer maintains the aesthetic quality of premium materials.
2Reliability
If plastic composite methods are used, then cost decreases and durability improves, but luxurious appearance and depth of image are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a decorative layer that replicates the appearance of premium materials such as wood grain, metal finishes, or stone patterns. This decorative layer is applied over a plastic substrate, allowing the inexpensive plastic to mimic the luxurious look of expensive natural materials, thereby achieving both cost-effectiveness and aesthetic quality.
3Shape
If lighting is integrated into trim panels, then aesthetic appeal and differentiation increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the trim panel structure by integrating light sources directly into the panel assembly. The lighting elements are combined with the decorative layer and plastic substrate to create a unified component that provides both aesthetic illumination and structural function, reducing the need for separate lighting assemblies and thereby managing complexity.
4Shape
If multiple decorative layers with transparent plastic are used, then depth of image and luxurious appearance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by stacking multiple decorative layers with transparent plastic layers in between them. This multi-layer construction creates a three-dimensional effect that enhances the depth of image and luxurious appearance. The layered structure allows light to interact with multiple surfaces, creating visual depth while maintaining a relatively thin overall profile.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Decorative or protective appliqués' or trim panels having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a transparent outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. Use of multiple layers of decorative film, transparent plastic and colored/opaque plastic is also disclosed to provide distinguishing visual effects. The appliqués and trim panels may be backlighted or edge-lighted selectively by providing a light source behind or optically coupled to a runner molded as part of the transparent outer layer.