Vehicle Interior Cover Structure With Integrated Light Guide Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior components lack an effective and aesthetically pleasing user interface system that integrates a light display and input device, failing to provide a seamless interaction experience for vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a composite cover structure with a light guide and input device, where the light guide is integrated into the cover base and extends through apertures or recesses in the cover layer, allowing for a light display and input mechanism that is both functional and visually appealing, using materials like injection molded polypropylene and transparent resin for optimal light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light display and input device are integrated into the cover structure, then user interface functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light display and input device directly into the cover structure by molding the light guide into the cover base and forming apertures or recesses in the cover layer. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate housings and mounting structures, thereby improving user interface functionality while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, integrates the light display through molded-in light guides, incorporates input devices via apertures or recesses, and maintains aesthetic appeal. This multi-functionality allows a single component to deliver comprehensive user interface capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If the light guide is integrated into the cover base with extensions through apertures or recesses, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is pre-integrated into the cover base during the molding process, with apertures or recesses formed in the cover layer before final assembly. This preliminary integration ensures precise alignment and optimal light transmission paths are established during manufacturing, improving light transmission efficiency while managing precision requirements through process design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure uses composite construction with the cover base and cover layer formed from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The cover base material is selected for light guide integration and structural support, while the cover layer material is chosen for aesthetic properties and aperture formation, allowing each component to be manufactured with appropriate precision for its intended purpose.
3Shape
If the cover layer uses a generally opaque material to prevent visibility of recesses, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but light display visibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is designed with differentiated local properties: generally opaque material in regions where aesthetic concealment of recesses is desired, and transparent or translucent material in regions where light display visibility is required. This local quality variation allows the same component to simultaneously achieve aesthetic appeal and functional light transmission where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover layer material properties are varied to control light interaction: opaque regions provide aesthetic concealment while transparent or translucent regions allow light transmission. This use of material transparency variations (analogous to color changes in optical properties) enables the cover to maintain aesthetic appeal while ensuring light display visibility through strategic material selection in different 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
The solution provides a user-friendly interface that enhances occupant interaction with vehicle systems, offering a clear and intuitive display while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle interior.
Implementation Method 1
a light display configured to transmit light from at least one light source
Implementation Method 2
an input device configured to provide an interface with at least one sensor in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a housing; a cover structure comprising a cover surface; and a user interface at the cover surface comprising a light display. The light display may comprise a light guide comprising a projection. The cover structure may comprise a cover base and a cover layer. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base. The cover base may comprise the light guide. The cover layer may comprise an aperture. The projection may extend into the aperture. The cover base may comprise an aperture, recess, notch and/or indentation. The cover layer may comprise a generally opaque material preventing visibility of a recess in the cover base. The cover base may comprise a different color and/or softness than the cover layer. The cover structure may comprise apertures and/or recesses for the light guide.