Vehicle Interior Light Module for Hidden Interactive Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack an effective way to provide a decorative appearance while also serving as a user interface that is visually engaging and interactive.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component comprising a decorative module with angled surfaces and light sources, a light guide, a panel with opaque and transparent portions, and a sensor array, configured to direct and reflect light to present a user interface, enhancing aesthetic appeal and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a decorative module with light sources is used to provide a decorative appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single decorative module: light reflection, light transmission, user interface presentation, and sensor interaction are all integrated into one component. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative module serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides decorative appearance through light reflection, allows user interface elements to be visible through light transmission, and enables sensor interaction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Illumination intensity
If light is directed through angled surfaces and reflective layers to create visual effects, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different regions of the decorative module: angled surfaces in some areas for light reflection, transparent portions in other areas for light transmission, and textured surfaces in specific zones for light diffusion. This localized approach allows optimization of illumination in each region without requiring uniform high precision across the entire component.
3Ease of operation
If a sensor array is integrated into the decorative module for user interaction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is integrated directly into the decorative module, merging the interaction function with the decorative structure. This allows users to interact with the system through the decorative surface itself, improving ease of operation while the integration reduces the need for separate interaction components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different display modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different display modes by selectively activating different light sources or different optical paths within the decorative module. Rather than all light sources operating continuously, the system can switch between modes (textured area display, indicia display, etc.) by activating only the necessary light sources for each mode, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
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 visually appealing and interactive user interface within the vehicle interior, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
an angled surface configured to direct light from the first light source toward the inner surface of the decorative module
Implementation Method 2
The inner surface of the decorative module may be configured to reflect light from the first light source
Implementation Method 3
The decorative module may be configured to allow light from the second light source to pass through the inner surface of the decorative module toward the outer surface of the decorative module
Implementation Method 4
The substantially opaque portion may be configured to reflect light from the second light source to prevent light from the second light source to pass through the inner surface of the decorative module toward the outer surface of the decorative module
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may provide visible light and may comprise a base, a decorative module and a light source. The decorative module may comprise an angled surface to direct light toward an inner/textured/nonplanar surface of the decorative module. The inner surface may reflect light. The decorative module may allow light to pass through the inner surface toward an outer surface of the decorative module. The component may comprise a light directing layer comprising a substantially reflective front side adjacent the inner surface of the decorative module and a substantially transparent back side.