Iridescent Vehicular Trim Assemblies via Diffraction Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for exterior vehicular elements, such as grilles and trim elements, that exhibit an iridescent or jewel-like appearance without significant cost increases, while maintaining their appearance over the vehicle's lifetime and resisting environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
The development of iridescent vehicular trim assemblies featuring a polymeric base with an over-molded element, both incorporating integral diffraction gratings with specific thickness and period ranges, which provide a jewel-like appearance through light diffraction, and can be manufactured using multi-shot injection molding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If jewels, precious metals, and gemstones are incorporated into a vehicle grille or trim element, then a luxurious aesthetic is achieved, but component cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a diffraction grating structure that replicates the optical effects of jewels and precious metals. The grating diffracts light to produce iridescent, rainbow-like colors that visually mimic the appearance of actual jewels, allowing the trim assembly to achieve a luxurious aesthetic without incorporating real precious materials, thereby significantly reducing component cost while maintaining the desired visual effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physical structure of the trim assembly at the nanoscale through the diffraction grating. By changing the spacing and geometry parameters of the grating structure (with periods ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers), the patent controls light diffraction to produce jewel-like optical effects, transforming an ordinary plastic material into something that visually resembles expensive materials through structural parameter optimization rather than material substitution.
2Shape
If jewels, gemstones, and precious metals are included in a vehicular grille, then a luxurious aesthetic is achieved, but the likelihood of theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a diffraction grating structure that replicates the optical effects of jewels and precious metals. The grating diffracts light to produce iridescent, rainbow-like colors that visually mimic the appearance of actual jewels, allowing the trim assembly to achieve a luxurious aesthetic without incorporating real precious materials, thereby significantly reducing component cost while maintaining the desired visual effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physical structure of the trim assembly at the nanoscale through the diffraction grating. By changing the spacing and geometry parameters of the grating structure (with periods ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers), the patent controls light diffraction to produce jewel-like optical effects, transforming an ordinary plastic material into something that visually resembles expensive materials through structural parameter optimization rather than material substitution.
3Ease of manufacture
If faceted plastic trim pieces are used to approximate the look of diamonds and jewels, then cost is reduced, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates to resemble costume jewelry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical approach of creating physical facets and geometric shapes (which produced costume jewelry-like appearances) with an optical approach using diffraction gratings. Instead of relying on macroscopic facet geometry to create sparkle, the patent uses sub-visual diffraction grating structures that interact with light at the optical level, producing genuine iridescent effects similar to real jewels rather than the artificial sparkle of faceted plastic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physical structure of the trim assembly at the nanoscale through the diffraction grating. By changing the spacing and geometry parameters of the grating structure (with periods ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers), the patent controls light diffraction to produce jewel-like optical effects, transforming an ordinary plastic material into something that visually resembles expensive materials through structural parameter optimization rather than material substitution.
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
These assemblies achieve a luxurious, jewel-like aesthetic without the high costs associated with actual jewels or precious metals, maintaining appearance and durability in typical vehicular environments.
Implementation Method 1
The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nanometers and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.