Vehicle Interior Lacquer Layer Lateral Light Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded parts for vehicle interiors face increased design demands for diurnal and nocturnal visual ambiance through illumination, but current methods require complex processing and light conductor systems to achieve effective lighting, increasing production effort and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The light source is positioned to launch light laterally into the lacquer layer, either directly or indirectly via a light conductor, eliminating the need for breakouts and light conductors in the carrier or decorative tier, and using light-diffusing elements within the lacquer layer to guide light, which is diffused through the lacquer layer for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light conductors and breakouts are provided in the carrier and decorative tier to direct light to the molded-part front side, then effective illumination of the molded-part surface is achieved, but the processing complexity and production effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light guiding function from the complex carrier and decorative tier structure and relocates it to the lacquer layer itself. By making the lacquer layer light-guiding, the patent eliminates the need for separate light conductors and breakouts in the carrier, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective illumination of the molded-part surface
Solution Approach 2:
The lacquer layer is given multiple functions: it serves as both the decorative transparent coating and the light-guiding medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light conductor components, reducing device complexity while achieving effective illumination through the same layer that provides the visual appearance
2Illumination intensity
If a system of light conductors is provided to guarantee optimum illumination of the molded-part surface, then good illumination is achieved, but the production effort and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate light conductor system from the manufacturing process and integrates the light-guiding function into the lacquer layer. This extraction simplifies manufacturing by eliminating complex assembly steps for installing light conductors and breakouts, while still achieving optimum illumination through the lacquer layer's inherent light-guiding properties
Solution Approach 2:
The lacquer layer serves itself by providing both the decorative function and the light-guiding function. The light-guiding capability is inherent to the lacquer layer material and structure, requiring no additional components or complex assembly, thereby reducing production effort while ensuring optimum illumination
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
This approach reduces production effort while achieving effective illumination of the molded part surface without the need for complex light conductor systems, enhancing the visual appearance of the vehicle interior and improving visibility in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
In the case of indirect launching, launching is preferably performed by way of at least one light conductor
Implementation Method 2
using light-diffusing elements within the lacquer layer to guide light, which is diffused through the lacquer layer for illumination
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a molded part, in particular a decorative part and/or cladding part that is configured as a molded part for a vehicle interior, comprising a decorative layer having a transparent lacquer layer, a carrier which is disposed on a rear side of the decorative layer, and a light source for illuminating and/or trans-illuminating the lacquer layer. The molded part according to the invention is characterized in that light which emanates from the light source is launched laterally directly and/or indirectly by way of at least one light conductor into the lacquer layer. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a molded part, in particular a molded part according to the invention.