Light-Guiding Stitch Surface Assembly for Continuous Interior Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for surface luminescence in vehicle interiors are complex, occupy significant space, and result in visually discontinuous surfaces, affecting user experience and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A surface assembly utilizing a light guiding stitch integrated with a skin through a sewing configuration, allowing light to enter and emit through the stitch, which can be made of PMMA, PC, TPE, or TPU, and is integrated with a light source such as Mini-LED or Laser Diode, providing a continuous lighting effect without complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source, light guide plate and mounting structure are set in the space below the interior panel, then the function of surface luminescence is realized, but the structure becomes complex, occupies large space, and is easy to leak light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guiding function and the stitching function into a single component - the light guiding stitch. This integrated structure eliminates the need for separate light guide plates and mounting structures, directly resolving the technical contradiction by achieving surface luminescence with a simple, unified element that requires no complex assembly while preventing light leakage through the continuous stitched construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding stitch is constructed as a thin, flexible optical element that can be seamlessly integrated into the skin or panel material. This thin-film approach replaces bulky light guide plates and complex mounting structures, achieving the desired luminescence effect while minimizing structural complexity and space occupation.
2Illumination intensity
If a specific grooved structure is set in the interior panel to accommodate the luminescence structure, then the luminescence function is realized, but the surface becomes visually discontinuous, affecting outer appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding stitch is integrated directly into the skin or panel surface as part of the continuous material structure, eliminating the need for separate grooved cavities. This integration maintains the visual continuity of the surface while enabling luminescence, as the stitch appears as a natural part of the continuous material rather than a discrete embedded component.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding stitch introduces localized optical properties (light guidance and emission) at specific positions along the seam or joint, while the overall surface maintains its continuous visual appearance. The stitch acts as a localized functional element that does not disrupt the global surface continuity or aesthetic appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If complex mounting and fixing structures are used for surface luminescence, then the luminescence function is achieved, but material costs and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding stitch combines multiple functions (light guidance, structural stitching, and surface integration) into a single manufactured component. This eliminates the need for separate light guide plates, mounting brackets, fixing screws, and assembly operations, significantly reducing both material costs and processing/manufacturing costs while achieving the same luminescence function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding stitch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement at seams, guides light from the light source, and maintains surface continuity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall material usage and simplifying manufacturing processes.
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 achieves a simple, space-efficient, and visually continuous lighting effect, enhancing user experience while reducing material and processing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the light guiding stitch provides a light path that a light beam enters the light guiding stitch at one end in length direction of the light guiding stitch, and emits through at least one first part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a surface assembly, an interior part and an interior system. And the surface assembly includes a skin, and an outer surface of the skin being used as the outer surface of the surface assembly, and as a visible surface to the user provided by the surface assembly, and the skin further includes an inner surface opposite to the outer surface; and a light guiding stitch, the light guiding stitch being connected with the skin by a sewing configuration, and the sewing configuration includes a first part located on the outer surface, a second part penetrating thickness of the skin; and a third part located in the inner surface; and the light guiding stitch provides a light path that a light beam enters the light guiding stitch at one end in length direction of the light guiding stitch, and emits through at least one first part.