Light-permeable multi-layer composite film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating illumination elements into vehicle interior surfaces are complex and inefficient, particularly for producing larger parts with flexible and decorative lighting features, as they often result in visible bulges and are not cost-effective for endless production of rolls.
Innovation Solution
A light-permeable multilayer composite film with a transparent top layer and an optically active layer behind it, which can be illuminated from the back side to achieve uniform or varying light transmission and reflection, allowing for flexible and decorative lighting effects, and can be used as a surface coating for articles like vehicle interiors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electroluminescent elements are attached into or onto components and trim pieces, then illumination and light pattern display can be integrated into surface materials, but the design becomes complicated and visible bulges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electroluminescent elements directly into the multilayer composite film structure during the film formation process itself. The functional layer containing electroluminescent particles is integrated between the top layer and back layer, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps and reducing design complexity while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent elements are nested within the multilayer composite film structure. The functional layer with electroluminescent particles is positioned between the top layer and back layer, creating a nested configuration where the illumination elements are contained within the film itself, preventing visible bulges and simplifying the overall design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electroluminescent elements are embedded using molding processes, then illumination can be achieved, but production of larger parts is difficult and endless production of rolls is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous production of illuminated film rolls by integrating the electroluminescent functional layer into the extrusion or lamination process. The multilayer composite film can be produced continuously in roll form with the illumination functionality maintained throughout, allowing endless production without the limitations of mold-based processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical molding process with a film extrusion or lamination process that can continuously produce large rolls. Instead of using molds to form individual illuminated parts, the electroluminescent functional layer is incorporated into continuously produced film rolls that can be cut to any size, dramatically improving productivity for large parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-layer films are used for surface coating, then aesthetic appearance and haptics are achieved, but integration of functional illumination elements is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multilayer composite film that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The film maintains the aesthetic top layer with decorative patterns and the tactile quality of traditional films, while also incorporating the functional layer with electroluminescent particles for illumination. This universal structure combines decorative, tactile, and functional properties in a single integrated product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite multilayer structure where different layers serve different purposes. The top layer provides aesthetic appearance, the functional layer contains electroluminescent particles for illumination, and the back layer provides structural support. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of aesthetic quality and functional illumination integration.
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 solution enables efficient integration of illumination and light pattern display into surface materials, providing a high ratio of light input to output and allowing for flexible adaptation to various surface configurations, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality while being suitable for large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
An optical layer 6, namely an optical layer made of PET, is arranged on the back side of the top layer 4, which has light-transmitting, light-refracting and light-reflecting properties or a combination of both
Implementation Method 2
An optical layer 6, namely an optical layer made of PET, is arranged on the back side of the top layer 4, which has light-transmitting, light-refracting and light-reflecting properties or a combination of both
Implementation Method 3
An optical layer 6, namely an optical layer made of PET, is arranged on the back side of the top layer 4, which has light-transmitting, light-refracting and light-reflecting properties or a combination of both
Data Source
AI summary
Light-permeable multilayer composite film made of plastic as the surface coating of an article, wherein the composite film comprises at least one outer, at least partially light-permeable top layer optionally provided with a lacquer and at least one further layer arranged on the back of the top layer, wherein arranged on the back side of the top layer is an optical layer, preferably an optical layer made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which has light-transmitting, light-refracting and light-reflecting properties or a combination thereof, wherein the transmission, refraction and reflection properties are such that illumination of the optical layer, in particular back side illumination of the optical layer, results in preferably uniform light transmission through the top layer.