Light Transmitting Sheet Layering for Clear Pattern Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light transmitting sheets suffer from design blurring and reduced visibility due to the interaction of light with multiple layers, leading to impaired aesthetic and functional performance.

Innovation Solution

A light transmitting sheet comprising a base material layer, a design layer with light shielding and transmitting portions, and a colored layer, where the design layer is positioned between the base material and colored layers to minimize the impact of light diffusibility, and optionally includes a color shifting layer to correct color changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a laminated structure with multiple layers is used to provide light transmission and design, then light transmission function is improved, but design visibility and clarity deteriorate due to light diffusion and blurring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoiddesign clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light transmitting sheet is divided into three distinct functional layers: a base material layer for structural support and light transmission, a design layer for pattern formation, and a colored layer for aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the others, preventing design blurring while maintaining light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design layer incorporates both light-transmitting portions and light-shielding portions with different optical properties in specific locations. The light-shielding portions have higher light-shielding capability than conventional structures, creating sharp contrasts and clear design patterns that prevent blurring while allowing light to pass through transparent areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If the design layer is positioned closer to the light source to improve light transmission, then light transmission is enhanced, but design visibility deteriorates due to increased light diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoiddesign sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the design layer closer to the light source (conventional approach), the invention inverts the layer arrangement by positioning the design layer adjacent to the base material layer on the light-receiving side. This inverted configuration prevents light diffusion from obscuring the design patterns while still allowing sufficient light transmission through the colored layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers are stacked to provide both structural integrity and aesthetic design, then overall functionality is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidlaminated structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each layer in the laminated structure serves multiple functions: the base material layer provides both structural support and light transmission, the design layer simultaneously creates aesthetic patterns and controls light distribution, and the colored layer contributes to both appearance and light filtration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite laminated structure combining different materials with complementary properties: a light-transmitting base material, a light-shielding design layer, and a colored aesthetic layer. This composite approach achieves both structural integrity and aesthetic design in a unified structure rather than requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enhances design visibility and aesthetic appeal by maintaining the clarity of the design, preventing blurring, and ensuring accurate information recognition while providing stealth properties when not illuminated.

Implementation Method 1

a base material layer (10), a design layer (20), and a colored layer (30). The base material layer (10) transmits light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The design layer (20) is provided to face a side of the base material layer (10) irradiated with the light (40L) and has a light transmitting portion (22) and a light shielding portion (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250306252A1Light transmitting sheet

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD

AI summary

A light transmitting sheet according to the embodiment includes a base material layer, a design layer, and a colored layer. The base material layer transmits light. The design layer is provided to face a side of the base material layer irradiated with the light and having a light transmitting portion and a light shielding portion. The colored layer is provided to face the base material layer with the design layer interposed therebetween.