Metallized Plastic Component with Dot Matrix Transilluminable Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metallization methods for plastic components, such as PVD and galvanization, face challenges in achieving sufficient abrasion and corrosion resistance without additional protective coatings, and struggle to maintain a 'cold touch' haptic, while also being visible under daylight conditions when designed for nighttime illumination.

Innovation Solution

A metallized plastic component with a light-permeable base body and a metal layer featuring a dot matrix structure of light-permeable openings, allowing for translucent visibility at night and a continuous appearance during the day, achieved through various metallization methods like PVD or galvanization, with specific opening dimensions and patterns optimizing visibility and haptic experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the metal layer is made continuous to provide a uniform appearance during the day, then the daytime design is improved, but the nighttime translucency is worsened because light cannot pass through the continuous metal layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance uniformityVSAvoidnighttime translucency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The metal layer is segmented into multiple discrete openings arranged in a dot matrix pattern instead of being continuous. This segmentation allows light to pass through the openings during nighttime while maintaining a relatively uniform appearance during daytime when the openings are not illuminated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal layer is designed with different local properties: areas with openings provide translucency for nighttime illumination, while the surrounding metal areas maintain the continuous appearance for daytime aesthetics. The opening size and spacing are optimized to balance these competing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If the metal layer thickness is reduced to improve light transmission for nighttime visibility, then the nighttime translucency is improved, but the abrasion and corrosion resistance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidabrasion and corrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reducing the thickness of the entire metal layer, the invention segments the metal layer by creating openings in it. This allows light transmission through the openings without compromising the thickness and protective properties of the remaining metal material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal layer is transformed into a porous structure with controlled openings, allowing light to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity and protective functions of the metal material. The porous structure achieves both optical transmission and mechanical durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If a transparent protective coating is added to improve abrasion and corrosion resistance, then the reliability is improved, but the 'cold touch' haptic is worsened because the coating prevents direct metal contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion and corrosion resistanceVSAvoidcold touch haptic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying a complete continuous protective coating, the invention applies protection only where necessary - the metal layer itself provides protection in areas with openings, eliminating the need for an additional continuous coating that would block the cold touch effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 provides a visually attractive, haptically appealing, and durable metallized plastic component that is translucent at night and appears continuous during the day, enhancing both daytime and nighttime designs while maintaining desired optical effects.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one illuminatable structure is formed by an area in the metal layer, in which a plurality of light-permeable openings are arranged in a dot matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through porous structure: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

metallization of a component made of plastic by means of PVD methods (PVD=physical vapor deposition)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

galvanization of an element made of plastic by means of electrochemical methods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS11292290B2Metallized plastic component having a transilluminable structure in day and night design; method for producing the plastic component

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 KUNST BERNT

AI summary

A metallized plastic component includes a base body of at least one light-permeable plastic to which a metal layer is applied into which at least one illuminatable structure is introduced. The at least one illuminatable structure is formed by an area in the metal layer in which a plurality of light-permeable openings is arranged in a dot matrix.