Micro-perforated Textured Optical Layer for Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems in vehicles, particularly those with decorative layers mimicking wood veins or other textures, face challenges in displaying clear and sharp images while maintaining durability and tactile perception.
Innovation Solution
An optical structure with a textured layer and a protective layer, both micro-perforated to less than 100 µm, placed in front of an image emitting device, enhancing image sharpness and durability while allowing tactile perception, and comprising a light transmitting interlayer and decorative layer that modifies appearance and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a textured layer with wood vein appearance is used for decoration, then the decorative appearance is improved, but the image sharpness deteriorates due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The textured layer is segmented into multiple functional zones: decorative regions with wood vein patterns for aesthetic appearance, and micro-perforated regions with openings of 1-10 μm for sharp image transmission. This segmentation allows different parts of the same layer to serve different functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between decorative appearance and image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the textured layer are assigned different optical properties: some areas maintain continuous textured patterns for decoration, while other areas contain micro-perforations for optimal image transmission. This local differentiation of properties allows the overlay to function as both decorative element and sharp image transmitter in different locations.
2Reliability
If a protective layer is added to increase durability, then the durability is improved, but the image sharpness deteriorates due to additional light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is segmented to include micro-perforations that align with the image transmission paths, creating localized channels for sharp image passage while maintaining continuous protective coverage in other areas. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained while minimizing light scattering in critical transmission zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is designed with a porous structure containing micro-perforations of 1-10 μm diameter. These porous regions allow light to pass through with minimal scattering, maintaining image sharpness while the surrounding solid portions of the protective layer provide mechanical protection and durability.
3Illumination intensity
If the textured layer is made opaque for better decoration visibility, then the decorative visibility is improved, but the image transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The textured overlay employs local quality differentiation where certain regions contain micro-perforations that maintain optical transparency for image transmission, while other regions use opaque or translucent materials for enhanced decorative visibility. This spatial variation in optical properties allows both decorative visibility and image transmission to coexist in different areas of the same overlay.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured layer utilizes color and optical property variations to achieve different functions: translucent or transparent regions with micro-perforations allow image transmission, while colored or opaque regions enhance decorative visibility. The strategic use of optical property changes across different zones resolves the contradiction between decorative visibility and image transmission.
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 optical structure improves image sharpness and durability, enabling clear and readable images with tactile feedback, suitable for displaying various information types, including GPS and temperature data, while maintaining the decorative appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of micro-perforations in said textured layer improves the image sharpness by correcting the light scattering occurring at the textured layer and at the protective layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical structure (6) configured to be placed in front of an image emitting device (4) configured to emit an initial image adjusted by the optical structure (6) to form an adjusted image visible to an observer (8). Said optical structure (6) comprises: - a textured layer (10) placed on an observer's side (8) of the optical structure (6), - a protective layer (18) placed between the textured layer (10) and the image emitting device (4), said protective layer (18) is preferably a light transmitting protective layer (18), wherein said optical structure (6) comprises a plurality of micro-perforations (12) in the textured layer (10) and in the protective layer (18), said micro-perforations having dimensions below 100 µm, and said micro-perforations (12) are arranged such that the adjusted image is perceived through said micro-perforations (12) by the observer (8).