Multi-Layer Decorative Element for Separate Reflective and Transmitted Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative elements struggle to convey a high-quality visual impression while also displaying information in a way that is both cost-effective and producible with minimal components, particularly in limited spaces like motor vehicles and electrical appliances.
Innovation Solution
A decorative element with a carrier featuring a first relief structure for reflected light and a second relief structure for transmitted light, where the first relief structure is at a higher height level with a semi-transparent coating, and the second relief structure is at a lower level, allowing for distinct views of reflected and transmitted light when viewed from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single relief structure is used for both reflected and transmitted light views, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to display distinct information in each view is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single relief structure into two separate relief structures: a first relief structure for the reflected light view and a second relief structure for the transmitted light view. This segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific function, enabling distinct information to be displayed in each view without interference, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and information display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the first and second relief structures at different height levels relative to the carrier. The first relief structure is arranged at a first height level while the second relief structure is arranged at a second height level. This dimensional separation allows both structures to coexist without overlapping interference, enabling simultaneous display of different information in reflected and transmitted light views.
2Illumination intensity
If the semi-transparent coating is made more opaque to enhance reflection, then the reflective view quality improves, but the transmitted light view becomes less visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions by separating the reflected light path and transmitted light path through different relief structures at different height levels. The semi-transparent coating on the first relief structure can be optimized for reflection without completely blocking transmitted light, because the second relief structure at a different height level provides the transmitted light view through areas where the coating is less obstructive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having the semi-transparent coating selectively enhance reflection in certain areas while maintaining transparency in other areas. The coating is applied to the first relief structure in a manner that optimizes reflected light intensity in specific regions while allowing transmitted light to pass through in regions where the second relief structure is positioned, thus balancing reflective quality and transmitted visibility.
3Loss of information
If multiple separate components are used to achieve distinct reflected and transmitted views, then the information display capability improves, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated decorative element. The carrier with both first and second relief structures, along with the semi-transparent coating, forms one unified component that provides both reflected and transmitted light views. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to display distinct information in each view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional decorative element where a single component serves multiple purposes: the carrier provides structural support, the first relief structure with semi-transparent coating provides reflected light display, and the second relief structure provides transmitted light display. This universality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining full information display capability.
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 a decorative element to provide a visually appealing reflective view and an informative transmitted view, while being cost-effective and producible with few components, effectively addressing the need for both aesthetics and information display in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-transparent, reflection-enhancing coating
Implementation Method 2
when viewed purely by transmitted light from the side of the first relief structure, the transmitted light view of the second relief structure is visible
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a decorative element (30) having a multi-layer structure for providing a reflected-light view (32) and a transmitted-light view (34), which is independent of the reflected-light view, comprising a carrier (40), which has a first relief structure (52) for providing the reflected-light view and with a second relief structure (62) for providing the transmitted-light view, the first relief structure (52) being arranged at a first height level relative to the carrier (40) and having a reflection-increasing coating (54), and the second relief structure (62) being arranged at a second, lower height level relative to the carrier (40) and at least partially overlapping with the first relief structure (52), such that, in the case of pure reflected-light observation from the side of the first relief structure, the reflected-light view (32) of the first relief structure (52) can be perceived, while the transmitted-light view (34) of the second relief structure (62) is hidden by the reflection-increasing coating (54), and, in the case of pure transmitted-light observation from the side of the first relief structure, the transmitted-light view (34) of the second relief structure (62) is visible, while the reflected-light view (32) of the first relief structure cannot be perceived. The invention further relates to a decorated device (10), comprising a housing (12), which housing is provided with a decorative element (30) of the described type on an outer surface.