Multifunctional Trim Strip for Vehicle Exterior Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicles lack an efficient and safe means to provide information to drivers and other road users about the vehicle's condition and surroundings before entering or while operating the vehicle, and to enhance road safety through intuitive and robust communication and control elements.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction tape is integrated into the vehicle's body as a strip-shaped cladding element, capable of displaying and outputting independent information, including acoustic signals, with actuator and sensor components, and serving as an operating element, to enhance driver and road user awareness and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple display and input elements are integrated into the vehicle interior (dashboard, center console), then information can be provided to the driver, but the driver cannot access this information before entering the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the driver to access vehicle information (such as climate control settings, media playback status, and vehicle status) through the trim strip on the exterior of the vehicle before entering the vehicle. This allows the driver to review and prepare vehicle settings in advance, eliminating information access delays upon entry.
2Ease of operation
If traditional buttons and switches are used for vehicle operation, then control functions are available, but the operating elements are not visible and accessible when the driver is outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the control elements from the interior three-dimensional space (dashboard, center console) to the exterior surface of the vehicle. The trim strip serves as an external interface that provides both display and input capabilities on the vehicle's outer surface, making controls visible and accessible from outside the vehicle.
3Loss of information
If display elements are integrated into the vehicle body, then information can be projected for road users, but the display elements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the trim strip to simultaneously serve as a structural cladding element, a display device for road users, and a control interface for the driver. This single component performs multiple functions: providing information to pedestrians, displaying vehicle status, and enabling external control operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added capabilities.
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 multifunction tape increases road safety by providing critical information and warnings to drivers and other road users, facilitating intuitive operation, and improving visibility and communication, especially in poor conditions, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency and safety of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The multifunction tape includes at least one actuator that can be used to output acoustic signals. Such an actuator can be an electromagnetic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostatic actuator or the like.
Implementation Method 2
The multifunction tape includes at least one actuator that can be used to output acoustic signals. Such an actuator can be an electromagnetic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostatic actuator or the like.
Implementation Method 3
The multifunction tape includes at least one actuator that can be used to output acoustic signals. Such an actuator can be an electromagnetic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostatic actuator or the like.
Implementation Method 4
A corresponding recess in the body of the motor vehicle can be used as a resonance body.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunctional ribbon (12) for a motor vehicle (10), which is designed as a ribbon-shaped cladding element for a body (14) of the motor vehicle (10), and with which a first piece of information and a second piece of information independent of the first piece of information can be output.