Automotive Optical Unit Using Electronic Ink for Patterned Personalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for personalizing vehicle parts, such as headlamp masks, are costly and unreliable, especially for small and medium series, due to the need for specific tooling and the risk of thermal and humidity-related issues with adhesive labels and high production costs of laser-engraved solutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of electronic ink or paper on visible portions of vehicle parts, which can display patterns without a power supply and are durable, allowing for extensive customization without dedicated tools, and can be integrated into optical units for aesthetic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive labels are used to personalize vehicle parts, then customization is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to thermal cycles and humidity causing labels to come off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive bonding system with an electronic display system (electronic ink or paper) that can be integrated into the optical unit. This substitution eliminates the adhesion reliability issue by using electronic components that are thermally and humidity-resistant, while maintaining customization capability through programmable patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of pattern application from physical adhesive labels to electronic display technology. This parameter change allows patterns to be displayed reliably under thermal and humidity conditions by using electronic ink that can be electrically controlled rather than mechanically bonded.
2Reliability
If laser marking is used to personalize vehicle parts, then pattern durability is improved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic programmability to the pattern application process. Instead of static laser-marked patterns that require expensive retooling, the electronic ink system allows patterns to be dynamically changed through software programming, reducing manufacturing costs and production time while maintaining pattern durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from subtractive laser marking to additive electronic ink deposition. This parameter change enables cost-effective production by using programmable electronic components instead of expensive laser equipment and tooling, while achieving durable patterns through integrated electronic display technology.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated engraving tools are produced for each pattern, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and investment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single electronic ink display component that can display multiple different patterns through programming. This universal component replaces the need for multiple dedicated engraving tools, reducing device complexity and investment cost while maintaining manufacturing precision through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic copying of patterns through digital programming rather than physical copying through dedicated tools. Each pattern is stored as digital data that can be replicated and displayed on the electronic ink, eliminating the need for expensive physical tooling while maintaining pattern accuracy through precise electronic positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic ink is used for personalization, then adaptability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic ink display functionality with the existing optical unit structure. By integrating the electronic ink component into the optical assembly and coordinating its control with the vehicle's existing electronic systems, the patent achieves high customization flexibility while managing device complexity through consolidation with existing components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a part for an automotive vehicle comprising at least one element (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 24) visible from outside the part, characterized in that the element (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 24) is at least partially covered in an electronic ink capable of forming a design (9, 91, 92) on the element (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 24). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a part and to a method for producing a subassembly that includes this part. The invention also relates to a set of parts, a marking assembly, an optical unit, and a vehicle comprising such a part.