Vehicle Outer Trim Lens Structure for Compact Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior cladding arrangements require large camera lenses for optical sensor units to achieve high light output, necessitating more space and weight.
Innovation Solution
An outer trim part composed of two plastic materials, with one substrate acting as an optical lens, allowing compact optical sensor units by integrating lens functionality into the trim element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large camera lenses are used in optical sensor units, then light output is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical lens function with the trim element structure itself. The trim element is designed with an optical lens integrated into its body, eliminating the need for separate large camera lenses in the sensor unit. This combination allows the trim element to serve both aesthetic and optical functions, reducing overall system size and weight while maintaining light output performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the aesthetic exterior cladding component and the optical lens for the sensor unit. This multi-functionality allows the same component to provide both visual appeal and optical performance, eliminating the need for additional dedicated lens components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If large camera lenses are used in optical sensor units, then light output is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens is merged with the trim element structure, allowing the sensor unit to be positioned behind the trim element rather than requiring space for large external lenses. This integration significantly reduces the installation space required for the optical sensor system while maintaining adequate light output through the optimized trim element design.
3Reliability
If the trim element is made translucent for sensor operation, then sensor functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trim element is designed with local quality variations - specific regions are made translucent to allow optical sensor operation while other regions maintain opaque or different aesthetic properties. This localized translucency enables the sensor to function properly through the trim element while preserving the overall aesthetic design of the vehicle exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim element can change its optical properties - appearing opaque or translucent as needed. The material or structure allows it to present different visual characteristics, enabling both aesthetic appearance when not in use and sensor functionality when illumination is applied, thus resolving the conflict between appearance and functionality.
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
Enables higher light output with more compact and lighter optical sensor units, reducing installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the two substrates in the partial area is configured such that the partial area functions as an optical lens
Implementation Method 2
a partial region of the cladding element arranged in front of the optical sensor unit assumes the function of an optical lens
Implementation Method 3
at least the partial area is penetrable by at least one wavelength of the visible or infrared light spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to an exterior trim assembly for a vehicle, comprising an exterior trim part (1) made of at least two plastic materials and at least one optical sensor unit (2), wherein the exterior trim part (1) comprises a thin-walled trim element (3) having a designated visible side (S) and a rear side (I) opposite the visible side (S), wherein the trim element (3) comprises a carrier substrate (4) made of a first plastic material and a cover substrate (5) made of a second plastic material on or above the carrier substrate (4), wherein the optical sensor unit (2) is arranged, facing the rear side (I), behind a partial region (6) of the trim element (3), wherein at least the partial region (6) is penetrable by at least one wavelength of the visible or infrared light spectrum, which wavelength is emitted by the optical sensor unit (2) and/or is irradiated onto the optical sensor unit (2),wherein at least one of the two substrates (4, 5) is formed in the partial region (6) such that the partial region (6) functions as an optical lens.,