Polymeric Substrate with Spectrally Controlling System for Visible Logos
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating metallic and backlit decorative vehicle parts fail to provide visibility of logos during the day and cannot achieve a multi-color effect with a single light source.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric substrate with a protection system and a spectrally controlling system, including a light absorbing or reflecting layer, is partially removed to create areas free of the layer, which are then covered with colored droplets to achieve visible patterns and multi-colored backlighting effects day and night with a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a film mask with logos is placed under a metallized decorative part with a light source, then the decorative part can be backlit, but the logos are not visible during the day and multi-color effect cannot be achieved with a single light source
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative part is divided into multiple zones with different spectral properties. The spectrally controlling system is partially removed in specific areas to create distinct regions: areas with the spectrally controlling system for metallic appearance and areas without it for colored backlighting. This segmentation allows different functional zones to coexist on a single decorative part, enabling multi-color effects and visible logos simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the decorative part are given different optical properties. The spectrally controlling system is selectively removed from specific zones to allow light transmission for logo visibility, while other zones retain the spectrally controlling system for metallic appearance and color filtering. This local differentiation enables both daytime logo visibility and nighttime multi-color backlighting effects.
2Loss of information
If the spectrally controlling system is partially removed to create visible areas, then logo visibility during daytime is improved, but the protective coating structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A protection system consisting of multiple protective layers is applied to the polymeric substrate before the spectrally controlling system is deposited. This preliminary protective structure remains intact even when the spectrally controlling system is partially removed, ensuring the underlying substrate and previously applied protective layers remain protected throughout the subsequent processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system acts as an intermediary layer between the polymeric substrate and the spectrally controlling system. When the spectrally controlling system is partially removed to create logo areas, the protection system remains in place as a mediator, protecting the substrate while allowing the spectrally controlling system to be selectively removed without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple films and light sources are used to achieve multi-color backlighting, then color variety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrally controlling system serves multiple functions: it provides metallic appearance, acts as a reflective layer, and functions as a spectral filter for color control. By partially removing this single multi-functional layer, the patent achieves multi-color backlighting capability without requiring multiple separate films or light sources, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving color variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrally controlling system is designed to control the spectral properties of transmitted light. By selectively removing portions of this system, different areas transmit different wavelengths of light, creating multi-color effects. This approach achieves color variety through spectral control rather than through multiple physical light sources or films, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 the creation of visible patterns and multi-colored backlighting effects on vehicle decorative parts during both day and night using a single light source, while maintaining the protective properties of the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
the spectrally controlling system comprising at least a light absorbing or a light reflecting layer
Implementation Method 2
the spectrally controlling system comprising at least a light absorbing or a light reflecting layer
Implementation Method 3
covering the area by depositing at least one or more substances in droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric substrate and a method of providing same includes providing a protection system of one or more layers on at least one first surface of the polymeric substrate, coating a spectrally controlling system on a surface of the protection system to provide an external surface, the spectrally controlling system comprising at least a light absorbing or a light reflecting layer, partially removing the spectrally controlling system from the external surface until reaching the at least one first surface of the protection system creating in the spectrally controlling system an area free of the light absorbing or light reflecting layer of the spectrally controlling system, and covering the area by depositing at least one or more substances in droplets.