Patterned Vehicle Roof Panel With Smooth Illuminated Edges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roof assemblies with lighting systems experience a frayed or jagged edge appearance when the lighting is switched on due to low-density pattern elements formed by small light-scattering dots, which are visually distracting.
Innovation Solution
A low-density pattern element is created by forming a light-scattering area with transparent areas enclosed within it, where the edge is defined by the light-scattering area, rather than individual dots, using a light-scattering composition or surface texture to scatter light and maintain a smooth edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a low-density pattern is formed by arranging very small dots (representative diameter < 150 microns) to maintain invisibility during daytime, then the pattern remains invisible when the lighting assembly is switched off, but the edges appear frayed or jagged when the lighting assembly is switched on
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern element is segmented into multiple light-scattering dots arranged in a low-density configuration, where each dot is individually invisible during daytime but collectively creates a visible illuminated pattern at night. The dots are spaced such that their individual boundaries are not discernible during daytime, yet they define a coherent pattern shape when illuminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-scattering properties are localized to specific dot positions within the pattern, with each dot having optical properties optimized for invisibility during daytime while contributing to the overall pattern visibility during nighttime illumination. The density and size of dots are locally adjusted to achieve the desired dual-state appearance.
2Quantity of substance
If the surface area covered by dots is less than half of the total pattern surface area to maintain low density, then the pattern remains subtle during daytime, but the edge definition becomes poor and appears frayed
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous pattern shape is copied and approximated by a discrete arrangement of light-scattering dots. The dot positions and sizes are carefully selected to replicate the desired pattern geometry, with the collective arrangement of dots creating a recognizable pattern shape that maintains both low daytime visibility and adequate edge definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The representative diameter of light-scattering dots is optimized within a specific range (50-150 microns) to balance daytime invisibility with nighttime pattern definition. The dot size and spacing parameters are adjusted to ensure that dots remain individually indistinguishable during daytime while collectively forming well-defined pattern edges when illuminated.
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 solution prevents a frayed or jagged edge appearance, providing a visually smooth illumination pattern that does not disturb the exterior view during daytime, while effectively illuminating the interior compartment.
Implementation Method 1
The low-density pattern element comprises a light-scattering area and multiple transparent areas enclosed within the light-scattering area
Data Source
AI summary
A roof assembly for covering an opening in a vehicle roof comprises a transparent panel and a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly comprises an illumination pattern arranged on the transparent panel. The illumination pattern comprises at least one low-density pattern element. Such low-density pattern element comprises a light-scattering area and transparent areas. The transparent areas are enclosed within the light-scattering area. A surface area of the light-scattering area of the low-density pattern element is smaller than a sum of a surface area of the enclosed transparent areas.