Shape-Variable Vehicle Interior Surface via Pneumatic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior surfaces, particularly those made of flexible materials, face challenges in integrating sensors due to extreme stretching and temperature fluctuations, limiting their ability to provide personalized haptic experiences and adapt to individual occupants.
Innovation Solution
A component with a surface that can change shape, featuring a multi-layered structure including a cover layer, a flexible elastomeric layer, and an air-permeable carrier layer with subdivided cells, allowing temporary geometry changes via pressure control, and integrated sensors for haptic feedback and user recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into flexible surface materials for vehicle interiors, then functionalization and personalized haptic experiences are enabled, but the extreme stretching and temperature fluctuations during manufacturing and operation compromise sensor reliability and integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier layer is divided into multiple air chambers that can be independently controlled, allowing localized shape changes without subjecting the entire sensor array to extreme mechanical stress. This segmentation enables haptic feedback in specific zones while maintaining sensor integrity in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface coating are given different functions: the top layer provides decorative and haptic properties, the elastomeric layer provides flexibility and shape memory, while the carrier layer with air chambers provides structural support and localized deformation capability. Sensors are strategically positioned in regions experiencing minimal stress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-layered surface coating with shape-changing capability is implemented, then personalized haptic experiences and dynamic surface adjustments are enabled, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric layer serves multiple functions: it provides the shape memory effect for haptic feedback, acts as a bonding layer between the top layer and carrier, and enables the overall flexibility of the surface coating. The air chamber system simultaneously provides structural support and enables dynamic shape changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Air chambers filled with compressible gas provide the force necessary for shape changes without requiring complex mechanical actuators in each layer. The pneumatic system enables dynamic adjustment of surface geometry through simple pressure control, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the carrier layer is made air-permeable with subdivided cells, then haptic feedback and geometric changes are enabled, but the manufacturing precision and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air chambers allow the carrier layer to dynamically adjust its shape in response to pressure changes, enabling real-time haptic feedback. The cell structure transitions from a static rigid framework to a dynamic responsive system that can adapt its geometry while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 a customizable and personalized haptic experience for vehicle occupants, allowing dynamic surface adjustments and individualized settings, enhancing user interaction and comfort through geometric changes and sensory stimuli.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric layer, preferably made of silicone or latex, and an elastic and structurally air-permeable support layer arranged below the flexible elastomeric layer
Implementation Method 2
The component carrier is provided with hollow chambers whose internal pressure can be controlled individually or in groups and which correspond to the cells or segments of the elastic support layer
Implementation Method 3
an elastic and structurally air-permeable support layer arranged below the flexible elastomeric layer, which is connected to the component support on the back side
Data Source
AI summary
A component having a shape-variable surface, in particular in the form of part of an interior trim of a vehicle, wherein the component has a component carrier as a supporting structure or substructure and a surface covering which is arranged thereon, is of multi-layered design and has at least one cover layer arranged on the outer side of the component, and also a flexible elastomeric layer arranged below the cover layer, and an elastic and structurally air-permeable carrier layer which is arranged below the flexible elastomeric layer and is connected on the rear side to the component carrier, wherein the structurally air-permeable elastic carrier layer is at least partially divided with respect to its flat extent into discrete cells or segments which are bounded by air-impermeable cell walls and correspond with pressurized hollow chambers in the component carrier via openings and/or valves in such a manner that the cells or segments can likewise be pressurized or vented.