Shaped Part Light Channel Segmentation for Vehicle Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior decorative and panel parts struggle to effectively display different function symbols in various colors using rear-lit or illuminated features, often resulting in inefficient light management and scattering of light between closely spaced symbols.
Innovation Solution
A shaped part with an opaque decorative layer and a transparent or translucent base, featuring separate light channels and functional elements for distinct light colors, along with functional layers and contact elements for energy connection, allowing for precise illumination and sealing of light channels to prevent scattering, using LEDs and functional films like PC and PES.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple symbols are illuminated with different light colors using rear-lit features, then the visual information display capability is improved, but light scattering between closely spaced symbols occurs and light management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into separate first and second light channels, each dedicated to a specific symbol. The first light channel transmits first light color for the first symbol, while the second light channel transmits second light color for the second symbol. This segmentation prevents light scattering between symbols and enables independent light management for each symbol, resolving the contradiction between improved visual information display and maintained light management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different optical properties at different locations within the decorative layer. The first light channel has optical characteristics optimized for transmitting first light color, while the second light channel has different optical characteristics for transmitting second light color. This localized optimization ensures that each symbol receives the appropriate light color without interference, maintaining both information display capability and light management efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional layers with different light elements are integrated, then the capability to display different function symbols in different colors is improved, but the device structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated structure. The first functional layer containing first light elements and the second functional layer containing second light elements are combined within the same decorative part, with each layer positioned to illuminate its corresponding light channel. This merging approach enables multiple symbols to be displayed in different colors while avoiding the complexity of separate independent modules, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural component, contains embedded light channels for different symbols, and provides mounting positions for multiple functional layers with different light elements. This multi-functionality allows the single decorative part to display multiple function symbols in different colors without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
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 simultaneous and efficient illumination of multiple symbols in different colors with a slim structure, effectively sealing off scattered light and providing a robust, energy-efficient solution for vehicle interior design.
Implementation Method 1
each first functional element (18) having a first light element (19), the first light elements (19) being provided for illuminating the first light channels (17) with a first light color
Implementation Method 2
each second functional element (23) having a second light element (24), the second light elements (24) being provided for illuminating the second light channels (22) with a second light color
Data Source
AI summary
A shaped part can comprise an opaque decorative layer, at least two symbols on the front side, a translucent base, the decorative layer having one or more first light channels, one or more first functional having a first light element, a first functional layer on the rear side of the base, the first functional elements on the front side of the first functional layer, the decorative layer having one or more second light channels, one or more second functional elements having a second light element, a second functional layer on the rear side of the decorative layer, the second functional elements in or on the second functional layer, and being provided at least partially in the second light channels, the second functional elements covering the second light channels of the decorative layer such that the second light channels become or are shielded from light of the first light elements.