Smart Functional Leather With Integrated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural leather used in vehicle interiors provides only aesthetics and lacks functionality, necessitating an improved top layer for vehicle components that can offer both form and function.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electronic circuit is applied to a leather sheet, integrated with a light source and a pigmented coating to create a smart functional vehicle component that can be connected to a vehicle electronic control unit, providing features like illumination and sensor functionality while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If natural leather is used as the top layer for vehicle components, then aesthetics and luxurious look are improved, but functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines natural leather with electronic circuits, light sources, and pigmented coatings to create a hybrid structure that maintains the aesthetic qualities of leather while integrating functional electronic components, thereby resolving the contradiction between appearance and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction by layering electronic circuits, pigmented coatings, and light sources with natural leather to create a multi-functional top layer that simultaneously provides aesthetic appeal and electronic functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic circuits and light sources are integrated into the leather layer, then functionality is improved, but visibility of components may compromise appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pigmented coatings that can change optical properties to mask electronic circuits and light sources when not in use, while allowing light to pass through when activated, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The pigmented coating acts as an intermediary layer between the electronic components and the external environment, selectively controlling visibility and light transmission to balance aesthetic requirements with functional needs
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 enhances the driver and passenger experience by enabling real-time feedback and dynamic surfaces, making vehicle components both functional and aesthetically pleasing without compromising their appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light when electrical power is supplied to the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a functional vehicle component includes fixing a leather sheet over a surface of a vehicle component, applying a flexible electronic circuit to an A-surface of the leather sheet, and arranging a pigmented coating over the circuit. The pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit from being visible through the pigmented coating. The method may include attaching an electronic element, such as a light source, a sensor, a wireless transmitter, or a switch, to the circuit. When the circuit includes a light source, the pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the light source from being visible through the pigmented coating, but light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating.