Surface Film Composition for Hidden Display Operation Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices and operation sections in automobile cabins and indoor environments become unperceivable during non-illumination times, posing operational challenges due to their invisibility.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising a display element with a surface film made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition, featuring specific thickness, light transmittance, and tactile steps, allowing visibility and tactility even without illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a translucent urethane synthetic leather is applied over display regions to hide operation sections during non-illumination times, then the decorative effect and upscale image are improved, but the perceptibility of operation sections during non-illumination times deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface film is segmented into different regions: a first region covering display sections with light transmittance of 3-60% for visibility, and a second region covering operation sections with light transmittance of 0.1-3% for invisibility during non-illumination. This segmentation allows different perceptibility levels in different areas, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and operational perceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface film are assigned different optical properties (light transmittance values) according to their functional requirements. The first region has higher transmittance for display visibility, while the second region has lower transmittance for operation section concealment during non-illumination, creating local quality variations that satisfy both aesthetic and operational needs.
2Reliability
If the surface film thickness is increased to improve durability and decorative effect, then the luxurious appearance and durability are improved, but the light transmittance decreases causing operation sections to become less visible
Solution Approach 1:
The surface film implements local quality differentiation by assigning different light transmittance ranges to different regions: the first region (display sections) maintains 3-60% transmittance for visibility, while the second region (operation sections) has 0.1-3% transmittance for concealment. This allows the film to be sufficiently thick for durability while maintaining appropriate optical properties in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface film uses a composite structure with different optical characteristics in different regions, combining materials or treatments that provide both durability (through sufficient thickness) and controlled light transmittance properties. The multi-region composite design resolves the contradiction between thickness-related durability and light transmittance.
3Ease of operation
If the surface film is made completely opaque to ensure operation sections are invisible during non-illumination, then the concealment effect is improved, but the visibility of display sections and the luxurious appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surface film is divided into multiple regions with different opacity levels: the first region (3-60% transmittance) maintains translucency for display visibility and aesthetic appearance, while the second region (0.1-3% transmittance) provides near-opaque concealment for operation sections. This segmentation achieves selective concealment without sacrificing overall luxurious appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the light transmittance parameter spatially across different regions of the surface film. By adjusting the transmittance parameter to 3-60% in the first region and 0.1-3% in the second region, the film achieves both display visibility and operation section concealment, resolving the contradiction between concealment effectiveness and aesthetic appearance.
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 display device provides clear visibility and tactile perception of operation sections during illumination and maintains a luxurious appearance by being inconspicuous during non-illumination, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the surface film satisfying conditions (3) and (4) below: (3) the thickness is not less than 300 μm and not more than 2 mm; (4) the total light transmittance measured by a method in accordance with JIS K7361 is 3 to 60%
Data Source
AI summary
A display device that includes a display element including a light source, and a surface film disposed so as to overlap with the display element and including a thermoplastic elastomer composition, the thermoplastic elastomer composition satisfying conditions (1) and (2) below, and the surface film satisfying conditions (3) and (4) below: (1) The melt flow rate (ASTM D1238, 230° C., 2.16 kg load; MFR) is not less than 30 g/10 min. (2) The type A hardness (momentary value) measured by a method in accordance with JIS K6253 is 60 to 90. (3) The thickness is not less than 300 μm and not more than 2 mm. (4) The total light transmittance measured by a method in accordance with JIS K7361 is 3 to 60%.