Vehicle Switch Cover Structure for Jewel-Like Refraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle interior decorative materials, such as glossy metals and wood, are becoming less preferred by consumers seeking a new aesthetic experience, and existing switches lack a unique, luxurious appearance.
Innovation Solution
A decorated switch for vehicles featuring a transparent cover with a plate and film combination, where the film's pattern is enlarged through refraction, providing a jewel-like aesthetic without significantly increasing manufacturing costs, using a surface of connected polygonal flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional decorative materials (glossy metal, wood) are used for switch decoration, then manufacturing cost is low and ease of manufacture is high, but aesthetic appeal becomes outdated and consumer preference decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials (transparent cover, plate, film with printed pattern) to create a composite decorative structure that achieves a unique jewel-like aesthetic effect while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. This resolves the contradiction by using composite materials to provide both visual appeal and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the cover by introducing a specific refractive index range (1.3-1.6) and creating polygonal flat surfaces, which transforms the appearance of the printed pattern to produce a jewel-like effect. This resolves the contradiction by modifying physical parameters to enhance aesthetic appeal without complicating manufacturing.
2Shape
If a transparent cover with polygonal flat surfaces and refraction effect is implemented, then aesthetic appeal and visual effect are significantly improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the decorative structure into separate components (cover, plate, film) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The cover is segmented into multiple polygonal flat surfaces that can be formed through standard molding processes. This segmentation reduces device complexity by allowing each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a film with a printed pattern that is combined with the plate, creating a visual copy or representation of the desired jewel-like appearance without requiring complex three-dimensional sculpting. This copying approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining high aesthetic appeal.
3Illumination intensity
If an air layer is introduced between the cover and plate to enhance refraction effect, then optical effect and aesthetic appeal are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a controlled refractive index range (1.3-1.6) for the transparent cover material and defines specific geometric parameters for the polygonal flat surfaces. By controlling these optical parameters within defined ranges rather than requiring exact values, the patent achieves the desired refraction effect while tolerating normal manufacturing variations, thus reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 provides a unique and luxurious aesthetic experience for vehicle interior switches, enhancing visual appeal with a jewel-like effect while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The pattern printed on the film is enlarged by refraction of a light from the pattern while the light passing through the cover
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a switch installed in a vehicle. The switch includes a cover made of a transparent material, a plate disposed below the cover in an inner side of the cover, and a film combined to the plate, the film having a printed pattern printed thereon. The pattern printed on the film is enlarged by refraction of a light from the pattern while the light passing through the cover, and then is visible enlarged to eyes of a user.