Translucent Vehicle Trim Cover Layer Laser Thinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing transilluminable vehicle trim parts face issues with perforations being visible when rear lighting is off, or requiring small perforations that limit irradiated areas, and are prone to dirt closure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a translucent base body with a cover layer of normal thickness, where locally reduced layer thickness areas make the cover layer translucent, using high-energy radiation to achieve partial transilluminability while maintaining opacity and protecting against dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If perforations are created in the cover layer to allow light transmission, then transilluminability is improved, but the perforations become visible during the day when backlighting is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating locally reduced layer thickness areas (perforations) in the cover layer with residual thicknesses between 1-10 μm. These localized thinning areas allow light transmission only where needed, while the rest of the cover layer maintains its normal opaque appearance during daytime, thus resolving the contradiction between transilluminability and visual invisibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of layer thickness in specific areas to achieve the desired effect. By reducing the cover layer thickness to residual thicknesses of 1-10 μm in localized areas, the material transitions from opaque to translucent, enabling light transmission while maintaining aesthetic appearance in non-illuminated states.
2Loss of information
If perforation diameter is reduced to improve invisibility, then visibility of perforations is improved, but large translucent areas cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses local quality to create extended translucent areas by distributing multiple small perforations or continuous thinning zones across large surface areas. Each local area maintains appropriate residual thickness for invisibility, while collectively they form large translucent regions that illuminate effectively when backlighting is active.
3Area of stationary object
If perforations are made larger to achieve larger translucent areas, then area of translucent region is improved, but protection against dirt clogging is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the residual layer thickness parameter to between 1-10 μm, which creates a balance between allowing sufficient light transmission for effective illumination and maintaining enough material substance to prevent dirt particles from clogging the translucent areas. This parameter optimization enables both large translucent areas and reliable dirt protection.
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 method enhances non-visibility of transilluminable areas and allows for larger irradiated areas without dirt protection issues, maintaining opacity and impact strength.
Implementation Method 1
the cover layer, due to its normal layer thickness and the layer material, exhibits high absorption for spectral ranges of visible light compared to the material of the base body and is therefore largely opaque
Implementation Method 2
removing and reducing the layer thickness in locally defined areas of the cover layer down to a remaining residual layer thickness
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a translucent fairing part for a motor vehicle comprising a translucent base body (1) made of a translucent or transparent material which allows light to pass through it with low absorption in spectral ranges of visible light, and at least one cover layer (2) arranged on the rear side (R) of the base body (1) opposite the intended viewing side (V), wherein the cover layer (2) has a normal layer thickness (X), wherein the cover layer (2) exhibits high absorption in spectral ranges of visible light compared to the material of the base body (1) and is therefore largely opaque, wherein the cover layer (2) has locally defined, layer-thickness-reduced areas (3) with a remaining residual layer thickness (Y).wherein the cover layer (2) is made translucent for spectral ranges of visible light with low absorption due to the reduction in layer thickness in these areas (3), so that the trim part is partially translucent. Part of the invention is also a method for manufacturing a translucent trim part for a motor vehicle.