Transparent Fiber Composite Trim With Hidden Touch Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle interior designs face challenges in integrating shy-tech functionalities with high-quality visible fiber looks, requiring a solution that combines stealthy technical features with aesthetically appealing fiber reinforcement while maintaining mechanical properties and allowing for new configuration options.
Innovation Solution
A visible component featuring a multilayer fiber reinforcement within a largely transparent polymer matrix, incorporating a metallized glass fiber layer for visibility and additional transparent structure layers for mechanical strength, with a touch display on the reverse side that becomes operational and visible only when activated, allowing for seamless integration of technical functionality with a conventional fiber look.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fiber-reinforced polymer component with carbon fiber layers is used to achieve a lightweight construction look, then the visual quality and depth effect are improved, but the integration of shy-tech functionalities becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material structure consisting of a transparent polymer matrix combined with fiber reinforcement layers. This allows the component to maintain the aesthetic appearance of traditional fiber-reinforced parts while enabling the integration of touch display technology behind the transparent structure, thus achieving both visual quality and shy-tech functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent polymer matrix acts as an intermediary between the visual appearance requirements and the functional requirements. It allows light to pass through to illuminate the touch display while maintaining the aesthetic fiber appearance from the front, serving as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of visual quality and technology integration.
2Device complexity
If controls are hidden behind synthetic leather to achieve shy-tech effect, then the minimalistic design is improved, but the operational feedback and visibility when required are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs backlighting that changes the appearance of the component when activated. When the touch display is activated, light passes through the transparent polymer matrix and illuminates the fiber structure, creating a visible glow that provides operational feedback while maintaining the minimalistic hidden appearance when inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The component transitions dynamically between two states: a hidden, minimalistic state when inactive, and a visible, interactive state when activated. The touch display and backlighting system enable this dynamic transformation, allowing the controls to be concealed when not needed but easily accessible and visible when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touch display is integrated into a fiber-reinforced component, then shy-tech functionality is achieved, but the structural strength and mechanical properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the component into distinct functional layers: a transparent polymer matrix structure that maintains mechanical strength, fiber reinforcement layers that provide structural integrity, and a touch display layer that provides functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function without compromising the overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber reinforcement is strategically positioned within the transparent polymer matrix to provide structural strength where needed, while the touch display is integrated in areas where user interaction is required. This local optimization ensures that structural integrity is maintained in critical areas while enabling shy-tech functionality in appropriate zones.
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 shy-tech function where the component appears as a conventional visible fiber component under daylight, yet becomes functional and information-rich when the touch display is activated, offering operability and clear visibility with minimal light intensity, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the visible layer is visible through the matrix material
Implementation Method 2
the at least one largely transparent structure layer... the at least one largely transparent fiber layers and the at least largely transparent polymer matrix may also be fully transparent
Data Source
AI summary
A visible component for a motor vehicle includes a fiber-reinforced plastics component having a multi-layer fiber reinforcement which is integrated in an at least largely transparent plastics matrix. The fiber reinforcement is formed by a visible layer in the form of a metallized glass fiber layer and at least one largely transparent structural layer. A touch display is also provided on a rear face of the fiber-reinforced plastics component facing the visible layer.