Vehicle Trim Part With Integrated Heating And Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior trim parts for motor vehicles lack integration of both heating and lighting elements, which can enhance occupant comfort and aesthetic appeal, and do not effectively utilize the heating layer as a design or decorative element until the lighting module is activated.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trim part with a translucent cover layer, a heating layer visible through the cover layer when illuminated, and a lighting module that combines to create a decorative pattern or graphic element, using a heating element and lighting element in conjunction to provide both ambient heating and backlighting, with the heating layer's structure visible as a design element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the heating layer is made visible through the translucent cover layer with lighting, then aesthetic appeal and occupant comfort are enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to integration of heating and lighting modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating layer and lighting module into a single integrated assembly where the heating layer with heating elements is positioned between the translucent cover layer and the lighting module. This merging allows the heating circuitry to serve dual purposes: functional heating and aesthetic decorative element when illuminated, thereby enhancing appearance without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal heating to the trim part while also serving as a decorative graphic element when backlit. The heating elements (traces or circuits) become visible design features through the translucent cover when illuminated, allowing one component to fulfill both thermal and aesthetic roles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heating layer structure is used as a decorative element, then design flexibility and aesthetic experience are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer incorporates heating elements (traces or circuits) arranged in specific patterns that create localized decorative effects. By varying the arrangement, density, and configuration of heating elements in different regions, the design can be customized with graphic patterns, logos, or aesthetic motifs while maintaining functional heating performance in each local area.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating layer is pre-configured with heating elements arranged in desired decorative patterns during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of heating traces or circuits in aesthetic configurations allows the decorative design to be built-in during production, reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustments and simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the precision requirements.
3Shape
If the heating layer is concealed behind the trim part, then the trim part maintains an inconspicuous continuous appearance, but the aesthetic appeal and occupant awareness of heat source are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trim part features a dynamic appearance that changes based on operational state. When the lighting module is off, the translucent cover layer maintains a smooth, continuous appearance with the heating layer concealed. When the lighting module activates, the heating layer becomes visible as a decorative element. This dynamic transition allows the trim to adapt its appearance between concealed and revealed states, providing both aesthetic continuity and visual interest.
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
This solution enhances occupant comfort and aesthetic experience by making the heat source visible, using warm or cool colors to convey sensations of warmth or coolness, and provides a 'hidden until lit' effect that serves as both background illumination and decorative lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a heating layer (12) comprising a heating element (24) that extends in a plane of the heating layer
Implementation Method 2
a lighting module (18) which is associated with the heating layer (12) and adapted for lighting the heating layer
Implementation Method 3
a translucent cover layer (10) having a front surface and a back surface
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a part of a vehicle, which includes a translucent cover layer having a front surface and a back surface; a heating layer comprising a translucent and opaque heating element extending in a plane of the heating layer, the heating layer located on the back surface side of the cover layer; and a lighting module associated with the heating layer and adapted for lighting the heating layer so that at least part of the heating layer is visible at the front surface side of the cover layer.