Motor Vehicle Trim with Light Passages for Sharp Backlit Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating backlighted interior trim parts in vehicles using translucent materials result in faint, imprecise, and blurred light effects due to diffraction and interference, making it difficult to display recognizable signs, pictograms, or texts, and failing to adequately highlight the natural material's visual aspect or allow customization.
Innovation Solution
A composite covering layer comprising an optical quality film support layer and a thin translucent layer of natural organic or mineral material, with light passages in the substrate that redirect light to the translucent layer, ensuring sharp and precise image contours, and optionally integrating a light source and customizable coloring for enhanced brightness and visual appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If backlighting is used through multiple translucent layers to create luminous images, then light transmission is achieved, but diffraction and interference effects cause blurred edges and faint visual effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light transmission path into distinct functional segments: a first translucent layer for light transmission, a second opaque layer with precisely defined light passages for image formation, and a third translucent layer for additional light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the opaque layer's precise light passages preventing diffraction and interference while maintaining sharp image edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The opaque layer with precisely defined light passages acts as an intermediary element between the light sources and the final image display. This intermediary structure controls and directs light transmission, eliminating the diffraction and interference problems that occur when light passes through multiple translucent layers without precise geometric control.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple translucent layers are used for backlighting, then light transmission is enabled, but the natural material's visual aspect is degraded or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different layers: the first and third layers are translucent to enable light transmission, while the second layer is opaque with precisely defined light passages to control light direction and maintain image sharpness. This local differentiation of material properties allows the natural material's visual aspect to be preserved while achieving effective backlighting.
3Illumination intensity
If light passes through multiple layers of transparent or translucent materials, then backlighting is achieved, but the edges and limits show interference and diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light control function from the translucent layers and concentrates it in the opaque layer's precisely defined light passages. By removing the diffraction and interference problems associated with multiple translucent layers and replacing them with a single opaque layer having precise geometric control, the edge definition is significantly improved.
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 achieves clear, well-defined luminous images with high contrast and precision, effectively highlighting the natural material while allowing customization of the lighting effects, ensuring the 'secret until lit' effect and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the support layer consists of an optical quality film... the material of the substrate is capable of blocking the diffusion and transmission of light
Implementation Method 2
the material of the substrate is capable of blocking the diffusion and transmission of light
Implementation Method 3
a thin translucent layer of natural organic or mineral material... allowing light transmission through said composite layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a part (1) of interior trim of a motor vehicle, comprising a rigid substrate (2) forming the body of said part (1) and a composite covering layer (3) covering said substrate (2) to form at least the apparent face of said part (1), said composite layer (3) comprising at least a support layer (4) and a thin translucent layer (5) of natural organic or mineral material, assembled or laminated with the support layer (4), the composite layer (3) allowing light transmission through it for the production of luminous images (8) by backlighting, apparent on the surface.A trim piece (1) characterized in that the support layer (4) consists of an optical quality film, in that the substrate material (2) is capable of blocking the diffusion and transmission of light, and in that said substrate (2) has through openings forming light passages (10), which open onto the support layer (4) and whose sections define the shapes of the constituent elements of the luminous image (8).