Vehicle Trim Lighting Carrier for Uniform Haptics and Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trim parts with lighting functions often create an inhomogeneous tactile impression due to through holes behind the cover layer.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trim part design comprising a carrier with both through holes and recesses, where the carrier is partially reflective and the cover layer is translucent or transparent, allowing for a homogeneous haptic and aesthetic impression by backlighting the carrier to form a predetermined light pattern on the cover layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If through holes are arranged behind the cover layer to create lighting patterns, then the lighting function is achieved, but the haptic impression becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into multiple regions: through holes for light transmission, recesses for light reflection, and solid regions for structural support. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while collectively achieving homogeneous haptic impression and effective lighting pattern
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the carrier are given different local qualities: through holes provide light transmission paths, recesses provide light reflection surfaces, and solid regions provide structural stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each area contributes appropriately to both lighting and haptic properties
2Ease of operation
If the carrier includes both through holes and recesses, then homogeneous haptic impression is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier integrates multiple functions into a single component: light transmission (through holes), light reflection (recesses), and structural support (solid regions). This merging eliminates the need for separate components, achieving homogeneous haptic impression without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides the lighting pattern background, creates tactile homogeneity through its surface topology, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the added structural complexity worthwhile through its diverse benefits
3Weight of moving object
If recesses are added to the carrier, then weight is reduced and haptic homogeneity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier employs a porous-like structure with through holes and recesses that reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. This approach achieves weight reduction and haptic homogeneity through a manufacturing method that creates controlled void spaces in the material
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed with pre-planned through holes and recesses positioned according to the desired lighting pattern. This preliminary design allows the structure to be manufactured in one process step, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added geometric features
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 design provides a harmonious tactile and visual experience with a homogeneous light pattern, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and reducing weight through recesses, while maintaining structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting light system (200) for at least partially emitting light towards the cover layer (110)... The cover layer can be a translucent cover layer, i.e. it can be set up to substantially diffusely transmit light emitted by the light system (200). Alternatively, the cover layer can be transparent, i.e. it can be set up to transmit light emitted by the light system (200) in a substantially directional manner.
Implementation Method 2
The carrier (120) can be an at least partially reflective carrier... The carrier (120) can be set up to reflect light emitted by the light system (200) on its surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trim part with a lighting function can comprise an at least partially light transmitting cover layer and a light emitting light system for at least partially emitting light towards the cover layer. A carrier can be arranged between the light emitting light system and the cover layer. The carrier can comprise a plurality of recesses and a plurality of through holes, each being arranged on a surface of the carrier facing the cover layer and open towards the cover layer, and wherein the plurality of recesses are closed towards the light emitting light system and the plurality of through holes being open towards the light emitting light system.