Interior Trim Lighting via Optical Lightguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior trim parts for motor vehicles face challenges in integrating a lighting system cost-effectively, particularly in moveable regions like flaps or lids, which can impede airbag unfolding and require additional cable lengths, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a first component attached to a non-moveable region and a second component acting as a lightguide on the moveable region, interacting without a cable connection, allowing the light signal to be input into the lightguide, which is secured in a sleeve attached to the moveable region, ensuring the lighting system does not obstruct the airbag's unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting system is integrated into a moveable interior trim part, then the lighting functionality is achieved, but additional cable lengths are required which increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical signal transmission system. The first component generates a light signal that is transmitted through a lightguide (second component) to the moveable region, eliminating the need for electrical cables in the moveable trim part. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining lighting functionality while removing the cable length complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into two separate components: a first component attached to the nonmoveable region that generates light signals, and a second component (lightguide) attached to the moveable region that transmits these signals. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without requiring complex cable routing through moveable parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting system is integrated into a moveable interior trim part, then the lighting functionality is achieved, but the airbag unfolding may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into two parts: the first component remains in the nonmoveable region and does not interfere with airbag deployment, while only the passive lightguide (second component) is placed in the moveable region. This segmentation ensures that active electrical components are kept away from the airbag path, eliminating deployment obstructions while maintaining lighting functionality in the moveable trim part.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightguide acts as an intermediary that transmits light signals from the nonmoveable region to the moveable region without requiring electrical cables or active components in the moveable part. This intermediary approach allows lighting functionality to be achieved in the moveable trim part while keeping the airbag deployment path clear of obstructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting system is integrated into a moveable interior trim part, then the lighting functionality is achieved, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive cable-based electrical connection system with a simpler optical signal transmission system using a lightguide. This substitution eliminates the need for additional cables, connectors, and associated installation complexity in the moveable region, thereby achieving lighting functionality while reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightguide serves as a simple intermediary component that transmits optical signals without requiring complex electrical infrastructure. This approach achieves lighting functionality in the moveable trim part using a cost-effective solution that avoids the expenses associated with cable routing, connectors, and electrical installation in moveable regions.
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 enables a cost-effective integration of lighting into interior trim parts without the need for cable connections, ensuring the lighting system does not interfere with airbag deployment and maintains functionality during vehicle impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the first component generates a light signal that is input into the second component. A cable connection is not required for this connection between the first and second components
Data Source
AI summary
An interior trim part for a bodywork component has a lighting system with a first component that generates a light signal and a second component that outputs the light signal toward the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The bodywork component has a moveable region (200) that can be moved with respect to a non-moveable region (300), from a stationary normal position into an open position displaced with respect to the non-moveable region (300). The first component of the light system generates, in the normal position of the moveable region (200), a light signal that is input into the second component which passes on the light signal in the manner of a lightguide.