Vehicle Trim Panel Backlighting via Embedded Light Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trim parts for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving efficient backlighting without compromising lighting efficiency, as the interposition of a transparent stabilizing layer between the light source and decorative film leads to imprecise or 'washed out' light effects and increased assembly complexity due to the need for additional light sources and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A trim part design where a light unit with a light source is embedded between a decorative film and an opaque stabilizing layer, ensuring light-tight encapsulation, with the opaque layer covering the power supply interface and control layer, allowing for simplified assembly and adjustable lighting via capacitive proximity sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a transparent stabilizing layer is interposed between the light source and decorative film, then the decorative film is stabilized and protected, but the lighting efficiency deteriorates and light effects appear imprecise or washed out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent stabilizing layer from between the light source and decorative film. Instead, the stabilizing layer is positioned on the opposite side of the decorative film, away from the light source. This extraction eliminates the light-blocking effect while preserving the stabilizing function through the reflective backing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the stabilizing layer not in front of the decorative film (between light source and film), but behind it (on the opposite side from the light source). This inversion allows light to directly illuminate the decorative film without passing through the stabilizing layer, while the stabilizing layer still provides structural support and reflects light back through the film.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional light sources and sealing components are added to achieve backlighting, then the trim part can be backlit, but the assembly complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilizing layer with the light-tight enclosure function. The stabilizing layer is positioned to simultaneously provide structural stabilization and act as the light-tight barrier, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. The reflective backing serves dual purposes of light reflection and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing layer is designed to perform multiple functions: structural stabilization of the decorative film, light-tight sealing, and light reflection. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, as one element (the stabilizing layer) replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If the stabilizing layer is made translucent to allow backlighting, then the decorative film can be illuminated from behind, but the lighting efficiency deteriorates and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach by making the stabilizing layer opaque rather than translucent, and positioning it behind the decorative film. Light illumination is achieved by reflecting light off the opaque stabilizing layer through the decorative film, rather than light passing through the stabilizing layer. This inversion maintains lighting efficiency while preserving the stabilizing function.
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 design eliminates the need for additional optical sealing components, enhances lighting efficiency with precise and homogeneous light emission, and simplifies assembly by integrating power and control elements within the opaque layer, while allowing for adjustable lighting through gestures.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive proximity sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trim panel (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the trim panel (1) has a visible upper side (2) formed in the installed state by a decorative film (4) which is light-permeable at least in regions, on which upper side at least one region is formed which can be illuminated by the light of at least one light source and is perceptible at least when the light source is switched on. According to the invention, it is now proposed that a light unit (5) having the at least one light source is arranged on a lower side of the decorative film (4) opposite the upper side (2) and is covered in a layer sequence by a first opaque layer (6) which stabilizes the trim panel (1). This makes it possible to reduce the diversity of the components and the outlay on installation.