Vehicle Interior Trim Skin With Textured Hidden Switch Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating operating elements in vehicle interior trim parts, such as buttons and switches, face challenges in providing clear visual indication of their location without distorting the visual appearance of the skin, especially in daylight when the light source is not activated.
Innovation Solution
The skin features a visible surface with distinct surface textures and relief elements that indicate the location of operating elements, allowing for clear visual and tactile identification without altering the shape or form of the skin, achieved through moulding the outer elastomeric layer against textured mould surfaces and embedding operating elements between layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If operating elements are hidden in the skin to maintain visual appearance, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the visibility and detectability of operating element locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface textures to different areas of the skin: a first surface texture in the first area (operating element location) and a second surface texture in the second area (surrounding area). This local differentiation allows the operating element location to be visually detectable while maintaining the overall aesthetic quality of the skin. The textured indicator area provides tactile and visual cues without requiring the operating element to be visible or protruding.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If indicia are sprayed on the skin surface to indicate operating element locations, then the visibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and additional processing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indication function with the skin structure itself by integrating the textured first area directly into the skin during the molding process. Instead of adding separate indicia layers or spray coatings, the textured indicator area is formed as an integral part of the skin, merging the aesthetic cover with the functional indication in a single manufacturing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured first area is formed during the initial skin molding process before any additional processing. By pre-integrating the indication function into the skin structure during molding, the patent eliminates the need for subsequent spraying, painting, or labeling steps to indicate operating element locations.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the skin layer is shaped to form elevated portions or depressions to indicate switch locations, then the visibility is improved, but the design freedom and visual appearance are considerably disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than shaping the entire skin layer with elevated portions or depressions, the patent applies a localized surface texture change only in the first area where the operating element is located. This local texturing provides clear visual and tactile indication while preserving the overall smooth appearance and design freedom of the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface texture parameter (roughness, pattern, or finish) in the first area rather than changing the macroscopic shape of the skin layer. This parameter change at the surface level provides indication functionality while maintaining the original design and form of the skin.
Data Source
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AI summary
The skin (1) comprises at least an outer elastomeric layer (5) with an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one operating element (8A) which is adhered to the inner surface of the outer skin layer (5). The operating element (8A) is intended to be connected to an electric or electronic component to enable to control the operation of this component. In order to indicate the location of the operating element (8A) in the skin (1) with a minimal distortion of the visual appearance of the skin, the operating surface (9) of the operating element (8A) extends in a first area (11) of the visible surface of said skin (1), which first area (11) has a first surface texture which is different from the surface texture of the surrounding area (12) of the visible surface of the skin. Both textures may in particular produce a different gloss and the first area (11) may further be provided with surface relief elements (16, 17).