Decorative Laminate with UV-Activated Alignment Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decorative laminates used in aircraft interior structural components face challenges with positional reference markings removal, misalignment issues, and difficulty in accessing non-decorative information, leading to increased manufacturing time and costs, as well as limited options for multiple interior designs or branding features.

Innovation Solution

A decorative laminate system incorporating a first and second laminate layer with a decorative layer containing visible and non-visible light-activated materials, which change visibility when exposed to UV or IR light, allowing for alignment assistance and integration of non-decorative information, and enabling multiple design visibility options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If positional reference markings are removed from the decorative laminate to avoid marring the decorative surface, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the ability to inspect alignment and positioning is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic quality of decorative surfaceVSAvoidalignment inspection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the markings into two functional segments: visible alignment markings for manufacturing inspection and invisible branding features for aesthetic purposes. The visible alignment markings remain on the decorative laminate to enable inspection, while the branding features are applied as invisible markings that do not interfere with the decorative surface appearance during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (invisible branding features detectable under specific lighting conditions) that allows both aesthetic quality and inspection capability to coexist. These features act as a mediator between the conflicting requirements of visual appeal and manufacturing verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If non-decorative information is placed on the back surface of the composite panel to avoid visibility, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and repair is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic quality of visible surfaceVSAvoidaccessibility of information for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses invisible branding features as an intermediary that provides information accessibility without compromising aesthetics. These features can be activated by specific lighting conditions (such as UV light) to reveal non-decorative information like part numbers and repair instructions on the visible surface, eliminating the need to disassemble panels for information access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interior designs or branding features are incorporated into the same space, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of the decorative laminate system is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibility and branding optionsVSAvoidcomplexity of laminate system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by making the branding features invisible under normal lighting conditions and visible only under specific lighting conditions (such as UV light). This allows the same decorative laminate to serve multiple purposes: aesthetic decoration during normal operation and information display or branding revelation when illuminated with specific light sources, thereby providing design flexibility without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system improves manufacturing efficiency by maintaining alignment markers and reducing scrap rates, simplifies maintenance by providing accessible non-decorative information, and enhances interior design flexibility with visible branding features under specific lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more non-visible light activated materials that change from a non-visible state to a visible state when exposed to a light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight activation: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9718302B2Decorative laminate with non-visible light activated material and system and method for using the same

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

There is provided a decorative laminate having a first laminate layer, a second laminate layer, and a decorative layer disposed selectively between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer. The decorative layer includes one or more visible materials, and one or more non-visible light activated materials that change from a non-visible state to a visible state when exposed to a light source. The light source includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source or an infrared (IR) light source. The decorative laminate further has a resin layer disposed on the second laminate layer. The first laminate layer, the decorative layer, the second laminate layer, and the resin layer are laminated together to form the decorative laminate configured for application to a structural component.