UV-Responsive Vehicle Applique for Selective Graphic Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle decoration methods lack flexibility, as decorations are always visible, failing to accommodate varying preferences of vehicle operators and passengers who want to change or hide graphics based on context, such as sports team affiliation or family caricatures, without causing damage to the vehicle surface.
Innovation Solution
A removable applique with ultra-violet responsive material and a back face attachment agent that can be applied and removed without damage, allowing for selective decoration and animation using ultra-violet light sources controlled by the vehicle operator or passenger, enabling customizable and context-dependent display of graphics on vehicle surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional permanent decorations are applied to vehicle surfaces, then the decorations are always visible and provide continuous aesthetic value, but the vehicle operators and passengers cannot control the visibility or change the graphics based on context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing materials that respond to ultra-violet light to enable graphics to appear or disappear based on illumination conditions. The material changes its optical properties (from transparent to opaque or changing color) when exposed to UV light, allowing dynamic visibility control without mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical visibility control systems (such as movable covers or switches) with a light-responsive material system. The graphics are controlled by ultra-violet light sources rather than mechanical actuation, simplifying the device structure while achieving the desired adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If permanent adhesives are used to attach decorations to vehicle surfaces, then the decorations remain securely in place, but the decorations cannot be easily removed or repositioned without damaging the vehicle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic attachment system where the adhesive properties can be changed on demand. The attachment agent transitions between adhering and releasing states in response to UV light exposure, allowing the decoration to be securely attached when needed and easily removed when desired, without damaging the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the attachment agent through UV light exposure. The adhesive properties (such as bond strength or molecular configuration) are modified by light-induced parameter changes, enabling reversible attachment and removal without surface damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If context-specific decorations are applied to reflect different moods or occasions, then the personalization and convenience are enhanced, but the complexity of managing multiple decoration sets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal decoration system where a single applique can display multiple graphics or patterns by responding to different UV light conditions. The ultra-violet responsive material enables one decoration element to perform multiple visual functions, eliminating the need for separate decoration sets for different contexts.
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
Enables vehicle operators and passengers to control the visibility of vehicle graphics, allowing for context-specific decoration and animation, enhancing personalization and convenience without damaging the vehicle surface.
Implementation Method 1
The front face of the material includes a graphic comprising ultra-violet responsive material and the back face of the material includes an attachment agent
Implementation Method 2
the back face of the material includes an attachment agent having the ability to be applied and removed from the surface of the vehicle without causing damage to the surface of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for selectively decorating a vehicle surface are disclosed. The apparatus is a removable applique with a front face including a graphic comprising ultra-violet responsive material and a back face including an attachment agent having the ability to be applied and removed from the surface of the vehicle without causing damage. The method includes receiving the removable applique on the surface of a vehicle. The method further includes sending an instruction to illuminate an ultra-violet source to direct ultra-violet light at the graphic of the removable applique to render the graphic visible. In one embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to the activation of a switch, button, control panel or other input means of controlling the ultra-violet source. In another embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to a vehicle state.