Vehicle Covering Element With Integrated Translucent Side Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting fixtures lack optimal lateral illumination, are inflexible for individual design specifications, and are costly due to limited space and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A covering device comprising a form element and a covering element, with integrated lighting devices, allowing light transmission through translucent regions, adjustable translucency, and flexible design for various vehicle models, using injection molding and thin-film technology for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lighting fixtures are used for lateral illumination, then good safety is achieved, but there is not enough space available and they are not flexible for individual design specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is divided into separate functional elements: a form element providing structural support and light transmission, a covering element for aesthetic purposes, and integrated lighting devices. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both safety performance and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral illumination for safety, acts as a decorative covering element, and can be adapted to different vehicle models. The form element functions as both a structural component and a light-transmitting medium, while the covering element provides both aesthetic coverage and light transmission when designed with translucent properties.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting fixtures are used, then adequate illumination is provided, but they are expensive to use in a large number of different models
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is designed as a universal component that can be applied across multiple vehicle models. The form element and covering element can be produced using standardized injection molding processes, and the lighting devices can be integrated into the same structure, reducing per-unit costs when producing large quantities for different models.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the covering function and lighting function into a single integrated device. By combining the form element, covering element, and lighting devices into one assembly, the total number of components is reduced, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs compared to separate conventional lighting fixtures.
3Illumination intensity
If the form element is made translucent for light transmission, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but the protective covering function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The covering element is designed with local quality variations: it can be translucent in regions where light transmission is needed and opaque in regions where protective coverage is prioritized. This allows different portions of the same component to serve different functions, maintaining both illumination effectiveness and protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element may utilize composite material structures that combine translucent and opaque properties within the same component. This allows the device to simultaneously achieve light transmission for illumination and provide protective coverage in other areas, resolving the contradiction between transparency and protection.
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
Provides enhanced vehicle illumination and safety with design freedom, cost-effective production, and adaptable lighting features, including display and projection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lighting devices, the lighting device being at least connected to the inside of the form element... at least part of the light emitted by the lighting device being able to pass through the form element and the covering element
Implementation Method 2
the form element being translucent at least in the first region and the covering element being translucent at least in the first region or having a passage opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a covering device (3) for arrangement on at least one outer or one inner region of a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one form element (5) which is produced and/or can be produced by means of injection moulding and has an inner side (5i) oriented towards the motor vehicle and an outer side (5a) oriented away from the motor vehicle (1), one or more lighting devices (21, 24, 27) for emitting light and at least one covering element (7) which, for covering the form element (5) at least in regions, is arranged at least in regions on the outer side (5a) of the form element (5), at least part of the light emitted by the lighting device (21, 24, 27) being able to pass through the form element (5) and/or the covering element (7) in at least one first region (13) of the covering device (3), the form element (5) and the covering element (7) being at least translucent at least in the first region (13).