Vehicle Decal Assembly with Diffraction Grating and Luminescent Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle decals lack enhanced visibility and aesthetic appeal, particularly in low-light conditions, and do not effectively utilize light reflection and diffraction to create a prominent appearance.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle decal assembly featuring a substrate with a diffraction grating, a luminescent structure that converts incident light into visible light, and a reflective layer to enhance visibility and aesthetic appeal, with the diffraction grating having a thickness of 250 nm to 1000 nm and the luminescent structure using long-persistence materials for sustained illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a standard decal is used on a vehicle, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the visibility and aesthetic appeal are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiddecal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decal assembly integrates multiple functional layers including a substrate, diffraction grating, luminescent structure, and reflective layer to create a composite structure that provides enhanced visibility, aesthetic appeal, and light manipulation capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The decal assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it diffracts light for aesthetic effects, luminesces for visibility in low-light conditions, and reflects light for daytime visibility, all within a single integrated component that replaces multiple separate elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If a reflective layer is added to enhance visibility, then the nighttime visibility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenighttime visibilityVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective layer is integrated with the luminescent structure and substrate in a unified assembly, combining multiple visibility-enhancing functions into a single decal unit that simplifies installation and maintenance while providing both daytime and nighttime visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 decal assembly provides enhanced visibility and a unique aesthetic appearance through diffraction and luminescence, offering both daytime reflectivity and nighttime illumination, while being cost-effective compared to standard decals and lighting systems.

Implementation Method 1

a substrate having a diffraction grating along a surface thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A luminescent structure is disposed along a surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Implementation Method 3

A reflective layer is disposed on an opposing side of the luminescent structure from the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10160405B1Vehicle decal assembly

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle decal assembly is provided herein. The decal assembly includes a substrate having a diffraction grating along a surface thereof. A luminescent structure is disposed along a surface of the substrate. A reflective layer is disposed on an opposing side of the luminescent structure from the substrate. An adhesive layer is configured to maintain the substrate on a vehicle panel.