Motor Vehicle Interface Module Thickness Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing methods for human-machine interface modules in motor vehicles result in thick and costly products due to the stacking of multiple layers, including a transparent sheet and a frame with a cut-out opaque film, which increases production costs and thickness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving screen-printing opaque ink onto a film to delimit frames or symbols, bonding it with a transparent panel using adhesive and ultraviolet-hardening varnish, and laminating it to eliminate the need for a supplementary framing film, thereby reducing thickness and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a supplementary film is used to delimit the frame in which the display member is visible, then the display member is protected and delimitation is achieved, but the module thickness increases and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of display memberVSAvoidmodule thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the frame delimitation function and the protective function into a single existing film structure, eliminating the need for a separate supplementary film. The screen-printed opaque ink is applied directly onto the existing film that serves as a polarizing filter or protective layer, merging multiple functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing film in the display module is made to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a polarizing filter, a protective layer, and a substrate for the frame delimitation through screen-printed opaque ink. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated supplementary films for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a supplementary film is used to delimit the frame in which the display member is visible, then the display member is protected and delimitation is achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of display memberVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the frame delimitation function and the protective function into a single existing film structure, eliminating the need for a separate supplementary film. The screen-printed opaque ink is applied directly onto the existing film that serves as a polarizing filter or protective layer, merging multiple functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing film in the display module is made to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a polarizing filter, a protective layer, and a substrate for the frame delimitation through screen-printed opaque ink. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated supplementary films for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple layers are stacked to protect the interface module, then protection is achieved, but the module thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of interface moduleVSAvoidmodule thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the frame delimitation function and the protective function into a single existing film structure, eliminating the need for a separate supplementary film. The screen-printed opaque ink is applied directly onto the existing film that serves as a polarizing filter or protective layer, merging multiple functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing film in the display module is made to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a polarizing filter, a protective layer, and a substrate for the frame delimitation through screen-printed opaque ink. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated supplementary films for each function.

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 method results in a thinner, less costly interface module with improved appearance by eliminating sink marks and reflections, achieved through the use of screen-printed ink layers and a filling layer of ultraviolet-hardening varnish.

Implementation Method 1

adhesive is deposited between the film, on the same side as the screen-printed ink, and a transparent panel of the interface module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The filling layer is made in the form of an ultraviolet-hardening varnish, and the varnish is hardened before the bonding and lamination of the film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9649937B2Control and display module for a motor vehicle, and manufacture method

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an interface module (1), the interface module (1) including a display member (7) that is to be visible through a transparent slab (S), characterized in that it comprises the steps of: silk-screening an opaque ink (9) onto certain areas of a film (3) so as to define frames or symbols; depositing adhesive (C) between the film (3) on the silk-screened ink (9) side, and the transparent slab (S) of the interface module (1); and adhering, and laminating the film (3) onto the transparent slab (S) of the interface module (1). The invention also relates to the associated interface module produced according to said method.