Vehicle Interior Molded Part Backlighting with Structured Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded parts for vehicle interiors face challenges in achieving precise backlighting of symbols or recesses, especially in poor lighting conditions, due to issues with scattered light affecting the visibility and appearance of large or large-area designs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a molded part with a capacitive sensor and a structured light-transmitting recess design, where the sensor reacts to operator movement, and a transparent or translucent protective layer is applied to minimize scattered light, with a diffuser option between the carrier and plastic film for targeted illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a plastic film with opaque printed layer and recesses is used for backlighting, then symbols or recesses can be illuminated, but scattered light causes other symbols to be unintentionally illuminated and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier with windows is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the plastic film. The carrier selectively transmits light only through specific windows aligned with desired recesses, while blocking light in other areas. This mediator structure prevents scattered light from reaching unintended symbols, solving the problem of unwanted illumination while maintaining effective backlighting of target symbols.
2Illumination intensity
If the carrier is made transparent to allow light transmission, then backlighting is achieved, but stray light illuminates areas where illumination is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with spatially varying optical properties: it has transparent windows in specific locations where light transmission is desired, and opaque or light-blocking material in other areas. This local differentiation of transparency allows precise control over where light passes through, enabling targeted illumination of specific symbols or recesses while preventing stray light in other areas.
3Manufacturing precision
If light elements are positioned close to the plastic film to reduce stray light, then targeted illumination is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier and light source are merged into a single integrated component. The light elements are embedded within or attached to the carrier structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesives, or alignment mechanisms. This integration simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of parts, and facilitates manufacturing while maintaining precise positioning of light sources relative to the plastic film.
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
This approach enables precise and targeted backlighting of specific symbols while keeping others dark, enhancing visibility and appearance under various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one functional element comprising at least one light element and/or at least one light guide
Implementation Method 2
the carrier is designed as a diffuser. Alternatively or additionally, a diffuser can be provided between the carrier and the plastic film
Implementation Method 3
the sensor element comprises at least one capacitive sensor or is at least one capacitive sensor, wherein the capacitive sensor is designed in such a way that it reacts to an approach and/or movement, in particular of the finger, of an operator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a molded part (10), in particular a decorative part and/or trim part for a vehicle interior, comprising a decorative layer formed by a plastic film (11), on the reverse side of which a carrier (12) is arranged, in particular injection-molded. The invention is characterized in that the plastic film (11) has at least one opaque printed layer (19) with at least one recess (13) for light transmission. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a molded part.