Vehicle Interior Panel with Semi-Transparent Cover Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current decorative panels with luminous elements in vehicle interiors can distract drivers due to visible edges and plastic surfaces that lack optical and haptic quality, and may break easily, compromising safety and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A panel design featuring a semi-transparent cover layer with controlled light transmittance and a mask layer with opaque regions, combined with a decorative layer, which hides the display edges when off and provides clear information without high light intensity, using materials like glass or plastic with a transition region for aesthetic appeal and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a plastic layer is used to cover the display and decorative element, then the display is almost invisible when turned-off (aesthetic appearance), but the plastic surface has deficiencies in optical and haptic appearance and can distract the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of display when offVSAvoidoptical and haptic appearance quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a semi-transparent cover layer with specific light transmittance properties (at most 90%, preferably at most 80%, most preferably at most 60%) that changes its visual appearance based on light conditions. This layer provides aesthetic appearance when the display is off while maintaining optical quality and reducing driver distraction through controlled transparency rather than opaque plastic coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Illumination intensity

If the display is surrounded by a coloured decorative element, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the decorative element can distract the driver from his driving task

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddriver distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions: the mask layer has opaque regions surrounding the display region and a transparent display region. The semi-transparent cover layer allows the decorative element to provide aesthetic appearance while the controlled transparency ensures that the decorative element does not create excessive visual distraction for the driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If the display edges are not completely hidden, then information presentation is clear, but the edges can be perceived also in a turned-off mode of the display causing distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation clarityVSAvoiddriver distraction from visible edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a semi-transparent cover layer as an intermediary between the display and the driver's view. This layer has controlled light transmittance (at most 90%, preferably at most 80%, most preferably at most 60%) that mediates the visibility: it allows display information to be clearly presented when active while reducing the visibility of display edges when turned off, thereby reducing driver distraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Length of stationary object

If a thin cover layer is used, then aesthetics are improved, but the functional elements are more vulnerable to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover layer thicknessVSAvoidprotection against breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a semi-transparent cover layer (which can be glass, plastic, or foil) combined with a mask layer having opaque and transparent regions. This composite design allows the cover layer to be thin enough for aesthetic appearance while the layered structure provides enhanced protection and durability for the functional elements underneath.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution reduces driver distraction, enhances safety by hiding display edges, and maintains a high aesthetic quality while protecting the display from damage, using materials like glass for durability and ease of cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

The cover layer has a light transmittance of at most 90 percent, preferably a light transmittance of at most 80 percent, most preferably a light transmittance of at most 60 percent, in a direction perpendicular to the frontside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmittance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the cover layer, in particular the semi-transparent layer, absorbs and/or reflects a fraction of the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

the cover layer, in particular the semi-transparent layer, absorbs and/or reflects a fraction of the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10328871B2Panel for a vehicle interior

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 FAURECIA INNENRAUM SYSTEME GMBH

AI summary

A panel for a vehicle interior including a cover layer and a mask layer, wherein the cover layer has a frontside and a backside, and the mask layer is disposed at the backside of the cover layer. The cover layer includes a semi-transparent layer. The cover layer has a light transmittance of at most 90 percent in a direction perpendicular to the frontside, wherein the mask layer comprises a transparent display region and an opaque region, wherein the opaque region is located adjacent to the display region.