Vehicle Interior Panel With Concealed Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack an integrated solution for providing a user interface with illumination effects, heating elements, and input/output options that enhance occupant comfort and interaction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component comprising a substrate, light guide, and light-transmissive cover that integrates a heating element and user interface, featuring a dynamic lighting effect, input devices, and a three-dimensional profile to conceal the heating element while providing a visual and surface effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a heating element is integrated into the vehicle interior component, then occupant comfort is improved, but the visibility and aesthetic appearance of the component is worsened due to the exposed heating element
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted from the visible front surface and relocated to the rear side of the light-transmissive cover, where it is concealed by the illumination effect. This separates the heating function from the aesthetic presentation, allowing the heating wires to be hidden while still providing thermal comfort to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination effect changes the visual appearance of the cover by emitting light that conceals the heating element. The dynamic lighting effect alters the perceived color and brightness of the component, making the heating wires invisible or aesthetically pleasing when illuminated.
2Shape
If a light-transmissive cover with dynamic lighting effect is used, then the aesthetic appearance and user interface are improved, but the ability to conceal the heating element is worsened without additional design features
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned in a different spatial dimension (rear side of the cover) relative to the illumination source (front side). This dimensional separation allows the light to pass through the cover and conceal the heating wires from the front viewing angle while maintaining heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissive cover acts as an intermediary between the illumination source and the heating element. The cover transmits light while simultaneously serving as a backdrop that conceals the heating wires when illuminated, mediating between the aesthetic lighting function and the hidden heating function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional layers (light guide, heating element, cover layers) are integrated, then the functionality and user interface are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (light guide, heating element, cover layers) are merged into a single integrated assembly where the light-transmissive cover serves dual purposes as both a structural component and a concealing element for the heating wires. The illumination system and heating system are combined in one component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissive cover performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a structural protective layer, a light transmission medium for illumination effects, and a concealing backdrop for the heating element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
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 enhances occupant comfort through uniform heating and provides a dynamic lighting effect that conceals heating elements, offering a user-friendly interface with input/output options and improved haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may be configured to transmit light between the substrate and the cover
Implementation Method 2
The heating element may comprise a set of heating wires
Implementation Method 3
provide uniform heating
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a panel comprising a substrate and cover with exterior surface that may be configured to present a user interface. The panel/user interface may be illuminated by light from a light source. A light guide may be configured to transmit light from a light source to the cover; the cover may be at least partially light-transmissive. The cover may comprise a profile such as a three-dimensional form/shape. The panel may produce an effect such as a surface effect, illumination effect when illuminated by light, visual effect, etc. The illumination effect may comprise a dynamic lighting effect. The panel may comprise an integrated heating element; the heating element may be formed with the profile. The light source may comprise an LED arrangement. The component may comprise a door panel, instrument panel, console, etc. The component may comprise multiple panels/user interfaces.