Panel for a vehicle interior and ventilation arrangement for a motor vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle interior panels with ventilation outlets often suffer from disturbing light reflections and highlights due to the interaction of light with the slats and supporting parts, which detract from the visual appeal and value of the vehicle interior.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light absorption chamber behind the slats, which redirects and traps light rays, preventing them from reflecting back to the observer, thereby reducing the intensity of any residual light that may emerge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If slats are arranged parallel to one another on the panel, then the ventilation outlet is concealed and visual appeal is improved, but disturbing light reflections and highlights occur on the panel surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidlight reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a light absorption chamber that engages behind the slats, nesting the light-trapping structure within the panel assembly. This nested configuration allows the slats to maintain their parallel arrangement for aesthetic purposes while the hidden chamber captures and absorbs light reflections that would otherwise be visible to observers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The light absorption chamber acts as an intermediary element between the slats and the observer. It intercepts light rays that reflect off the slats and supporting part, preventing these reflections from reaching the observer's eye. The chamber serves as a mediating structure that resolves the conflict between maintaining the parallel slat arrangement for aesthetics and eliminating harmful light reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If slats extend from the supporting part in the direction of the vehicle interior, then the ventilation outlet is concealed, but light reflections are thrown back to the observer causing disturbing highlights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcealment of ventilation outletVSAvoidlight reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful light reflections into a beneficial effect by using the same light rays that cause the problem to illuminate the light absorption chamber. The chamber captures these reflected light rays and absorbs them, transforming the harmful reflections into a mechanism for light absorption that enhances the overall aesthetic by eliminating unwanted highlights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the light absorption function to another dimension by creating a chamber that extends behind the slats in the depth dimension. This three-dimensional configuration allows the panel to maintain its two-dimensional parallel slat arrangement for aesthetic purposes while adding a hidden depth dimension where light absorption occurs, effectively separating the aesthetic and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a light absorption chamber is added behind the slats, then light reflections are suppressed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflectionsVSAvoidpanel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light absorption chamber is designed to serve multiple functions: it absorbs light reflections to eliminate highlights, provides structural support for the slats, and contributes to the overall aesthetic design of the panel. By making the chamber multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving the light absorption goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light absorption function with the existing panel structure by integrating the chamber behind the slats into the overall assembly. Rather than adding a completely separate light absorption device, the chamber is combined with the supporting part and slat arrangement, creating a unified structure that performs both structural and optical functions.

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

Effectively suppresses disturbing light reflections and highlights on the panel, enhancing the visual appeal and reducing glare for the driver, while maintaining the aesthetic continuity of the ventilation outlet design.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the slats is engaged behind at least in regions on a side facing the supporting part by a light absorption chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3164298B1Panel for a vehicle interior and ventilation arrangement for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 VOLKSWAGEN AG

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a panel (1) for a vehicle interior (2), comprising a plurality of lamellas (6) fastened to a support piece (7) of the panel (1). According to the invention, at least one of the lamellas (6) is engaged from behind in at least some sections on a side (18) of a light absorption compartment (17) facing away from the support piece (7). The invention further relates to a ventilation arrangement for a motor vehicle.