Vehicle Interior Panel With Localized Thinning And Illuminated Patterns

Solution Overview

Problem

Thinning interior vehicle panels to accommodate electronic devices can lead to warping, bubbling, or discoloration of the exterior surface, compromising aesthetics and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An interior panel design featuring a locally reduced wall stock on the back surface, covered by an adhesive layer and a light source, which generates illuminated patterns on the exterior surface without affecting the exterior appearance and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the interior panel is thinned to accommodate electronic devices, then sufficient space for devices is provided, but the exterior surface layer becomes compromised (warping, bubbling, discoloration)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for electronic devicesVSAvoidstructural integrity of panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into two distinct layers: a thinned back side layer that accommodates electronic devices and an intact front surface layer that maintains aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel exhibits different thickness characteristics at different locations: the back side is locally thinned to provide device accommodation space, while the front surface maintains its original thickness and quality to preserve aesthetic appearance and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the interior panel is thinned to accommodate electronic devices, then sufficient space for devices is provided, but the exterior surface becomes aesthetically compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for electronic devicesVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of exterior surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into two distinct layers: a thinned back side layer that accommodates electronic devices and an intact front surface layer that maintains aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel exhibits different thickness characteristics at different locations: the back side is locally thinned to provide device accommodation space, while the front surface maintains its original thickness and quality to preserve aesthetic appearance and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If the interior panel is thinned to accommodate electronic devices, then sufficient space for devices is provided, but functional issues arise with the panel and devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for electronic devicesVSAvoidfunctioning of panel and devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into two distinct layers: a thinned back side layer that accommodates electronic devices and an intact front surface layer that maintains aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 prevents warping and discoloration while enabling the display of illuminated patterns, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional integrity of the panel.

Implementation Method 1

When the light source generates the light, the light passes through the adhesive layer and the pattern to produce an illuminated pattern on the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11649032B2Interior panel for an interior of a vehicle and a method for making the same

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Interior panels for an interior of a vehicle, vehicles, and methods for making interior panels for an interior of a vehicle are provided. In one example, the interior panel includes an outer covering having a first surface exposed to the interior and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. The second surface has a pattern formed therein that is covered by the first surface. A board assembly is disposed proximate the second surface and has a third surface facing towards the second surface. The board assembly includes a light source that is generally aligned with the pattern. An adhesive layer is disposed between the second surface and the third surface and couples the second surface and the third surface together. When the light source generates light, the light passes through the adhesive layer and the pattern to produce an illuminated pattern on the first surface.