Vehicle Interior Projection Surface for Concealed Functional Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle interior display technologies fail to provide intuitive and inconspicuous integration of functional elements and information, often overwhelming passengers with complex and costly structures that do not effectively convey dynamic illumination scenarios or animations.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a projection surface and control unit that projects dynamic images, graphics, or animations onto a 3D-shaped paneling element within the vehicle, allowing for the concealment of functional elements while providing intuitive information display and natural illumination simulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional elements are concealed behind decorative parts with backlighting, then the technology becomes invisible and integration is improved, but the structure becomes complex and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of functional elementsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the illumination function from traditional backlighting systems and separates it into an independent projection device. This allows the decorative surface to remain simple while the projection device provides dynamic illumination and information display, eliminating the need for complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device serves multiple functions: it illuminates the decorative surface, displays information, shows animations, and highlights functional elements. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operating interfaces and displays are concealed, then the design becomes cleaner and more intuitive, but it becomes difficult to recognize where functions are operable and their status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign cleanlinessVSAvoidvisibility of functional status

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device applies different illumination characteristics to different regions of the decorative surface. Functional elements receive specific projection patterns or illumination that distinguishes them from other areas, allowing users to locate and identify operable elements without compromising the overall clean design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device uses color variations and brightness changes to convey functional status information. Different colors or intensity levels indicate different states of functional elements, enabling information communication while maintaining the concealed design aesthetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of manufacture

If static illumination or dimming is used for interior lighting, then the implementation is simple, but dynamic illumination scenarios and animations cannot be displayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination system simplicityVSAvoiddisplay capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical illumination control (switches, dimmers) with a projection-based system. The projection device uses optical methods to create dynamic illumination scenarios and animations, providing enhanced functionality while maintaining relatively simple implementation through software-controlled projection patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables flexible and intuitive display of complex visualizations and system statuses, enhancing passenger experience with natural lighting simulations and shadow effects, while maintaining a clean and intuitive vehicle interior design.

Implementation Method 1

a projection device (36) and a control unit (37). The projection device (36) is designed to project images, graphics or symbols, or animations on the projection surface (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

The projection surface (10) has a three-dimensional shape or component geometry... Upon the projection of a corresponding image on the second subsection (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11667198B2Composite of dynamic light projections and surface structures in the vehicle interior

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A device includes a control unit and a projection surface. The projection surface has at least one first subsection, which is associated with at least one of the functional elements and which covers the at least one functional element toward the interior of the vehicle, so that the at least one functional element is not visible. The control unit and the projection device project an image, a graphic, or an animation according to an item of information associated with the at least one functional element on the at least one first subsection. The projection surface also has at least one second subsection, which surrounds the at least one first subsection. The control unit and the projection device project an image, a graphic, or an animation according to an illumination scenario and/or according to items of information to be displayed on the at least one second subsection.