Vehicle Interior Trim Panel With Integrated Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior components lack an effective means to provide illumination while maintaining a visually appealing and functional surface, particularly in decorative and instrumentation regions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a base, a decorative layer with strategically placed holes, and a light guide that aligns with the decorative layer to transmit light from a source, creating a composite visual effect that enhances both the decorative and informational displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a decorative layer is used to provide visual appeal, then aesthetics are improved, but the ability to provide effective illumination is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The component is divided into distinct functional layers: a decorative layer for aesthetics, a light guide layer for illumination, and a base for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the decorative layer. It receives light from the base and transmits it through the decorative layer, enabling illumination without directly compromising the decorative surface integrity.
2Illumination intensity
If holes are added to the decorative layer for light transmission, then illumination capability is improved, but the visual appearance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative layer features selectively positioned holes or apertures at specific locations where illumination is needed, rather than being uniformly perforated. This allows light transmission in critical areas while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the overall decorative surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The component uses a composite structure combining the decorative layer with the light guide layer and base. This composite construction allows the decorative layer to maintain its visual appeal while the integrated light guide system provides effective illumination through strategically designed openings.
3Illumination intensity
If the decorative layer thickness is increased for better visual effect, then aesthetics are improved, but light transmission is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing light transmission by thinning the decorative layer, the solution adds a dedicated light guide layer in a separate dimension. This light guide layer actively directs and channels light through the existing decorative structure, enabling effective illumination without compromising the decorative layer's thickness or aesthetic properties.
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 enables a seamless transition between unilluminated and illuminated states, providing a visually appealing surface that clearly indicates vehicle controls and systems, enhancing user interaction and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide coupled to the decorative layer. The light guide may comprise a first portion configured to fill the at least one hole in the decorative layer... guide light from a light source to the first portion of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate and light guide and surface/cover with holes/pattern of apertures configured for illumination (by a light source/module) to provide an interface/display (with decorative and/or instrumentation region). The light guide may comprise a resin material formed as the set of projections in the pattern of apertures. The cover may comprise a decorative layer with backing configured to provide a visual/surface effect (e.g. natural material, wood veneer, etc.); the display may present a visual/decorative effect when illuminated at the pattern of apertures/light guide. The interface/display at the surface (by illuminated light guide/pattern of holes) may present indicia for a vehicle system and/or decorative effect. The component may comprise a trim/trim panel, instrument panel/dashboard, door panel/armrest, console, overhead trim/headliner, pillar/structure, seat, etc.