Vehicle Trim Element with Colored Mask and Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trim elements with back-lighting lack the ability to provide varying visual effects based on lighting conditions, resulting in a uniform appearance in the absence of backlighting and inadequate visibility of patterns when backlit.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trim element comprising a multilayered panel with a colored mask and screen, where the mask and screen are of the same color, allowing patterns to be visible under backlighting while appearing uniform without it, achieved through the use of ink layers and a supporting film that transmits light, with the screen transmitting more light than the mask's solid areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trim element uses a single uniform coating or film, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visual effect is uniform and lacks variation under different lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple functional layers: a mask layer with opaque solid areas and translucent apertures forming a pattern, and a screen layer with ink formations. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to light transmission, creating variable visual effects under different lighting conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel are given different optical properties: the mask has opaque solid areas and translucent apertures, while the screen has selectively applied ink formations. This local differentiation enables the panel to display patterns under backlighting while maintaining visual uniformity in normal lighting, thus achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If the mask and screen are made of the same color material, then the uniform appearance without backlighting is achieved, but the pattern visibility under backlighting becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates translucent apertures (porous structure) that allow light to pass through, creating visible patterns under backlighting. The screen similarly uses translucent areas with ink formations rather than completely opaque material, enabling light transmission while maintaining pattern definition. This porous/translucent approach resolves the contradiction between uniform appearance and pattern visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel utilizes different optical densities rather than completely different colors: the mask and screen use substantially the same color, but the mask has opaque solid areas and translucent apertures while the screen has selective ink formations. This subtle optical variation allows the pattern to be visible under backlighting while maintaining uniform appearance in normal lighting conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If the screen transmits more light than the mask solid areas, then pattern visibility under backlighting is improved, but the uniform appearance without backlighting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical transmission parameter of different panel regions: the mask solid areas have low transmission, the mask apertures have high transmission, and the screen ink formations have intermediate transmission. By carefully controlling these transmission parameters and using substantially the same color for mask and screen, the panel achieves both pattern visibility under backlighting and visual uniformity in normal lighting.
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 trim element that showcases patterns only when backlit, enhancing visual appeal and perceived quality by maintaining a uniform appearance in the absence of backlighting while ensuring effective light transmission for pattern visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting film transmitting light and colorless, the mask and the screen being formed on the supporting film
Implementation Method 2
the screen transmits more the light than the solid areas of the mask
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trim element has a panel that includes at least one colored mask having solid areas and at least one aperture delimiting a pattern, and a colored screen transmitting light and closing each aperture of the mask. The mask and the screen are substantially of the same color so that the pattern is visible when the panel is backlit and substantially invisible in the absence of backlighting.