Woven Vehicular Interior Skin for Low-Reflection 3D Surface Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicular interior components with uneven base shapes under a skin layer can lead to poor design aesthetics and unwanted light reflection in window glass, making the components visible and detracting from the interior design.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular interior component featuring a base with projection and recessed portions, covered by a woven skin with warp threads that reflect light, reducing reflection by directing light in a way that minimizes its return to the window glass, while enhancing the design through stereoscopic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a skin layer is used to cover the base, then the base surface is smoothed and design aesthetics are improved, but the uneven shape of the base becomes invisible and light reflection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidlight reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The skin is designed with different local properties: a first region with a first texture pattern and a second region with a second texture pattern. This local differentiation allows the skin to simultaneously achieve smooth coverage while creating specific light scattering patterns that reduce unwanted reflections. The texture patterns are applied locally to different regions of the skin to address reflection issues in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses texture patterns on the skin surface that affect light interaction. The first and second texture patterns create different light scattering and reflection characteristics, effectively managing light reflection without changing the base color. The texture variations modify how light interacts with the surface, reducing harmful reflections while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a smooth skin surface is used, then light reflection is reduced, but design aesthetics and stereoscopic feeling are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight reflectionVSAvoiddesign aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The skin employs different texture patterns in different regions: a first texture pattern in a first region and a second texture pattern in a second region. This local quality differentiation allows certain areas to have light-scattering textures that reduce reflection, while other areas maintain smoother surfaces or different textures that enhance aesthetic appearance and stereoscopic feeling. Each region's texture is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The texture patterns on the skin incorporate curved and rounded elements that create visual depth and stereoscopic effects. These curved texture features scatter light in multiple directions, reducing harsh reflections while simultaneously creating aesthetic appeal through their three-dimensional appearance. The curvature in the texture design provides both functional light management and aesthetic enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively reduces the visibility of the interior component in the window glass, improves design aesthetics by creating a glossy and matte surface contrast, and provides a stereoscopic feeling, thereby enhancing the overall appearance of the vehicular interior.

Implementation Method 1

the first threads reflect light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The skin is a woven fabric that includes first threads extending in a first direction and second threads extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20230278312A1Vehicular interior component
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 TOYOTA BOSHOKU KK
  • US20230278312A1 patent drawing
  • US20230278312A1 patent drawing
  • US20230278312A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicular interior component includes a base and a skin. The base includes a body portion, and a structural portion that includes one of a projection portion that projects toward a vehicular interior side than the body portion and a recessed portion that is recessed toward a vehicular exterior side than the body portion. The skin is disposed on a vehicular interior side of the base to cover at least the structural portion. The skin is a woven fabric that includes first threads extending in a first direction and second threads extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction and the first threads reflect light.