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DE-102024138521-A1 - DECORATIVE ELEMENT FOR THE INTERIOR OF A VEHICLE AND A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IT

DE102024138521A1DE 102024138521 A1DE102024138521 A1DE 102024138521A1DE-102024138521-A1

Abstract

A decorative element (100) for the interior of a vehicle, as well as a system (200) and a method (300) for it, are disclosed. The decorative element comprises a plate (110) provided with a decorative graphic (112) having a predefined profile. The predefined profile is formed based on a design intended to be illuminated in the interior of the vehicle. The plate is also provided with one or more slots (114) facing away from the vehicle interior. The decorative element further comprises at least one flexible light guide (120) integrated into the one or more slots. The at least one flexible light guide is configured to channel light through the decorative graphic. The decorative element of the present invention enables the illumination of a complex decorative graphic.

Inventors

  • Basavaraj Vaddatti

Assignees

  • Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241218
Priority Date
20241108

Claims (10)

  1. Decorative element (100) for the interior of a vehicle, the decorative element (100) comprising: a panel (110) featuring: a decorative graphic (112) with a predefined profile, the predefined profile being formed based on a design intended to be illuminated in the interior of the vehicle; and one or more slots (114) arranged on the panel (110) facing away from the interior of the vehicle; and at least one flexible light guide (120) integrated into the one or more slots (114), the at least one flexible light guide (120) being configured to channel light through the decorative graphic (112).
  2. Decorative element (100) according to Claim 1 includes a transparent element (130) that is flush with the decorative graphic (112).
  3. Decorative element (100) according to Claim 1 , comprising an opaque layer (140) provided on a back side of the plate (110) to cover the flexible light guide (120).
  4. Decorative element (100) according to Claim 1 , where the plate (110) is a wood veneer.
  5. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (110) is part of one of the door panels (250), the dashboard or the center console of the vehicle.
  6. Decorative element (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein the predefined profile comprises at least a wave-shaped profile or a curved profile or a combination of the wave-shaped profile and the curved profile.
  7. System (200) for illuminating the interior of a vehicle, the system (200) comprising: a decorative element (100) consisting of: a panel (110) featuring: a decorative graphic (112) with a predefined profile, the predefined profile being formed based on a design intended to be illuminated in the interior of the vehicle; and one or more slots (114) arranged on the panel (110) facing away from the interior of the vehicle; at least one flexible light guide (120) integrated into the one or more slots (114), the at least one flexible light guide (120) configured to channel light through the decorative graphic (112); and at least one light source (250) provided at a free end of the at least one flexible light guide (120) to illuminate the interior of the vehicle.
  8. Method (300) for manufacturing a decorative element (100) for the interior of a vehicle, the method (300) comprising: Defining (301) a decorative graphic (112) of a predefined profile on a plate (110), wherein the predefined profile is formed based on a design intended to be illuminated in the interior of the vehicle; Defining (302) one or more slots (114) on the plate (110) facing away from the interior of the vehicle; and Integrating (303) at least one flexible light guide (120) into the one or more slots (114), wherein the at least one flexible light guide (120) is configured to channel light through the decorative graphic (112).
  9. Procedure (300) according to Claim 8 , in which a transparent element (130) is injected onto the plate (110) so that it is flush with the decorative graphic (112).
  10. Procedure (300) according to Claim 8 , comprising the injection of an opaque layer (140) onto the back of the plate (110) to cover the at least one flexible light guide (120).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA The present invention relates generally to the field of automobiles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a decorative element for the interior of a vehicle and a system and method for this. BACKGROUND In modern vehicle interiors, decorative elements play a vital role in enhancing both aesthetics and comfort. One of the most common features is ambient lighting, often integrated into the dashboard, door panels, and footwells, creating a calming atmosphere, especially during nighttime driving. High-quality materials such as wood, brushed metal, and carbon fiber trim are frequently used to highlight key areas like the center console, steering wheel, and door handles. These materials not only add a touch of luxury but also provide a pleasant tactile experience. Intricate stitching on the seats and leather-covered surfaces also contribute to a sophisticated interior ambiance. The use of digital displays with customizable themes and sleek controls conveys a futuristic feel. Even small details like air vents, illuminated logos, and chrome accents contribute to the vehicle's style, lending the interior a personal and upscale character. These decorative elements create an environment that feels both modern and inviting. In particular, light graphics have evolved into a sophisticated decorative element that enhances both visual appeal and the user experience. These light graphics are frequently integrated into various parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, and around the center console. They utilize LED technology to create light patterns and soft illumination. Ambient light strips, for example, can trace the contours of the dashboard or the lines of the doors, creating an inviting atmosphere. The interplay of these lights with other design elements, such as metal or wood trim, can enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior and lend it a luxurious ambiance. However, with conventional light graphics, a complex, curved graphic for ambient lighting in panels is not possible because the ambient light guide is not flexible and complex tools are required. US 2012032592 A1 (592) discloses a decorative element for a motor vehicle, consisting of a decorative film, at least partially transparent, applied to a flat carrier element and back-injected with two layers of plastic. The first layer of plastic acts as a light guide, enabling particularly visually appealing light coupling into the decorative element. However, the problem of the complex curved graphic and the lack of flexibility of the ambient light guide mentioned in the preceding paragraph is not addressed in 592. The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art. The information disclosed in this section concerning the background of the invention is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and is not to be understood as an acknowledgment or an indication that this information constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One or more shortcomings of conventional systems and methods are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the system and method as claimed in the present invention. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed invention. In a non-restrictive embodiment of the invention, a decorative element for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The decorative element comprises a panel provided with a decorative graphic having a predefined profile. The predefined profile is formed based on a design intended to be illuminated within the vehicle interior. The panel is further provided with one or more slots facing away from the vehicle interior. The decorative element also includes at least one flexible light guide integrated into the one or more slots. The at least one flexible light guide is configured to channel the light through the decorative graphic. In one embodiment of the invention, the decorative element comprises a transparent element that is flush with the decorative graphic. In one embodiment of the invention, the decorative element comprises an opaque layer on the back of the plate that covers the flexible light guide. In one embodiment of the invention, the panel is a wood veneer. In one embodiment of the invention, the plate is part of one of the door panels, the dashboard or the center console of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the predefined profile comprises at least a wave-shaped profile or a curved profile or a combination of the wave-shaped profile and the curved profile. In a further, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a system for illuminating the interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comp