Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.

Norbert Truxa

Jesus Maria Galan Garcia

Lucas Eyl

Ivo Erler

Wei Lange-Mao

Natalie Bogdanov

Bogdan Muresan

Rick A Anderson

Thomas Scott Hodgson

Chris J Harmelink

Jonathan Alan Dykstra

Brandon Miller

Brian Scott DeBlaay

Wei-Lange Mao

A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for interaction with a vehicle system is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate, cover and functional layer. The user interface may comprise a light source/display and an input device comprising a switch and/or control element. The switch may project through a hole in the cover. The functional layer may comprise a soft layer, foam, fleece, fabric, textile, spacer, etc.; the functional layer may comprise a light-transmissive material. The light source/display may provide illumination through a light-transmissive section of the substrate, the functional layer and/or the cover. Illumination may indicate location of the input device. The light-transmissive section of the substrate may comprise illuminated display elements for the light display. Operation of the user interface may comprise an animation effect from illumination of display elements in a sequence.

Vehicle interior component

A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.

A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an outer surface and a support comprising an outer surface and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The component may comprise a light source to provide a lighted border around the support and/or illuminate walls of the cavity. The outer surface of the support and the outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The support may rotate and translate as it descends. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to move the support. The component may comprise a pump and a valve. The component may comprise at least one of a console, floor console, tunnel console, armrest, instrument panel, door or door panel.

A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a cover to facilitate transmission of light (e.g. light-transmissive material), a sensor to detect input at or adjacent to the cover, a light panel/display to provide illumination through the cover, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The display may provide illumination through the cover. The user interface may be configured for input at the cover detected by the sensor and/or output from the display presented at least partially through the cover. The composite structure may comprise a substrate and/or may be configured in a contoured shape. The functional layer may comprise a diffuser. The positioning layer may comprise a foam material and/or a spacer fabric. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed.

A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base and a support. The component may comprise an actuator to operate a mechanism to move the support between raised and lowered positions. The mechanism may comprise a bladder. The support and the base may provide a cavity when the support is lowered. The support may protrude from the base when the support is raised. The support may be configured for a tilted state. The bladder may expand and/or contract to move the support. The bladder may comprise a first and second air bladder. An outer surface of the support and an outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised or lowered position. The component may comprise at least one of a console; a floor console; a tunnel console; an armrest; an instrument panel; a door; a door panel.

A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user interface providing a cover with an exterior surface, a sensor, a display, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The cover may comprise a layer configured to facilitate the transmission of light (e.g. light-transmissive material). The sensor may be configured to detect input from a vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. The display may be configured to provide illumination through the cover. The user interface may be configured for input at the cover detected by the sensor and/or output from the display presented at least partially through the cover. The composite structure may comprise a substrate and/or may be configured in a contoured shape. The functional layer may comprise a diffuser. The positioning layer may comprise a foam material and/or a spacer fabric. The cover may comprise an at least partially translucent cover; illumination from the display at the exterior surface of the composite structure may comprise visible light transmitted through the functional layer and through the at least partially translucent cover. The composite structure may be coupled to at least one of a trim component, a panel, a door panel, an instrument panel, a surface, a console, a base, etc. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed. The user interface may be coupled to a control system.

Growing community of inventors

Neuss, Germany

Norbert Truxa