The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 13, 2021
Filed:
Dec. 28, 2018
Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd., Novi, MI (US);
Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Dusseldorf, DE;
Norbert Truxa, Dusseldorf, DE;
Lucas Eyl, Wuppertal, DE;
Wei-Lange Mao, Hagan, DE;
Ivo Erler, Dusseldorf, DE;
SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD., Plymouth, MI (US);
Abstract
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.