BACKLIGHTING METHOD FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE TRIM PANEL

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin (102) of an automotive trim panel (100) with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations (112). The light source (110) would preferably be a low heat generating or "cool" type source such as an LED. The light source (110) would be attached to a suitable substrate (106) or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit (108) and coupled to the vehicle electrical system (114). This method would enable full switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls.