Patents by Inventor Norbert Truxa
Norbert Truxa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11453332Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Ivo Erler, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Norbert Truxa, Natalie Bogdanov, Wei Lange-Mao, Lucas Eyl
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Patent number: 11318891Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
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Patent number: 11285881Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
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Publication number: 20210347262Abstract: A trim panel for a vehicle interior to provide a user interface for an occupant is disclosed. The trim panel may comprise a composite structure comprising a light-transmissive cover, a light panel/display, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The user interface may facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so that operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprises output from illumination from the light panel through the functional layer and through the cover to an exterior surface of the cover. The positioning layer may comprise a deformable spacer. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The trim panel may comprise a sensor to detect input from the occupant at or adjacent to the cover. The composite structure may comprise a cover segment comprising a fabric and/or leather and a cover segment comprising a plastic or film.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Jesus Maria GALAN GARCIA, Norbert TRUXA, Lucas EYL, Wei Lange-MAO, Ivo ERLER
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Publication number: 20210339665Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
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Publication number: 20210323455Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
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Patent number: 11104229Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD.Inventors: Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Wei Lange-Mao, Ivo Erler
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Patent number: 11072289Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Bogdan Muresan
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Patent number: 11061475Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD.Inventors: Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Wei-Lange Mao, Ivo Erler
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Publication number: 20210107400Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Ivo Erler, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Norbert Truxa, Natalie Bogdanov, Wei Lange-Mao, Lucas Eyl
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Publication number: 20210053499Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Bogdan Muresan
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Publication number: 20200139814Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Jesus Maria GALAN GARCIA, Norbert TRUXA, Lucas EYL, Wei-Lange MAO, Ivo ERLER
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Publication number: 20190359087Abstract: A seating system for at least one occupant in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The seating system may provide a seat assembly comprising a base assembly configured to be mounted in the vehicle interior and a seat structure configured to be coupled to the base assembly and providing a seat configured for movement relative to the base assembly; movement of the seat relative to the base assembly may comprise at least two of (1) recline movement or (2) swivel movement or (3) tilt movement; recline movement may comprise generally translating movement of the seat structure; swivel movement may comprise rotational movement of the seat structure; tilt movement may comprise generally translating movement of the seat structure transverse to recline movement. The base assembly may comprise a mechanism configured to facilitate movement of the seat structure relative to the base assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2017Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Alexander Butchart
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Publication number: 20190135199Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Jesus Maria GALAN GARCIA, Norbert TRUXA, Lucas EYL, Wei-Lange MAO, Ivo ERLER
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Publication number: 20170217366Abstract: An interior component for a vehicle is disclosed. The interior component may be configured to include portions facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle that can be illuminated by a light source providing light. The interior component may comprise a panel having a first side facing the passenger compartment, and a fabric having optical fibers wrapped around an edge of the panel and along at least part of the first side. The optical fibers may be coupled to the light source and configured to transmit light through the fabric. The fabric may be configured to transmit the light by total internal reflection. The fabric may be configured illuminated portions on the first side of the panel where total internal reflection is prevented to allow the light to be emitted only at the illuminated portions. The fabric may be configured with different designs, patterns or shapes corresponding to the illuminated portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Werner Kraemer, Norbert Truxa
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Patent number: D680340Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Marc van Soolingen, Pierre Henry, Brian Gilmore, Norbert Truxa