WO2011143471A1

WO2011143471A1 - Surface-integrated indicators and actuators and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011143471A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/036313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregg R. Laframboise; Fran Elenbaas
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date: 2010-05-12
Filing date: 2011-05-12
Publication date: 2011-11-17
Also published as: WO2011143471A8

Abstract

A vehicle interior surface including a negative space and a positive space, the positive space exhibiting a differentiating characteristic from the negative space, the differentiating characteristic being the result of laser contact with the surface material in the positive space. In some embodiments, the differentiating characteristic can be discemable by at least one of vision and touch.

Description

SURFACE-INTEGRATED INDICATORS AND ACTUATORS AND METHOD

OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001 ] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/333,943, which was filed on May 12, 2010, the entirety of which.is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention is directed to various types of indicator and actuator elements, and more particularly to the provision of such an element on a surface by laser processing.

BACKGROUND

[003] Equipment elements, vehicle components for example, which comprise interior surfaces such as trim covers (e.g., seat covers, dashboard trim, door trim, etc.), lenses, compartments* and exposed parts (e.g., buttons, levers, etc.), often include indicators which can be informative, functional, and/or decorative in nature. These indicators can take the form of labels, appliques, buttons, and symbols, for, example, and can be applied to a surface by sewing, embroidery, printing, painting, adhering, embossing, molding, among other methods, depending on the surface material.

[004] However, providing indicators on vehicle interior surfaces by the methods described above can sometimes have undesirable results such as durability issues, high labor and/or equipment costs, and limited manufacturing flexibility.

SUMMARY

[005] According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a vehicle interior surface including a negative space and a positive space, the positive space exhibiting a differentiating characteristic from the negative space, the differentiating characteristic being the result of laser contact with the surface material in the positive space. In some embodiments, the differentiating characteristic can be discernable by at least one of vision and touch. [006] In some embodiments, the tactility of the covering layer can be locally changed by the laser-beam. For example, it is possible to add or remove grain or texture after the molding process of the equipment element by a laser-etching process. Alternatively or in addition, the color of the covering layer is locally changed by the laser-beam. For example, it is possible to provide the equipment element with two colors, such that in one area a light color is provided, and in another area of the equipment element a dark color is provided.

[007] In some embodiments, the invention provides an equipment element, especially for an interior of a vehicle, wherein the component comprises a permanent marking which is provided by a laser etching process. According to the present invention it is possible to provide a vehicle interior component with a durable permanent marking, wherein the manufacturing process comprises few manufacturing steps and the manufacturing process is also highly flexible in comparison to the state of the art process for providing indicators on vehicle interior surfaces.

[008] In further embodiments according to the present invention it can be possible to reduce tool complexity and to reduce tool maintenance. Furthermore it can be possible to use one tool for many products and therefore gain flexibility in the manufacturing process. Still further it can be possible to mold equipment elements in mass numbers, and differentiate products simply through laser-etching design changes.

[009] According to some embodiments of the invention, a substrate is provided which is a resin material with a laser-wavelength absorbing additive. A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an equipment element according to other embodiments of the present invention, wherein in a first step a resin material is provided with a laser- wavelength absorbing additive, and in a second step a permanent marking is laser-etched onto the surface of the resin material.

[010] According to further embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an interior component of a vehicle having a surface, wherein a color-contrast reinforcing substance is added to a basic material of the covering layer, and a surface of the covering layer is treated with a laser beam to apply a graphic-element and/or a pattern to the surface. In an alternative embodiment a yarn or thread yielding a contrasting color, e.g. a color coated yarn, can be marked by laser etching, which can provide a durable alternative to embroidery or appliques.

[011] In some embodiments the basic material can be a fabric, and the fabric can be coated bya color-contrast reinforcing substance. As a further embodiment, a specific color^' concentrate can be incorporated into a mermoplastic resin used to create a sheet stock (e.g. PVC) that changes to a contrasting color when laser etched. According to a further embodiment of the present invention colorants can be added to vinyl or PVC prior to an extrusion p ocess. After the extrusion process the vinyl can be laser-etched to mark the surface. By way of example, this can be accomplished using thin material for soft trims.

[012] In some embodiments of the present invention, soft and hard plastics comprising specific additives can be laser etched to create contrast. This can be done for buttons or switches on automotive radios or steering wheels, airbag labels on visors, pillar wraps (trim), mirror housings, lumbar handles knobs, under hood component caps, battery housings , buttons on building efficiency HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) controls, and the like. It is furthermore possible to add scoring, grains, gradation, or texture to the surface to make a flat surface appear full or curved or simulate a shape.

[013] According to a furmer embodiment of the present i^

trim can be laser-etched. to advantageously enable precise lineups of the trim in the- manufacturing process. It is also possible, to laser-etch bar codes or part-numbers on materials for tracking purposes.

[014] In some embodiments of the present invention, contrasting colors and tactile markings are laser-etched on material surfaces to locate and enable activation of switches, for example eapacitive switches integrated into or located adjacent to the surface material. Capacitive switches and laser etched indicators can replace handles, buttons, hard plastic panels and mechanical actuators. By implementation in a vehicle seat, it can be possible to reduce abrasion between a handle and the seat side shield as well as reduce wear to the seat side shield from the ingress and egress of occupants. [015] According to further embodiments of the present invention graphic patterns can be created by laser etching for lighting, gradient lenses, and illuminated switches. Therefore it can be possible to enable brand differentiation while simultaneously reducing manufacturing complexity. For example, a pattern or design in a thin opaque lens can be laser etched to allow light to bleed through for domes, lamps, controls etc. Furthermore, "light piping" or "prism" can be laser etched in translucent or transparent materials to catch, deflect, reflect, or diffuse light from a light source in desired areas (e.g., compartments like glove boxes, and door pockets).

[016] In further embodiments of the present invention, resins with a glowing additive can be laser-etched and implemented to enable glow in dark labels in generally dark spaces such as storage bins, compartments, or a glove box. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a major part of the equipment element (e.g. negative space) can be laser-etched and a minor part (e.g. a symbol or marking comprising positive space) is not laser-etched. As a result, without daylight the minor part, which is not laser etched, glows (essentially a reverse glow-in- the-dark or etch away glow application).

[017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention electroluminescent additives can be used in the substrate of the equipment element such that a laser-etched mark on the substrate surface glows. This can be implemented for actuators which are electrically powered- gas tank or trunk release levers, for example. Alternatively only the laser etched marking is not electroluminescent so that the marking can be seen in contrast to the glowing landscape of the equipment element. This can be implemented for storage bins, glove boxes, and the like.

[018] In some embodiments of the present invention it is possible to laser-etch the equipment element to reduce the thickness of the material enabling light from a light source incorporated in or adjacent to the material to bleed through. By way of example, this can be implemented for domes, lamps or controls which may incorporate or indicate capacitive switches or other actuators. Patterns, designs, logos, labels, symbols, etc. can be laser-etched to produce a unique appearance of the surface when back-lit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [019] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[020] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e_;g. "a", "an", "the", this should be understood to include multiple ones of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. Furthermore, the terms first, second, and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. Further, terms and symbols (e.g., arrows) indicating direction and orientation (top, bottom, up, down) are used for the purpose of description and it should be understood that these terms are not intended to be limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described and illustrated herein.

[021 ] An equipment element, which in some embodiments can be a component of a vehicle trim interior, comprises compartment covers; trim panels and components related to doors, instrument panels, dashboards, consoles, and seats; visors; light fixtures; actuators; and the like. An equipment element has an A-surface, which generally refers to the surface which is most readily visible or accessible, while a B-surface would be the opposing surface of a sheet of material. For example the A side of a vehicle trim panel faces towards the interior of the car, and is visible to the vehicle occupant. Generally, the A-surface of the component is treated with a laser-beam to apply a graphic element and/or a pattern to the A-surface, so that this graphic element and/or this pattern is discernable by sight and/or touch to the occupant. However, in some cases the B-surface is treated with a laser (e.g., with translucent or transparent substrates). Alternatively, both surfaces can be laser treated to achieve a desired result.

[022] Laser etching can be performed on a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to fabric, leather, glass, ceramic, metal, paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, stone, wood, among other natural and synthetic materials and composites. In some embodiments, the component can be made of a fabric, which can be comprised of natural and/or a synthetic material or composites thereof. In other embodiments, the component can be made of various substrates including but not limited to leather, wood, vinyl or other polyers, and other materials and composites.

Creating a graphical element by laser-etching can be accomplished by moving the focal point of the laser with respect to a substrate in a raster or vector movement or some combination thereof in the x-y plane of the surface. Movement of the focal point in the z- direction (perpendicular to the surface) can impact the depth of the etching with respect to the thickness of the substrate.

[023] A graphical element can be any element comprising letters, numbers, symbols, logos, arrows, mathematical symbols, barcodes, designs, pictograms and/or combinations of these elements, for example, The graphical element can be applied to the A-surface such that it has a two-dimensional and/or a threerdimensional look and/or feel. The laser can fuse, react with, and/or remove a selected portion of material of the component, (e.g. fibers, filaments, pile), rather than cutting through or removing the entire thickness of the component. Thus, the structure of the component is not or not significantly weakened by treatment/processing with a laser.

[024] A pattern can be repeating/duplicated graphical element known by the person skilled in the art. In some embodiments the pattern is a simulated stitch, so that the pattern has an appearance as if the cover had been sewn together. In other embodiments, the pattern can be a texture that is relatively continuous in a particular area of a surface.

[025] Both decorative and functional elements can be etched on a component surface by processing with a laser. Due to the application of the laser to the component, the graphic element and/or the pattern of the component surface can be, locally changed. It is possible to change the color and texture of component surface even in the case that the component is formed of a single material because the color of the laser beam treated material surface can be different from the color of the raw (or untreated) material. In some embodiments, it is also possible to use two or even more materials (of visible or tactile differentiated characteristics, such as color layers or the like) which can be provided locally in the region of the graphic element and/or pattern, such that by removing a top layer of the cover by laser-etching, another color is visible.

[026] In some embodiments, the graphic element is a safety-related indicator, identifying for example, where an airbag is located and/or where the connections for a child car seat (e.g.. teather) are located or where the seat should be positioned (e.g., ISOFDC dots). Laser etching can provide a good solution for providing ISOFK dots in the proper locations without significantly hindering the manufacture of the seat. Because the dots can be provided simply by laser etching of the material surface (before or after sewing), there is more freedom in seat design (specifically in the placement of seams). In some embodiments, a laser treated part of a component can be an indicator and/or interface (actuator) for a soft switch. For example, a capacitive switch positioned on a vehicle seat can replace a mechanical switch and can be implemented to control a variety of seat positioning and shaping mechanisms and comfort features. In other embodiments, a laser treated component can be implemented as an illuminated indicator or aesthetic design feature, which can be selectively illuminated based on other conditions such as ambient light, conditions of various other systems and controls (e.g., airbag activation), or upon demand of the user.

[027] Fig. la and Fig. lb show schematically exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. la and Fig. lb show a seat 100, especially a seat for a vehicle. The seat can be located anywhere within the car. The seat can also be a bench, which provides space for more than one vehicle occupant. The seat comprises a seat cushion 104 and a seat back 105 each having a cover, which covers the structure and/or the seat cushion 104 and/ot the seat back 105. The seat 100 comprises a seat side shield 103 with a rigid substrate, in which two permanent markings 101, 102 e.g. in the shape of triangles are laser-etched in the surface of the rigid substrate. Fig. lb shows on the right side four examples of decorative sewings that can be laser-etched on the surface of the rigid substrate. Fig. 2 shows a closer look at the side shield 103. These markings 101, 102 can comprise a color like red or any other color. The markings 102, 102 can be provided b laser-etching above a capacitive switch 300 (or an inductive switch) or a button (or other mechanical actuator) as shown in Fig. 3 is provided, e.g. to control an actuator moving the seat 100 in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore it is possible to provide a tactile structure on the surface to help users to find the switch. Also protruding handles e.g. at the side shield can be replaced by illuminated laser-etched capacitive switches.

(028] Fig. 4 shows schematically a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The seat 100 comprises contrasting design elements 400, 401, 402 laser-etched on a soft trim. The design elements 400, 401, 402 can be logos or brandings. Alternatively the design element 401 is a simulated stitching for decorative purposes. The laser-etched elements are more durable and more precise than conventional stitching.

[029] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show schematically a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 6 shows a closer look at the top of the side shield. The seat 100

Comprises at the top of the side shield a laser-etched label "Airbag" 500, can be any color. The seat 100 further comprises at the region to fix a child seat two laser etched labels 501, 502 to mark the fixing points for the child seat.

[030] Fig. 7 shows schematically a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An automotive battery 703 is provided with laser etched markings 700, 701, 702 instead of ink, paint or adhesive labels. These markings advantageously do not peel or fade.

[031] Fig. 8 shows the example of a sun visor 800 having a cover 801. The sun visor comprises laser etched markings 802, 803 (e.g. with contrasting colors).

[032] Fig. 9 to 28 show further exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[033] Fig. 9 shows on the left side a seat with a cover, wherein the cover comprises laser-etched markings 900, 901. The laser etched markings replace conventional decorative stitches, embroideries, embossings, etc and provide an improved craftmanship and more precise details. The "valleys" (i.e. a depression at the location of the laser etched markings) are more durable than embroidery or stitching. On the right side of Fig. 9, a sectional view of the seat with a cover 903 and a seat structure 902 is shown. This sectional view will be repeatedly depicted in some of the following figures.

[034] Fig. 10 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and laser-etched markings 1000, 1001, which indicate the position of integrated capacity switches in order to replace handles, buttons and actuators e.g. on the side shield of the seat. This leads advantageously to reduction of handles etc. By laser-etching graphics, a contrasting color and a tactile feel can be produced. On the right side of Fig. 10, a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown.

[035] Fig. 11 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle a sectional view through the cover is shown. A yarn yielding a contrasting color, e.g. a color coated yarn 111, is marked by laser etching. The yarn 111 can be piled, knit or woven. As an advantage the mark is durable a long time. As a further embodiment a specific color concentrate is incorporated into a thermoplastic resin used to a sheet stock (e.g. PVC) that changes to a contrasting color when laser etched.

[036] Fig. 12 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and a side member 122. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle the side member 122 of the seat is shown. A sink mark 121 is laser-etched into the side member,, which is a molded part. ^¾

(037] Fig. 13 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side, a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. Laser-etched markings 131, 132 are provided on the plastic components of the seat structure. These laser-etched markings 131, 132 can be bar codes or part numbers of the components.

[038] Fig. 14 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle at the top a laser mark roll good of vinyl 141 is shown. In the middle at the bottom, an apparatus for adding colorants 142 to vinyl (PVC) 141 prior to the extrusion process is shown.

[039] Fig. 15 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and a laser-etched marking 151. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle at the top a sun.visor 152 is shown. The sun visor comprises laser etched marking 154 and 155, wherein laser etched marking 154 is for decoration purposes and laser etched marki g 155 is for safety purposes. These markings can also be provided on pillar wraps (trim), mirror housings, lumbar handles and/or knobs, buttons and/or switches. A lumbar handle 153 is depicted in the middle at the bottom.

[040] Fig. 16 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and a laser-etched marking 161 on the headrest. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. One of two common parts can be etched and the other part not, e.g. active/passive headrest, or airbag/non-airbag applications (B Pillar labeling of headlining airbags). [041] Fig. 17 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and a side shield 171. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle three variants of the side shield 171 are shown. On the top four laser-etched markings 172 are provided on the "B" side of the side shield 171. In the middle two markings are provided. At the bottom no marking is provided. Advantageously the complexity of the components can be modified as needed and buttons and switches can be marked. Furthermore capacity switches on the "B"-side of the components can be provided.

[042] Fig. 18 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side, a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. It is possible to laser etch the substrate to create graphical patterns for lighting of switches in a panel 181 or creating a gradient lens _yl 82. This enables brand differentiation, which reduces tool complexity.

[043] Fig. 19 shows at the top on the left side a display unit 191 in the basic configuration. On the right side the same display unit 191 is shown but with a different texture 192, which is laser etched. At the bottom the display unit 191 comprises laser etched gauges 193. It is

advantageously possible to have only one part molded in mass production arid the specific changes are made only by laser etching. This reduces the complexity of the molding process.

[044] Fig. 20 shows on the left side a day or daylight view of a surface (day configuration) and on the right side a night configuration. The majority of the surface is laser-etched. At night, the portion that is not laser etched glows, which is called "etch away glow".

[045] Fig. 21 shows on the left side a seat with a cover and laser etched markings 211. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. In the middle the laser etched marking 211 is depicted. The laser etched markings 211 are registration marks for precise lineups of parts in the manufacturing process.

[046] Fig. 22 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. At the bottom two symbols 221 and 222 are depicted, which can be provided on the cover. The cover comprises electroluminescent plastics, which glow in the dark. Only the etched part (arrow 221) will not be electroluminescent so the logo or symbol can be seen against the glowing plastic. This is also possible e.g. for trunk release handles, storage bins and/or glove boxes. In an alternative embodiment the arrow 222 is electroluminescent and the surrounding material is not electroluminescent.

[047] Fig. 23 shows on the left side a seat with a cover. On the right side a sectional view of the seat with the cover and a seat structure is shown. The cover comprises a laser-etched marking 231. In the middle the laser etched marking 231 respectively a sectional view of the surface in the area of the laser etched marking 231 is depicted. The laser etched marking 231 is provided by laser etching a electroluminescent material or plastic, such that the walls of the etched depressions ("valleys") glow. The etched part looks like it is lit up (lights up from within).

[048] Fig. 24 depicts in the middle a cover part 242, which is laser etched to thin material to enable light to bleed through (e.g. dome lamp 241, controls, etc). Additionally a pattern 243 can be laser etched in order to provide a unique appearance.

[049] Fig. 25 depicts on the left side a part of a glove compartment 252, wherein a light-piping 2 1 is laser-etched into the wall of the glove compartment 252. On the right side of Fig. 25, a glove compartment 253 is depicted, wherein a prism 254 is laser etched into the wall of glove compartment 253, wherein the prism 254 reflects the light of a lamp in the glove compartment;

[050] Fig. 26 depicts on the left side a molded component 261 during a first step of a manufacturing process and on the right side the molded component 261 during a second step of the manufacturing process, wherein the second step is conducted after the second step. In the first step grain 262 is added onto the horizontal part of the component (arrow 264). The section 265 does not comprise any grain because this section is arranged vertically. In the second step the molded component 261 is rotated for laser etching and grain can be added to section 263.

[051] Fig. 27 depicts a molded component 275, comprising multiple colours. In section 274 there is a light color and in section 273 there is a dark color. There is also a multiple colors zone 271 (e.g. with red, blue, etc.). The component 274 is manufactured to provide multiple colors using laser-etching.

[052] Fig. 28 depicts on the left side a plastic component 281 with simulated shape via gradation on flat plastics by using laser-etching. On the right side a sectional view of the plastic component 281 is depicted. This method can make flat surfaces appear full or curved. [053] The foregoing invention has been described in relation to vehicle interiors, but it should be understood that the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. For example, this invention has similar applications in living and work spaces, on appliances and furniture, among other contemplated implementations. Further, variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments should be apparent to those skilled in the art and as such, fall within the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100 seat

101, 102 laser-etched markings

103 side shield of seat

104 seat cushion

105 seat back

111 yarn, thread (chemically coated/treated for reaction with laser)

121 laser-smoothed mold edge

122 side member

131 laser-etched marking (barcode)

132 laser-etched marking (barcode)

141 roll of vinyl

142 colorant additive

151, 153, 154, 155 laser-etched markings (labels, design)

152 sun visor

161 laser-etched marking

171 side shield

172 laser-etched marking (switch indicators)

181 overhead console panel with laser-etched markings

182 lens

. 191 instrument panel display

192 laser-etched markings defining display appearance

193 variation in laser-etched markings defining display appearance 211 laser-etched marking (registration guide) 221 , 222 glow-in-the-dark indicators

231 groove in substrate

232, 233 laser-etched walls of groove

241 light source

242 cover

243 projected illumination design

251 light pipe

252, 253 substrate

254 prism

261 molded component

262 grain

264 direction of draw (laser application)

263, 265 edge sections of molded component

271 , 272, 273, 274 sections of different composition/treatment

275 molded component

281 plastic component

300 capacitive switch

400, 401, 402 laser-etched markings (logo, decorative stitching, design)

500, 501 , 502 laser-etched markings (label, ISOFIX dots)

700, 701, 702 laser-etched markings (labels)

703 automotive battery

800 sun visor

801 cover of sun visor

802, 803 laser-etched markings (multi-color design, back-lit logo)

900, 901 laser-etched markings (decorative stitching)

902 seat structure

903 cover

1000, 1000 laser-etched markings (back-lit indicators with integrated switches)

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A surface comprising:

a graphical element having a negative space and a positive space;

a characteristic of the positive space distinguishing the positive space from the negative space, the differentiating characteristic being the result of laser contact with the surface material in the positive space;

wherein at least one of the shape and location of the positive space functions as an indicator.

2. The surface of claim 1, wherein the differentiating characteristic is discernable by at least one of vision and touch.

3. The surface of claim 2, and further comprising an actuator proximal to the indicator.

4. The surface of claim 3, wherein the actuator is one of a capacitive switch, an inductive switch, and a mechanical switch.

5. The surface of claim 1 , and further comprising a light source proximal to the indicator.

6. The surface of claim 1 , wherein the indicator is one of a positioning reference, an orientation reference, a label, a warning, a barcode, and a condition identifier.

7. The surface of claim 1, wherein the surface is an interior surface of a vehicle.

8. The surface of claim 1, wherein the surface is a surface of a component formed of one of leather, vinyl, and cloth.

9. The surface of claim 2, wherein the differentiating characteristic is one of color, texture, material thickness, hardness, and luminescence.

10. A method of producing a vehicle interior component, the method comprising: providing a substrate having a thickness defined between a first surface and an opposing second surface;

laser etching a graphical element on the first surface;

positioning one of a light source and an actuator proximal to the graphical element adjacent to the second surface.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the graphical element provides one of a positioning reference, an orientation reference, a label, a warning, a barcode, and a condition identifier.

12. The method of claim 10, and further comprising providing the substrate with an additive which reacts with the laser to provide the graphical element with greater contrast from the surrounding substrate.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the additive is localized to the area where the graphical element is provided.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the graphical element differs from the surrounding substrate by one of color, texture, material thickness, hardness, and lumiiiescence.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the substrate is one of cloth, leathery and vinyl.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the actuator is one of a capacitive switch, an inductive switch, and a mechanical switch.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle interior component comprises seat trim.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the substrate is provided with an actuators adjacent the second surface and wherein laser etching a graphical element on the first surface is executed at a location determined by the location of the actuator.