Instrument panel and method of gauge assembly therefor
US6025820A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S116/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An instrument panel having analog gauges with pointers illuminated independently of the light source illuminating the scale indicia. Light is transmitted into the pointer via a facet having an inclined reflective surface through which a gauge motor output shaft passes. The facet may be integrally formed in the light distribution layer which illuminates the scale indicia or a separate discreet component. A novel telltale used in conjunction with an instrument panel having a light distribution layer is also provided which illuminates the telltale indicia by passing light through the light distribution layer without affecting the illumination of other indicia in the graphic layer. Method of manufacturing analog gauges as well as method for using an analog gauge to transmit information to a viewer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.