Illumination of gauge indicator scale
US7048397B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S116/36
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument gauge display for a vehicle dash includes a transparent dial having an upper surface partially covered by black paint and a lower surface covered with white paint. Uncovered areas on the upper surface define a plurality of graphical images that indicate a vehicle operating condition. A light guide, supported within a light housing, is positioned underneath the dial. The light housing and at least one light source is mounted to a printed circuit board, which is supported underneath the light guide by a vehicle structure. The light guide includes a plurality of scattering elements that are positioned generally underneath each of the graphical areas on the dial. The light source cooperates with the light guide and scattering elements to improve the light efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.