Apparatus and method for simulating electrical current with a fluid flow
First Claim
1. A simulator comprising:
- a tank having a transparent panel and containing a fluid such that a level of fluid in the tank is visible through the transparent panel;
an accessory pump arranged to pump fluid from the tank and into a supply tube;
a first electronically-controlled valve of one or more electronically-controlled valves, wherein the first electronically-controlled valve is coupled to the supply tube and to a first see-through tube of one or more see-through tubes such that when the first electronically-controlled valve is electronically activated, the first electronically-controlled valve opens and fluid from the supply tube travels through the first electronically-controlled valve and into the first see-through tube;
a first electrical component of one or more electrical components, the first electrical component connected in series with a first component switch of one or more component switches and connected in parallel with the first electronically-controlled valve, such that when the first component switch is activated, electrical power is provided to the first electrical component, the first electronically-controlled valve is electronically activated, and the level of fluid, visible through the transparent panel, is lowered.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A simulator simulates battery discharge and charge by utilizing a visible fluid flow in conjunction with an electrical system. A display includes one or more switched vehicle accessories (211, 215, 219, 223) in conjunction with fluid running through one or more see-through tubes (301, 303, 305, 307, 309). A tank (101, 103) imitates the battery, and the fluid level is visible through a transparent panel in the tank (101). The fluid level in the tank (101) falls as vehicle start is simulated and/or accessories (211, 215, 219, 223) are turned on. When the fluid level in the tank (101) is low enough, the starter fails to operate, indicating that sufficient charge to start the battery is not present. As the fluid level continues to fall, the power to the accessories is reduced, until the electrical devices (211, 215, 219, 223) fail to operate, simulating a dead battery.
14 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A simulator comprising:
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a tank having a transparent panel and containing a fluid such that a level of fluid in the tank is visible through the transparent panel;
an accessory pump arranged to pump fluid from the tank and into a supply tube;
a first electronically-controlled valve of one or more electronically-controlled valves, wherein the first electronically-controlled valve is coupled to the supply tube and to a first see-through tube of one or more see-through tubes such that when the first electronically-controlled valve is electronically activated, the first electronically-controlled valve opens and fluid from the supply tube travels through the first electronically-controlled valve and into the first see-through tube;
a first electrical component of one or more electrical components, the first electrical component connected in series with a first component switch of one or more component switches and connected in parallel with the first electronically-controlled valve, such that when the first component switch is activated, electrical power is provided to the first electrical component, the first electronically-controlled valve is electronically activated, and the level of fluid, visible through the transparent panel, is lowered. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of simulating electrical current with a fluid flow comprising the steps of:
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providing a tank containing with fluid and having a transparent panel such that a level of fluid in the tank is visible through the transparent panel;
connecting an accessory pump to pump fluid from the tank and into a supply tube when a multiple-position switch is placed in a first position;
connecting a start pump to rapidly pump the fluid out of the tank when the multiple-position switch is placed in a first position;
arranging a first electronically-controlled valve of one or more electronically-controlled valves such that when the first electronically-controlled valve opens, fluid from the supply tube travels through the first electronically-controlled valve and into a first see-through tube coupled to the first electronically-controlled valve;
connecting a first electrical component, of one or more electrical components, in series with a first component switch of one or more component switches and in parallel with the first electronically-controlled valve, such that when the first component switch is activated, electrical power is provided to the first electrical component, the first electronically-controlled valve is electronically activated, and the level of fluid visible through the transparent panel falls;
coupling a variable-position valve to a supply of fluid, such that fluid from the supply of fluid passes through the variable-position valve and into the tank, thereby increasing the level of fluid in the tank. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification