Service-interval display for motor vehicles
First Claim
1. A method for displaying a service-interval for a motor vehicle comprising the steps of:
- measuring the actual distance travelled by the motor vehicle,generating a service signal indicative of said service-interval, andcontrolling the occurrence of the service signal in accordance with a combination of a first component related to actual distance travelled and a second component being a function of a parameter of engine load to assert earlier said service signal when said engine experiences increased periods of higher loads.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A service interval display unit for a motor vehicle for alerting the operator of required maintenance wherein actual distance traveled by the vehicle is monitored, and as a factor in determining the service interval, operating parameters such as engine speed, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and/or fuel consumption rate are taken into consideration on a weighted basis to assert earlier a service signal in the display unit when the engine experiences increased periods of higher loads. The display unit includes a series of indicators which are successively extinguished upon attainment of subintervals during the maintenance cycle and warning lights which are energized after attainment of the service interval. Additional warning lights also are provided for emphasizing the expiration of the service interval when the vehicle is operated successive fixed distance intervals beyond the regular service interval.
127 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A method for displaying a service-interval for a motor vehicle comprising the steps of:
-
measuring the actual distance travelled by the motor vehicle, generating a service signal indicative of said service-interval, and controlling the occurrence of the service signal in accordance with a combination of a first component related to actual distance travelled and a second component being a function of a parameter of engine load to assert earlier said service signal when said engine experiences increased periods of higher loads.
-
-
2. Apparatus for displaying a service-interval for a motor vehicle having an engine comprising:
-
measuring means for measuring actual distance travelled by the motor vehicle, display means for generating a service signal indicative of a fixed service interval, distance-modifying means interposed between the display means and the measuring means, said distance-modifying means being responsive to both a first component related to the actual distance travelled by the vehicle and a second component being a function of a parameter of engine load for controlling the occurrence of said service signal to assert earlier said service signal when said engine experiences increased periods of higher loads. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
7. Apparatus for displaying a service-interval for a motor vehicle having an engine comprising:
-
measuring means for measuring the actual distance travelled by the motor vehicle, display means for generating a service signal indicative of a fixed service interval, distance-modifying means interposed between the display means and the measuring means, said distance modifying means being responsive to both a first component related to the actual distance travelled by the motor vehicle and a second component related to a plurality of parameters of engine load for controlling the occurrence of said first signal. - View Dependent Claims (8)
-
Specification