Gauge calibration method
First Claim
1. An instrument panel gauge assembly comprising:
- an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon;
a needle pointer for a gauge assembly;
a transparent chaplet formed within the applique to allow ambient light to pass through the applique, the transparent chaplet being positioned such that the needle pointer passes over the transparent chaplet as the needle pointer moves relative to the applique,the transparent chaplet being sized relative to the width of the needle pointer such that when the needle pointer is positioned directly in front of the transparent chaplet, ambient light is substantially blocked from passing through the transparent chaplet;
a light sensing element positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the transparent chaplet formed within the applique;
a light baffle positioned behind the applique and adapted to guide light passing through the transparent chaplet to the light sensing element;
a controller, the light sensing element adapted to send a signal to the controller indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the transparent chaplet based upon the absence of light passing through the transparent chaplet, the controller further adapted to compare the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculate a correction factor, and calibrate the gauge accordingly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The instrument panel gauge assembly includes an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly positioned adjacent thereto. A transparent chaplet is formed within the applique to allow light to pass through. The needle passes over the chaplet as the needle moves. When the needle is positioned directly in front of the chaplet, light is blocked from passing through the chaplet. A light sensing element is positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the chaplet. A light baffle guides light passing through the chaplet to the light sensing element. A controller receives a signal from the light sensing element indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the chaplet. The controller then compares the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculates a correction factor, and calibrates the gauge accordingly.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An instrument panel gauge assembly comprising:
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an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon; a needle pointer for a gauge assembly; a transparent chaplet formed within the applique to allow ambient light to pass through the applique, the transparent chaplet being positioned such that the needle pointer passes over the transparent chaplet as the needle pointer moves relative to the applique, the transparent chaplet being sized relative to the width of the needle pointer such that when the needle pointer is positioned directly in front of the transparent chaplet, ambient light is substantially blocked from passing through the transparent chaplet; a light sensing element positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the transparent chaplet formed within the applique; a light baffle positioned behind the applique and adapted to guide light passing through the transparent chaplet to the light sensing element; a controller, the light sensing element adapted to send a signal to the controller indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the transparent chaplet based upon the absence of light passing through the transparent chaplet, the controller further adapted to compare the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculate a correction factor, and calibrate the gauge accordingly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of internally auto-calibrating an instrument panel gauge assembly comprising:
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providing an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly, the applique having a transparent chaplet formed therein to allow ambient light to pass through the applique, the transparent chaplet being positioned such that the needle pointer passes over the transparent chaplet as the needle pointer moves relative to the applique, the transparent chaplet being sized relative to the width of the needle pointer such that when the needle pointer is positioned directly in front of the transparent chaplet, ambient light is substantially blocked from passing through the transparent chaplet; providing a light sensing element positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the transparent chaplet formed within the applique and to send a corresponding signal; providing a controller; sensing the presence of light passing through the transparent chaplet within the applique and sending a corresponding signal to the controller, simultaneously sending a known signal from the controller to the instrument panel gauge assembly, thereby causing the needle pointer to move to a position relative to the applique; comparing the known signal to the signal from the light sensor; calculating a correction factor and storing the correction factor in a non-volitile memory of the controller, and calibrating the gauge accordingly. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification