Floating visible indicator for an instrument cluster
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsAndrew R Krenz, David Bolognino
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A visible indicator for an instrument cluster is backlit with an electroluminescent (EL) film. A mounting plate is located a first distance from a light source and includes a first aperture. A translucent lens is located adjacent to the mounting plate. An EL film is located adjacent to the translucent lens and includes a second aperture having a laser-cut first shape. A lens is located a second distance from the EL film and includes a sandblasted inner surface facing the EL film.
Claims23
A visible indicator for an instrument cluster that is backlit with an electroluminescent (EL) film, comprising:
- a light source;
- a mounting plate located adjacent to said light source and including a first aperture;
- a translucent lens located adjacent to said mounting plate;
- an EL film located adjacent to said translucent lens with a second aperture having a first shape;
- and
- a lens that is located a second distance from said EL film and includes an inner surface facing said EL film that is sandblasted.
A method for displaying a visible indicator on an instrument cluster that is backlit with an electroluminescent (EL) film, comprising:
- forming a first aperture in a mounting plate;
- locating said mounting plate adjacent to a light source;
- positioning a translucent lens adjacent to said mounting plate;
- positioning an EL film adjacent to said translucent lens;
- forming a second aperture having a first shape in said EL film;
- sandblasting an inner surface of a lens;
- and
- positioning said lens a second distance from said EL film with said inner surface facing said EL film.
A visible indicator for an instrument cluster backlit with electroluminescent (EL) film comprising:
- a housing having a non-reflective inner surface;
- an incandescent light bulb with a filament located in said housing;
- a mounting plate located adjacent to said light source and including a first aperture;
- a translucent lens located adjacent to said mounting plate;
- an EL film located adjacent to said translucent lens with a second aperture having a first shape that is laser cut;
- and
- a lens that is located a second distance from said EL film and includes a sandblasted inner surface facing said EL film,
- wherein said first shape projected on said lens appears to float behind said lens and in front of said EL film when said incandescent light bulb is on.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.