Instrument panel display pointer with a motor and ring gear

摘要

An instrument panel display pointer having an electronic display and range display. The electronic display rotates with the pointer allowing the pointer to point to a face cover that is mounted to the base. The face cover has values that in one example are indicative of a range of values. Examples of value range would include vehicle speed, RPMs, gallons or liters of fuel remaining, etc. The electronic display is used to display a number which indicates a more precise value, while the pointer indicates a value within a range of values shown on the face of the cover. As the pointer rotates with the ring gear to a different speed, the electronic display pointer also changes the value shown on the electronic display.

主权项

1. An instrument panel display pointer comprising:
a base having at least three mounts; a motor connected to said base; a ring gear rotatably connected with and held to the base by the at least three mounts, wherein said ring gear is connected to the motor so that activation of said motor rotates said ring gear and said ring gear has a pointer that moves when said ring gear is rotated; an electronic display mounted to the ring gear that rotates with the ring gear when the ring gear rotates; and a flexible cable connected to the electronic display and configured to rotate with said ring gear.