Showing papers on "Dashboard published in 1993"

Car navigation system

Abstract: A driver operates a car by watching an intersection number and an arrow which indicate direction by reflecting the information in the front windshield. The indicated arrow direction shows the direction in which the car is advancing. Accordingly, the driver does not need to observe the indicator displayed on the dashboard during operation and can drive more safely by concentrating his energy on operating the car. In the navigation system for cars, the advancing direction of the car at an intersection is previously designated by the driver, information regarding driving straight or turning is projected by a projector which includes an LCD or a fluorescent indicator tube whenever the car approaches the intersection based on the information, the above projected light is projected on a half-mirror provided at the front windshield of the car and an imaginary image is reflected before the front glass.

Product design for recyclability: a cost benefit analysis model and its application

Abstract: The authors develop a method and introduce a computer-based analysis tool that can be used to analyze design changes. A cost-benefit analysis model is presented as a tool for assessing the economics of designing for recyclability. By taking a cost-benefit approach, the authors emphasize the need to consider design for environment in terms of its economic viability. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, a simple example based on the disassembly of an automobile dashboard is presented. The results show that, with the current material recycling technology and market prices, complete disassembly is not profitable because the costs far outweigh revenues from the materials and parts that are recovered. >

Automotive sensory systems

Abstract: Part One: Automotive sensors. Introduction to automotive sensory systems. Sensors in automobile applications. Part Two: Powerplant and transmission. Development of non-contacting capacitive torque sensor and system for vehicle application. Sensors and systems for crankshaft position measurement. Integrated sensors and control system for engines using gaseous fuels. Part Three: Vehicle ride and comfort. Automotive accelerometers for vehicle ride and comfort applications. A low cost multimode fibre optic gyrometer for automotive applications. Part Four: Security and safety systems. Development of Toyota air bag sensor and system. Sensor techniques using image processing for driver behaviour study. Part Five: Driver and occupant information systems. Development of dashboard information display system for automotive vehicles. Part Six: Vehicle navigation and communication. Autonomous vehicle guidance using laser range imagery. Vision systems for vehicle guidance. Beacon-vehicle link in the 1-10 Ghz frequency range. Part Seven: Sensors and systems in automotive manufacture. A perspective on machine vision at Rover Cars Group. Part Eight: Smart sensors and systems. Intelligent sensors for vehicles. Development of intelligent sensor technology in Japan.

Cover for airbag protection system - is moulded with dashboard trim and is attached to it via recessed plastics tags outside opening profile of panel

Abstract: The panel is attached to the trim by tags (10) joined to the trim by small bridges of plastics. The tags are outside the opening profile of the panel. The cover is also attached to the dashboard mounting by a flexible tie to prevent being thrown into the face of the passenger when the airbag is operated. The panel is moulded with the dashboard trim in one operation. Simple cuts (11) define the cover and tags. ADVANTAGE - The released panel leaves no protruding tags to damage the expanding airbag and is moulded with the dashboard trim in one operation.

Vehicle snack tray

Abstract: Vehicle snack tray with at least one keyhole-shaped opening for supporting a beverage container with or without a handle. Below the opening is a platform for resting the beverage container when it is placed loosely within the opening. A plurality of beamsprings extend radially into the opening to stabilize the beverage container from horizontal motion. The snack tray has a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle dashboard. One bracket embodiment is fixedly attached to the tray. Another embodiment has dovetail-shaped surfaces which slidably engage the tray. Still another bracket embodiment is fixedly attached to the vehicle dashboard. Bracket alternatives are designed to fit predefined features of specific vehicles such as minivans. One alternative embodiment has three parallel male members which friction fit into a rectangular orifice in the minivan dashboard. Another embodiment has two pair of upward and downward facing hook-shaped members which engage top and bottom lips of an ashtray in the minivan dashboard.

Assistant driver seat for omnibus

Abstract: Buses, in particular long-distance coaches usually have couriers' seats which are arranged next to the driver's seat. The courier's seat according to the invention is characterised by its ability to pivot into the front passenger's footspace (4) when the backrest (3) is folded over, the back rest (3) not protruding beyond the dashboard (5). An angular lever which is coupled to the floor (6) of the front passenger's area under the seat is provided to permit the seat (1) to pivot. In each case one worm gear (2) is arranged as a drive for pivoting the angular lever (7) and the seat (1).

Electrical connector box fitted in dashboard of motor vehicle - is provided with multiple connections for internal circuit of electrical connector box and multiple connections are connected directly to instrument panel terminals.

Abstract: The connector box (C) has several connections connected directly to instrument panel terminals and also connected to at least one switch, which is assigned to the indicating instrument panel (12), and is arranged around this. The instrument panel and the switch are constructed as one piece with the electrical connector box. The internal circuit of the electrical connector box includes, besides the multiple connections, several busbar connecting panels (11). These are stacked one on another. The busbar circuit panels respectively include an insulated panel bus bars in desired patterns fitted on it. ADVANTAGE - Simplifies cable harness fitted inside motor vehicle dashboard. Reduced number of assembly steps in car factory.

Dashboard for a motor vehicle

Abstract: The dashboard comprises a cross-bearer (1) and an instrument panel (17) attached thereto. The cross-bearer comprises a hollow section, into which pipes are inserted which are made of an elastic plastics material and which serve to conduct fresh air or conditioned air from a heating or air-conditioning apparatus (7), disposed in the middle of the cross-bearer, to the outer ends of the cross-bearer. The outer ends (24) of the pipes (13) are connected via connectors (25) to air outlet openings (19, 20, 23) provided in the instrument panel (17).

Dashboard cover for vehicle airbag - has flexible joint and trough-shaped profile allowing cover to clear dashboard on opening to release airbag

Abstract: The impact protection system has an inflatable airbag stored behind the dashboard. The airbag is concealed by a cover (5) and a linkage element (7) has a bending point (10) at the end secured to the vehicle (18). The linkage element has a trough-shaped section (11) adjacent the bending point. The shape of the trough is such that as the airbag inflates the cover opens with a clearance gap around the edge (12) of dashboard. ADVANTAGE - Avoids any damage to the dashboard as the cover swivels outwards.

Arrangement of an air bag module on the front passenger seat side of a motor vehicle and method for mounting an air bag module

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of an air bag module (9) beneath a dashboard (1) on the front passenger seat side of a motor vehicle and to a method for mounting an air bag module (9) which is arranged in this way. The air bag module (9) is fastened by means of supports (10) independently of the dashboard (1) to the body (11) of the motor vehicle, the support (10) and the dashboard (1) and/or a cockpit module being guided towards the body (11) in the same mounting feed direction (X) and held there. For assembly purposes, the air bag module (9) and the dashboard (1) and/or the cockpit module are jointly accommodated on an assembly frame, which means that the electrical interconnection which is necessary can be established outside the body (11).

Crossmember for the dashboard of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A crossmember for the dashboard of a motor vehicle comprises three light-alloy extruded parts, namely two side parts (1, 2) with a closed box profile and a central part (3) welded to the said side parts, the lower wall (4) of the driver-side side part (1) having ribs (10) which extend in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the side part and have threaded holes for the fastening bolts of the steering-column mount (6).

Ground vehicle control at NIST: From teleoperation to autonomy

Abstract: NIST is applying their Real-time Control System (RCS) methodology for control of ground vehicles for both the U.S. Army Researh Lab, as part of the DOD's Unmanned Ground Vehicles program, and for the Department of Transportation's Intelligent Vehicle/Highway Systems (IVHS) program. The actuated vehicle, a military HMMWV, has motors for steering, brake, throttle, etc. and sensors for the dashboard gauges. For military operations, the vehicle has two modes of operation: a teleoperation mode--where an operator remotely controls the vehicle over an RF communications network; and a semi-autonomous mode called retro-traverse--where the control system uses an inertial navigation system to steer the vehicle along a prerecorded path. For the IVHS work, intelligent vision processing elements replace the human teleoperator to achieve autonomous, visually guided road following.

Indicator system, especially for a motor vehicle dashboard, comprising a hologram

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator system, especially for a motor vehicle dashboard, of the type comprising: at least one light source (40) and at least one optical part (50) which acts as a light guide for conveying light from the source to an indicator element (22, 36) such as a needle (36) or a translucent zone (22) formed in a dial (20), characterised in that the said optical part (50) comprises at least one hologram (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84).

Security device for an automobile

Abstract: An antitheft device for automobiles that inhibits rotation of the steering wheel while preventing the theft of dashboard equipment, such as car stereos. The antitheft device includes a clamp that is secured to the rim of a steering wheel by a housing having a locking mechanism. The housing and locking mechanism also secure an elongate rod thereto. The rod is secured to the housing such that it extends towards the vehicle's dashboard. The rod includes a blocking member secured to its distal end that is positioned in close proximity to the dashboard equipment to prevent its removal. The housing may be adjusted angularly with respect to the clamp while the rod may be adjusted in a telescopic fashion with respect to the housing so that a wide variety of dashboard configurations may be accommodated by the antitheft device. The theft of a car stereo is blocked while rotational operation of the steering wheel is obstructed by the antitheft device extending therefrom.

Device for passing objects through a sheath

Abstract: Device making it possible to pass objects, or more particularly a connector, wired up in advance to a cable bundle, through a sheath. It comprises a shuttle (1) which can move on guides (5) fixed to a circular support (4), this shuttle being connected to a thrust cylinder (actuator) (3) by means of a connecting cable (2). A connector (6), cabled in advance to a cable bundle (7), is inserted into and held in place in the shuttle. The invention may be used for wiring up a cable bundle to a panel (board) for uses such as those in the motor-vehicle (collection of cable bundles connected up to a dashboard), aeronautical and electronic industries.

Device for electrical linkage between a radio set and its various accessories and items of equipment

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electrical linkage between a radio set and its various accessories and items of equipment This electrical linkage device connects a radio set (1), mounted in a removable fashion in a housing (2), to its various accessories and items of equipment and is characterised in that the electrical cable bundle (7) providing the linkage and located in the housing (2) is held in place and guided by a support (9) constituted by a plurality of articulated arms (10, 11, 12) which can fold up in the bottom of the housing (2) This device applies to the electrical linkage of any radio set mounted in a removable fashion in a housing forming part of, for example, the dashboard of a vehicle

Method and apparatus for dismantling scrap cars

Abstract: In a method for dismantling scrap cars (1), re-usable units are removed manually, the scrap car is then locked into a disassembly station (2), the operating fluids are collected, bumpers (6) and side panels (7) removed, the windows (9) and the roof (11) are grasped, the struts (13) are cut, the windows (9) and the roof (11) are removed, the dashboard (15) and the seats (16) are drawn out of the body of the vehicle and the tyres (3) are removed from the deformed rims (5). The rest of the body (18) of the vehicle and the roof (11) are fed to a shredder system.

Vehicle security device

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft security device (2) comprises of plate (3) hingedly secured to the floor panel of the vehicle and moveable from a storage position in which the plate lies against the floor of the vehicle to a used position in which the plate is secured to a bar provided immediately under the dashboard of the vehicle to prevent access to the vehicle pedals. The system may incorporate an ignition cutout and/or a means for applying the brakes when the plate is in the use configuration.

IR remote control system for vehicle - uses dashboard transmitter and spaced receivers within passenger space for respective actuators

Abstract: The IR remote control system uses one or more remote control transmitters providing control commands received by a number of IR receivers spaced within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Each of the receivers is associated with a respective actuator, adjusted in dependence on the received control command. The actuators are supplied via a conventional wiring network, with cyclic address selection for the remote control transmission channels. Pref. the IR control transmitter is incorporated in the dashboard and may act as a transponder for a hand-held transmitter outside the vehicle. USE/ADVANTAGE - E.g. for replacing electrical cable connections. Improved signal/noise ratio.

Stepper motor for motor vehicle dashboard displays - has electronic control unit cong. input filter, microprocessor, ROM, EPROM or EEPROM and drive stage

Abstract: A self-sufficient encased stepping motor for motor vehicle dashboard indicators is integral with the electronic control system: the filtered microprocessor, ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM and driver. The EPROM allows adaptability for application in various models. There is no electromagnetic shielding requirement. ADVANTAGE - Unit is economically replaceable and easily adaptable and hence suited to mass prodn.

Operation simulator with movable colored dashboard

Abstract: PURPOSE: To provide an operation simulator where a visually sensible element is taken into consideration by moving the dashboard of a simulated vehicle on a display device against an exterior. CONSTITUTION: A model processor 20 converts driver control inputs of a steering handle 22, a shift lever 28, etc., to parameters and substitutes them into a model equation to calculate an acceleration vector which expresses the acceleration of the vehicle corresponding to the driver input. This acceleration vector is outputted to a master processor 32 functioning as a coordinator of a system. A mathematical common processor 34 operates a display list of polygons constituting a visual field to be given to the driver as the visually sensible element. An acoustic processor 36 generates sounds like creaks of tires or engine sounds to give an acoustically sensible element. The master processor 32 communicates the display list of the exteior with a display processor 42, and the position and the movement of the simulated vehicle are displayed as a picture on a screen 44.

Motor vehicle dashboard

Abstract: Motor vehicle dashboard (10) consisting of a first stationary part (11) having a box structure accommodating the monitoring instruments and control members (13, 14, 14', 15, 16) and a second part (12) which can move between a closed position and a position freeing an opening for access to the said instruments and members (13, 14, 14', 15, 16), characterised in that the front edge of the dashboard has articulation hinge elements (17) firmly fastened to the box structure (11), and has a front panel directed towards the driver's seat of the vehicle, the lower edge (27) of which is connected to the upper edge (29) of the stationary part (11) in a substantially horizontal plane of separation which supports all of the instruments and monitoring members (13, 14, 14', 15, 16).

Motor vehicle dashboard with smooth front face

Abstract: The dashboard has a single light conduit (1), forming a flat front panel, and has a rear light box (2) fixed to the front face. An instrument movement (3) is placed between the front face and the light box. The instrument movement is sized to allow play between its front face and the front panel.A ring (12), placed between the front face of the instrument and the front panel, allows the instrument to be precisely positioned with adjusting screws (15) at the rear of the dashboard.

Method and devices for monitoring obstacles from inside of a motor vehicle

Abstract: In the lower part (1) of the direct field of view (2) of the driver of a vehicle, bounded by the engine bonnet (3) of the latter, and in front of the plane of the dashboard (4) and above the steering wheel (5), reflecting surfaces (or television screens) (6) are arranged laterally and in proximity to each other, which surfaces can by virtue of their proximity to the eyes of the said driver and their position in front of him, allow him to be alerted to the presence of any other vehicle which escapes his direct vision and his rear-view means. The plates and screens may be coupled to lights (7), or to a display panel (8), in order to constitute a permanent monitoring assembly having two functions; effective alerting of the driver of breakdowns and avoiding him falling asleep; fastening the assembly to the upper hood (7) of the said dashboard allows the driver to fold it down and back up without altering the settings, depending on whether or not he wants to use them.

Centralised seat belt release system - uses electromagnetic or air operated servo system to instantaneously release all seat belts in emergency situation

Abstract: The system uses a control system actuated by an electrical press button which is located on the dashboard of the vehicle. The button is positioned close to the passengers and is connected to the electric or air operated servo system that is arranged in the female seat belt housing affixed to the seats or vehicle floor. Operation of the button releases all of the seat belts instantaneously. An automatic system may be included which releases the belts through operation of a shock detecting device. ADVANTAGE - Allows rapid release of seat belts after accident to release occupants in case of fire.

Driver's overhead indicator for automobile

Abstract: A driver's overhead indicator for automobile is a device using a reflecting plate in front of an instrument panel the image of which can be reflected through a secondary reflection onto a projecting plate which is installed on top of a dashboard. Both the reflecting plate and the projecting plate can be adjusted by a tightening member which is linked to a supporting frame, from which two stand members support and fasten to the body of the car. Said reflecting plate and said projecting plate were treated by a special layer of material such that the projecting plate maintains a clear background. The driver in a car can see the instrument panel from the projecting plate without looking at the instrument panel itself. This overhead indicating device can bypass the driver to look down at the instrument panel and avoid any possible accident that could arise while looking down.

Molded sound insulation material for automobile dashboard

Abstract: A molded sound insulation material for an automobile dashboard adapted to be mounted on a dashboard panel separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment. This molded sound insulation material comprises a sound screening material (2) and a sound absorbing material (1), and a harness case (3) having one or more terminals (4) on the engine compartment side and passenger compartment side respectively is embedded in the sound absorbing material (1) at the same time when the sound insulation material is produced, whereby noises in the engine compartment are prevented from passing through a gap between a through hole formed in the dashboard panel and a wiring harness and from penetrating into the passenger compartment.

Dashboard (instrument panel) module with illuminated liquid-crystal display

Abstract: The module, for a vehicle dashboard, apart from the display (2), includes a support (3) for the circuit for controlling the display (2) and a light box (1) for back-lighting the display (2), a clip (4) secured to the light box (1) set out to join the display (2) to the light box (1) and the light box (1) to the support (3) of the control circuit. The display (2) includes connection pins (8) soldered to its control circuit.

Visual detection of in-car warning lamps as a function of their position

Abstract: THE AIM OF THIS STUDY WAS TO DETERMINE THE OPTIMUM POSITION OF A WARNING LAMP ON A CAR DASHBOARD. TESTS WERE CARRIED OUT WITH A PEUGEOT 405 CAR FITTED WITH FOUR FLASHING WARNING LAMPS, ONE FITTED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE OTHER THREE ALONG THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD, ONE TO THE LEFT, ONE IN FRONT AND ONE TO THE RIGHT OF THE DRIVER. RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE OPTIMUM LOCATION OF A WARNING LAMP WAS AT THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD IMMEDIATELY BELOW THE WINDSCREEN AND SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE DRIVER (VIEWING ANGLE OF 5 TO 10 DEGREES) SO THAT IT WAS NOT OBSCURED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. THE RESULTS ALSO SUGGESTED THE CONCEPT OF A "FUNCTIONAL ATTENTION FIELD". (A) FOR THE COVERING ABSTRACT OF THE CONFERENCE SEE IRRD 858984.

Tray placed on the dashboard of automotive vehicles

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray arranged on the dashboard of a motor vehicle. The essence of the invention is directed at designing the tray as a tray (3) which rests on the dashboard (1) and is loosely or releasably supported against the dashboard (1) and/or the windscreen (2), the tray having a plurality of set-down surfaces (12, 13) which are of differing depth (T) and are separated by profiled webs. According to the invention, the tray is supported against the windscreen (2) via suction cups (8), support bars (4) or the like.