Patent ID: 6640644
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting operational parameters of vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising:a substrate affixed to the vehicle; a membrane formed within the substrate, the membrane having an upper surface and adapted to receive an input voltage from a voltage source; a plurality of piezoresistors formed within the membrane, the plurality of piezoresistors configured to generate a first output voltage signal in response to a pressure applied to at least a portion of the membrane; a weight disposed on the upper surface, the weight adapted to apply the pressure when the substrate is at angle of inclination relative to a reference position, wherein the first output voltage signal is indicative of the angle of inclination of the substrate and constitutes one of the detected operational parameters of a vehicle; and a processor coupled to receive the first output voltage signal, the processor configured with at least an oil level measuring module and an oil condition module.