Patent ID: 6588288
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G01D,H01C

Abstract:
A resistive element structure for a sender assembly of a gauge, said structure comprising:a first resistive element formed on said structure, and having a first elongated shape with a first longitudinal extent; a first plurality of contact elements formed on said structure along a first arc at a first radial distance from a pivot point; a first set of leads, each lead of said first set of leads correspondingly connecting each contact element of said first plurality of contact elements to said first resistive element, such that each lead of said first set of leads connects to said first resistive element at a different location along said first longitudinal extent of said first resistive element; a second resistive element formed on said structure, and having a second elongated shape with a second longitudinal extent; a second plurality of contact elements formed on said structure along a second arc at a second radial distance from said pivot point wherein said first radial distance and a second radial distance are different; a second set of leads, each lead of said second set of leads correspondingly connecting each contact element of said second plurality of contact elements to said second resistive element, such that each lead of said second set of leads connects to said second resistive element at a different location along said second longitudinal extent of said second resistive element; a wiper having a first and second contact adapted to make electrical contact with one of said first plurality of contact elements and one of said second of second plurality of contact elements as the wiper moves over said first and second plurality of contact leads wherein a center of each contact element of said first plurality of contact elements is located at a different angular orientation about said pivot point than a center of each contact element of said second plurality of contact elements to provide a resistive element with greater resolution; and wherein said first resistive element and said second resistive element are connected in a parallel manner by making an electric connection between one of said first plurality of contact elements and one of said second plurality of contact elements to provide a resistive element with increased resolution.