Abstract: Uniform illumination is provided to a ring-shaped or round instrument panel guage by a light-conducting ring made the exterior surface of which is roughened. The ring is formed to have a light inlet tab that receives illuminating light from a bulb or LED. The ring can have any odd or even-number of light inlet tabs.

Abstract: An integrated fastener for an instrument cluster assembly, where multiple integrated fasteners are used to connect the front cover of the assembly to the back cover. The instrument cluster assembly includes at least one fastener integrated into the back cover, a first recessed portion formed as part of the back cover, and a separation wall formed as part of the back cover in proximity to the first recessed portion. A first mounting aperture is formed as part of the separation wall, and the integrated fastener attached to the back cover and located in the first mounting aperture when the integrated fastener is in a first configuration. The integrated fastener is detached from the back cover and rotated such that the integrated fastener is placed in a second configuration, securing the front cover to the back cover.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying vehicle operating information to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The display assembly includes at least two housing parts selected from the following: a mask, a light housing, and a back cover. The display assembly also includes at least one living hinge connecting the housing parts together. The housing parts and the living hinge(s) are unitarily formed as one piece. A method of forming a display assembly for displaying information to an operator of a vehicle is also provided, which includes unitarily forming the housing parts and hinges as one piece.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a gauge surface and a light guide. The gauge surface includes a concave surface having an illuminable scale. The light guide forms a geometric shape corresponding to the concave surface of the gauge surface. The light guide has ends that curve away from the gauge surface to receive light.

Abstract: An integrated fastener for an instrument cluster assembly, where multiple integrated fasteners are used to connect the front cover of the assembly to the back cover. The instrument cluster assembly includes at least one fastener integrated into the back cover, a first recessed portion formed as part of the back cover, and a separation wall formed as part of the back cover in proximity to the first recessed portion. A first mounting aperture is formed as part of the separation wall, and the integrated fastener attached to the back cover and located in the first mounting aperture when the integrated fastener is in a first configuration. The integrated fastener is detached from the back cover and rotated such that the integrated fastener is placed in a second configuration, securing the front cover to the back cover.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying vehicle operating information to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The display assembly includes at least two housing parts selected from the following: a mask, a light housing, and a back cover. The display assembly also includes at least one living hinge connecting the housing parts together. The housing parts and the living hinge(s) are unitarily formed as one piece. A method of forming a display assembly for displaying information to an operator of a vehicle is also provided, which includes unitarily forming the housing parts and hinges as one piece.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a gauge surface and a light guide. The gauge surface includes a concave surface having an illuminable scale. The light guide forms a geometric shape corresponding to the concave surface of the gauge surface. The light guide has ends that curve away from the gauge surface to receive light.