Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to centralized switch assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a centralized switch assembly for a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing switch assembly provided in the left hand side and right hand side of the handlebar in a saddled-type vehicle is described in Figures 1A and 1B. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the switch assembly (100) comprises various switches (104A, 104B, 104C). This switch assembly is fixed on the mounting/retaining unit (102) of the handlebar. These switches are connected to a main harness of a vehicle for enabling various functions in the vehicle. These switches are connected to the main harness of the vehicle individually, wherein each switch needs a separate pigtail/cabling (106) which connects to the main harness of vehicle. In addition, each switch needs a separate connector (108) which connects to the main harness of the vehicle. Also, each input within the switch needs a separate cable to function, which eventually interacts with vehicle harness network. Also, this switch assembly and assembly method leads to more process time and manhours.
[0003] For instance, one such prior art discloses a method of managing all stacked slave switches through a master switch. The method is characterized by comprising steps: multiple switches capable of being stacked are connected according to a specific topology structure to build a stack; each switch sends a topology detection packet including the self-topology structure information to a neighbor switch for topology detection; according to the MAC of the switch and the priority, one switch is recommended as the master switch, the rest switches serve as slave switches, remote configuration on the slave switches is carried out through the master switch, statistics information of the slave switches is acquired through the master switch, and state information of the slave switches is acquired through the master switch. The user can conveniently manage all stacked slave switches through the master switch. However, such an arrangement is provided for electric switches which do not extend to mechanical switches for the purpose of reducing the number of pigtails provided for each mechanical switch.
[0004] Therefore, there exists a need for a switch assembly and an assembly method that can overcome the above-mentioned problems of the art.
SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0006] To overcome or at least mitigate one of the problems mentioned above in the state of the art, a centralized switch assembly is provided.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a centralized switch assembly is disclosed. The centralized switch assembly comprises of at least one master switch and a plurality of slave switches. Each of the plurality of slave switches is communicatively connected to the master switch through a pre-defined number of mating connectors provided in the master switch. The master switch comprising a sensing unit is configured for sensing one or more operations of each of the plurality of slave switches and one or more operations of the master switch. The master switch comprising a processing unit is configured for processing a plurality of signals generated by the operation of a plurality of slave switches. The master switch is configured for being communicatively connected to a vehicle harness, for communicating the processed data obtained from each of the plurality of slave switches to the vehicle harness.
[0008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[00010] Figure 1A illustrates a front view of a switch assembly along with a mounting/retaining plate of the handlebar of a vehicle in accordance with state of art.
[00011] Figure 1B illustrates a back view of a switch assembly along with a mounting/retaining plate of the handlebar of a vehicle in accordance with state of art.
[00012] Figure 2 illustrates a system consisting of centralized switch assemblies along with vehicle harness according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00013] Figure 3 illustrates the centralized switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00014] Figure 4A illustrates a master switch of the centralized switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00015] Figure 4B illustrates a master switch of the centralized switch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[00016] Figure 5A illustrates an operation of the centralized switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00017] Figure 5B illustrates a resistive divider network according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[00018] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[00019] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.
[00020] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[00021] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[00022] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present invention. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed invention fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[00023] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternative embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[00024] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed invention.
[00025] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[00026] In view of the state of the art, there exists a need for a switch assembly and an assembly method that minimizes the need for a separate pigtail/cabling or connector for each switch to connect with the main harness of vehicle as well as reducing the process time and manhours to assemble switches in the switch assembly.
[00027] In an embodiment of the present invention, a centralized switch assembly is disclosed. The centralized switch assembly comprises of at least one master switch and a plurality of slave switches. Each of the plurality of slave switches is communicatively connected to the master switch through a pre-defined number of mating connectors provided in the master switch. The master switch comprising a sensing unit is configured for sensing one or more operations of each of the plurality of slave switches and one or more operations of the master switch. The master switch comprising a processing unit is configured for processing a plurality of signals generated by the operation of a plurality of slave switches. The master switch is configured for being communicatively connected to a vehicle harness, for communicating the processed data obtained from each of the plurality of slave switches to the vehicle harness.
[00028] Figure 2 illustrates a system consisting of centralized switch assemblies along with vehicle harness according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, one centralized switch assembly (200) can be used in the left-hand side and another one centralized switch assembly (200) can be used in the right-hand side of a handlebar (400) of a saddle-type vehicle (500). Both the centralized switch assemblies (200) are individually connected to the vehicle harness (300) of the saddle-type vehicle (500) using at least one pigtail.
[00029] As shown in Figure 3, the centralized switch assembly (200) comprising one master switch (210) and three slave switches (218), wherein any one of the switches comprising a pre-defined circuitry may be designated as a master switch. The number of switches may vary based on the requirements. In one aspect, the master switch (210) is located in center. In another aspect, the master switch (210) is located in either side of the centralized switch assembly (200) based on the requirement. In one aspect, two master switches (210) may be used in the centralized switch assembly (200) based on the requirement which may be within the scope of the present invention.
[00030] In one aspect, slave switches (218) are communicatively connected to the master switch (210) through a pre-defined number of mating connectors (212) provided in the master switch (210). As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the shape of the mating connectors (212) can be square. In another aspect, the shape of mating connectors (212) may be square, and the two terminals may be placed therein for the purpose of connecting. In another aspect, the shape of mating connectors (212) may be any shape based on the requirement.
[00031] In one aspect, the slave switch (218) is connected to the master switch (210) by interconnecting cable (214) which is connected to the slave switch (218) on one end and a corresponding mating connector (212) provided in the master switch (210) on the opposite end. In similar manner, other slave switches (218) may be connected to the master switch (210).
[00032] In one aspect, each of the slave switches (218) is connected to the master switch (210) by wires to one or more terminals of slave switches (218). The wires are being terminated to mating connectors of each of the slave switches (218). The master switch (210) is configured to receive a plurality of mating connectors of each of the slave switches (218).
[00033] In one aspect, each of the slave switches (218) comprises a mating connector (220), wherein each of the slave switches (218) is connected to the master switch (210) by wires terminated with mating connectors of each of the slave switches (218). The master switch (210) is configured to receive the mating connector (220) from each of the slave switches (218).
[00034] In one aspect, the master switch (210) comprising a mating connector (216) is configured to receive a first mating connector (212) terminating a first end of a cable (226) and a second mating connector (212) terminating a second end of the cable, wherein the vehicle harness is configured to receive the second mating connector (216).
[00035] In one aspect, as indicated in Figure 5A, the master switch (210) comprises a sensing unit (210A). The sensing unit (210A) senses one or more operations of each of the slave switches (218) and one or more operations of the master switch (210) and generates the signals accordingly. The sensing unit (210A) generates a signal based on the operation which is known in art. In an aspect, the master switch (210) comprises a processing unit (210B) which is configured for processing a plurality of signals generated by the operation of a plurality of slave switches (218) and the master switch (210) to generate processed data.
[00036] In an aspect, the master switch (210) is configured for being communicatively connected to a vehicle harness (300), for communicating the generated processed data to the vehicle harness (300), for avoiding a cable from each of the plurality of slave switches (218) and the master switch (210) being individually connected to the vehicle harness (300).
[00037] In one aspect, as shown in Figure 5B, each of the slave switches (218) and the master switch (210) are connected to a resistive divider network (222) for issuing a predefined analog voltage corresponding to each throw of each of the slave switches (218) and the master switch (210). Each of the issued voltages being different from the voltage issued by each throw of the other switches.
[00038] In another aspect, the processing unit (210B) comprises an analog to digital converter (210BB) which is configured for generating digital equivalents of the predefined analog voltages for communicating switch operation data representative of the generated digital equivalents to the vehicle harness (300). In one aspect, the processing unit (210B) may be an integral part of the master switch (210). Alternatively, processing unit (210B) may be externally present on the vehicle as well based on the requirement.
[00039] In exemplary aspect, a resistive divider network topology is employed to efficiently collect data pertaining to the switches (210, 218) that are being actuated. This process includes a master switch which is connected to an analog to digital convertor (ADC) input through a voltage divider R1 and R2. The measurements are done at node A. For every push on master switch, the respective resistor will come in parallel with R2 and there will be a change in voltage at Node A. The same will be read on ADC to identify the switch which is actuated.
[00040] In one aspect, the sensing unit (210A) and processing unit (210B) are configured for communicating the switch operation data using Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol. In an exemplary aspect, the LIN protocol plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive monitoring of switch activations. Through the integration of microcontrollers and digital readouts, this system efficiently identifies and tracks the switches that are being pressed. The LIN protocol, renowned for its robust communication capabilities, ensures precise and seamless data transmission, enabling the system to discern and respond to switch activations with exceptional accuracy.
[00041] In another aspect, the sensing unit (210A) and processing unit (210B) are configured for communicating the switch operation data using Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. In an exemplary aspect, the CAN protocol takes center stage as the foundation for monitoring switch activations. The integration of microcontrollers and digital sensing allows the system to accurately detect and record which switches are being pressed, all within the framework of the CAN protocol. CAN, with its high-speed data transmission and reliability, ensures efficient communication and real-time feedback, making it a suitable choice for this application.
[00042] When two or more switches (master switch (210) or slave switches (218)) are actuated simultaneously, the processing unit (210B) is configured to provide a unique output. For example, switch 1 is horn with output of 3 V, switch 2 is indicator with output of 2 V. When switches 1 and 2 are actuated together, the processing unit (210B) takes the average of the outputs of switches 1 and 2 and provides a unique output, i.e., 2.5V which corresponds to a unique signal such as a vehicle shutdown.
[00043] All the above-mentioned techniques can be used within the switch to interact with vehicle. In the above mentioned techniques, the PCB design would vary and also some additional circuitry or cables might be required, but the assembly technique would remain the same i.e., one would remain master and others would be slave.
[00044] Advantages of the present invention:
The above-mentioned switch assembly of the present invention provides the followings:
i) It reduces the overall network and density of the cables required;
ii) It makes the overall unit modular;
iii) It helps centralize the overall switch network, where one acts as a master and others as slave. By doing so the requirement of overall output cables are much lesser than what is currently in use; and
iv) The number of connectors going to the vehicle harness reduces thereby reducing the overall cost.
[00045] It will be appreciated that the modules, processes, systems, and devices described above can be implemented in hardware, hardware programmed by software, software instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or a combination of the above. Embodiments of the methods, processes, modules, devices, and systems (or their sub-components or modules), may be implemented on a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic circuit such as a programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL) device, or the like. In general, any process capable of implementing the functions or steps described herein can be used to implement embodiments of the methods, systems, or computer program products (software program stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium).
[00046] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[00047] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[00048] List of reference numerals:
Components Reference numerals
100 Switch assembly
102 Mounting/Retaining unit
104 Switch
104A High/Low beam switch
104B Toggle switch
104C Horn switch
106 Pigtail
108 Connector
200 Centralized switch assembly
210 Master switch
210A Sensing unit
210B Processing unit
210BB Analog to digital converter
212 Master switch mating connector
214 Interconnecting cable
216 Master switch male/female connector
218 Slave switch
220 Slave switch mating connector
222 Resistive divider network
300 Vehicle harness
310 Vehicle harness male/female connector
400 Handlebar
500 Saddle-type vehicle , Claims:1. A centralized switch assembly (200) comprising:
at least one master switch (210) and a plurality of slave switches (218), wherein each of the plurality of slave switches (218) is communicatively connected to the master switch (210) through a pre-defined number of mating connectors (212) provided in the master switch (210),
wherein the master switch (210) comprises a sensing unit (210A) configured to sense one or more operations of each of the plurality of slave switches (218) and one or more operations of the master switch (210),
wherein the master switch (210) comprises a processing unit (210B) configured to process a plurality of signals generated by the one or more operations of the plurality of slave switches (218) and the master switch (210) to generate processed data, and
wherein the master switch (210) is configured to being communicatively connected to a vehicle harness (300), for communicating the generated processed data to the vehicle harness (300).
2. The centralized switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master switch (210) and the plurality of slave switches (218) are provided on a left-hand side and a right-hand side of a handlebar (400) of a saddle-type vehicle (500).
3. The centralized switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of slave switches (218) is connected to the master switch (210) by a plurality of interconnecting cables (214), wherein one end of each of the plurality of interconnecting cables (214) is connected to the corresponding slave switch (218) and an opposite end of each of the plurality of interconnecting cables (214) is connected to a corresponding connector (212) provided in the master switch (210).
4. The centralized switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
each of the plurality of slave switches (218) and the master switch (210) are connected to a resistive divider network (222) for issuing a predefined analog voltage corresponding to each throw of each of the slave switches (218) and the master switch (210), wherein each of the issued voltages being different from the voltage issued by each throw of the other switches, and
wherein the processing unit (210B) comprises an analog to digital converter configured to generate digital equivalents of the predefined analog voltages for communicating switch operation data representative of the generated digital equivalents to the vehicle harness (300).
5. The centralized switch assembly (200) as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the sensing unit (210A) and processing unit (210B) are configured to communicate the switch operation data using Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol.
6. The centralized switch assembly (200) as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the sensing unit (210A) and processing unit (210B) are configured to communicate the switch operation data using Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol.