The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly and more particularly, relates to a toggle switching assembly for controlling a cruise control system with a self-reset mechanism.
BACKGROUND
Two-wheeler design can be described as activities that define the appearance, function, and engineering of a two-wheeler. Apart from the engineering which typically includes the engine performance, appearance and ease of operability are also factors which a rider considers while choosing the best ride for himself. Not just ease of operation but simplified systems add to the safety of rider while riding in difficult terrains, extreme conditions, or at high speeds. The two-wheeler designers spend long man hours to figure out ergonomic designs which are not taxing for the rider and alleviate the riding experience.
In recent years, there have been various proposals for inclusion of features like cruise control for the vehicles, specifically for two-wheelers. Riders prefer to maintain a constant speed when cruising on highways. However, changes in the terrain conditions, climate and other contributing factors can make it difficult to constantly ride at a set speed using partial throttle. Such a ride can lead to unpleasant riding experience. A cruise control system eliminates such inconvenience and makes the ride on a highway more enjoyable. The cruise control can be set to maintain a steady speed for comfortable riding over long distances. After a speed is set, the speed can be incrementally increased or decreased with single pushes of a switch or continuously by holding down the switch.
Thus, cruise control became a desired feature for the vehicles. Specifically, in the context of two-wheelers, the riders faced another set of difficulty while operating the cruise control. The cruise control is enabled using a toggle or rocker switch mounted on the handle of the two-wheeler. The rider has an option in form

of a lever extending outwards from a switch casing. The currently available technology in the market provides the cruise control switch being protruding from the upper surface of the switch casing. The upper surface of the switch casing is relatively away from the convenient reach of the rider. The rider is required to shift his hand leaving the handle grip to actuate the lever for cruise control.
Additionally, the cruise control levers are actuated to either increase the speed or decrease the speed constantly. Each time the user leaves the handle grip and resets the cruise control lever to cease the constant increase or decrease in the speed.
Though cruise control feature adds convenience to the ride, the currently available ergonomics makes the cruise control feature a bit taxing on the rider. Also, the safety aspect is also compromised if each time the rider abandons the handle grip to operate cruise control feature.
SUMMARY
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 and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cruise control switch assembly for a vehicle to drive the vehicle at a pre-set speed is disclosed. The cruise control switch assembly includes a switch housing, a bracket installed in the switch housing, a push button installed in the switch housing and adapted to traverse with respect to the switch housing based on a user's input. The cruise control switch assembly includes a lever coupled to the push button and pivotably connected to the bracket to pivot with respect to the switch housing based on the user's input and a switching arrangement installed in the switch housing and operably coupled to the lever. The switching arrangement is adapted to change the vehicle speed with respect to the pre-set speed based on the pivoting of the lever.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a two-wheeler with a cruise control switch assembly installed on a handle bar of the two-wheeler to drive the vehicle at a pre-set speed is disclosed. The cruise control switch assembly includes a switch housing, a bracket installed in the switch housing, a push button installed in the switch housing and adapted to traverse with respect to the switch housing based on a user's input, a lever coupled to the push button and pivotably connected to the bracket to pivot with respect to the switch housing based on the user's input; and a switching arrangement installed in the switch housing and operably coupled to the lever. The cruise control switch assembly includes the switching arrangement adapted to change a vehicle speed with respect to the pre-set speed based on the pivoting of the lever.
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 is 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
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:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cruise switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cruise switch assembly depicting various constituent components, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3a exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly in X-axis plane illustrating a neutral position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3b exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly in Z-axis plane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3c exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly in Y-axis plane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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 benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the

invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
For example, the term "some" as used herein may be understood as "none" or "one" or "more than one" or "all." Therefore, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would fall under the definition of "some." It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents in any way.
For example, any terms used herein such as, "includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, "must comprise" or "needs to include."
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 element is required."

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.
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 presented in the attached claims. 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 attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate 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.

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 attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit "1" are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit "2" are shown at least in Figure 2.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cruise switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of readability, the cruise switch assembly 100 is herein interchangeably referred to as the assembly 100. In an embodiment, the assembly 100 is installed in a vehicle and configured to drive the vehicle at a pre-set speed. In an example, the assembly 100 is installed in a two-wheeler, say, on a steering handlebar of the two-wheeler. In the example, the assembly 100 includes a switch housing 102. The switch housing 102 may accommodate a plurality of switches 104 for operating the vehicle, for example, a toggle switch for light indicators, a horn switch, or many other switches for utility of the vehicle. In the example, the switches may be operated by a user accessing the assembly 100.
In an embodiment, a push button 106 is installed in the switch housing 102. In an example, the push button 106 may be arranged resiliency outwardly on a lateral surface of the switch housing 102. In the example, the push button 106 may be extending longitudinally from the lateral surface forming a pivotal connection inside the switch housing 102, thus keeping the push button 106 in a neutral

position. In an example, the push button 106 is mounted on the steering handlebar of the two-wheeler. The push button 106 is mounted in a near vicinity to the steering handlebar such that the user, say, a rider does not withdraw his hand from the steering handlebar. Such a placement of switch housing 100 enables the user to easily apply force on the push button 106 for activating cruise control function.
Further, the push button 106 may include a pushing surface 106a, 106b disposed towards lateral ends of the push button 106. The pushing surface 106a, 106b receive a user's input in form of a push force and thus the push button 106 traverses with respect to switch housing 102. In the example, the push button 106 may traverse along the axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle based on the user's input applied on the pushing surface 106a, 106b.
In an example, the rider may apply push force Y' on the pushing surface 106a, Z' on the pushing surface 106b to press the push button 106 thus triggering the activation of the cruise mode. In the example, the application of push force Y', Z' on the pushing surface 106a, 106b by the rider enables the circuit connection and thus activates the cruise control function. The activation of cruise switch function is dependent on the activation performed by a mechanical arrangement thus leading to an electrical circuit completion.
In an embodiment, the push button 106 is configured for activating mechanism to drive the vehicle at a pre-set speed. In an example, the user input in form of pushing force applied on the pushing surface 106a, 106b activates the cruise mode of the vehicle thus allowing the vehicle to be driven at the pre-set speed. In an example, the user applies pushing force Z' on the pushing surface 106b, thus allowing the push button 106 to traverse with respect to the switch housing 102 for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the front wheel of the two-wheeler. This may allow the vehicle to receive a positive torque and be driven at the pre-set cruise speed. In the example, the speed of the two-wheeler increases.
In another example, the user applies force on the pushing surface 106a thus allowing the push button 106 to traverse with respect to the switch housing 102 for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the rear wheel of the

two-wheeler. This may allow the vehicle to receive a negative torque and be driven at the pre-set cruise speed. In the example, the speed of the two-wheeler decreases. In another example, as soon as the rider ceases to apply the push force Y', Z', the push button 106 gets reinstated in its neutral position as it was in a state when no external push force Y', Z' was applied.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cruise switch assembly components depicting various constituent components, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, a bracket 202 is provided in the switch housing 102. In an example, the bracket 202 provides pivotal connection to a lever 204. In an example, the bracket 202 may be provided in a longitudinal direction, parallel to the push button 106 within the switch housing 102. The bracket 202 may act as base member providing comprehensive support to multiple components of the cruise switch assembly 100 for achieving the activation of cruise switch and the activation of cruise control function.
In another embodiment, the lever 204 protrudes outwardly and is integrally connected to the push button 106 from inside of the switch housing 102. In an example, the lever 204 is integrally connected to the push button 1 from a lateral end and having a perpendicular axis extending in a perpendicular direction to the push button 106. In the example, the lever 204 is pivotally connected with the bracket 202.
In another embodiment, a switching arrangement is installed in the switch housing and is operably coupled to the lever 204. In an example, the switching arrangement is adapted to change the vehicle speed with respect to the pre-set speed based on the pivoting of the lever 204. The switching arrangement may include a carrier 206 pivotably installed to the bracket 202. In an example, the carrier 206 may be having a pair of arms 206a 206b extending from either side of the carrier 206. In the example, the carrier 206 is adapted to engage the lever 204 with the bracket 202 such that the lever 204 moves back and forth at a predetermined axis

in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle while being affixed to the bracket 202, when the push button is actuated.
In another embodiment, the switching arrangement may include a pair of microswitch 214 installed on the bracket 202, for example, on the lateral sides of the bracket 202.
In an example, the carrier 206 may pivot clockwise or anticlockwise with the lever 204 to engage the arm 206a 206b with the microswitch 214a 214b. In the example, the pivoting movement of the carrier 206 is activated as a resultant of the pushing force Y', Z' applied on the pushing surface 106a, 106b of the push button 106. The pivoting movement cause the carrier 206 to attain an angle, thus resulting in the connection of the arm 206a 206b of the carrier 206 and one of the corresponding microswitch 214. In the example, the connection of the carrier 206 and the corresponding microswitch 214 results in the circuit closure and thus the activation of cruise control. The carrier 206 may connect with either of the microswitch 214a 214b, depending upon the pushing force Y', Z' applied.
In an example, a first microswitch of the pair 214a is adapted to provide positive torque thus increasing the vehicle speed. A second microswitch 214b of the pair is adapted to provide negative torque thus decrease the vehicle speed. In the example, the carrier 206 pivots clockwise with the lever 204 to engage the arm 206a with the first microswitch 214a, and the carrier pivots anti-clockwise with the lever 204 to engage the other arm 206b with the second microswitch 214b. In the example, a close circuit is formed when the pair of arms 206a 206b is connected with the at least one microswitch 214. The close circuit is adapted to deliver the pre-set speed to the vehicle.
In an example, the carrier 206 engages the lever 204 with the bracket 202 using a bolt 212. This arrangement provides mechanical function to the lever 204 to pivot at a certain predetermined axis while being affixed to the bracket 202. The lever 204 performs the pivoting movement because of pushing force Y', Z' applied on the pushing surface 106a, 106b of the push button 106.
In another embodiment, a spring 208 actuated plunger 210 is mechanically arranged with the carrier 206. In an example, the spring 208 actuated plunger 210

is operably coupled to the carrier 206 and is adapted to impart a load on the lever 204 to keep the lever 204 in a neutral position in the absence of pushing force Y', Z'.
Figure 3a exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly 100 in X-axis plane illustrating a neutral position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an example, the push button 106 and lever 204 are relatively in the X-axis denoting a neutral position. In the example, unless a pushing force Y', Z' is applied on pushing surface 106a, 106b, the spring 208 actuated plunger 210 may impart load on the lever 204 to remain in the X-axis. In the example, the carrier 206 may also remain within the X-axis plane and does not have a connection with any of the microswitch 214. Thus, the cruise function is not enabled, and the vehicle speed is not change with respect to the pre-set speed.
Figure 3b exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly in Z-axis plane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the pushing force Z' is applied by the rider on the pushing surface 106b of the push button 106. The pushing force Z' leads to the lever 204 pivots clockwise up to 8.8° in direction of Z-axis to assume a set position. In the example, this leads to the carrier 206 connect with one of the microswitch 214. In the example, one of the arms 206a of the carrier 206 is connected to one of the microswitch 214a. The connection results in circuit completion and thus sending a message to internal controller to activate the cruise function for driving the vehicle at the pre-set speed. In the example, as the rider cease to apply the pushing force Z', the lever 204 may return to its neutral position of X-axis.
Figure 3c exemplifies a schematic view of the cruise switch assembly in Y-axis plane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the pushing force Y' is applied by the rider on the pushing surface 106a of the push button 106. The pushing force Y' leads to the lever 204 pivots clockwise up to 8.8° in direction of Y-axis to assume the set position. In the example, this leads to the carrier 206 connect with one of the microswitch 214. In the example, one of the

arms 206b of the carrier 206 is connected to one of the microswitch 214b. The connection results in circuit completion and thus sending a message to internal controller to activate the cruise function for driving the vehicle at the pre-set speed. In the example, as the rider cease to apply the pushing force Y', the lever 204 may return to its neutral position of X-axis. In the example, the vehicle may receive negative torque and decrease in the pre-set speed. The decrease in the pre-set speed may also be equaled to a reset function.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the existing technology. The added advantages of the cruise switch assembly proposed by the present invention are:
a) The lever support provides rider with the auto return mechanism. As soon as the rider ceases to apply force on the push button, the spring-loaded lever returns to a neutral state thus breaking the connection of carrier and micro switch and resulting into reset of cruise control function.
b) The cruise switch assembly provides an integrated switch with two function Cruise set & cruise Reset using the pivotal movement of the push button.
c) The rider gains an improved detent feeling generating mechanism which gives the rider a feeling of security when shifting the push button from one operational position to another operational position.
d) The cruise switch assembly is compact in size & inexpensive in production.
e) The push button is pivotal in arrangement. Hence, during vehicle running condition, the cruise function of positive torque or negative torque are not activated simultaneously.
f) The push button structure is placed inside the switch housing and is packaged with surrounding modules by adjusting the lever so that switch housing is compact in structure.
g) The cruise switch assembly enhances the ergonomics of the vehicle.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent

to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

WE CLAIM:

1. A cruise control switch assembly (100) for a vehicle to drive the vehicle at
a pre-set speed, the cruise control switch assembly (100) comprising:
a switch housing (102);
a bracket (202) installed in the switch housing (102);
a push button (106) installed in the switch housing (102) and adapted to traverse with respect to the switch housing (102) based on a user's input;
a lever (204) coupled to the push button (106) and pivotably connected to the bracket (202) to pivot with respect to the switch housing (202) based on the user's input; and
a switching arrangement installed in the switch housing (102) and operably coupled to the lever (204), wherein the switching arrangement is adapted to change the vehicle speed with respect to the pre-set speed based on the pivoting of the lever (204).
2. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
switching arrangement comprising:
a carrier (206) pivotably installed to the bracket (202), the carrier (206) having a pair of arms (206a, 206b) extending from either side of the carrier (206), wherein the carrier (206) is adapted to engage the lever (204) with the bracket such that the lever (204) moves back and forth at a predetermined axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle while being affixed to the bracket (202), when the push button (106) is actuated;
a pair of microswitch (214a, 214b) installed on the bracket (202), wherein a first microswitch (214a) of the pair is adapted to increase the vehicle speed and a second microswitch (214b) of the pair is adapted to decrease the vehicle speed;

wherein the carrier (206) pivots clockwise with the lever (204) to engage the arm (206a) with the first microswitch (214a), and the carrier pivots anti-clockwise with the lever (204) to engage the other arm (206b) with the second microswitch (214b).
3. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a close circuit adapted to deliver the pre-set speed to the vehicle, when at least one arm (206a 206b) of the carrier (206) is connected to the at least one microswitch (214).
4. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a spring (208) actuated plunger (210) operably coupled to the carrier (206) and adapted to impart a load on the lever (204) to keep the lever (204) in a neutral position.
5. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lever (204) pivots clockwise up to 8.8° to assume a set position.
6. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lever (204) pivots clockwise up to 8.8° to assume the neutral position.
7. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push button (106) comprising at least one lateral surface to receive actuation from the user.
8. The cruise switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the carrier (206) engages the lever (204) with the bracket (202) by a bolt-nut mechanism through the aligned slots.
9. A two-wheeler with a cruise control switch assembly (100) installed on a handle bar of the two-wheeler to drive the vehicle at a pre-set speed, the cruise control switch assembly (100) comprising:
a switch housing (102);
a bracket (202) installed in the switch housing (102);

a push button (106) installed in the switch housing (102) and adapted to traverse with respect to the switch housing (102) based on a user's input;
a lever (204) coupled to the push button (106) and pivotably connected to the bracket (202) to pivot with respect to the switch housing (102) based on the user's input; and
a switching arrangement installed in the switch housing (102) and operably coupled to the lever (204), wherein the switching arrangement is adapted to change a vehicle speed with respect to the pre-set speed based on the pivoting of the lever (204).
10. The two-wheeler as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switching arrangement comprising:
a carrier (206) pivotably installed to the bracket (202), the carrier (206) having a pair of arms extending from either side of the carrier (206), wherein the carrier (206) is adapted to engage the lever (204) with the bracket (202) such that the lever (204) moves back and forth at a predetermined axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle while being affixed to the bracket (202), when the push button (106) is actuated;
a pair of microswitch (214a 214b) installed on the bracket (202), wherein a first microswitch (214a) of the pair is adapted to increase the vehicle speed and a second microswitch (214b) of the pair is adapted to decrease the vehicle speed;
wherein the carrier (206) pivots clockwise with the lever (204) to engage the arm (206a) with the first microswitch (214a), and the carrier (206) pivots anti-clockwise with the lever (204) to engage the other arm (206b) with the second microswitch (214b).