A MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a multifunction switch, and more particularly to a single switch device that could be used to control multiple devices individually & mutually.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART AND PROBLEM IN PRIOR ART:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] A switch is a piece of a physical circuitry component that governs the electrical signal flow. Having a switch or toggle switch allows a connection to be opened or closed. When opened, the switch allows a signal or power to flow through the connection. When closed, the switch stops the flow and breaks the circuit connection. An electrical switch is any device used to interrupt the flow of electrons in a circuit. Switches are essentially binary devices: they are either completely on ("closed") or completely off ("open").
[004] A switch may be operated manually, for example, a light switch or a keyboard button, or may function as a sensing element to sense the position of a machine part, liquid level, pressure, or temperature, such as a thermostat. Many specialized forms exist, such as the toggle switch, rotary switch, mercury switch, pushbutton switch, reversing switch, relay, and circuit breaker. A common use is control of lighting, where multiple switches may be wired into one circuit to allow convenient control of light fixtures.
[005] A switch can be constructed with multiple mechanism bringing two conductors into contact with each other in a controlled manner. This can be as simple as allowing two copper wires to touch each other by the motion of a lever, or by directly pushing two metal strips into contact. However, a good switch design

must be rugged and reliable, and avoid presenting the operator with the possibility of electric shock. Therefore, industrial switch designs are rarely this crude.
[006] The conductive parts in a switch used to make and break the electrical connection are called contacts. Contacts such as these can be constructed to handle extremely large amounts of electric current, up to thousands of amps in some cases.
[007] The use of multiple electrical equipment in home or other buildings has given a rise in number of switches mounted on the wall. At times, the wall looks crowded and operating multiple switches for every individual device is cumbersome, wastage of resources.
[008] Therefore, there was a long-felt need to design a multifunction switch which can operate multiple electrical equipment individually and/or in combination.
[009] The present invention provides a solution, wherein the switch has toggle and push button mechanism combined into one single switch assembly providing the user ease of operating two different electrical equipment individually and/or in combination.
[0010] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing switchgear device, and additional advantages are provided through the present two-way indicator switchgear device as disclosed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other

embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0013] The present invention provides A multifunction switch comprising: a device housing (114) configured to be installed in the wall, the device housing including; a switch assembly disposed in the device housing, the switch assembly including a spring loaded plunger (112, 212) mounted within the push knob (102) configured to perform a toggle movement, the spring loaded plunger being able to actuate by moving in a detent profile (215), between a first actuator position and a second actuator position in response to the user applying force on either ends of the knob (201, 101); wherein a contact (204), at least a terminal (107 or 111; 207 or 211) and a main terminal (113,213) disposed within the switch assembly are electrically and mechanically connected; the switch assembly further comprises of mechanical arrangement disposed within the device housing configured to actuate the push knob (302) in a longitudinal movement in response to the user applying force on the center part of the push knob (102) thus pushing the contact (204,304) downwards to complete an electric circuit connecting with the plurality of terminal (307, and 311) and the main terminal (313).
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the detent profile keeps the actuation in the specific toggle position.
[0015] In an another embodiment of the invention, the toggle movement enables the knob to actuate into two different positions at two different instances and enables the electric circuit completion for operation of an electronic device.
[0016] It is an embodiment of the invention, wherein the switch assembly comprises of an indication mechanism to denote the operation of the electronic device.
[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the switch assembly comprises of mechanical means such as resilient devices as springs to maintain sufficient contact force between the contact and at least one terminal.

[0018] It is an objective of the invention to provide with a switch assembly configured to provide toggle and longitudinal movement within the single device housing at different instance.
[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the switch assembly comprises of a locking mechanism consisting of a plurality of ribs and a protrusion configured to perform a lateral movement positioning the protrusion on top (418) of at least one rib in the toggle position; the longitudinal movement positioning the protrusion between (419) the plurality of ribs.
[0020] In the present invention the switch assembly comprises of four guides for the smooth operation of knob & push knob.
[0021] In the present invention the switch assembly comprises of a cam-pin disposed within the push knob configured to perform motion along an interior channel clasping the cam pin into a cavity to prevent the actuation of the switch.
[0022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a blast view of the multifunction switch of the present invention.
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates toggle movement of the multifunction switch of the present invention.
[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a push button of the movement multifunction switch of the present invention.
[0027] Fig. 4 illustrates a guiding pins and locking mechanism of the multifunction switch of the present invention.
[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0029] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0030] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[0031] Referring to figure 1 to 4 of the present invention, describes the multifunction switch of the present invention and its various components and working.
[0032] There are many different types of switches to operate an electrical appliance or equipment. Such as toggle switch or push switch.
[0033] Toggle Switch: Toggle switches are actuated by a lever angled in one of two or more positions. The common light switch used in household wiring is an example of a toggle switch. Most toggle switches will come to rest in any of their lever positions, while others have an internal spring mechanism returning the lever to a certain normal position, allowing for what is called "momentary" operation.
[0034] Push Switch: Push-button switches are two-position devices actuated with a button that is pressed and released. Most push-button switches have an internal spring mechanism returning the button to its "out," or "un-pressed," position, for momentary operation. Some push-button switches will latch alternately on or off with every push of the button. Other push-button switches will stay in their "in," or "pressed," position until the button is pulled back out.
[0035] A switch can be constructed with multiple mechanism bringing two conductors into contact with each other in a controlled manner. The conductive parts in a switch used to make and break the electrical connection are called contacts (204, 304). Contacts such as these can be constructed to handle extremely large amounts of electric current, up to thousands of amps in some cases.
[0036] Any kind of switch contact can be designed so that the contacts "close" (establish continuity) when actuated, or "open" (interrupt continuity) when actuated. For switches that have a spring-return mechanism in them, the direction that the spring returns it to with no applied force is called the normal position. Therefore, contacts that are open in this position are called normally open and contacts that are closed in this position are called normally closed.
[0037] For process switches, the normal position, or state, is that which the switch is in when there is no process influence on it. An easy way to figure out the normal

condition of a process switch is to consider the state of the switch as it sits on a storage shelf, uninstalled.
[0038] A Pushbutton Switch is a switch designed so that its contacts are opened and closed by depressing and releasing a pushbutton on the switch in the direction of its axis. These are normally-open tactile switches. Push buttons allow us to power the circuit or make any particular connection only when we press the button. Simply, it makes the circuit connected using contact plates when pressed and breaks when released that is the contact plates are detached.
[0039] The toggle switch is a type of electrical switch that is identified by the presence of handle or lever that makes it possible to control the flow of electric current/signal from a power supply to a device or within a device. It is a hinged switch that can assume either of two positions ie. ON or OFF. It is used to switch between two conditions in a circuit. Toggle Switches employ rocker-type contact mechanism. Being easy in operation, toggle switch can be used in a number of different applications, both in commercial and in house hold appliances.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig.l, in the present invention, discloses the amalgamation of two different switches i.e. toggle and push switch to create a multifunction switch operating two different electrical appliances alone and/or in combination.
[0041] The present invention discloses a multifunction switch that will operate multiple devices individually & mutually, i.e., without hindering the working of other devices. Detent profile in which we can toggle switch in different position along with cam pin locking which could be used for push type mechanisms. Horizontal force to be applied on top & bottom parts for toggle purpose. Force applied on middle part to actuate all the devices. Detent profile given for individual actuation & cam profile given for actuation of multiple devices
[0042] The present invention also discloses a locking feature so that when the switch is in push position than it can't be toggled likewise when it is in toggled position it can't be pushed. Four guides has also been provided for the smooth

operation of knob & push knob. Push knob is held with knob by a holding profile. Springs have been provided to maintain sufficient contact force between two contacting metal parts such that in transient condition no arching shall occur. Indicators has been provided to indicate user which device is in working condition.
[0043] Referring Figure 2, a toggle mechanism (200) of the multifunction switch of the present invention is explained. It discloses, a device housing (114) configured to be installed in the wall, wherein a switch assembly disposed in the device housing, the switch assembly including a spring loaded plunger (112, 212) mounted within the push knob (102) configured to perform a toggle movement, the spring loaded plunger being able to actuate by moving in a detent profile (215), between a first actuator position and a second actuator position in response to the user applying force on either ends of the knob (201, 101); wherein a contact (204), at least a terminal (107 or 111; 207 or 211) and a main terminal (113, 213) disposed within the switch assembly are electrically and mechanically connected.
[0044] The detent profile (215) keeps the actuation in the specific toggle position. The detent profile assists the toggle movement and enables the knob (201) to actuate the plunger (212) into two different positions at two different instances. This results into either contact (204) to connect with Terminal LI (207) and Terminal LM (213). Terminal LI (207) represents an electrical connection terminal for an electrical appliance. Connection with Terminal LI will result into passage of electrical current to an electrical appliance. Terminal LM represents the main supply line of electrical current flowing in the circuitry. Therefore, the toggle movement at any instance enables the electric circuit completion for operation of an electronic device.
[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the toggle movement of the multifunction switch of the present invention, is supported by a locking mechanism (400) referring Fig. 4. The locking mechanism (400) consisting of a plurality of ribs (417) and a protrusion (416) is configured to perform a lateral movement positioning the protrusion on top (418) of at least one rib in the toggle position. Such a movement prevents the multifunction switch to disable the push button or

longitudinal movement of the switch and the multifunction switch remains in the toggle position.
[0046] In an objective aspect of the present invention, the device housing (114) configured to be installed in the wall, the device housing including the switch assembly disposed in the device housing, the switch assembly comprising of mechanical arrangement disposed within the device housing configured to actuate the push knob (302) in a longitudinal movement or a push button movement in response to the user applying force on the center part of the push knob (102) thus pushing the contact (304) downwards to complete an electric circuit connecting with the plurality of terminal (307, and 311) and the main terminal (313).
[0047] Referring to Fig. 3, the longitudinal movement or a push button movement 300 is illustrated. The push knob 302 when pressed by a user, in a direction perpendicular then the contact 304 is pressed downwards hence plurality of terminals LI 207, 307 and terminal L2 211, 311 gets electrically coupled/connect with contact 304 and the terminal LM 313. This results into completion of the electrical circuit hence flow of electricity into both terminal LI and L2. As explained above, terminal LI represents an electrical appliance, similarly L2 represents another electrical appliance. Connection of both LI and L2 results into operation of two different electrical appliances in combination.
[0048] The locking mechanism 400 works in the case of push or longitudinal movement of the multifunction switch wherein, the plurality of ribs (417) and the protrusion (416) configured to perform the longitudinal movement positioning the protrusion between (419) the plurality of ribs. Such a mechanism allows the multifunction switch to enable the push movement only and prevent the multifunction switch from performing toggle movement.
[0049] The present invention discloses a cam-pin disposed within the push knob configured to perform motion along an interior channel clasping the cam pin (109) into a cavity to prevent the actuation of the switch.
[0050] Certain notable effects of this invention are:

• Operate two appliances by use of one switch;
• Push/longitudinal & Toggle mechanism into one multifunction switch using detent & cam profile mechanism;
• Provision for indicator to indicate which devices are connected;
• Safety locking feature, so that at an instant only one mechanism could be actuated;
• Guiding & holding path/guides provided in mechanism for smooth functioning;
• Springs provided to reduce transient arching and to maintain sufficient contact force between the contact and at least one terminal.
[0051] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at

least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0052] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of "comprising" or "including" also contemplates embodiments that "consist essentially of or "consist of the recited feature.

We claim:
1. A multifunction switch comprising:
a device housing (114) configured to be installed in the wall, the device housing including;
a switch assembly disposed in the device housing, the switch assembly including a spring loaded plunger (112, 212) mounted within the push knob (102) configured to perform a toggle movement, the spring loaded plunger being able to actuate by moving in a detent profile (215), between a first actuator position and a second actuator position in response to the user applying force on either ends of the knob (201, 101); wherein a contact (204), at least a terminal (107 or 111; 207 or 211) and a main terminal (113, 213) disposed within the switch assembly are electrically and mechanically connected;
the switch assembly further comprises of mechanical arrangement disposed within the device housing configured to actuate the push knob (302) in a longitudinal movement in response to the user applying force on the center part of the push knob (102) thus pushing the contact (204,304) downwards to complete an electric circuit connecting with the plurality of terminal (307, and 311) and the main terminal (313).
2. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detent profile (215) keeps the actuation in the specific toggle position.
3. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toggle movement enables the knob to actuate into two different positions at two different instances.
4. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toggle movement at any instance enables the electric circuit completion for operation of an electronic device.
5. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of an indication mechanism to denote the operation of the electronic device.

6. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of mechanical means to maintain sufficient contact force between the contact and at least one terminal.
7. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mechanical means are springs.
8. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly is configured to provide toggle and longitudinal movement within the single device housing at different instance.
9. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of a locking mechanism consisting of a plurality of ribs (417) and a protrusion (416) configured to perform a lateral movement positioning the protrusion on top (418) of at least one rib in the toggle position.
10. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of the locking mechanism consisting of the plurality of ribs (417) and the protrusion (416) configured to perform the longitudinal movement positioning the protrusion between (419) the plurality of ribs.
11. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of four guides for the smooth operation of knob & push knob.
12. The multifunction switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly comprises of a cam-pin disposed within the push knob configured to perform motion along an interior channel clasping the cam pin (109) into a cavity to prevent the actuation of the switch.