DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fan regulator assembly. More particularly, present disclosure relates to a knob of the fan regulator assembly for effortless adjustment of a fan speed.

BACKGROUND

A fan regulator is an electronic device used to control a speed of a ceiling or table fan. The fan regulator is connected between a power supply and the fan and adjusts a voltage or a current supplied to a fan motor to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan regulator typically has a knob or a switch that allows a user to select a desired speed.

Usually, numbers indicative of the fan speed are marked around the periphery of the knob for the user to rotate the knob to select the desired speed. However, a font size of the numbers may be small thereby making the numbers less legible resulting in difficulty for the user to easily recognize the current fan speed.

Generally, the regulator knob has a smooth glossy surface that provides lesser grip to the operator operating the regulator knob. In some cases, the regulator knob may slip from the operator’s hands. Further, the glossy surface tends to reflect light thereby reducing the legibility of the numbers.

One of the ways to mitigate this issue is to use large-sized knobs and greater font size for the numbers. However, the use of large-sized knobs increases both the material and manufacturing cost of the fan regulator.

Hence, in view of the above, there is a requirement for a knob which is user-friendly, easier to turn, and increases the visibility of the number indicating the fan speed. Further, there is an immense need for a fan regulator assembly that can overcome one or more problems associated with conventional fan regulators.

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.

The present disclosure discloses a rotary switch assembly for a fan regulator includes a cover plate and a knob. The cover plate is adapted to have a plurality of indicia indicative of a plurality of fan speeds. The knob is rotatably positioned on the cover plate to assume a plurality of positions and adapted to cover the plurality of indicia. The knob includes a face plate, a gripping portion, and a planar portion. The gripping portion is extended from a periphery of the face plate and inclined at a predetermined angle from the face plate. The planar portion extended outwardly from the gripping portion. At least one of the gripping portion and the planar portion includes a hole adapted to expose an indicium from the plurality of indicia corresponding to a current fan speed.

The knob may have a hole in between a plurality of ribs that provides a clear view of the indicium mentioned on the cover plate indicating the current fan speed. The hole is positioned in such a way that the hole makes the indicium that corresponds to the current fan speed visible, while the other indicia remain hidden under the knob. This helps in reducing confusion or mistakes when adjusting the fan speed.

The knob of the fan regulator assembly disclosed in the present disclosure is more user-friendly and is easier to turn even with just one finger due to the reduced height of the knob and the plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs provides a larger surface area to the finger of the user. When the user is touching the knob for changing the current speed of the fan, the finger of the user touches the plurality of ribs and an area surrounding the plurality of ribs thereby providing the larger surface area for the user to function. While turning the knob, the user exerts a small force, and the plurality of ribs is pushed sideways to switch the current speed of the fan. The plurality of ribs prevents the finger of the user from slipping and provides the user with an experience of effortless rotation of the knob to adjust the fan speed.

Additionally, even if the user has dirty or greasy hands, he/ she may still be able to rotate the knob easily with just one finger. Further, by reducing the effort required to rotate the knob, the present disclosure aids in reducing wear and tear of the fan regulator over time. This improves the overall lifespan of the fan regulator.

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 front view of a knob of a fan regulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the knob of the fan regulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the fan regulator, 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. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of 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 invention belongs. The system 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 present disclosure 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 a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality 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 “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” 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 plurality of...” or “plurality of elements 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 of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure 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, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of 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 plurality of 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 proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present disclosure, the term “rotary switch assembly” may interchangeably be used with the term “fan regulator assembly”.

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a knob 101 of a fan regulator assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan regulator assembly 100 may include the knob 101 and a cover plate 102. The knob 101 may have a face plate 101a, a gripping portion 101b, and a planar portion 101c. The gripping portion 101b may be steeply sloped downwards from a circumference of the face plate 101a. The face plate 101a, the gripping portion 101b, and the planar portion 101c may either be fixedly attached to each other and cast as an integrated member. In an embodiment the face plate 101a, the gripping portion 101b, and the planar portion 101c may be detachably attached to each other.

The gripping portion 101b may be attached to a periphery of the face plate 101a. One end of the gripping portion 101b may touch the circumference of the face plate 101a and provide a depth to the face plate 101a. The gripping portion 101b may provide a holding space for a user that enables the user to rotate the knob 101. The gripping portion 101b may be inclined at a predetermined angle. Lastly, the planar portion 101c may be extended from the other end of the gripping portion 101b and is extended outwardly from the other end of the gripping portion 101b.

The knob 101 may have a plurality of ribs 103 extending from the circumference of the face plate 101a and fully covering the gripping portion 101b and the planar portion 101c which may provide a better grip. The knob 101 may make it easier for the user to rotate the knob 101 with a single touch point or one finger.

In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs 103 may be positioned in a sloped manner, connecting edges of the face plate 101a, the gripping portion 101b, and the planar portion 101c of the knob 101. By inclining the plurality of ribs 103, a surface area of the knob 101 may be increased, which may provide better grip and tactile feedback to the user. The plurality of ribs 103 may help the user to adjust a fan speed more easily and accurately without needing to use much force or multiple fingers to rotate the knob 101.

Additionally, the knob 101 may have a hole 104 that allows the user to see an indicium from a plurality of indicia 106 provided on the cover plate 102. The plurality of indicia 106 includes a plurality of numbers, a plurality of symbols, or a plurality of markers that corresponds to a plurality of fan speeds. The hole 104 may be cut out in a way that a depth of the hole 104 may be reduced thereby improving visibility of the number exposed by the hole 104 from a side as well. The user may quickly check a current fan speed without needing to look directly down at the knob 101. Further, the construction of the hole 104 may involve cutting out a circular section in the gripping portion 101b and the planar portion 101c of the knob 101. The circular section is aligned with a position of a number mentioned on the cover plate 102. Further, the user can read the number from different angles without having to come near or in front of the knob 101 to know the current fan speed. This can be achieved by cutting a slightly larger hole or by adding angled cut-outs on sides of the hole 104. The construction of the hole 104 may be designed to provide maximum visibility and ease of use to the user.

The knob 101 may have a reduced height as compared to conventional knobs. In one example, the height of the knob 101 may range from 6 mm to 9 mm. The plurality of ribs 103 on the knob 101 provides the users with a better grip over the knob 101. Such an arrangement results in better and more precise adjustments. This further means that the user can apply less effort and precision to the knob 101, making small, incremental adjustments with respect to a fan speed. Additionally, the height of the knob 101 is reduced which can help to make the knob 101 turn easily with just one finger. This can be especially helpful for the users who have limited dexterity or strength in their hands.

The plurality of ribs 103 may provide support and a larger surface area for a finger of the user. When the user is touching the knob 101 for changing the current speed of the fan, the finger of the user touches the plurality of ribs 103 and an area surrounding the plurality of ribs 103 thereby providing the larger surface area for the user to function. While turning the knob 101, the user exerts a small force, and the plurality of ribs 103 may be pushed sideways to switch the current speed of the fan. The plurality of ribs 103 may prevent a finger of the user from slipping and provides the user with an experience of effortless rotation of the knob 101 to adjust the fan speed. In one example, the plurality of ribs 103 on the surface of the knob 101 may be designed to provide a non-slip surface that is easy to grip, even if the user’s hands are wet, greasy, or dirty.

Further, each of the plurality of ribs 103 may be equidistant from each other except for a portion where the hole 104 may be cut out. The plurality of ribs 103 surrounding the hole 104 may have a greater radial distance. The plurality of ribs 103 of the knob 101 may vary depending on the design and materials used. The plurality of ribs 103 may be a series of small ridges, bumps or grooves, or a more complex pattern. The aim is to create a surface that provides an improved grip, allowing the user to turn the knob 101 easily and without slipping, even if their hands are wet or greasy.

Further, the cover plate 102 may have a plurality of numbers 106 marked on an upper surface that indicates a plurality of fan speeds. Between the plurality of ribs 103 of the knob 101, there may be a hole 104 that depicts a number from the plurality of numbers 106 present on the cover plate 102 indicating a current fan speed. The hole 104 may be strategically placed between the plurality of the ribs 103 and designed in such a way that the hole 104 only exposes the number that corresponds to the current fan speed setting, while the other numbers remain hidden from view. Such a design prevents distraction to the user because the user would now look at a single number instead of all the numbers.

The hole 104 in the knob 101 may make the user to adjust the fan speed quickly and accurately to a desired setting by providing a clear view of the number corresponding to the current fan speed. Additionally, the fact that the hole 104 only exposes the number corresponding to the current fan speed setting and not any other numbers can help to reduce confusion or mistakes when adjusting the fan speed.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the knob 101 of the fan regulator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan regulator 100 may have an outer body. The outer body may have an outer casing 201, the cover plate 102, and the knob 101. The outer casing 201 is connected to the cover plate 102 with the help of a plurality of interlocks 105.

In the case of the fan regulator 100 as described earlier, the knob 101 may be having the plurality of ribs 103 forming a textured surface. The textured surface may be specifically designed to provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip, while also improving the visibility of the knob 101 and reducing the amount of force required to turn it. The plurality of ribs 103 may be evenly spaced and sized to provide tactile feedback to the user, while also adding a visually appealing design element of the fan regulator 100.

Further, the gripping portion 101b of the knob 101 may be designed to rotate smoothly without causing any exertion to the user’s finger. The plurality of ribs 103 on the edges of the face plate 101a, gripping portion 101b, and the planar portion 101c may provide additional tactile feedback to the user, helping them to feel more confident when turning the knob 101.

The hole 104 on the cover plate 102 may be strategically placed between the plurality of ribs 103, making it easy for the user to see which number on the cover plate 102 corresponds to the current fan speed. The hole 104 may eliminate the need for the user to search for a correct number on the cover plate 102, which can be challenging to read in low light conditions or from a distance.

The cover plate 102 and the outer casing 201 may have the interlocks 105. The interlocks 105 may be protruding structures present at the edges of the cover plate 102 and the outer casing 201 in the fan regulator 100. The interlocks 105 may serve the purpose of locking the cover plate 102 with the outer casing 201 of the fan regulator 100. When the cover plate 102 may be placed over the outer casing 201, the interlocks 105 fit into corresponding slots or grooves in the outer casing 201. The interlocks 105 may create a secure and stable structure for the fan regulator 100, which prevents the cover plate 102 from coming off easily during use.

The interlocks 105 ensures the safety and stability of the fan regulator 100. Without the interlocks 105, the cover plate 102 could become loose during use or accidentally fall off, which could expose internal components of the fan regulator 100 and potentially cause a safety hazard or damage to the fan regulator 100. Therefore, the interlocks 105 help to maintain the overall integrity and functionality of the fan regulator 100.

Different materials and manufacturing processes can also be used to create the textured surface of the knob 101, depending on the specific requirements of the fan regulator 100. For example, injection moulding or casting can be used to create complex patterns with high precision and consistency, while rubber can be used to add a soft, tactile layer on top of a harder base material. Ultimately, the goal is to create the textured surface that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also meeting the needs of the end user.

Overall, the combination of the knob 101, the plurality of ribs 103, the hole 104, the cover plate 102, the interlocks 105, and the outer casing 201 in the present disclosure results in a more user-friendly and intuitive fan regulator 100 that is easy and comfortable to use, even in challenging conditions.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the fan regulator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exploded view of the fan regulator 100 helps to understand the individual components and their relationships, making it easier to assemble or disassemble.

The fan regulator 100 may have the outer casing 201, an inner body 301, the cover plate 102, and the knob 101. The knob 101 may be fitted in a slot 303 provided in the cover plate 102. The slot 303 may have grooves to accommodate and engage the knob 101 thereby preventing the knob 101 to fall off. The inner body 301 may include a shaft 302 and various electrical components, such as resistors and capacitors, that are used to modulate a voltage supplied to the fan (not shown). The shaft 302 of the inner body 301 is connected to the knob 101 and rotates when the user turns it. The face plate 101a of the knob 101 may be secured on the shaft 302 of the inner body 301. The inner body 301 may be responsible for providing an electrical output to increase or decrease the fan speed based on an input provided by the user through the knob 101. Further, the inner body 301 may translate a rotational input received from the user into electrical signals that control the speed of the fan (not shown).

Whenever the knob 101 may be rotated by the user the shaft 302 also rotates thereby making the electrical components provided in the inner body 301 to produce the variable output voltage that is supplied to the fan (not shown). The electrical components provided in the inner body 301 may be designed to provide different levels of resistance and capacitance, which in turn affect the output voltage and thus the speed of the fan (not shown). The inner body 301 also contains circuitry that protects the fan regulator 100 and the fan (not shown) from any voltage spikes and overloads.

The design and construction of the inner body 301 ensures that the fan operates smoothly and efficiently, without overheating or experiencing other problems. The inner body 301 must be durable and reliable, with high-quality electrical components that are resistant to wear and tear.

The outer body may include three main components: the outer casing 201, the cover plate 102, and the knob 101. The outer casing 201 may be the main housing that surrounds the internal components of the fan regulator 100, providing protection and support. The cover plate 102 may be a thin plate that covers the front of the fan regulator 100, protecting the inner body 301 from dust, debris, and accidental damage. The cover plate 102 may also include the numbers that indicate the current fan speed, which is visible through the hole 104 in the knob 101.

The outer body provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the fan speed. The plurality of ribs 103, the face plate 101a, the gripping portion 101b, and the planar portion 101c of the knob 101 make it easier and more comfortable for the user to adjust the fan speed. The outer casing 201 may be a protective layer that surrounds the internal components of the fan regulator 100, such as the knob 101, the cover plate 102, and the inner body 301. The outer casing 201 may be designed with interlocks 105 that secure the cover plate 102 with the outer casing 201, providing additional protection to the inner components.

The fan regulator assembly 100 of the present disclosure can be used for both step rotation and continuous rotation of the knob 101 while selecting the number by the user. In the step rotation, the knob 101 is designed to rotate in fixed increments for each selection. This allows the user to select the desired setting easily and precisely. The plurality of ribs 103 on the knob 101 may be designed to align with the corresponding numbers on the cover plate 102 in a stepwise manner, providing a clear and accurate indication of the selected setting.

In the continuous rotation, the knob 101 may be designed to rotate smoothly without any fixed increments. The knob 101 may be useful when the user needs to adjust the settings to a more precise level. The gripping portion 101b of the knob 101 allows the user to grip and rotate the knob 101 easily and smoothly, while the plurality of ribs 103 on the knob 101 provides the tactile feedback to the user, allowing them to easily determine the current setting of the fan regulator 100.

The present disclosure is not limited to the fan regulator 100, but may also be implemented in switches and dimmers. The same design principles and features that make the knob 101 easier to grip and rotate with tactile feedback can also be applied to other types of controls. The textured surface, the reduced height, and the one-touch point of the knob 101 may be beneficial in any situation where the users need to adjust the settings of a switch or a dimmer easily and accurately. The knob 101 may be included with light switches, volume controls, or any other type of switch or dimmer where users need to make quick and precise adjustments. The hole 104 on the knob 101 can also be adapted to show relevant information for other types of controls. The present disclosure has the potential to improve the usability and user experience of a wide range of controls beyond just the fan regulator 100.

Further, the knob 101 on the fan regulator 100 may have more or less numbers depending on the design and purpose of the fan regulator 100. For example, a fan regulator designed for industrial use may have a knob 101 with fewer numbers, whereas a fan regulator for home use may have a knob 101 with more numbers for more precise control over the fan speed. In some cases, the knob 101 may not have any numbers at all, and instead, the speed of the fan may be indicated by characters or symbols.

The use of characters or symbols can be especially useful in situations where it may be difficult or impractical to include the numbers on the knob 101. This approach also allows for more creative and customizable designs for the knob 101, as characters or symbols can be incorporated into the overall aesthetic of the fan regulator 100. Overall, the flexibility in the design of the knob 101 allows for the fan regulator 100 to be adapted to a wide range of applications and situations.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the fan regulator 100. The knob 101 of the fan regulator 100 disclosed in the present disclosure is more user-friendly in a wider range of environments and conditions and is easier to turn even with just one finger due to its reduced height and textured surface. This can be especially helpful if the user has dirty or greasy hands, as he/ she may still be able to rotate the knob 101 easily with just one finger. Also, the present disclosure discloses an ability to view the number through the hole 104 from different angles, making it easier for the user to see the fan speed setting from different positions. Further, by reducing the effort required to rotate the knob 101, the present disclosure aids in reducing the wear and tear of the fan regulator 100 over time. The knob 101 may improve an overall lifespan of the fan regulator 100.

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.
,CLAIMS:1. A rotary switch assembly (100) for a fan regulator comprising:
a cover plate (102) adapted to have a plurality of indicia (106) indicative of a plurality of fan speeds; and
a knob (101) rotatably positioned on the cover plate (102) to assume a plurality of positions and adapted to cover the plurality of indicia (106), wherein the knob (101) comprising:
a face plate (101a);
a gripping portion (101b) extended from a periphery of the face plate (101a) and inclined at a predetermined angle from the face plate (101a); and
a planar portion (101c) extended outwardly from the gripping portion (101b),
wherein
at least one of the gripping portion (101b) and the planar portion (101c) includes a hole (104) adapted to expose an indicium from the plurality of indicia (106) corresponding to a current fan speed.

2. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (101) includes a plurality of ribs (103) extends linearly from the periphery of the face plate (101a) and covers the gripping portion (101b), and the planar portion (101c).

3. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hole (104) is positioned between the plurality of ribs (103).

4. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height of the knob (101) is in a range from 6mm to 9mm.

5. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover plate (102) includes a plurality of interlocks (105) adapted to couple the cover plate (102) with an outer casing (201) of the rotary switch assembly.

6. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (101) rotates one of incrementally and continuously.

7. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a shaft (302) passing through an opening of the cover plate (102), wherein the knob (101) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (302) and detachably attached to the shaft (302).

8. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of indicia (106) includes one of a plurality of numbers, a plurality of symbols, and a plurality of markers, corresponding to the plurality of fan speeds.

9. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (101) is positioned centrally on the cover plate (102).