DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fan regulator assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a knob with an indicator for 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 further 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 the 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 the 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. The rotary switch assembly 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. The knob includes a face plate and a gripping portion extending from a periphery of the face plate. The gripping portion includes an indicator adapted to selectively align to an indicium among the plurality of indicia upon rotation of the knob and the indicium corresponds to a current 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 a reduced height of the knob and a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs provides a larger surface area for a 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 the 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 with an indicator for a fan regulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the fan regulator having the knob with the indicator, 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 having an indicator 104 for 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 and a gripping portion 101b. The face plate 101a and the gripping portion 101b are fixedly attached to each other and cast as an integrated member. In an embodiment, the face plate 101a and the gripping portion 101b are detachably attached to each other. The cover plate 102 acts as a base for the knob 101, having a plurality of indicia 106 indicating different fan speeds. The plurality of indicia 106 may include a plurality of numbers, a plurality of symbols, or a plurality of markers.

The gripping portion 101b is attached to a periphery of the face plate 101a. The knob 101 may have a plurality of ribs 103 partially covering the face plate 101a from its circumference and fully covering the gripping portion 101b, which provides a better grip. This makes it easier for a user to rotate the knob 101 with a single touch point or one finger.

In an illustrated embodiment, the knob 101 may have the indicator 104 which indicates a number from a plurality of numbers 106 mentioned on the cover plate 102. The indicator 104 is a triangular-shaped marking provided on the gripping portion 101b. The plurality of ribs 103 may have a gap in between. The gap may include a triangular-shaped indicator 104 that is painted with a colour different from the colour of the knob 101. This feature enables the user to view the number from the plurality of numbers 106 from a side as well, making it easier to quickly check a current fan speed without needing to look directly at the knob 101. Overall, the indicator 104 is designed to provide a maximum visibility to the user with low vision or in dim lighting conditions. The cover plate 102 design also ensures that the plurality of numbers 106 is visible at all times, without any obstruction.

Each of the plurality of ribs 103 may be equidistant from each other except for a portion having the indicator 104. The plurality of ribs 103 surrounding the indicator 104 may have a greater radial distance. The gap between the plurality of ribs 103 on the knob 101 can be painted with any colour that is easily visible from a distance. The preferred colour for this purpose is red, as red colour is highly noticeable and stands out against most backgrounds. This colour coding allows users to identify the fan speed quickly and easily without having to closely examine the knob 101 or the cover plate 102. Additionally, the gap between the plurality of ribs 103 is designed to be wide enough to accommodate the painted colour without obstructing the view of the plurality of numbers 106 on the cover plate 102. This ensures that the numbers are always visible and easy to read, even at a distance. The use of the indicator 104 also adds a visual appeal to the knob 101, making the knob 101 more attractive and aesthetically pleasing.

The knob 101 has a short height as compared to conventional knobs. In one example, the height of the knob 101 varies from 6 mm to 9 mm. The plurality of ribs 103 on short knob 101 provides the users with the 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 and 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 provides a larger surface area to 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 is pushed sideways to switch the current speed of the fan. The plurality of ribs 103 prevents the 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. Additionally, even if the user has dirty or greasy hands, he/ she may still be able to rotate the knob 101 easily with just one finger.

The plurality of ribs 103 of the knob 101 can vary depending on the design and materials used. The plurality of ribs 103 can be a series of small ridges, bumps or grooves, or a more complex pattern. In either case, the plurality of ribs 103 creates a surface that provides the better grip to the user thereby allowing the user to turn the knob 101 easily and without slipping, even if their hands are greasy.

The cover plate 102 may have the plurality of numbers 106 marked on its surface which indicates the fan speed. Between the plurality of ribs 103 of the knob 101, the indicator 104 is provided to indicate the number from the plurality of numbers 106 present on the cover plate 102 indicating the current fan speed. Such a design prevents distraction to the user because the user would now look at a single number instead of all the numbers.

By providing a clear view of the current fan speed setting, the indicator 104 can make it easier for the users to adjust the fan speed quickly and accurately to their desired setting. Additionally, the fact that the indicator 104 only indicates the number corresponding to the current fan speed setting and not any other number 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 interlocks 105.

In the case of the fan regulator 100 described earlier, the knob 101 is having the plurality of ribs 103. The plurality of ribs 103 forms a textured surface. The textured surface is specifically designed to provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip, while also improving visibility of the knob 101 and reducing the amount of force required to turn it. The plurality of ribs 103 is evenly spaced and sized to provide a 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 is 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 and the gripping portion 101b provide the additional tactile feedback to the user, helping them to feel more confident when turning the knob 101.

The indicator 104 on the knob 101 is strategically placed between the plurality of ribs 103, making it easy for the user to see the number indicating the current fan speed on the cover plate 102. This feature eliminates 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 are protruding structures present at the edges of the cover plate 102 and the outer casing 201 in the fan regulator 100. These interlocks 105 serve the purpose of locking the cover plate 102 with the outer casing 201 of the fan regulator 100. When the cover plate 102 is placed over the outer casing 201, the interlocks 105 fit into corresponding slots or grooves in the outer casing 201. This creates 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, an 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 user.

Overall, the combination of the knob 101, the plurality of ribs 103, the indicator 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.

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 is 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 from falling 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 may be connected to the knob 101 and rotates when the user turns the knob 101. The face plate 101a of the knob 101 is secured on the shaft 302 of the inner body 301. Further, the inner body 301 is 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 translates a rotational input received from the user into electrical signals that control the speed of the fan (not shown).

Whenever the knob 101 is 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 are 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 is the main housing that surrounds the internal components of the fan regulator 100, providing protection and support. The cover plate 102 is 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 plurality of numbers 106 that indicate the fan speed.

The outer body provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the fan speed. The plurality of ribs 103, the face plate 101a, and the gripping portion 101b of the knob 101 make it easier and more comfortable for the user to adjust the fan speed. The outer casing 201 is 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 is designed with the 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 from the plurality of numbers 106 for achieving a desired fan speed 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 indicator 104 on the knob 101 is designed to align with the number from the plurality of numbers 106 that corresponds to the desired fan speed in a stepwise manner, providing a clear and accurate indication of the selected setting by the user.

In the continuous rotation, the knob 101 is designed to rotate smoothly without any fixed increments. This is useful when the user needs to adjust the settings to a more precise level. The gripping portion 101b having the plurality of ribs 103 on the knob 101 provides the tactile feedback to the user allowing him/ her to grip and rotate the knob 101 easily and smoothly.

The present disclosure is not limited to the fan regulator 100, but can 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, reduced height, and one-touch point of the knob 101 can be beneficial in any situation where the users need to adjust the settings of a switch or a dimmer easily and accurately. This could include light switches, volume controls, or any other type of switch or dimmer where users need to make quick and precise adjustments. The indicator 104 on the knob 101 can also be adapted to indicate relevant information for other types of controls. Overall, 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 100 designed for industrial use may have the knob 101 with fewer numbers, whereas a fan regulator 100 for home use may have the 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 the 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. 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. This improves the overall lifespan of the fan regulator 100. Further, the indicator 104 enables the user to view the current speed of the fan from different angles without having to look directly at the knob 101.

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, the knob (101) includes a face plate (101a) and a gripping portion (101b) extending from a periphery of the face plate (101a), wherein the gripping portion (101b) includes an indicator (104) adapted to selectively align to an indicium among the plurality of indicia (106) upon rotation of the knob (101) and the indicium corresponds 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 an edge of the face plate (101a) and covers the gripping portion (101b).

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

4. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicator (104) has a triangular profile.

5. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping portion (101b) includes a toroidal profile extending from the periphery of the face plate (101a).

6. 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.

7. 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 (100).

8. The rotary switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (101) is positioned centrally on the cover plate (102) and rotates one of incrementally and continuously.

9. 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).

10. 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.