FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to panel assemblies and more particularly, relates to compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assemblies.

BACKGROUND
In the past few decades, touch-sensitive switches have become quite popular. For example, nowadays, most of the mobile phones and laptops are equipped with touch-screens and touchpads, respectively. Even moving-contact based electrical-switches or valves have begun to be operable through the touch-sensitive switches. Such devices have prominent applications in automation industries as well, for example, in automobiles and aircrafts.

Figure 1 illustrates a prior art touch based switch as defined in the prior-art patent publication US9654103B2 A. Said patent publication illustrates a proximity-switch assembly and method for detecting activation of proximity switch assembly and providing feedback. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity-sensor providing a sense activation field. The assembly also includes control circuitry processing a signal associated with the activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger located between two proximity switches. The assembly further includes a feedback device generating a feedback when the finger is detected between the two proximity switches. In addition, the assembly may detect speed of movement of a finger interfacing with the proximity switches and vary the feedback based on the detected speed.

The touch-based or the proximity switch-assembly of Figure 1 leads to detection of finger speed movement and adjusts feedback accordingly. The same also varies feedback based on detecting the speed of finger-interfacing. However, the sensing-technology in Figure 1 is limited to capacitive- technology. Moreover, the space/area as occupied by the complete-assembly is large, high-package size, not compliant with prescribed-norms pertaining to International Protection Marking (IP67) and thereby remains exposed to moisture and dust contamination.

Figure 2 illustrates another prior art touch-sensitive switch defined in the US publication US20100250071A1. A control-interface system is disclosed, wherein the system comprises an input device that receives input of a user to control a plurality of systems and a plurality of dual function sensors interposed along a surface of said input device. Each of the dual-function sensors includes a first circuit that is sensitive to contact of the user with the surface of said input device and a second circuit sensitive to pressure exerted upon the surface of the input device greater than a predetermined threshold. The dual-function sensors generate a first signal when the first circuit senses the contact of the user and generate a second signal when the second circuit senses the pressure exerted upon the surface of the input device. The system further includes a processing unit which receives the first and second signals and controls the plurality of systems based upon the received signals.

Despite the presence of aforesaid prior-art mechanisms, when the user presses a single-functional touch button, it may actuate any nearby switches, for example, due to surface-rigidness. This would result in frequent false or unwanted triggering of switches.

Furthermore, a force sensing circuit within the prior art touch-sensitive switches is pressure-dependent, such that the same generate dual-functionality. For such purposes, the force-sensing mechanisms in the prior-art switches accordingly initially need a touch-based trigger signal to get activated. Therefore, the existing techniques are heavily-dependent on the touch-sensing mechanism for activation of switches.

Moreover, a user has to press such assemblies to actuate a touch switch to control an associated function. Upon actuation, one or more internal components translate a vertical movement, which is not uniform across all the components. Therefore, frequent wear and tear of internal components is a possibility, which would affect an overall operation of the assembly as well. Further, such wear and tear may lead to frequent replacement of components, directly affecting an overall operational cost.

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 not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly includes a cover sheet including a plurality of switch symbols adapted to interface with a user. The panel assembly includes a sensor panel disposed below the cover sheet and including a plurality of touch switches such that the plurality of touch switches is adapted to be actuated through the plurality of switch symbols. Each touch switch is adapted to control a predefined operation. The panel assembly includes a base panel disposed below the sensor panel and including a force sensor in communication with the plurality of touch switches and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user on a touch switch for actuation. The panel assembly includes a plurality of spring mechanisms adapted to support the base panel and to impart uniform movement across the assembly, in response to the force imparted by the user. The panel assembly includes a screw-based spring tensioner supporting the base panel and adapted to vary spring tension within the plurality of spring mechanisms and to control vertical displacement in response to the force imparted by the user.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a cover sheet formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fibre, and including a plurality of switch symbols adapted to interface with a user. The panel assembly includes a sensor panel disposed below the cover sheet and including the plurality of touch switches such that the plurality of touch switches is adapted to be actuated through the plurality of switch symbols. Each touch switch is adapted to control a predefined operation. The sensor panel further includes at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the plurality of touch switches and adapted to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols on the cover sheet. The panel assembly includes a spacer adapted to provide a gap between the cover sheet and the sensor panel. The spacer includes a plurality of slots to guide the light emitted from the at least one LED to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols on the cover sheet, and to accommodate a plurality of electronic components placed on a top side of the sensor panel. The panel assembly includes a base panel disposed below the sensor panel. The base panel includes a force sensor in communication with the plurality of touch switches and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user on a touch switch. The panel assembly includes a plurality of spring mechanisms adapted to support the base panel and to impart uniform movement across the assembly, in response to the force imparted by the user. The panel assembly includes a screw-based spring tensioner supporting the base panel and adapted to vary spring tension within the plurality of spring mechanisms and to control vertical displacement in response to the force imparted by the user.

To further clarify 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 drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting 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 touch-based switch, according to one of the existing techniques;
Figure 2 illustrates another touch-based switch with haptic-feedback, according to one of the existing techniques;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly depicting a connection of a base panel with a cover case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly in a resting state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly in a functional operating state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a top sectional view of a sensor panel of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a top sectional view of a spacer of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 illustrates a graph depicting operation of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly having an ultrasonic sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 12 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly having domes, 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 been 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 THE DRAWINGS

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.

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 3 illustrates a perspective view of a compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly 300 may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as the compact panel assembly 300, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may be disposed in an automobile. In other embodiments, the compact panel assembly 300 may be disposed in any other location, for example, in home appliances and heavy machines, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the compact panel assembly 300 may include, but is not limited to, a cover sheet 402, a spacer 404, a sensor panel 406, a top frame 408, a base panel 410, a plurality of spring mechanisms 412, at least one screw-based spring tensioner 422, a cover case 414, and a plurality of mounting brackets 416. The cover sheet 402 may include a plurality of switch symbols 426 adapted to interface with a user. Therefore, the user may operate the compact panel assembly 300 by contacting the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the cover sheet 402 may be formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fiber. The cover sheet 402 may be used for showing positions of touch-buttons and symbols, which can be illuminative as well as non-illuminative, as per the requirement.

In an embodiment, the sensor panel 406 may be disposed below the cover sheet 402. The sensor panel 406 may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of touch switches 420. Each touch switch 420 may be adapted to control a predefined operation. In an embodiment when the compact panel assembly 300 is disposed in a vehicle, the switches 420 may be operated to control operations associated with the vehicle. Further, the plurality of touch switches 420 may be adapted to be actuated through the plurality of switch symbols 426 on the cover sheet 420. The sensor panel 406 may also include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the plurality of touch switches 420. The LED may be adapted to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols 426. In an embodiment, the LED may be activated based on detection of contact of the user with the switch 420.

Further, the spacer 404 may be disposed between the cover sheet 402 and the sensor panel 406. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may be transparent or translucent, based on the requirement. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may be adapted to provide a gap between the cover sheet 402 and the sensor panel 406. The spacer 404 may include a plurality of slots 418 to guide the light emitted from the at least one LED to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols 426 on the cover sheet 402. Therefore, the spacer 404 may be guided on frame and used as light guide for illuminating the symbols 426 on the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the plurality of slots 418 may further be adapted to accommodate a plurality of electronic components placed on a top side of the sensor panel 406. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may be attached to the sensor panel 406, for example, by glue. Further, the sensor panel 406 may be disposed above the top frame 408, which may further be disposed on the base panel 410.

Therefore, the base panel 410 may be disposed below the sensor panel 406. The base panel 410 may include a force sensor 424 in communication with the plurality of touch switches 420. The force sensor 424 may be adapted to detect a force imposed by the user on a touch switch 420. In an embodiment, on a bottom side of the sensor panel 406, the force sensor 424 may be provided in alignment with another force sensor 424 disposed on the top of the base panel 410.

In an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may include a controller (not shown) in communication with the force sensor 424. In an embodiment, the controller may be disposed on the base panel 410. The controller may be adapted to control the associated predefined operation of the touch switch 420. In an embodiment, the controller may determine a value of the imposed force. The value may then be compared with a predefined threshold value of force. Therefore, the controller may control the associated predefined operation of the touch switch 420, based on the comparison of the determined value with the threshold value of force.

In an embodiment, threshold values for actuation of the touch switches 420 may be different for different touch switches 420. The threshold values may vary based on a position of a respective switch 420 in the compact panel assembly 300. Therefore, the force sensor 424 may detect different force values for each switch position.

Further, the base panel 410 may be supported on the cover case 414 through the spring mechanisms 412. The spring mechanisms 412 may be adapted to support the base panel 410. The spring mechanisms 412 may also impart uniform movement across the compact panel assembly 300, for example, in response to the force imparted by the user. The base panel 410 may further be supported by the at least one screw-based spring tensioner 422. The screw-based spring tensioner 422 may be adapted to vary spring tension within the spring mechanisms 412. Also, the screw-based spring tensioner 422 may be adapted to control vertical displacement in response to the force imparted by the user. Therefore, the spring mechanisms 412 and the screw-based spring tensioner 422 may support the vertical movement of the components of the panel assembly 300, in response to being pushed by the user.

In an embodiment, the spring mechanisms 412 may be adapted to allow a first vertical displacement indicative of displacement of the cover sheet 402, the spacer 404, and the sensor panel 406 with respect to the base panel 410. In another embodiment, the spring mechanisms 412 may be adapted to allow a second vertical displacement indicative of a displacement of the cover sheet 402, the spacer 404, the sensor panel 406, and the base panel 410.

The cover case 414 may therefore be adapted to house the spring mechanisms 412, the screw-based spring tensioner 422, and the base panel 410. The cover case 414 may then be installed on a surface through the mounting brackets 416. The mounting brackets 416 may be disposed on the surface through nuts 428 and screws 430.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the panel assembly 300 depicting a connection of the base panel 410 with the cover case 414, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, in an embodiment, the base panel 410 may be fixed to the cover case 414 through mounting bosses 502, for example, through docking sleeves and screws. Further, the spring mechanism 412 and the screw-based spring tensioners 422 may support the assembly of components upon being pushed by the user for actuation of the touch switches 420.

Referring back to Figure 4, in an embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 may also include an actuator 432. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may be disposed on the sensor panel 406. In another embodiment, the actuator 432 may be disposed between the spacer 404 and the sensor panel 406. The actuator 432 may be adapted to generate a haptic feedback, for example, in form of vibrations. In an embodiment, the haptic feedback may be provided at a surface of the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may be a piezo-actuator. In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may generate the haptic feedback upon the detection of the contact by the user. In another embodiment, the actuator 432 may generate the haptic feedback, when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value. Further, in an embodiment, an intensity of the haptic feedback may be proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the switch 420.

Therefore, if x force is exerted on the compact panel assembly 300, the actuator 432 may generate a vibration feedback of y. Further, when the exerted force is increased to x+1, the actuator 432 may then generate the vibration feedback of y+1.

In an embodiment, the actuator 432 may operate as a buzzer as well. The buzzer may be in communication with the controller, and adapted to generate a sound. In an embodiment, at least one of the LED and the actuator 432 may be activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.

Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 in a resting state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the compact panel assembly 300 is in a non-operational state. A graphic overlay rests at the top. The compact panel assembly 300 may be understood to include a top overlay including the cover sheet 402 and the spacer 404. In an embodiment, force imposed by the user may be detected by a push-pull gauge for selecting specific springs which maintains distance according to required X and Y, as illustrated in Figure 6.
X= Distance between the sensor panel 406 and a bottom of the spring mechanism 412
Y= Distance between the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410
Z= Displacement of the compact panel assembly 300
Z= X-Y

Figure 7 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 in a functional operating state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The functional operating state is indicative of an operational state of the compact panel assembly 300 when the user is imposing force. As can be deduced from Figure 6 and Figure 7, the value of X is constant and values of Y and Z vary when the user is imposing the force on the compact panel assembly 300 through the cover sheet 402. In order to optimize force uniformity on the compact panel assembly 300, Z retains the same value as X or slightly lower.

In Figure 7, the spring mechanisms 412 may be compressed when a finger of the user exerting pressure on the compact panel assembly 300, for activating or deactivating a particular operational-function. The spring mechanisms 412 ensure uniform ergonomics on the surface of the compact panel assembly 300. In an embodiment, when the finger may be gliding on the surface without any force on the compact panel assembly 300, the compact panel assembly 300 may detect it as a false trigger and ignore. In another embodiment, if the finger is pressed on the particular button with required nominal amount of force, then the compact panel assembly 300 may detect it as an authentic input and may generate output, for example, to the actuator 432. The compact panel assembly 300 may also signal to Local Interconnect Network (LIN)/Controller Area Network (CAN) or High/Low side Switch.

Further, in order to avoid interference such as noise-signal and false-detection by the force sensor 424, the present disclosure at least renders a solution through a combination of firmware and hardware. For example, the compact panel assembly 300 may also include non-conductive tape on the bottom of the sensor panel 406 and on the top of the base panel 410. The non-conductive tape ensures a change of gap between the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410, i.e., Y. The springs guide may then be accordingly adjusted for reducing noise in signal owing to signal interference. Similarly, the firmware may be configured in accordance with one or more predefined threshold values for the contact detection and the force detection, respectively.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to actuating a single functional switch and simultaneously actuating other functional switches in a predefined sequence. The same at least facilitates sequential activation/de-activation of multiple functions of the vehicle by the compact panel assembly 300.

Figure 8 illustrates a top sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, from the perspective of assembly, the sensor panel 406 may be assembled on the top frame 408. All the components of the sensor panel 406 may be positioned in their corresponding slots in the top frame 408, for example, over flanges of the top frame 408. In an embodiment, the components may be soldered on the sensor panel 406, for example, on the top side. Further, the actuator 432 may then be positioned on the sensor panel 406.

Figure 9 illustrates a top sectional view of the spacer 404 of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 9, the sensor panel 406 is shown to be assembled on the top frame 408 from the top side, and then the spacer 404 is assembled on the sensor panel 406. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may include double-sided adhesive tape on both sides. In an embodiment, the spacer 404 may be positioned in a closure in the top frame 408. The slots 418 of the spacer 404 may guide the light from the sensor panel 406 to the cover sheet 402. Further, the adhesive tape on the spacer 404 may fix the sensor panel 406 in the predefined position. Once the spacer 404 occupies the predefined position, a top graphic display sheet, for example, the cover sheet 402 may be positioned thereupon.

Figure 10 illustrates a graph 1000 depicting operation of the compact panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the graph 1000 depicts threshold values for a touch sensor (not shown) and the force sensor 424 for different touch switches 420. As shown, a threshold value of the force sensor 424 may be constant or variable for every touch button 420 and may accordingly be defined by the force sensors 424. Similarly, the value of the touch sensor is constant or varies depending upon required sensitivity for the touch switches 420. In an example, the value of the force sensor 424 is kept constant, whereas the value of the touch sensor varies based upon respective switch sensitivity.

Figure 11 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 having an ultrasonic sensor 1102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1102 may be installed at the bottom of the sensor panel 406. In such an embodiment, the base panel 410 may include a slot 1104 to accommodate the ultrasonic sensor 1102. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1102 may be installed at the top of the base panel 410. When the force is exerted by a finger of the user in downward direction, the ultrasonic sensor 1102 may measure the travel distance and compare the measured travel distance with a predefined threshold value. In an embodiment, when the travel distance is more than the predefined threshold value, the touch switch 420 is then activated.

Figure 12 illustrates a side sectional view of the compact panel assembly 300 having domes 1202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the domes 1202 may be placed on the base panel 410, instead of the spring mechanisms 412. The domes 1202 may also provide haptic feedback at the surface of the cover sheet 402. In an embodiment, the domes 1202 may be placed in such a manner that the compact panel assembly 300 moves uniformly from the top surface, and the haptic feedback is also noted upon pressing of the touch switch 420. In this mechanism, when force is asserted towards downward position with respect to the switch and the dome is pressed, the signal will be asserted as positive by the controller. The controller accordingly transmits the output with respect to the touch switch 420 pressed to respective LEDs, LOW/HIGH side switch, and LIN/CAN.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers a compact panel assembly 300 to render a plurality of functional operations. The switches 420 are activated based on force-based sensors 424 incorporated within the compact panel assembly 300. In an example, in case of a vehicle, the cluster can be installed on top or at side of front-dashboard or on either side of vehicle-cabin for driver operations. The touch switches 420 may also be implemented as a part of mobile-devices, homes, appliances or any other analogous area where switching is required.

At least a purpose of the present force-based touch action is to determine the position of finger pressed with respect to the touch switch 420 with nominal/required amount of force accelerated in downward direction. Once the required amount of force and actuated touch switch 420 is determined, then trigger is asserted as true, and a particular-function is actuated accordingly. The actuated function triggers LEDs for symbol illumination and also a haptic feedback in form of vibration or a buzzer. The output signal is then transmitted to the BCU via CAN/LIN or simple High Side voltage ON/OFF signal which then accordingly turns ON/OFF relays of various controls, such as park lamp, head lamp, wiper, and washers.

When compared with the prior art touch and force sensitive switches, the compact panel assembly 300 of the present disclosure renders a technical-advancement at least due to one or more of following features (or a combination thereof):
a) Force-imposition activating the touch-sensitive button to thereby result in a function. More specifically, the present invention is force-dependent. Touch switches just need force as input to get activated.
b) The type of function to be executed is decided by a particular button which has undergone force and touch imposition.
c) Moreover, force beyond a certain threshold or corresponding to a certain range is sensed to render the output.
d) Further, the force-threshold may vary across the force and touch-sensitive buttons. In an example, the readily accessible switch-buttons may be associated with a higher force-threshold than the far-located switches. In other example, the force-threshold as set may be same across all of the buttons or switches.
e) The spring mechanisms 412 and the screw-based spring tensioners 422 enable the actuation of the touch switches 402 by the user in a smooth manner. Therefore, any possibility of damage caused to the internal components is eliminated. This would ensure an increase in the service life of components. Accordingly, an overall operational cost of the panel assembly 300 is reduced.

f) The provision of the spring mechanisms 412 and the screw-based spring tensioners 422 ensures a uniform movement of the components of the panel assembly 300 at the time of actuation by the user.

Therefore, the present disclosure offers a glass or fiber rigid-cover having plurality of functional-buttons with touch mechanism on the surface. To assist the force-sensing, the spring mechanisms 412 are used on four corner of the switch assembly and guided in header to impart uniform movement across the assembly, while the user presses the touch switch 420, and thereby preventing false-triggering of the touch switches 420 on the sensor panel 406 and the base panel 410. Further, for rendering haptic feedback, customized actuator 432 is designed and accordingly placed in the compact panel assembly 300 to give uniform feedback on the surface of the compact panel assembly 300, when the touch switch 420 is activated. Therefore, the compact panel assembly 300 is easy to operate, ergonomically construed, durable, effective, cost-effective, and eliminates the possibility of incorrect actuation.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, 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 compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) comprising:
a cover sheet (402) comprising a plurality of switch symbols (426) adapted to interface with a user;
a sensor panel (406) disposed below the cover sheet (402) and comprising a plurality of touch switches (420) such that the plurality of touch switches (420) is adapted to be actuated through the plurality of switch symbols (426), wherein each touch switch (420) is adapted to control a predefined operation;
a base panel (410) disposed below the sensor panel (406) and comprising a force sensor (424) in communication with the plurality of touch switches (420) and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user on a touch switch (420) for actuation;
a plurality of spring mechanisms (412) adapted to support the base panel (410) and to impart uniform movement across the assembly (300), in response to the force imparted by the user; and
a screw-based spring tensioner (422) supporting the base panel (410) and adapted to vary spring tension within the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) and to control vertical displacement in response to the force imparted by the user.

2. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the plurality of touch switches (420) and adapted to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols (426) on the cover sheet (402); and
an actuator (432) adapted to generate a haptic feedback, wherein an intensity of the haptic feedback is proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the touch switch (420);
wherein at least one of the at least one LED and the actuator (432) is activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.

3. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in 2, wherein the actuator (432) comprising a buzzer in communication with a controller and adapted to generate a sound.

4. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a spacer (404) adapted to provide a gap between the cover sheet (402) and the plurality of touch switches (420) and comprising a plurality of slots (418) to:
guide the light emitted from the at least one LED to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols (426) on the cover sheet (402); and
accommodate a plurality of electronic components placed on a top side of the sensor panel (406).

5. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) is adapted to allow a first vertical displacement indicative of a displacement of the cover sheet (402), the spacer (404), and the sensor panel (406) with respect to the base panel (410).

6. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) adapted to allow a second vertical displacement indicative of a displacement of the cover sheet (402), the spacer (404), and the sensor panel (406), and the base panel (410).

7. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein threshold values for actuation of the plurality of touch switches (420) are different for different touch switches (420).

8. A compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) comprising:
a cover sheet (402) formed of at least one of glass, plastic, metal, and fibre, and comprising a plurality of switch symbols (426) adapted to interface with a user;
a sensor panel (406) disposed below the cover sheet (402) and comprising:
the plurality of touch switches (420) such that the plurality of touch switches (420) is adapted to be actuated through the plurality of switch symbols (426), wherein each touch switch (420) is adapted to control a predefined operation; and
at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) disposed around the plurality of touch switches (420) and adapted to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols (426) on the cover sheet (402);
a spacer (404) adapted to provide a gap between the cover sheet (402) and the sensor panel (406) and comprising a plurality of slots (418) to guide the light emitted from the at least one LED to illuminate the plurality of switch symbols (426) on the cover sheet (402) and to accommodate a plurality of electronic components placed on a top side of the sensor panel (406);
a base panel (410) disposed below the sensor panel (406) and comprising a force sensor (424) in communication with the plurality of touch switches (420) and adapted to detect a force imposed by the user on a touch switch (420);
a plurality of spring mechanisms (412) adapted to support the base panel (410) and to impart uniform movement across the assembly (300), in response to the force imparted by the user; and
a screw-based spring tensioner (422) supporting the base panel (410) and adapted to vary spring tension within the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) and to control vertical displacement in response to the force imparted by the user.

9. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of spring mechanisms (412) adapted to allow a first vertical displacement indicative of a displacement of the cover sheet (402), the spacer (404), and the sensor panel (406) with respect to the base panel (410).

10. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a plurality of domes (1402) disposed on the base panel (410) and adapted to generate haptic feedback, such that uniform movement is translated across the assembly (300), in response to the force imparted by the user.

11. The compact touch-sensitive force-based panel assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8, comprising an actuator (432) adapted to generate a haptic feedback, wherein an intensity of the haptic feedback is proportional to the value of the force imposed by the user on the touch switch (420) and the actuator (432) is activated when the value of the imposed force is higher than the predefined threshold value.