DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AN ILLUMINATING TACT SWITCH ASSEMBLY

APPLICANT:
Varroc Engineering Limited
An Indian entity having address as:
L-4, MIDC Waluj,
Aurangabad 431136,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from the Provisional Indian Patent Application No. 202021019613 dated 08th May 2020, the entirety of which incorporated herein by a reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of TACT Switches, and more particularly, to an illuminating TACT switch Assembly having individually illuminated tact switch.

BACKGROUND
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
Typically, a TACT switch (also known as a tactile switch) is a switch whose operation is perceptible by touch. In the recent times such TACT switches have gained quite popularity and has be seen employed in varied applications including, but are not limited to, electronic, electrical, home appliances, automobiles, and the like. A two-wheeler handlebar assembly is one such application wherein such TACT switches have been conveniently mounted in order to control operations including, but are not limited to, actuating a horn, switching headlamps to High beam/Low Beam, switching to left hand indicator or to right hand indicator, and the like.
Generally, a TACT switch assembly mounted in the two-wheeler handlebar assembly comprises a plurality of knobs, a plurality of TACT switches, a printed circuit board, and a printed circuit board membrane. Further, each TACT switch may be packaged with a knob, and the package of knob and TACT switch may be further connected to the PCB. Additionally, to illuminate the package of the knob and TACT switch, a separate illumination source such as light emitting diode (LED) bulb may be equipped therein. Further, each TACT switch and the respective LED bulb illuminating it are connected to the printed circuit board. Further, each TACT switch is coupled to a knob, and hence, the LED illuminates both the TACT switch and the knob thereby facilitating a driver to visualize the knobs in low light conditions, especially during night hours.
Therefore, it can be easily appreciated that the conventional TACT switch assembly described above requires each package of TACT switch and the corresponding knob being illuminated by a separate LED source. Further an additional printed circuit board membrane is used for, each TACT switch. Thus, the conventional TACT switch assembly containing large number of components results in consuming huge space on the handlebar assembly and therefore packaging such TACT switch assembly on the handlebar assembly having space constraint is a challenge. Additionally, due to presence of multiple knobs, multiple TACT switches and multiple LEDs in the TACT switch assembly, there is significant increase in assembling time, overall power consumption and the overall manufacturing cost.
Therefore, there is an utmost need for an improved TACT switch assembly containing lesser number of parts for illumination which can be easily packaged in to the handlebar assembly of the two/three wheelers and further enables reduction in overall manufacturing cost, overall power consumption and the circuit complexity.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an illuminating TACT switch assembly comprising a TACT switch integrated with illumination source for illuminating the said TACT switch and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present disclosure relates to an illuminating TACT switch assembly comprising a plurality of TACT switch, wherein each TACT switch is integrated with an illumination source for illuminating the said respective TACT switch of the plurality of multiple TACT switches (hereinafter referred to as Illuminated TACT switch assembly). Further, the illuminated TACT switch assembly may comprise a knob, a knob housing, a cover, a plurality of compression springs, a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as PCB), a PCB cover and a plurality of TACT switches, and an illumination source integrated with each of the plurality of TACT switches. . Further, each illumination source may be connected to the PCB. Further, the knob may be mounted over the TACT switches integrated with the respective illuminating sources. Further, the plurality of compression springs may be mounted between the plurality of knobs and the plurality of TACT switches to ensure smooth pressing of each knob. Further, the plurality of knobs may be covered using a cover forming a complete Illuminated TACT switch Assembly. Further, the knob may be engraved with various symbols to signify the function of the TACT switch.
In an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, an illuminated tact switch assembly (300) for motorcycle handlebar is disclosed. The tact switch assembly may comprise a back cover (116). Further a printed circuit board (PCB) (114) may be mounted in/on the back cover (116). The back cover (116) may be configured to securely hold the PCB (114) using a plurality of mounting screws (112). Further a plurality of tact switches (106) may be mounted on the PCB (114). Characterized wherein, each tact switch (106) from the plurality of the plurality of tact switches (106) is illuminated with an integrated light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the Figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view 100 of a conventional TACT switch Assembly.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional isometric view 200 of the conventional system TACT switch Assembly.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view 300 of an Illuminated TACT switch Assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional isometric view 400 of the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The present application discloses an illuminated tact switch assembly for a motorcycle handlebar. The tact switch assembly as disclosed in the exemplary embodiment discloses the tact switch assembly may comprise a plurality of tact switches. A group of the plurality tact switches may be mounted on PCB, wherein the all the tact switches maybe mounted on the same PCB. Further each tact switch may comprise an illumination source, for e.g., LED, integrated within the tact switch enabling compact packing of the assembly. Each of the illumination integrated tact switch from the plurality of tact switch mounted on the PCB may further comprise a first cover positioned/enclosing the PCB from at least one side. Further a second cover may enclose the plurality of tact switch with integrated illumination from another side, wherein a plurality of compression spring may be positioned below the second cover. Further each compression spring from the plurality of compression spring individually enclose each illuminated tact switch.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment an illuminated TACT switch assembly may comprise a housing enclosing entire the tact switch assembly. The housing may further enclose a plurality of knobs. The plurality of knobs may be mounted a cover. Further cover may be positioned on the plurality of compression springs. Further each of the compression spring may enclose an individual tact switch. The compression spring may enable the knob to return to its mean position after engaging with the tact switch. Further each tact switch may have an illumination source like LED integrated within the tact switch. Further the plurality of tact switches with integrated light source may be mounted on a PCB. Further the PCB may be mounted on another cover or back cover.
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, illustrates an exploded view 100 and exploded isometric view 200 of a conventional TACT switch assembly. The conventional TACT switch assembly as illustrated comprises a bezel trim 102, a plurality of knobs 104, a plurality of TACT switches 106, a bezel 108, a membrane 110, a M2 screw 112, a PCB 114, a PCB cover 116, and a plurality of compression springs 118. Further, the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be connected to the PCB 114 mounted on a PCB cover 116. Further, the PCB 114 may be further covered by the membrane 110. Further, the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be coupled to the plurality of knobs 104 via the plurality of compression springs 118. Further, each TACT switch from the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be connected to a knob from the plurality of knobs 104 via a compression spring, to form a package of TACT switch and the knob. In one embodiment, referring to figure 2, each of the package of the individual TACT switch and the knob from the plurality of TACT switches 106 and the plurality of knobs 104 may be illuminated by a separate illumination source (not shown in figures) electrically connected with the respective package of individual TACT switch to be illuminated. Further, the package of the individual TACT switch and the knob, and the separate illumination source may be positioned in the bezel 108. Further the bezel 108 may be covered by the bezel trim 102.
In one embodiment, as illustrated above, each of the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be illuminated with a separate illumination source. As can be seen from figure 2, at least one package of a TACT switch and a knob equipped with a separate illumination source may occupy a length of 15.2 mm, a width of 9 mm, and a height of 10 mm of the total area of the PCB 114. Therefore, considering the TACT switch assembly comprising at least four TACT switches, the TACT switch assembly may occupy at least a length of 61 mm and a width of 36 mm from the total area of the PCB 114. Therefore, such TACT switch assembly comprising a plurality of TACT switches 106, wherein each TACT switch being illuminated via such illumination source leads to multiple drawbacks/challenges/problems including, but are not limited to, increase in consumption of the space, addition of complexity to the assembly, increase in the manufacturing cost, and increase in the power being consumed. In order to alleviate these drawbacks/challenges/problems, the following embodiments disclose an Illuminated TACT switch Assembly comprising a plurality of TACT switch, wherein each TACT switch is integrated single with an illumination source capable of illuminating the respective TACT switch of the plurality of TACT switches belonging to the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly.
Now, referring to Figure 3, illustrates an exploded view 300 of an illuminated TACT switch Assembly (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown, the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly may comprise a housing 302, a plurality of knobs 104, a back cover 306, a plurality of compression springs 118, a plurality of screws 112 (M2), a PCB 114, a plurality of TACT switches 106, and a PCB cover 116. Further, each of the plurality of TACT switches 106 may comprise an illumination source integrated therein (not shown in figures), such that the illumination source as well as the TACT switch may form a single integrated component. Further, the plurality of TACT switches 106 along with the respective illumination sources therefor may be connected to the PCB 114 mounted on the PCB cover 116 via the plurality of M2 screws 112. Further, the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be equipped with the plurality of compression springs 118, and the entire PCB area 114 along with the plurality of TACT switches 106 and the plurality of compression springs 118 may be covered by the cover 306. Further, the plurality of knobs 104 may be mounted on the cover 306 in a manner such that the plurality of knobs 104 are positioned exactly above the plurality of the TACT switches 106. Further, the plurality of compression springs 118 may be connected to the plurality of knobs 104 through the back cover 306, thereby enabling smooth pressing of the plurality of knobs 104 when pressed manually by the driver and return to default position. Further, the plurality of knobs may be covered by the housing 302.
Further, as illustrated, at least one tact switch from the plurality of TACT switches 106 may be integrated with an illumination source, wherein the illumination source may be a Light emitting Diode. Further, at least one knob from the plurality of knobs 104 may be connected to at least one TACT switch from the plurality of TACT switches 106 through at least one compression spring from the plurality of compression springs 118. Therefore, the illustrated packaging of TACT switch integrated with the illumination source and the knob, may also enable the illumination of the knob, thereby forming an Illuminated TACT switch Assembly.
Now referring to figure 4, sectional isometric view 400 of the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown, at least one TACT switch integrated with the illumination source from the plurality of TACT switches 106 may occupy a length of 12 mm, a width of 8 mm, and a height of 7 mm of the total area of PCB 114. Therefore, considering the Illuminated TACT switch assembly comprising at least four TACT switches, the Illuminated TACT switch assembly may occupy a length of 48 mm and a width of 32 mm from the total area of the PCB 114 which is substantially less than the space consumed by the conventional TACT switch assembly.
In one embodiment, the plurality of knobs 104 may be provisioned with a plurality of symbols indicative of a horn, High beam/low beam, left hand indicator, right hand indicator, and the like. Further, the illumination of the plurality of TACT switches 106 may illuminate the plurality of knobs 104, thereby providing a back-lit effect to the symbols provisioned on the plurality of knobs 104.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure the illuminated tact switch assembly (300) for motorcycle handlebar may comprise a back cover (116). The back cover (116) may have geometric shape configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) (114). The PCB (114) may be mounted in the back cover (116). Further the back cover (116) may be configured to securely hold the PCB (114) using a plurality of mounting screws (112) (M2). Further in accordance with the exemplary embodiment a plurality of tact switches (106) may be mounted on the PCB (114). Each tact switch (106) from the plurality of the plurality of tact switches (106) may be internally using an integrated light source, like a LED. Further mounting the plurality of tact switches (106) having integrated light source on the single PCB (114) enables more compact packing of the assembly. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment each tact switch (106) from the plurality of tact switches (106) may individually be enclosed by a compression spring (118) from a plurality of compression springs (118). Further a plurality of knobs (104), in accordance with the exemplary embodiment may be mounted on the respective plurality of tact switches (106), wherein a cover (306) positioned between the plurality of knobs (104) and the plurality of tact switches (106) may act as an interface and protective cover.
Further the tact switch assembly (300) as disclosed in the exemplary embodiment may comprises a housing (302), wherein the housing (302) may be configured to enclose the plurality of knobs (104), the plurality of tact switches (106), the cover (306), the plurality of compression springs (118) and the back cover (116). Further the plurality of compression springs (118) may eb configured to enable or allow the plurality of knobs (104) to return to a default position or mean position after manual engagement and disengagement with the tact switch. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as disclosed in the exemplary embodiment does not have a membrane (110) like the conventional assemblies since the plurality of tact switches (106) have an integrated light source.
Now, the aforementioned illustrated embodiments offer the following advantages over the conventional system configured for Illuminating TACT switch, which may be but not limited to:
• Reduction in Packaging Size by integrating of the illumination sources with the TACT switches.
• Ease of manufacturing of the illuminated TACT switch.
• Reduction in cost of manufacturing and packaging, as compared to that of the conventional system configured for Illuminating TACT switch.
• Reduction in power consumption on PCB
• Reduction in size of PCB
The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For limiting the scope of the invention, a subsequent Complete Specification will be filed to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure
Although implementations for the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the Illuminated TACT switch Assembly.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. An illuminated tact switch assembly (300) for motorcycle handlebar, the tact switch assembly comprises:
a back cover (116);
a printed circuit board (PCB) (114) mounted in the back cover (116), wherein the back cover (116) is configured to securely hold the PCB (114) using a plurality of mounting screws (112); and
a plurality of tact switches (106) mounted on the PCB (114);
characterized wherein, each tact switch (106) from the plurality of the plurality of tact switches (106) is illuminated with an integrated light source.

2. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, the tact switch (106) with integrated illumination source like light emitting diode is directly mounted on the PCB (114).

3. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each tact switch (106) from the plurality of tact switches (106) is individually enclosed by a compression spring (118) from a plurality of compression springs (118).

4. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a cover (306) mounted over the plurality of tact switches (106).

5. The illuminated tact switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of knobs (104), wherein the plurality of knobs (104) are communicably connected with the plurality of tact switches (106) with the cover (306) acting as an interface.

6. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a housing (302), wherein the housing (302) is configured to enclose the plurality of knobs (104), the plurality of tact switches (106), the cover (306), the plurality of compression springs (118) and the back cover (116).

7. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of compression springs (118) are configured to enable returning of the plurality of knobs (104) to a default position.

8. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least four tact switches (106) integrated with illumination source, wherein the at least four tact switches (106) have a length of 48 mm and a width of 32.

9. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each tact switches (106) integrated with illumination source has a length of 12 mm, a width of 8 mm, and a height of 7 mm.

10. The illuminated tact switch assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of tact switches (106) with an integrated light source does not have a membrane (110)
Dated this 08th day of May 2020

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454