DESC:Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device regulator assembly.

Background
[0002] Operation of electrical devices, such as a fan or a lamp typically requires installation of two switch assemblies. For instance, for operating a fan, a rocker-switch assembly may be implemented to control switching ON/OFF of the fan and a rotating-switch assembly may be provided to control a speed of operation of the fan. Similarly, in the example of a lamp, a rocker-switch assembly may be used for switching ON/OFF of the lamp, and a rotating-switch assembly may be used for controlling a lumen of the lamp.
[0003] As would be understood, installation of the two distinct switch assemblies as mentioned above requires occupancy of two distinct spaces in a given switch plate. This may prove to be problematic in cases where small switch plates are used and the user intends to install as many switches as permissible for operating end devices.
[0004] Furthermore, the electrical connections required in such a setup may also be cumbersome and complex to manage and maintain. For instance, separate electrical wiring is required from a mains supply to the switch, the switch is then electrically connected to the rotating switch, and the rotating-switch is then connected to the end device to form the electrical path. As would be understood, this above described electrical path connections may prove to be cumbersome and labour intensive to set up. Furthermore, such a setup of electrical connections requires additional space in the switch plate to accommodate the wire. Furthermore, due to the installation of two distinct assemblies, the monetary implications associated with the installation of such devices increases for the users.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a solution to address at least one of the aforementioned deficiencies.

Summary
[0006] 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.
[0007] In an embodiment, a device regulator assembly is disclosed. The device regulator assembly comprises a base circuit board, a first switch assembly, and a second switch assembly. In an example, the first switch assembly is disposed on the base circuit board. The first switch assembly comprises a controller button to control an operation of an electrical device coupled to the device regulator assembly. Furthermore, the second switch assembly is disposed on the base circuit board. The second switch assembly is electrically coupled to the first switch assembly using the base switch board. Furthermore, the second switch assembly comprises a switch to control switching ON/OFF of the electrical device coupled to the device regulator assembly.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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:
[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a device regulator assembly, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates one or more components of the device regulator assembly, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0012] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view and a perspective view of a cover of the device regulator assembly, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates one or more components of the device regulator assembly, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] 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 Figures
[0015] 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.
[0016] The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
[0017] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
[0018] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
[0019] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
[0020] 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 one having ordinary skills in the art.
[0021] 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 presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
[0022] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as 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 variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more 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 one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively 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.
[0023] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, a device regulator assembly for facilitating operation of electrical devices, for example, fans and lamps, is disclosed. In said embodiment, the device regulator assembly includes two switching assemblies within a single housing. This facilitates in saving space during installation of switches in switch plates. Furthermore, as described herein, the device regulator assembly reduces the electrical wiring connects required for establishing the electrical path for supplying electricity to end device from mains supply. This further reduces the complexity of installation and reduces space required for installation as less number of electrical wiring connections is required.
[0026] In an example embodiment, the device regulator assembly includes a rotating-switch assembly and a rocker-switch assembly in a single housing, such that only a single electrical connection may be drawn out of the device regulator assembly for connecting with an electrical device. The electrical device, in an example, may be a fan or a lamp. For example, the device regulator assembly may be operably coupled with a table lamp to control switching ON/Off of the table lamp and controlling lumen of the table lamp. Similarly, the device regulator assembly may be operably coupled with a ceiling fan to control switching ON/Off of the ceiling fan and to further control a speed of rotation of the ceiling fan.
[0027] In an example embodiment, the rotating-switch assembly and the rocker-switch assembly may be coupled to a single Printed Circuit Board (PCB), hereinafter, interchangeably referred to as base circuit board. In said example embodiment, the coupling between the base circuit board and the rocker-switch assembly is such that no separate terminals are provided in the rocker-switch assembly. The terminals that operate with the rocker-switch assembly are disposed on or in relation to the base circuit board itself. As a result, the rocker-switch assembly can be coupled to the same base circuit board as the rotating-switch assembly. Furthermore, the rocker-switch assembly is electrically coupled with the rotating-switch assembly using the base circuit bored. Thus, the requirement of a separate electrical wiring between the rocker-switch assembly and the rotating-switch assembly is eliminated. This facilitates in using only one electrical connection with at least one electrical device, thereby reducing the complexity associated with installation of two distinct assemblies. Furthermore, in an example embodiment, a size of a controller button of the rotating-switch assembly is reduced, thereby further aiding the accommodation of the rocker-switch assembly in the same housing.
[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a device regulator assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the device regulator assembly 100 may include a housing 102, a cover 104, a rotating-switch assembly 106, and a rocker-switch assembly 108.
[0029] In an example, the housing 102 and the cover 104 are adapted to couple with each other so as to form an enclosure for accommodating other components of the device regulator assembly 100. This coupling between the housing 102 and the cover 104 may be achieved using known coupling mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, a snap-fit arrangement may be used. Accordingly, the housing 102 and the cover 104 may have suitable protrusions and depressions on edges of one or more surfaces thereof. In another example embodiment, the housing 102 and the cover 104 may be coupled with each other using one or more screws.
[0030] In an example embodiment, the cover 104 may be provided with appropriate slots or openings so as to allow one or more components of the rotating-switch assembly 106 and the rocker-switch assembly 108 to pass through and protrude. For instance, as can be seen in the figure, at least two slots are provided on the cover 104, through which one or more components of the rotating-switch assembly 106 and the rocker-switch assembly 108, or other components of the device regulator assembly 100 may protrude.
[0031] The device regulator assembly 100 provides for a single compact assembly that may be installed in switch plates for controlling the operation of electrical devices, such as, for example, fans and table lamps. Furthermore, the device regulator assembly 100 facilitates in reducing the number of electrical wirings required for establishing the electrical path between the mains supply and the electrical device. For example, the mains supply may be electrically coupled with the device regulator assembly 100 and the device regulator assembly 100 may then be connected to the electrical device. As described herein, no separate electrical wiring connection is required between the rocker-switch assembly and the rotating-switch assembly. Thus, the number of electrical wires required to create the electrical connection between the mains supply and the electrical device is reduced.
[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates one or more components of the device regulator assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the device regulator assembly 100 may include a base circuit board 200. Example of the base circuit board 200 may include but is not limited to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In an example, both, the rotating-switch assembly 106 and the rocker-switch assembly 108 may be coupled to the base circuit board 200. In an example, the base circuit board 200 may be provided with appropriate protrusions, slots, arrangements, connections, and the like, for facilitating coupling of the rotating-switch assembly 106 and the rocker-switch assembly 108 with the base circuit board 200.
[0033] In an example embodiment, the base circuit board 200 may include an electrical connection between the rocker-switch assembly 108 and the rotating-switch assembly 106. In an example, this electrical connection may be established using known techniques. This connection of the rocker-switch assembly 108 and the rotating-switch assembly 106 eliminates the use of physical electrical wire. As a result, the installation of the device regulator assembly 100 becomes convenient as opposed to installation of two distinct assemblies used conventionally which requires additional physical electrical wiring between the rocker-switch and the rotating-switch.
[0034] In an example, the operation of the electrical device may be controlled by the rotating-switch assembly 106. For instance, the rotating-switch assembly 106 may include a controller button 202. In an example, the operation of the controller button 202 may cause a corresponding change in the operation of the electrical device coupled to the device regulator assembly 100. For instance, a device, such as a fan may be coupled with the device regulator assembly 100. Accordingly, an operation of the controller button 202 may cause change in an operation speed of the fan.
[0035] In an example, the rocker-switch assembly 108 may be configured to control switching ON/OFF of the electrical device. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, the device regulator assembly 100 comprises a fixed contact 204, disposed on the base circuit board 200. In an example, the fixed contact 204 may be a metallic contact and may be provided on a supporting structure that is affixed to the base circuit board 200.
[0036] The device regulator assembly 100 further comprises a moving contact 206, for example a metallic contact. This moving contact 206 may be provided on a seesaw 208. For instance, the seesaw 208 may include a hole at one end in which the moving contact 206 may be provided. In another example, the moving contact 206 may be disposed or affixed onto an end of the seesaw 208. In an example, the seesaw 208 may be a metallic component.
[0037] In an example, the seesaw 208 may be supported by a pillar 210, which may be a metallic component. As described herein, being supported by the pillar 210 may be understood as a disposition arrangement of the seesaw 208 onto the pillar 210, such that the seesaw 208 may be movable, for example, in see-saw manner. For example, a near to central point of the seesaw 208 may be disposed or movably affixed or pivoted onto an end of the pillar 210. In an example, the pillar 210 may be affixed or disposed on the base circuit board 100. As can been in the figure, in an example, the pillar 210 protrudes from a surface of the base circuit board 200 and the seesaw 208 is disposed on an end of the pillar 210.
[0038] In an example embodiment, the seesaw 208 may be an independent component. In another example, the seesaw 208 may be a component provided as a part of the rocker-switch assembly 108. In this example, when the rocker-switch assembly is disposed in the cover 104, the seesaw is pivoted on an end of the pillar 210.
[0039] In an example embodiment, the rocker-switch assembly 106 may be disposed in the device regulator assembly 100 in such a manner that an operation of a rocker switch 212 of the rocker-switch assembly 106 causes switching ON/OFF of the electrical device. More particularly, the operation of the rocker switch 212 pushes the seesaw 208, as described above, in a seesaw manner. Accordingly, the fixed contact 204 and the moving contact 206 may be toggled between an open state or a closed state. As an example, when the rocker switch 212 is pushed to an ON position upon application of an external force by user, the rocker switch 212 causes the moving contact 206 to move to a first position where the moving contact 206 comes in contact with the fixed contact 204. Similarly, when the rocker switch 212 is pushed to an OFF position upon application of an external force by user, the rocker switch 212 causes the moving contact 206 to move to a second position where the moving contact 206 is not in contact with the fixed contact 204.
[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view and a perspective view of the cover 104, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. As is shown in the figure, the cover 104 may include an opening 300 and a cavity 302. The opening 300 may provide space for one or more components of the rotating-switch assembly 106 to protrude, onto which the controller button 202 may be disposed.
[0041] In an example, the cavity 302 may further include one or more openings 304 and 306. In an example, the opening 304 may provide space for the pillar 210 to protrude through. Furthermore, the opening 306 may provide space for the supporting structure onto which the fixed contact 204 may be placed, to protrude through. Furthermore, the rocker-switch assembly 108 may be disposed in the cavity 302, such that the rocker switch 212 is operably coupled with the seesaw 208. Accordingly, the operation of the rocker switch 212 causes movement of the seesaw, and hence the movement of the moving contact 206, thereby resulting in the moving contact 206 to make contact with the fixed contact 204.
[0042] Fig. 4 illustrates one or more components of the device regulator assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. As is shown in the figure, the pillar 210 is disposed on or affixed to the base circuit board 200. Furthermore, the seesaw 208 is disposed on or affixed or pivoted onto the pillar 210 at a point P on the surface of the seesaw 208. As described herein, the disposition or affixing of the seesaw 208 on the pillar 210 is such that a see-saw movement of the seesaw 208 is facilitated. In an example, the seesaw 208 may be affixed to a component 402 of the rocker-switch assembly 108. Thus, the movement of the rocker witch 212 causes the movement of the seesaw 208 and, in turn, the movement of the moving contact 206.
[0043] Furthermore, a supporting structure 400 that is disposed on or affixed to the base circuit board 200 is shown. The fixed contact 204 is disposed on the supporting structure 400. In an example, the supporting structure 400 is so disposed relative to the pillar 210, such that when the moving contact 206 is moved due to the seesaw action of the seesaw 208, the moving contact 206 makes contact with the fixed contact 204. More particularly, the supporting structure 400 is so disposed relative to the pillar 210 such that in the ON position of the rocker switch 212, the moving contact 206 may connect with the fixed contact 204. Accordingly, in OFF position of the rocker switch 212, the seesaw 208 pivots about the point P and the contact between the moving contact 206 and the fixed contact 204 is broken. Shown further in the figure are terminals 404. In an example, the terminals 404 may be coupled to or may be a part of supporting structure 400 and pillar 210. In an example, electrical wire may be connected to these terminals 404 and accordingly, the electricity provided to the electrical device may be controlled using the rotating switch assembly 106 and the rocker-switch assembly 108.
[0044] Thus, according to aspects of the present subject matter, the terminals that provide connection to the rocker-switch assembly 106 are provided on the base circuit board 200. Accordingly, the rocker-switch assembly 106 may be coupled with the base circuit board 200 to control the operation of the device coupled to the device regulator assembly 100. In an example, the rocker–switch assembly 106 may control the switching ON/OFF of the device.
[0045] In an example, only one wiring connection may be made with the device regulator assembly 100 as described herein. Thus, complexity of the installation associated with installation of two distinct assemblies is avoided.
[0046] As would be appreciated, the references to the rotation-switch assembly and the rocker-switch assembly are for illustration purposes only, and the same is not to be construed as a limitation. The aspects and principles of the present subject matter as disclosed herein may be implemented in other types of switch assemblies as well. Accordingly, the rotating-switch assembly, serves as an example of a first switch assembly and the rocker-switch assembly serves as an example of a second switch assembly.
[0047] 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 device regulator assembly (100), comprising:
a base circuit board (200);
a first switch assembly (106) disposed on the base circuit board (200), wherein the first switch assembly (106) comprises a controller button (202) to control an operation of an electrical device coupled to the device regulator assembly (100); and
a second switch assembly (108) disposed on the base circuit board (200), wherein the second switch assembly (108) is electrically coupled to the first switch assembly (106) using the base switch board, wherein the second switch assembly (108) comprises a switch (212) to control switching ON/OFF of the electrical device coupled to the device regulator assembly (100).

2. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises:
a first contact (204);
a pillar (210) disposed on a surface of the base circuit board (200);
a seesaw (208) supported by the pillar (210);
a second contact (206) disposed on the seesaw (208), wherein:
the second switch assembly (108) is disposed in the device regulator assembly (100), such that:
when the switch (212) is in a first position, the second contact (206) makes contact with the first contact (204); and
when the switch (212) is in the second position, the second contact (206) and the first contact (204) are not in contact.

3. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a supporting structure (400) disposed on the base circuit board (200), wherein the first contact (204) is disposed on the supporting structure (400).

4. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seesaw (208) is coupled to a component (402) of the second switch assembly (108), and wherein the seesaw (208) is pivoted at an end of the pillar (210).

5. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switch assembly (106) is a rotating-switch assembly.

6. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second switch assembly (108) is a rocker-switch assembly, and wherein the switch is a rocker switch.

7. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact (204) is fixed relative to the base circuit board (200).

8. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second contact (206) is movable relative to the base circuit board (200).

9. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a housing;
a cover coupled to the housing to form an enclosure for housing one or more components of the device regulator assembly (100).

10. The device regulator assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprise one or more openings (300, 304, 306) and a cavity (302).