FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
In vehicle Tactile feel measurement of switches and controls


APPLICANTS
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India

INVENTORS
Tukaram Shetty and Raju G S both Indian nationals
of TATA MOTORS LIMITED,
an Indian company having its registered office
at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.


FIELD OF INVENTION:
This invention relates to the automated Test system for automobile switches tactile pressure, force and torque measurements in the assembled condition on the vehicle. The test system will measure the physical parameters and log the data into the database. The switch functionalities are executed using a robotic arm.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
Nowadays due to improved refinements in switching technology, vehicles are with better feel during switches operations. Customers are also becoming aware and more demanding in terms of lesser effort, operating noise and best feel switches in vehicles. These effort, operating noise and feel of switches are very irritating to customer and gives very unrefined feel to the vehicle. The major in-cab switches are Combination switch, Facia switch, Window wing switches, push -pull switch, push - push switch etc.
Switches are generally used in vehicles to enable or disable the certain component / aggregate function according to customer requirement.
A typical switch includes a make and brake contacts covered with housing around in order to operate the assembly. Switches are typically mounted on vehicle dash board and door trim.
The effort required to operate the switches changes from person to person. This effort can be quantified in terms of tactile pressure, displacement, force and torque. If the switch operational effort variation is large, then there will be un-comfort to the customer. To quantify the switch operational effort during design of switches, a test system is developed.
A Test system is developed to measure the tactile pressure, displacement, force and Torque on the switches for operating it in driver's vicinity to approach various switches and controls in vehicle. This test system is intended to measure the displacement of the switches while operating it. The switch functionalities are activated using a Robotic arm, which will be controlled by the real time controller and motion control hardware. A real time, user friendly software tool provides the

user interface and necessary intelligence to the test system. The pressure signals are converted to electrical signals using the sensitive tactile sensors.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION:
The main object of this invention is to device the equipments which will be used to measure the tactile feel for rotary, angular and linear motion of automotive switches in the vicinity of driver during their operation in vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:
In accordance with the present invention, the switch tactile feel measurement mechanism, said devices comprises; a Robotic arm which activates or deactivates switch functionalities, which will be controlled by the real time controller and motion control hardware. A real time, user friendly software tool provides the user interface and necessary intelligence to the test system. The pressure signals are converted to electrical signals using the sensitive tactile sensors. To approach the various switches and controls inside vehicle, invention also comprises; horizontal guide channel to, joined together with vertical guide channel. The said horizontal guide channels are provided with guided slot at center along the surface for holding the said Robotic arm at any position of any length. The vertical clamping channels are provided to clamp the horizontal guide channel assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 shows the diagram of the "Tactile feel measurement device" in accordance with this invention.
Figure 2 shows the diagram of the "Tactile feel measurement device" mounted on vehicle in accordance with this invention.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same,
Referring to figure 1 & figure 2,
The Tactile feel measuring device in accordance with this invention basically comprises a rotary gripper with three jaws which will be used to operate the switches to measure/ compute the tactile parameters. The said jaws are fixed with tactile pressure sensors at the inner side. The said gripper is integrated with robotic arm. The robotic arm is placed on the rigid bed which will be moved along drivers and co driver seat. The said robot bed will be mounted on strong support from the ground. The length of the said support can be adjusted to different height of various types of vehicles. The said robot will be moved along the lead screw. This movement is required for changing the gripping position of the switches. The said movement will be driven by a motor with encoder. There are two intermediate position of the said robotic arm which is also controlled by motors. There are two types of gripper mechanism; one for rotary movement and the other for angular and linear. The user can change the gripper based on the type of movement required. The said switch functionalities are activated using a Robotic arm, which will be controlled by the real time controller and motion control hardware, which is accommodated with control panel in the device. A real time, user friendly software tool provides the user interface and necessary intelligence to the test system. The pressure signals are converted to electrical signals using the sensitive tactile sensors. The said sensors carried in Enclosure for holding the sensor accessories. The base is provided with wheels and stays to enable the device transport for various places. All cables are routed through Cable chain.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those

skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
Dated this 31st day of March 2009

TATA MOTORS LIMITED By their Agent & Attorney

Karuna Goleria of DePENNING & DePENNING

3 1 MAR 2009