TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electro-mechanical engineering.
Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to electrical switches. Further
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a switch assembly for using in automobiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, switch assemblies containing electrical components and are used in many
applications such as vehicles, machineries, and the like. The switch assemblies are equipped
in the vehicle or the machine for controlling various electromechanical operations. A typical
conventional switch assembly used in such applications includes housing, a circuit board
having a switch and a button plate, the circuit board will be provided in the housing. The
switches on the circuit board are configured to perform distinct functions. In one of the
conventional switch systems, the switch assembly includes two knobs or toggle type
switches. One of these two switches is meant for on and off, the other switch meant for set
and reset. In another such electrical switch system, three switches are provisioned. One of the
switches meant for on/off, other two meant for set and reset respectively. In yet another
conventional electrical switch system four switches are provided, the switches being up,
down, set and reset, wherein set switch is activated to open the menu and up or down switch
is used to select the menu item.
It is to be understood that all the above disclosed conventional systems practices micro
switching technology and contain more number of components and are protected through
single rubber grommets provided for each micro switch. Further, these conventional systems
pose broad range of problems such as these switch assemblies may not be completely water
proof and hence water could seep into the circuit boards causing failures in electrical
connections. This seepage of water or any other form of foreign material such as dust disrupts
the functioning of electrical switch assembly as a whole. In addition to this, since the
conventional systems are micro switch design systems, operating force by a user cannot be
enhanced as per user requirements, as drastic application of force by the user may lead to
failure of the micro switch. Further, the conventional systems do not provide any protection
against surging current, reverse polarity etc. Furthermore, in the conventional systems due to
repeated usage of knob switches, the symbols printed on the knob may begin to fade away
and might be difficult for the user to operate the right switch as per requirements. The
number of child parts in these conventional switch systems is high and in applications such as
3
handlebar of two wheeler vehicle, mounting becomes an issue. The switch systems in these
cases cannot be adjusted according to the needs of the user.
In light of the foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved switch assembly
to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly as disclosed and
additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as described in the
present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present
disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein
and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure there is provided a switch assembly. The
switch assembly comprises a bracket connectable to a support member, the bracket is
configured to support the switch assembly. The switch assembly further comprises a
switching circuit placed on the bracket, the switching circuit comprising a plurality of
switches and at least one light source. The assembly has a polymeric membrane mounted on
the bracket and is configured to house the switching circuit. The polymeric membrane
comprises a plurality of projections. The switch assembly also comprises a plurality of knobs
mounted on the polymeric membrane. Each of the plurality of knobs is configured to actuate
at least one of the plurality of switches through a corresponding projection of the plurality of
projections. The polymeric membrane comprises at least one medium to illuminate light onto
actuated knob of the plurality of knobs.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switch assembly comprises a support plate
provisioned in between the plurality of knobs and the polymeric membrane. The support plate
comprises a plurality of provisions and each of the plurality of provisions is configured to
hold at least one of the plurality of knobs.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switch assembly comprises at least one resilient
member configured between each of the plurality of knobs and the support plate.
4
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one light source is a Light Emitting Diode
(LED).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switching circuit is imprinted on a Printed Circuit
Board (PCB).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switch assembly comprises at least one reflector
mounted on the at least one light source to direct the light onto the at least one medium.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of projections are flexible and are
configured to deflect when a corresponding knob of the plurality of knobs is actuated.
Further, each of the plurality of knobs is configured with at least one symbol.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method for
assembling a switch assembly. The method comprises acts of mounting a switching circuit on
a bracket, configuring a polymeric membrane on the bracket and the polymeric membrane is
adapted to house the switching circuit. The method for assembling further comprises acts of
mounting a support plate on the polymeric membrane and mounting a plurality of knobs in a
plurality of provisions provided in the support plate.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method comprises an act of configuring at least one
resilient member in each of the plurality of knobs and the support plate.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle comprises a switch
assembly as disclosed above.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above
may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments
may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and
the following detailed description.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying
figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like
elements and in which:
FIG.1 illustrates exploded view of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
FIG.2 illustrates perspective view of switch assembly of FIG.1 in assembled condition,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.3 illustrates top perspective view of a polymeric membrane of the switch assembly of
FIG.1 according to some embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.4A illustrates top view of the switch assembly of FIG.1 according to some embodiment
of the disclosure.
FIG.4B illustrates sectional view A-A of FIG.4A according to some embodiment of the
disclosure.
FIG.4C illustrates sectional view B-B of FIG.4A according to some embodiment of the
disclosure.
FIG.5A illustrates perspective view of the switch assembly of FIG.1 in assembled condition
according to some embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.5B illustrates sectional view B-B of FIG.5A according to some embodiment of the
disclosure.
FIG.5C illustrates detailed view A of the region marked in FIG.5B according to some
embodiment of the disclosure.
6
FIG.6 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG.2 depicting illumination
process according to some embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.7 illustrates top view of the switching circuit of the switch assembly of FIG.1 according
to some embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.8A illustrates sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG.2 showing switches in OFF
position according to some embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG.8B illustrates sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG.2 showing switches in ON
position according to some embodiment of the disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative
embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other assembly for carrying out the same
purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that
such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel
features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization
and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in connection with the
accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is
provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a
definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject
7
matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the
disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or assembly that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components not
expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or assembly. In other words, one or more
elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or
apparatus.
To overcome one or more drawbacks mentioned in the background, the present disclosure
discloses a switch assembly. The switch assembly disclosed in the present disclosure
comprises a spring loaded knobs which would be illuminated upon activation. The provision
of spring loaded knobs in the switch assembly improves tactile feeling to the user and the
user can suitably apply required force on the knobs during operation. Further, with
illumination of the switch knobs, user can easily identify the knob activated and could change
the selection of knob as per requirements. Also, the switch assembly disclosed in the present
disclosure prevents water and dust ingression and thus avoids any damage that could be
caused to the electrical components of the switch assembly. The switch assembly of the
present disclosure comprises a switching circuit placed on a bracket. In an embodiment of the
disclosure, the switching circuit is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) sub assembly. In an
embodiment of the disclosure, the bracket is designed to support the switch assembly and
could be configured on a support member such as but not limiting to handlebar of a vehicle.
The switching circuit of the switch assembly houses a light source and a plurality of switches.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switch assembly comprises a reflector mounted on
the light source such as but not limited to Light Emitting Diode (LED) to direct the light onto
at least one medium. In an embodiment of the disclosure, there may be more than one light
8
source configured in the switching circuit. Further, the switch assembly comprises a
polymeric membrane mounted on the bracket, the polymeric membrane houses the switching
circuit, and thereby prevents seepage of water or entry of other foreign material such as dust
into the switching circuit. The switch assembly comprises a plurality of knobs, each
configured to activate the particular switch of the plurality of switches for performing
intended function. The plurality of knobs are mounted on the polymeric membrane and is
accessible to the user for operation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of
knobs are spring loaded and there is a support plate with a plurality of provisions configured
in between the polymeric membrane and the plurality of knobs. The support plate with
plurality of provisions is provided for mounting of springs provided around the knobs.
In operation, when a knob is activated by the user, the spring loaded knob presses the
projection on the polymeric membrane, which in turn comes in contact with the
corresponding switch of the plurality of the switches in the switching circuit. The switch
sends a signal to the light source such as but not limiting to Light Emitting Diode (LED),
upon receipt of the signal, activated knob is illuminated by the light source.
Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of a switch assembly
for use in vehicles. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as
limitations of the present disclosure, since the switch assembly may be used in any other
applications such as machineries, remote controls and the like. A person skilled in the art can
envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.
FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates exploded view
of the switch assembly (100). The switch assembly (100) disclosed in the present disclosure
could be used in various applications such as but not limiting to a two-wheeler or three
wheeler vehicle, wherein the switch assembly (100) is mounted on a handlebar of the twowheeler
vehicle or three wheeler vehicle. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the handlebar
of a vehicle acts as a supporting member for mounting of a switch assembly (100). The
switch assembly (100) comprises a bracket (101) for supporting the components of the switch
assembly (100). The bracket (101) which acts a base for switch assembly (100) is mounted on
the support member [not shown]. Further, the switch assembly (100) comprises a switching
circuit (102) placed on the bracket (101). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switching
circuit (102) is imprinted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB sub assembly or the
switching circuit (102) comprises at least one light source (104) and a plurality of switches
9
(103). In an embodiment of the disclosure, a single light source (104) is used for illumination
purposes and the light source is Light Emitting Diode (LED). However, one should not
construe LED as the only light source that could be applied in the present disclosure. Further,
in an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, four switches (103) are configured in the
switching circuit (102). Each of the plurality of switches (103) is adapted to perform different
functions. However, one should not consider such the number of switches i.e. four in the
present disclosure as limitation to the disclosure, as one can vary number of switches
depending on the requirement and application.
The switch assembly (100) comprises a polymeric membrane (105) mounted on the bracket
(101). The polymeric membrane (105) mounted over the bracket (101) covers the switching
circuit (102) i.e. the polymeric membrane (105) houses the light source (104) and the
plurality of switches (103), thereby protecting these components from foreign material. The
polymeric membrane (105) makes the switch assembly (100) water proof by preventing
seepage of water into the switching circuit (102) and the polymeric membrane (105) also
prevents entry of dust into the switching circuit (102) or the PCB sub assembly. Therefore,
the polymeric membrane (105) avoids damage and malfunctioning of the switching circuit
(102). The polymeric membrane (105) consists of a plurality of projections (107) on its
surface. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of projections (107) is identical to
number of switches (103) in the switching circuit (102). The projections (107) are configured
such that each of the projection will be axially aligned to at least one of the plurality of
switches (103). Also, the plurality of projections (107) deflects on application of external
force, and reverts to original position when the external force is retracted. Further, the switch
assembly (100) comprises a plurality of knobs (106) mounted on the polymeric membrane
(105). In an embodiment of the disclosure the number of plurality of knobs (106) are same as
the number of plurality of switches (103). Each knob (106) has a thin foil provisioned on its
surface, indicating specific function a particular knob is meant for and these foils illuminate
when the light source gets activated. Further, in an embodiment of the disclosure, each knob
(106) is loaded with at least one resilient member (111) such as but not limiting to spring.
The switch assembly (100) comprises a support plate (108) with a plurality of provisions
(110) for mounting of resilient member (111) of the plurality of knobs (106). In an
embodiment of the disclosure, the support plate (108) is configured in between the plurality
of knobs (106) and the polymeric membrane (105).
10
Referring now to FIG.2, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
illustrates perspective view of an assembled switch assembly (100). In an embodiment of the
disclosure, a method for assembling the switch assembly (100) is disclosed. The switch
assembly (100) is mounted on a support member. The support member is such as but not
limited not to handlebar of a two wheeler vehicle. In the assembling process of switch
assembly (100), the switch assembly (100) comprising switching circuit (102) is placed on
the bracket (101). The bracket (101) acts as a base and supports the entire switch assembly
(100). In an embodiment, the switching circuit (102) may be fastened to the bracket (101)
with the aid of a plurality of fasteners.
Further, in the assembling process of switch assembly (100), there is a polymeric membrane
(105) configured on the bracket (101). The polymeric membrane (105) is fastened to the
bracket (101) in such a way that it forms a casing for the switching circuit (102) and houses
the components of the switching circuit (102) or the PCB. The polymeric membrane (105)
also called as rubber grommet prevents damage to the PCB which could be caused by the
outside material such as water or dust. In subsequent step, a support plate (108) comprising a
plurality of provisions (110) is mounted on the polymeric membrane (105). In addition, the
assembly process comprises mounting of a plurality of knobs (106) in the plurality of
provisions (110) of the support plate (108).
FIG.3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates top perspective
view of a polymeric membrane (105) of the switch assembly (100). The polymeric membrane
(105) which is adapted to house the switching circuit (102) comprises a plurality of
projections (107) on its surface. In an embodiment of the disclosure, an upper surface of the
plurality of projections (107) is made transparent or marked with white colour for
illumination of the plurality of knobs (106). Further, the polymeric membrane (105) is
provided with a layer of coating on its outer surface to prevent entry of dust or seepage of
water. The polymeric membrane (105) is provisioned with a medium (105a) [as shown in
FIG.6] to allow passage of light through the membrane (105) and illuminate the
corresponding knob (106) of the switch assembly (100). In an embodiment of the disclosure,
the polymeric membrane (105) is made of rubber material. However, the material rubber for
the polymeric membrane (105) should not be construed as a limitation, as other polymeric
materials such as but not limited to low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density
11
polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC) could be used for polymeric membrane
(105).
FIG.4A is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates top view of
the switch assembly (100). As shown in FIG.4A, the plurality of knobs (106) forms the top
portion of the switch assembly (100). Each of the plurality of knobs (106) comprises a thin
illumination foil which gets illuminated upon receipt of light rays from the light source (104).
Each of the plurality of knobs (106) is configured for a particular function. In an exemplary
embodiment of the disclosure, knobs are configured for the following functions reflected in
the form of symbols – setting, back, up and down. A person skilled in the art may configure
these knobs (106) for other purposes as well, such modifications should be not be construed
as a limitation of the present disclosure. FIGs.4A and 4B illustrates sectional views of
FIG.4A, each showing lateral movement of the spring loaded knobs (106) upon activation. As
shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C the switch assembly (100) comprising bracket (101), switching
circuit (102), polymeric membrane (105), support plate (108) and spring-loaded knobs (106)
are arranged such that application of force on the knob (106) will be transmitted to the
switches (103) through the polymeric membrane (105).
Referring now to FIG.6, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly (100) to depict illumination process. The
switching circuit (102) of the switch assembly (100) which comprises the light source (104)
emits light onto the polymeric membrane (105) for illumination of the activated knob of the
plurality of knobs (106). In the process of illumination of the knob, when a knob (106) is
selected by the user, the knob (106) which is loaded with a resilient member (111) such as but
not limiting to spring, undergoes movement in lateral direction to come in contact with the
corresponding projection of the plurality of projections (107). The plurality of projections
(107) configured on the polymeric membrane (105) is flexible for movement and the
corresponding projection (107) of the polymeric membrane (105) comes in contact with the
corresponding switch of the plurality of switches (103) [ as shown in FIG.5B and FIG.5C].
As the projection (107) of the polymeric membrane (105) comes in contact with the
corresponding switch (103), the light source (104) emits light [as shown in FIG.6] to
illuminate the activated knob of the plurality of knobs (106). In an embodiment of the
disclosure, the polymeric membrane (105) is subject to potting on white colour marked
region on the upper surface of the polymeric membrane (105). Potting prevents seepage of
12
water and entry of dust into the switching circuit (102). Further, the switching circuit (102)
also comprises a reflector (109) to appropriately direct light towards the activated knob (106).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the light source (104) is configured as a direct source
without the aid of reflector (109) and the light rays pass through the polymeric membrane
(105) for illumination of the actuated knob (106). FIG.6 shows the direction of light travel as
the light source (104) emits light for illumination of the corresponding activated knob (106).
The light source (104) such as LED emits light and the light rays travel through the medium
(105a) of the polymeric membrane (105) and along the annular gaps of the resilient member
(111) to the activated knob (106). Upon receipt of the light signal, the foil of the
corresponding knob is illuminated for indication to the user. Similarly, if other knobs are
activated, the corresponding knob (106) is illuminated by the light source (104).
FIG.7 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates top view of the
switching circuit (102). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switching circuit (102) is
imprinted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) sub assembly or a Flexible Printed Circuit Board
(FPCB). The PCB sub assembly or the switching circuit (102) of the present disclosure is as
shown in FIG.7. The PCB sub assembly comprises at least one light source (104) such as but
not limited to LED light source and a plurality of switches (103). The switches (103) are
interfaced with the light source (104) and upon activation of any of the plurality of switches
(103), the light source emits light and illuminates corresponding knob (106) of the switch
assembly (100). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the PCB sub assembly may also
comprise capacitors, resistors and at least one connector.
FIGs. 8A and 8B are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating switches
(103) of the switch assembly (100) in OFF and ON positions respectively. When the switch is
in OFF position [as shown in FIG.8A], the spring loaded knobs (106) are in a relaxed
position. In relaxed position, the spring loaded knob (106) doesn’t come in contact with any
of the switches (103), thereby, there is no illumination of any of the plurality of knobs (106).
On the other hand, when one of the plurality of knobs (106) is actuated by the user i.e. when
the switch is in ON position, the spring loaded knob (106) of the switch assembly (100)
compresses [as shown in FIG.8B] and comes in contact with corresponding switch (103) of
the switching circuit (102) through a corresponding projection (107) of the polymeric
membrane. Upon contact, the light source (104) illuminates the actuated knob (106). In an
13
embodiment of the disclosure, the spring for loading the knob (106) is a coil spring and the
spring is wound around each of the plurality of knobs (106).
It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art would design the switch
assembly of any shape and configuration without deviating from the scope of the present
disclosure. Also, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers
such modifications and variations provided.
Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a switch assembly comprising spring loaded knobs which
facilitates smooth actuation of switch and operating force could be modified as per
requirements of the user.
The switch assembly of the present disclosure provides illumination symbols on the knobs for
easier recognition by the user. Further, the switch assembly as disclosed is simple in
construction with reduced number of child parts.
The switch assembly of the present disclosure provides a polymeric membrane which houses
and covers the switching circuit or the PCB sub assembly and thus prevents damage of the
switching circuit from foreign material such as dust and water.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended description are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including”
should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be
interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is
not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited
14
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as
an aid to understanding, the following description may contain usage of the introductory
phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of
such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by
the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim
recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim
includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such
as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or
“one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of
A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B,
and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A
and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In
those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in
general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include
but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more
alternative terms, whether in the description or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following description.
15
Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
100 Switch assembly
101 Bracket
102 Switching circuit / Printed Circuit Board
(PCB)
103 Switches
104 Light source
105 Polymeric membrane
105a Medium of the polymeric membrane
106 Knobs
107 Projections
108 Support plate
109 Reflector
110 Provisions
111 Resilient member / Spring

We claim:
1. A switch assembly (100) comprising:
a bracket (101) connectable to a support member, the bracket (101) is
configured to support the switch assembly (100);
a switching circuit (102) placed on the bracket (101), the switching circuit
(102) comprising a plurality of switches (103) and at least one light source (104);
a polymeric membrane (105) mounted on the bracket (101) is configured to
house the switching circuit (102), the polymeric membrane (105) comprises a
plurality of projections (107); and
a plurality of knobs (106) mounted on the polymeric membrane (105),
wherein, each of the plurality of knobs (106) is configured to actuate at least one of
the plurality of switches (103) through a corresponding projection of the plurality of
projections (107);
wherein, the polymeric membrane (105) comprises at least one medium (105a) to
illuminate light onto actuated knob of the plurality of knobs (106).
2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a support plate (108)
provisioned in between the plurality of knobs (106) and the polymeric membrane
(105).
3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support plate (108)
comprises a plurality of provisions (110), and each of the plurality of provisions (110)
is configured to hold at least one of the plurality of knobs (106).
4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one resilient
member (111) configured between each of the plurality of knobs (106) and the
support plate (108).
5. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one light source
(104) is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
6. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching circuit (102)
is imprinted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
17
7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one reflector
(109) mounted on the at least one light source (104) to direct the light onto the at least
one medium.
8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections
(107) are flexible and are configured to deflect when a corresponding knob of the
plurality of knobs (106) is actuated.
9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
knobs (106) is configured with at least one symbol.
10. A method for assembling switch assembly (100), the method comprising the acts of:
placing a switching circuit (102) on a bracket (101);
configuring a polymeric membrane (105) on the bracket (101), wherein the
polymeric membrane (105) is adapted to house the switching circuit (102);
mounting a support plate (108) on the polymeric membrane (105); and
mounting a plurality of knobs (106) in a plurality of provisions (110) provided
in the support plate (108).
11. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises act of configuring at least one resilient
member (111) in each of the plurality of knobs (106) and the support plate (108).
12. A vehicle comprising a switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.