[001] The present invention relates to a mechanical assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical assembly of a switch.
BACKGROUND
[002] A key-based switch (or switch) of an automobile helps to toggle the ignition and/or other associated electronics of the automobile. The switch generally includes a lock cylinder and a switch body. A user inserts a key inside the lock cylinder and rotates the key to toggle the ignition and/or other associated electronics of the automobile. A movement within the switch body is complemented by the rotation of the key within the lock cylinder. This movement within the switch body either completes or breaks the electrical circuitry of the automobile based on a position of the key and the lock cylinder.
[003] The switch body includes various components that coordinate with each other. The principal components of the switch body include a moving contact and a stationary base plate. The base plate is usually provided with electrical terminals that need to be shorted to complete the circuit. Selective interaction, due to the rotation of the lock cylinder, between the moving contact and the electrical terminals provided on the stationary base plate completes the electrical circuitry of the automobile. For example, the moving contact shorts the terminals of the stationary base plate in an ‘ON’ configuration and vice versa in an ‘OFF’ configuration.
[004] Conventionally, an area of the moving contact (responsible for physically touching the electrical contacts) and the stationary base plate remains in physical contact in both the ‘ON’ configurations as well as the ‘OFF’ configuration. This continuous physical contact and movement there between causes inevitable damage to the surfaces of the moving contact, which leads to poor circuit connection, intermittent connection failures and reduced durability.
[005] Further, the said arrangement between the moving contact and the stationary base plate leads to deposition of multiple impurities on the surface of the stationary base plate. The most common deposits include carbon that causes undesirable arcing.
[006] Therefore, there arises a need of a switch body that overcomes the aforementioned problems of the conventionally available solutions.
SUMMARY
[007] The present invention relates to a switch with enhanced durability. The switch includes a housing, a contact carrier, a base plate and a contact plate. The contact carrier is rotatably disposed within the housing. The base plate is coupled to the housing. The base plate is operationally coupled to a protrusion of the contact carrier. The base plate includes at least two terminals and at least two guide rails. The contact plate is disposed between the contact carrier and the base plate. The contact plate mimics a rotational motion of the contact carrier due to operational coupling of the protrusion to the contact plate. The contact plate includes at least two convex end and at least two wings. The contact carrier and the contact plate are rotated to toggle between an ‘ON’ configuration and an ‘OFF’ configuration of the switch. The convex end of the contact plate physically contacts the terminal of the base plate when the switch is in the ‘ON’ configuration. The at least two wings of the contact plate glides over the at least two guide rails of the base plate when the switch is in the ‘OFF’ configuration thereby preventing the convex end of the contact plate to physically contact at least one of the terminals and/or the base plate leading to enhanced durability of the switch.
[008] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[0010] Fig. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a switch 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Fig. 1a depicts a perspective view of the switch 100 without a housing 100a and a cap 100b in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Fig. 1b depicts an exploded view of the switch 100 without the first structure 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Fig. 1c depicts a cross-sectional view of the switch 100 without the first structure 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Fig. 2a depicts a side view of a contact plate 155 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Fig. 2b depicts a top view of the contact plate 155 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a base plate 157 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Fig. 4 depicts a top view of the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157 in an “OFF” configuration of the switch 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Fig. 4a depicts a side view of the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157 in an “OFF” configuration of the switch 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Fig. 5 depicts a top view of the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157 in an “ON” configuration of the switch 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Fig. 5a depicts a side view of the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157 in an “ON” configuration of the switch 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Fig. 6 illustrates a method 200 to toggle the switch 100 from “OFF” configuration to “ON” configuration in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Fig. 6a illustrates a method 300 to toggle the switch 100 from “ON” configuration to “OFF” configuration in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0024] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language 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 one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0025] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0026] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0027] The present invention discloses a key operated switch assembly (or switch). In an embodiment, the switch disclosed helps to toggle the ignition and/or other associated electronics of an automobile. The automobile may include but not limited to a car, a motorbike, a commercial vehicle, etc. The switch includes at least one contact plate and a base plate. The contact plate and the base plate may together form at least two configurations, namely an ‘ON’ and an ‘OFF’ configuration. The key may be rotated by an angle ranging from 0° to 35° to toggle the configuration of the switch from the ‘ON’ to ‘OFF’ configuration and vice versa depending on the automobile and convenience to the user.
[0028] The contact plate of the switch selectively comes in contact with the base plate only in the ‘ON’ configuration. This selective contact between the contact plate and the base plate prevents any damage to the contact plate as well as base plate i.e. the contact plate and the base plate experience less wear and tear thereby enhancing durability of the switch of the present invention. This selective contact leads to better circuit connection and reduced intermittent connection failure. It further reduces any deposition of carbon on the surface of the base plate thereby preventing any undesirable arcing.
[0029] Now referring specifically to the drawings, Fig. 1 depicts a switch 100 used to initiate ignition (and/or other associated electronics) of an automobile (not shown). The switch 100 includes at least a first structure 110 and a second structure 150. The second structure 150 is operationally coupled to the first structure 110 such that rotating the first structure 110 actuates the second structure 150 (described below). The first structure 110 includes one or more sections. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the first structure 110 includes an external section 110a, and an internal section 110b. The second structure 150 includes one or more components including at least a contact carrier 151, a contact plate 155, and a base plate 157. In an exemplary embodiment, the first structure 110 interacts with any actuating means like a key (not shown) to actuate the second structure 150 and the second structure 150 toggles the electrical connection of the automobile.
[0030] The first structure 110 and the second structure 150 are disposed inside a housing 100a thereby facilitating control of the ignition of the automobile with the help of the key. In an embodiment, the housing 100a is cylindrical in shape. The housing 100a is provided with a removably coupled cap 100b. The housing 100a and the cap 100b of the switch 100 protect the first structure 110 and the second structure 150 from dust and water, thereby prolonging the durability of the switch 100. The housing 100a also maintains the integrity of the switch 100. The cap 100b facilitates electrical wires 10 to enter within the switch 100 for respective electrical connections. The size of the switch 100 depends upon the number of electrical connections to be toggled with the help of the switch 100.
[0031] Although the present invention is described to be operated with the help of a key, a functionally equivalent keyless operation of the switch 100 is within the scope of the teachings of the present invention.
[0032] The first structure 110 enables a user to insert and rotate the key within the first structure 110 to operate the switch 100. The external section 110a has a shape complementing the key. In other words, the external section 110a is configured to receive the key. The user inserts and rotates the key within the external section 110a to toggle between an ‘ON’ and an ‘OFF’ configurations of the switch 100. The external section 110a is designed to only be rotated with a predefined key pattern, similar to a lock and key. The size of the first structure 110 depends upon a size of the key.
[0033] The internal section 110b is operationally coupled to the external section 110a. The coupling between the internal section 110b and the external section 110a is reinforced with a resilient member (not shown).
[0034] As shown in Fig. 1a, the internal section 110b operationally couples the external section 110a of the first structure 110 to the second structure 150 (described below). The coupling between the internal section 110b and the second structure 150 is reinforced with a resilient member (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the internal section 110b functions like a cam shaft to transfer a torque created by the rotation of the key within the external section 110a to the second structure 150, thereby actuating one or more components of the second structure 150.
[0035] Additionally, or optionally, the internal section 110b is provided with a lock bolt (not shown) such that the lock bolt is actuated by the rotation of the internal section 110b. The lock bolt is configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing 100a thereby unlocking and locking the automobile respectively.
[0036] The one or more components of the second structure 150 are disposed in a predefined order within the housing 100a. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1b and 1c, the contact plate 155 is disposed between the contact carrier 151 and the base plate 157. The said components of the second structure 150 have a shape and a size corresponding to the housing 100a.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact carrier 151 is rotatably disposed within the housing 100a adjacent the first structure 110 of the switch 100. The contact carrier 151 is made of a material including but not limited to Nylon 66, Polyamide 6 (PA6), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyphenylen sulfide (PPS). The contact carrier 151 includes one or more balls 150a disposed between the contact carrier 151 and the housing 100a. The one or more balls 150a are contained within one or more discreet/continuous pockets 150a1 disposed at a periphery of the contact carrier 151. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1b, the contact carrier 151 includes two discreet pockets 150a1 to contain the balls 150a. The balls 150a may serve to reduce friction, similar to ball bearings, when the contact carrier 151 is rotated within the housing 100a.
[0038] Additionally, or optionally, the balls 150a may be supplemented with a first resilient member 150a2. The first resilient member 150a2 may be disposed between the contact carrier 151 and the balls 150a, within the discreet pockets 150a1. The first resilient member 150a2 may push the balls 150a away from the contact carrier 151 and towards the housing 100a. The first resilient member 150a2 ensures smooth and rattle-free rotation of the contact carrier 151.
[0039] As shown in Fig. 1c, the contact carrier 151 includes a first groove 151a facing towards the first structure 110 of the switch 100. The first groove 151a complements a shape of the internal section 110b of the first structure 110. As shown in Fig. 1a, the first groove 151a facilitates coupling of the contact carrier 151 to the internal section 110b of the first structure 110 such that the torque created by the rotation of the key within the external section 110a is transferred to the contact carrier 151. Hence, the torque created by the key helps to rotate the contact carrier 151 of the switch 100. The coupling between the internal section 110b and the first groove 151a is reinforced with a resilient member (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove 151a is provided at a center of the contact carrier 151.
[0040] As shown in Fig 1b and 1c, the contact carrier 151 includes a protrusion 151b extending throughout the second structure 150. The protrusion 151b aligns with the internal section 110b of the first structure 110 such that they share the same axis of rotation. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 151b penetrates through the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157. The protrusion 151b helps to prevent any lateral movement of the contact plate 155 with respect to the base plate 157. This ensures better electrical connectivity even when the automobile experiences excessive vibrations due to, for example, high revving engines and/or unhealthy roads.
[0041] As shown in Fig. 1c, the contact carrier 151 further includes one or more second grooves 151c. The second grooves 151c are disposed between the protrusion 151b and the periphery of the contact carrier 151. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact carrier 151 is provided with two diametrically opposite second grooves 151c. A second resilient member 153 is provided within the second grooves 151c of the contact carrier 151. The second resilient members 153 operationally couples the contact carrier 151 to the contact plate 155. The second resilient members 153 push the contact plate 155 away from the contact carrier 151 and/or towards the base plate 157. This further ensures good electrical connectivity and wobble-free rotation of the contact plate 155 (described below).
[0042] The contact plate 155 is disposed between the contact carrier 151 and the base plate 157. The contact plate 155 is made of a material including but not limited to phosphor bronze (PB), copper, brass, etc. The shape of the contact plate 155 varies depending upon number of electrical connections is required to be made by the switch 100 at any given time.
[0043] As shown in Fig. 1c, the protrusion 151b passes through a central aperture 155a (shown in Fig. 2b) of the contact plate 155. In other words, the contact plate 155 is operationally coupled to the central aperture 155a of the contact carrier 151 such that the protrusion 151b passes through the central aperture 155a. The central aperture 155a has a shape complementary to the protrusion 151b. The central aperture 155a enables the contact plate 155 to mimic the rotational motion of the contact carrier 151.
[0044] As shown in Fig. 2a, the contact plate 155 includes two or more notches 155b aligned with the second grooves 151c of the contact carrier 151. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a, the contact plate 155 includes two notches 155b corresponding to the number of second grooves 151c of the contact carrier 151. Each of the notches 155b has a convex end 155b1 and a concave end 155b2 such that the convex end 155b1 faces the base plate 157 and the concave end 155b2 faces the contact carrier 151. The convex end 155b1 of the notches 155b interacts with the base plate 157 to complete respective electrical circuitry (described below).
[0045] The concave end 155b2 of the notches 155b is operationally coupled to the second resilient member 153. This facilitates smooth rotation of the contact plate 155 while maintaining tension due to the second resilient members 153.
[0046] As shown in fig. 2b, the contact plate 155 further includes two or more wings 155c. The wings 155c have a predefined curvature such that the wings 155c facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement of the contact plate 155 with a guide rail of the base plate 157 (described below). In an exemplary embodiment, the contact plate 155 includes two diametrically opposite wings 155c. The wings 155c are provided at a periphery of the contact plate 155. The wings 155c of the contact plate 155 helps the contact plate 155 to rotatably glide over the base plate 157 without making the convex end 155b1 physically contact the base plate 157 (described below).
[0047] As shown in Fig. 1c, the base plate 157 is coupled to the housing 100a via one or more projections 150b such that the base plate 157 remains stationary irrespective of the movement of the contact carrier 151 and/or the contact plate 155. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the base plate 157 includes three projections 150b disposed at its periphery that prevent rotation of the base plate 157 with respect to the housing 100a. The base plate 157 is made of a material including but not limited to Melamine, Bakelite, Polyamide 66 (PA66), Polyamide 6 (PA6), Polyamide 6 with 15% glass fiber (PA6-15% GF), Polyamide 6 with 30% glass fiber (PA6-30% GF), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyamide 66 Mineral Filled (PA66 M), etc.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 1c, the base plate 157 includes a third groove 157a (as shown in Fig. 3) operationally coupled to the protrusion 151b of the contact carrier 151. The third groove 157a aligns with the central aperture 155a of the contact plate 155. The third groove 157a provides axial support to the rotation of the contact carrier 151.
[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the base plate 157 includes at least two peripheral apertures 157b. Each peripheral aperture 157b is provided with a terminal 170 (as shown in Fig. 1b and 1c). The terminal 170 facilitates electrical connection to be made between the base plate 157 of the switch 100 and the electrical wires 10. The terminal 170 is made of an electrically conducting material. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 170 is a rivet. The peripheral apertures 157b are disposed at a predefined distance from the protrusion 151b of the contact carrier 151 such that it enables the terminals 170 to selectively interact with the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 (described below).
[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, the base plate 157 has a circumferential periphery partially provided with at least two guide rails 157c. The guide rails 157c are parallel to the circumferential periphery of the base plate 157. The guide rails 157c do not intersect with a plane defined by a radius of the peripheral apertures 157b of the base plate 157. The said radius is defined as a direction of a shortest path from the peripheral apertures 157b to the third groove 157a. The guide rails 157c are in the form of extrusions that slidably couple to the wings 155c of the contact plate 155. As long as the wings 155c are coupled (or engaged) to the guide rails 157c, the guide rails 157c facilitate the contact plate 155 to rotatably glide over the base plate 157 preventing the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 to physically connect with the base plate 157 (as shown in Fig. 1c). In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rails 157c include a height of 2 ± 0.1 mm.
[0051] Correspondingly, the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 includes a height less than the height of the guide rails 157c of the base plate 157. This ensures that when the contact plate 155 glides over the guide rails 157c, the convex end 155b1 does not come in contact with the terminals 170 and/or the base plate 157.
[0052] The contact carrier 151 and the contact plate 155 are rotated with respect to the base plate 157 to toggle between the ‘ON’ configuration and the ‘OFF’ configuration of the switch 100. Fig. 4 and 4a depicts an exemplary position of the contact plate 155 with respect to the base plate 157 when the switch 100 is in the ‘OFF’ configuration. In the ‘OFF’ configuration, the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 are coupled (or engaged) to the guide rails 157c and the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 is physically disconnected from at least one of the terminals 170 and the base plate 157. In other words, the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 do not physically contact the at least one of the terminals 170 and the base plate 157 when the switch 100 is in the ‘OFF’ configuration. In the ‘OFF’ configuration, the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 glide over the guide rails 157c of the base plate 157.
[0053] Fig. 5 and 5a depicts an exemplary position of the contact plate 155 with respect to the base plate 157 when the switch 100 is in the ‘ON’ configuration. In the ‘ON’ configuration, the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 is decoupled (or disengaged) from the guide rails 157c and the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 is physically connected to (or in contact with) the terminals 170 and/or the base plate 157. The physical connection of the terminals 170 via the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 completes an electrical circuit (or ignition) defined by the terminals 170.
[0054] The aforementioned ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ configurations involve minimal amount of friction between the convex end 155b1 of the contact plate 155 and the base plate 157 when the user toggles the switch 100 from the ‘ON’ configuration to the ‘OFF’ configuration and/or vice versa. This in turn increases the longevity of the contact plate 155 and the switch 100. It further reduces any deposition of carbon on the surface of the base plate 157 thereby preventing any undesirable arcing.
[0055] Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 200 to make an electrical connection by toggling the switch 100 from the ‘OFF’ configuration to the ‘ON’ configuration. The method 200 enables a user to initiate the ignition or associated electronics of an automobile. The method 200 begins at step 201 where the key is inserted and rotated within the external section 110a of the first structure 110 in a predefined direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the key is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction.
[0056] At step 203, the torque created by the rotation of the key and/or the external section 110a rotates the contact carrier 151 of the second structure 150 via the internal section 110b.
[0057] At step 205, the contact plate 155 rotates with the rotation of the contact carrier 151 via the protrusion 151b. The rotation of contact plate 155 is supported by the sliding of the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 over the guide rails 157c of the base plate 157.
[0058] At step 207, the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 decouple (or disengages) from the guide rails 157c.
[0059] At step 209, the contact plate 155 is pushed towards the terminals 170 provided over the base plate 157 thereby making the electrical connection. The contact plate 155 is pushed towards the base plate 157 due to a tension applied to the contact plate 155 by the second resilient member 153.
[0060] Although the method 200 involves discreet steps as described above, the steps are executed in a fraction of a second such that it may seem that the steps of the method 200 occur simultaneously.
[0061] Fig. 6a illustrates an exemplary method 300 to break an electrical connection by toggling the switch 100 from the ‘ON’ configuration to the ‘OFF’ configuration. The method 300 enables a user to turn off the ignition or associated electronics of an automobile. The method 300 begins at step 301 where the key is inserted and rotated within the external section 110a of the first structure 110 in a predefined direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the key is rotated in a clockwise direction. In an alternate embodiment, the key is already inserted when the switch 100 is toggled to from the ‘OFF’ configuration to the ‘ON’ configuration.
[0062] At step 303, the torque created by the rotation of the key and/or the external section 110a rotates the contact carrier 151 of the second structure 150 via the internal section 110b.
[0063] At step 305, the contact plate 155 rotates with the rotation of the contact carrier 151 via the protrusion 151b.
[0064] At step 307, the wings 155c of the contact plate 155 couple (or engage) with the guide rails 157c. The said coupling causes the contact plate 155 to be pushed away from the terminal 170 and/or the base plate 157.
[0065] At step 309, the electrical connection is broken. In an exemplary embodiment, the key is retrieved from the switch 100 after breaking the electrical connection.
[0066] Although the method 300 involves discreet steps as described above, the steps are executed in a fraction of a second such that it may seem that the steps of the method 300 occur simultaneously.
[0067] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

WE CLAIM

1. A switch (100) with enhanced durability, the switch (100) comprising:
a. a housing (100a);
b. a contact carrier (151) rotatably disposed within the housing (100a);
c. a base plate (157) coupled to the housing (100a), the base plate (157) operationally coupled to a protrusion (151b) of the contact carrier (151), the base plate (157) including at least two terminals (170) and at least two guide rails (157c); and
d. a contact plate (155) disposed between the contact carrier (151) and the base plate (157), the contact plate (155) mimicking a rotational motion of the contact carrier (151) due to operational coupling of the protrusion (151b) to the contact plate (155), the contact plate (155) including at least two convex ends (155b1) and at least two wings (155c);
wherein, the contact carrier (151) and the contact plate (155) are rotated to toggle between an ‘ON’ configuration and an ‘OFF’ configuration of a switch (100);
wherein, the convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) physically contacts the terminal (170) of the base plate (157) when the switch (100) is in the ‘ON’ configuration; and
wherein, the at least two wings (155c) of the contact plate (155) glides over the at least two guide rails (157c) of the base plate (157) when the switch (100) is in the ‘OFF’ configuration thereby preventing the convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) to physically contact at least one of the terminals (170) and the base plate (157) leading to enhanced durability of the switch (100).
2. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact carrier (151) includes a first groove (151a) coupled to a first structure (110) having an external section (110a) configured to receive a key.
3. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an internal section (110b) transfers a torque created by a key to the contact carrier (151) thereby rotating the contact carrier (151) of the switch (100).
4. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second resilient member (153) provided within one or more second grooves (151c) of the contact carrier (151) pushes the contact plate (155) away from the contact carrier (151) and towards the base plate (157).
5. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more balls (150a) disposed between the contact carrier (151) and the housing (100a).
6. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate (157) is coupled to the housing (100a) via one or more projections (150b).
7. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide rails (157c) are parallel to a circumferential periphery of the base plate (157).
8. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height of the convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) is less than a height of the guide rails (157c) of the base plate (157).
9. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate (157) operationally coupled to the protrusion (151b) of the contact carrier (151) via a third groove (157a) of the base plate (157).
10. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two terminals (170) are provided within at least two peripheral apertures (157b) of the base plate (157).
11. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion (151b) is operationally coupled to a central aperture (155a) of the contact plate (155).
12. A method (200) to toggle a switch (100) from an ‘OFF’ configuration to an ‘ON’ configuration, the method (200) comprising:
a. rotating a contact carrier (151) of a switch (100) in a predefined direction;
b. a contact plate (155) mimicking rotation of the contact carrier (151) via a protrusion (151b) of the contact carrier (151);
c. disengaging one or more wings 155c of the contact plate (155) from one or more guide rails (157c) of a base plate (157); and
d. pushing one or more convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) towards at least two terminals (170) of the base plate (157) thereby toggling the switch (100) from an ‘OFF’ configuration to an ‘ON’ configuration;
wherein, the convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) do not contact at least one of the terminals (170) and the base plate (157) while the switch (100) is in ‘OFF’ configuration.
13. A method (300) to toggle a switch (100) from an ‘ON’ configuration to an ‘OFF’ configuration, the method comprising:
a. rotating a contact carrier (151) of a switch (100) in a predefined direction;
b. a contact plate (155) mimicking rotation of the contact carrier (151) via a protrusion (151b) of the contact carrier (151);
c. engaging one or more wings 155c of the contact plate (155) with one or more guide rails (157c) of a base plate (157); and
d. pushing one or more convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) away from at least two terminals (170) of the base plate (157) thereby toggling the switch (100) from an ‘OFF’ configuration to an ‘ON’ configuration;
wherein, the convex end (155b1) of the contact plate (155) do not contact at least one of the terminals (170) and/or the base plate (157) while the switch (100) is in ‘OFF’ configuration.