FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to switches in vehicles and in-particular relates to a rotary
switch-assembly for triggering various applications such as automatic-gear transmission system.
BACKGROUND
Transmission selector assembly for a modern automatic transmission-vehicle is provided
with a selector knob which is rotatable to be set, depending on needs, at any of positions; “P”,
“R”, “N”, “D”, whereby gear-range of the transmission is shifted to Park, Reverse, Neutral,
Drive range, each corresponding to the respective operable positions of the selector knob.
The selector-knob is in-turn provided with a gearshift switch operative to indicate a
signal to switch gear corresponding to aforesaid knob-positions. Conventional selector-knobs are
usually restricted to rotating within a limited span, e.g. within a span of 120 degree to choose
either of the aforesaid gear-levels.
Fig. 1 indicates the prior-art arrangement for rotary-knob based automatic gear switch
assembly, for “D” and “R” positions. As indicated in the Fig. 1, the stationary ribs (1, 4, 5)
having a width ‘y’ lock with the other set of movable-ribs (2, 3) having width as ‘x1’ and ‘x2’
to thereby achieve the extreme “D” and “R” positions. However, said rotation of knob remains
confined within the angular range of 120 degrees. More specifically, individual widths (i.e. y, x1
and x2) of the ribs do not leave any further scope of expansion of said angular range.
Moreover, the aforesaid arrangement limits the type of rotation imparted to the knob to
an angular-range lesser than 120 degrees in either of the directions, clockwise or anticlockwise.
Accordingly, owing to the constraint posed by short angular-range and limitation of the
rotary motion, a driver of the vehicle operating upon the rotary-knob has to be quite attentive
while selecting gear. However, given the confused state of mind while driving, the same itself
proves to be an arduous task.
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Accordingly, there lies at-least a need to expand the angular range the knob-switch
assembly at least beyond 120 degrees, without compromising upon the overall size and
aesthetics.
More specifically, there lies a need to expand a rotatable range of a rotary knob-switch
assembly for controlling automatic gear transmission system in a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
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 not intended to
identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present subject matter at-least describes a rotary-switch for a vehicle, such that the
rotary-switch comprises a rotatable-knob defined by a plurality of operable-positions. An
element or a knob insert element is shaped to be received at-least partly within the knob and
defines at-least two grooves and a snap-fit arrangement along its longitudinal-axis. Such at-least
two grooves are offset from each-other transversely. A housing is defined by a first-side
enclosure for receiving an assembly of knob and the element and a second side enclosure. The
housing comprises a plurality of ribs to lock with said at-least two grooves of the element in case
said knob is rotated to extremity with respect to said operable-positions.
Further, a plurality of spring-loaded plungers are suspended within the second-side
enclosure of the housing. A cam-arrangement is received within the second-side enclosure of the
housing and connected to the element to thereby follow rotary motion of the rotary-knob, said
arrangement is defined by a detent-profile to receive the plunger at a plurality of locations and
thereby define said operable positions of the knob. Further, the cam arrangement comprises a
protrusion to lock with the snap-fit arrangement of the element in case the knob rotates to a
particular operable-position of the knob. Further, an electrical-circuit is provided to generate a
plurality of electrical-signals with respect to said operable positions of the knob.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the present subject matter describes
a rotary knob based contactless switch assembly in respect of automatic gear assembly for
triggering the automatic gears in the vehicle, such that the switch-assembly is composed of a
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rotary-arrangement wherein the extreme operable positions upon the knob lie within the span of
180 degrees. Accordingly, the operable positions “D”, “N”, “P”, “R” are implemented, while
achieving an angular separation of 60 degrees between any two consecutive positions (e.g. D to
N, N to P, P to R). However, extreme positions, “D”, “R”, are angularly separated from each
other by about 180 degrees.
Moreover, the present rotary knob based switch assembly facilitates a user to
continuously rotate the knob in any particular direction, say clockwise or anti-clockwise, and yet
achieve all the operable positions within the span of 180 degrees. Accordingly, not only a
continuity of rotation is achieved, but also least confusion is caused to the operator of the knob
while driving the vehicle. In an example, D to R and back to D position may be attained in
clockwise or anti-clock wise direction, while resorting to a rotation of 180 degrees.
To further clarify 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
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:
Figure 1 depicts prior-art switch assembly for automatic gears in an automobile;
Figure 2 (a-c) depicts an actual and exploded-view of the switch-assembly for automatic
gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 3 (a-d) depicts an exploded and assembled view of the knob and the knob insert, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 4 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob and knob insert for a first operable
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
5
Figure 5 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob and knob insert for a second
operable position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 6 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob and knob insert for a third operable
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 7 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob and knob insert for a fourth
operable position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 8 (a and b) illustrates locked operable positions as earlier illustrated within the Fig.
5 and 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 9 (a and b) illustrates unlocked operable positions with respect to the operable
positions as earlier illustrated within the Fig. 4 and 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present subject matter;
Figure 10 (a-b) illustrates exploded view of switch assembly depicting the interaction
between the knob-insert and the cam-profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
subject matter;
Figure 11 (a-d) illustrates another exploded-views of switch assembly depicting the camarrangement,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 12 (a and b) illustrates an example snap fit connection, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 13 (a and b) illustrates another example snap fit connection, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 14 illustrates sectional view of the knob-switch assembly depicting interconnection
of the constituent components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
and
Fig. 15 (a till c) illustrates a structural-connection between the housing and the back cover,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
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
6
with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
DETAILED DESCRITION OF FIGURES
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.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and
the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language
throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does
not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such
process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional
structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
7
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
Figure 2 (a to c) depict an actual and exploded-view of a rotary switch-assembly 100 for
automatic-transmission in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter. In an example, the switch assembly 100 may be a contactless switch assembly, e.g. based
on a combination of hall-sensor and magnet.
As indicated in the Figure 2a, the four operable positions “D”, “N”, “R”, and “P”
(Driving, Neutral, Reverse and Parking) are shown as engraved upon a rotary-actuator or a
rotary-knob (shown in later-figures). In other words, the plurality of operable-positions of the
knob are circularly oriented upon the knob’s surface with respect to an angular-range greater
than 120 degrees and preferably 180 degrees. Further, the angular-separation between any two
consecutive positions out of “D”, “N”, “R”, and “P” may be 60 degrees, while extreme-positions
or extremities D and P are angularly separated by 180 degrees.
Fig. 2b illustrates said angular separation between any two consecutive operablepositons.
As indicated in the figure, said angular separation is 60 degrees with a positive or
negative variability of 3 or more degrees. Accordingly, the operable-positions “D”, “N”, “R”,
and “P” are oriented in a semi-circular fashion.
Fig. 2c illustrates the exploded view of the switch assembly such that the constituent
components are a knob centre 102, a knob centre insert 103, an ornament 104, a rotary-knob
106, a rotary knob insert 108, a fixed-housing 110, a detent 116, pusher knobs or plungers 112, a
compression spring 114, a PCB 118 (e.g. hall-sensor arrangement based PCB) and a back-cover
120.
The rotary knob-insert 108 or an insert-element 108 is shaped to be received at-least
partly within the knob 106 and defines at-least two grooves (shown in later figures) and a snapfit
arrangement (shown in Fig. 3) along a longitudinal-axis. Said at-least two grooves are offset
from each other transversely as well as longitudinally.
The housing 110 is defined by a first-side enclosure for receiving an assembly of the
knob 106 and the element 108 and a second side enclosure, wherein the housing 110 comprises a
8
plurality of stopper or stopper-ribs to lock with said at-least two grooves of the element 108 in
case said knob 106 is rotated to an extremity with respect to the operable-positions.
A plurality of spring-loaded plungers 112 are suspended within the second-side enclosure
of the housing 110. A cam-arrangement 116 is received within the second side enclosure of the
housing 110 and connected to the element 108 to thereby follow rotary motion of the rotaryknob
102. Such arrangement 116 comprises a detent-profile to receive the plunger or pushers
112 at a plurality of locations and thereby define said operable positions of the knob 106, and a
protrusion or two to lock with the snap-fit arrangement of the element 108 in case the knob 106
rotates to a particular operable-position of the knob 106. An electrical-circuit (not shown in
Figure) which may be a ‘hall-effect based sensor circuit’ generates a plurality of electricalsignals
with respect to said operable-positions of the knob 106.
Figure 3 (a-d) depicts an exploded and assembled view of the knob 106 and the knob
insert 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As depicted before,
the rotary knob 106 has the operable positions “D”, “N”, “R” and “P” engraved thereupon and
also comprises a corrugated-grip for enabling rotation by a human-hand.
Fig. 3a illustrates an assembly of the knob 106 and knob insert 108, wherein said
assembly may be referred as a ‘knob complete’ or knob CP 108. Fig 3b illustrates an exploded
view of the knob 106 and the knob insert 108. The knob insert 108 may be made of
polycarbonate (PC) white. The knob-insert 108 may be in turn be insert-molded or
accommodated within the hollow-portion, such that knob 106 and knob-insert 108 become
integral to each other. The knob-insert 108 has a first pair of stopping faces 302-1 and a second
pair of stopping faces 302-2 that mate with the two corresponding stoppers or stopper ribs of the
housing 110.
More specifically, Fig. 3cillustrates the extremity of operable positions or the extreme
operable positions set a rotary limit of the knob 106. Such extreme operable positions are
defined by a first-lock or an upper stopper defined by a first mating between the stopper-face
302-2 corresponding to a upper-altitude groove 304-2 of insert element 108 with a first set of
stopper ribs formed within the housing 110. The second operable position is defined by a
second-lock or a lower stopper defined by a second mating between another stopper-face 302-1
corresponding to a lower-altitude groove 304-1 of the insert element 108 with a second set of
9
stopper ribs of the housing 110. As further illustrated in Fig. 3d, such upper and lower stoppers
are located at different heights and angularly separated by 180 ° for guiding into corresponding
grooves (304-1, 2) with respect to the operable positions (e.g. R position) of the knob CP 108.
Referring Fig. 3b, the insert-element 108 comprises at least two longitudinally extending
Z shaped flaps. Each of said Z shaped comprises the stopping face 302-1, 2 the grooves 304-1, 2
and the snap-fit arrangement 306. As may be noted, each of said Z shaped flap defines a higheraltitude
groove 304-2, a higher altitude stopping face 302-2, a lower altitude groove 304-1, a
lower altitude stopping face 302-1 and the snap fit arrangement 306, i.e. slots 306-1, 2 formed
therein for snap-locking with the detent 116. Also, such lower and high altitude entities are also
offset transversely with respect to each other. Accordingly, the 180 degree of rotation of knob
106 and knob-insert 108 is limited by the engagement of the stopping-faces with the stopper of
housing 110.
Fig. 3c further illustrates a bottom view of the knob CP. As had been aforementioned, the
knob insert 108 is insert-molded within the knob 106. Due to a manufacturing-constraint posed
during tooling for the single knob 106 owing to the presence of lower groove 304-2 within the
knob0-insert 108, the knob-insert 108 is insert-molded within the housing of the knob 106 to
complete the assembly of knob CP.
Figure 4 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob 106 and knob insert 108 for a
operable position “N”, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. With
respect to the “N” or neutral position, the stoppers 402-1, 2 of the housing 110 are free and do
not lock with any of the two pairs of stopping-faces 302-1, 2 of the knob-insert 108. Further, like
the longitudinally separated stopping faces 302-1, 2 of the insert 108, the stoppers 402-1, 2 of
the housing 110 are also provided at different heights to facilitate the 180 degree rotation of the
knob 106 in clockwise or anticlockwise direction. While the stoppers 402-1, 2 are stationary, the
stopping faces 302-1, 2 of the knob-insert 108 follow rotary motion.
Figure 5 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob 106 and knob insert 108 for
another operable position “D”, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
With respect to the “D” or drive position, a first stopping face from the pair of stopping faces
302-1 mates with the corresponding stopper 402-1 of the housing 110. Simultaneously, a first
stopping face from the other pair of stopping faces 302-2 mates with the corresponding stopper
10
402-2 of the housing 110. Accordingly, two types of mating occurrences, i.e. Mating 1 and
Mating 2 as are achieved depicted in the Figure 5b and Fig. 5c. As may be understood, Mating 1
and Mating 2 differ in terms of heights and accordingly are longitudinally separated
Figure 6 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob 106 and knob-insert 108 for an
operable position “R”, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The
same is analogous to the position “N” depicted in Fig. 4, although the angular position of knob
106 and accordingly the knob-insert 108 differs say by 60 degrees clockwise.
Figure 7 (a-c) illustrates views of an assembly of knob 106 and knob insert 108 for
another operable position “P”, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
The same is analogous to the position “D” depicted in Fig. 5, although the angular position of
knob and accordingly the knob-insert is different by 180 degrees.
More specifically, with respect to the “P” or Parking position and assuming the “D”
position of Fig. 5 as a reference or origin, a second stopping face from the pair of stopping faces
302-1 mates with the corresponding stopper 402-1 of the housing 110. Simultaneously, a second
stopping face from the other pair of stopping faces 302-2 mates with the corresponding stopper
402-2 of the housing 110. Accordingly, two types of mating occurrences, i.e. Mating 1 and
Mating 2 as achieved are depicted in the Figure 7b and Fig. 7c. As may be understood, Mating 1
and Mating 2 differ in terms of heights and accordingly are longitudinally separated
Figure 8 (a and b) illustrates ‘stationary’ or ‘locked’ conditions with respect to the
operable positions “D” and “P”, respectively, and accordingly correspond to as earlier illustrated
within the Fig. 5 and 7. As illustrated in Fig. 8c and Fig. 8d, the stopper or stopping ribs 402-1, 2
mate with the stopping faces 302-1, 2 at 180°. The stopping faces 302-1, 2 form a part of the
grooves 304-1 and 304-2 as located within the knob-insert 108.
Figure 9 (a and b) illustrates the ‘non-locked’ conditions with respect to the operable
positions “N” and “R”, respectively, and accordingly correspond to Fig. 4 and 6. As illustrated in
Fig. 9c and Fig. 9d, the stopper or stopping ribs 402-1, 2 are floating within grooves 304-1 and
304-2 of the knob CP 108 for “N” and “R” positions without entering into any kind of locking
with the stopping faces 302-1, 2.
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Figure 10 (a-b) illustrates exploded view of switch assembly depicting the interaction
between the knob-insert 108 and the detent 116, without the PCB 118 and back-cover 120, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 10a corresponds to any
operable position other than “P” position. As depicted in Figure 8b, the detent 116 snap-locks
with the knob-insert 108 with respect to “P” position and accordingly renders the entire switch
100 non-rotatable.
Figure 11 (a-d) illustrates another set of exploded-views of switch assembly 100
depicting the detent 116, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As
shown in the Figure 11a, a spring-loaded pusher 112 traverses a detent-profile (i.e. profile
comprising the chevron peaks and grooves) of the detent 116 during the rotation of the knob
106. Accordingly, not only the knob 106 is allowed to rest with respect to all of the operable
positions, but also a requisite torque is rendered to the knob 106 during the operation while
moving from one operable position to another.
Fig. 11 (b) and 11 (c) depict the snap-fit connection of the knob-insert 108 with the
detent 116. However, as also evident from Fig. 11(a), the knob-insert 108 is additionally ‘snaplocked’
to the cam-profile of the detent 116 and accordingly corresponds to the “P” position.
Fig. 11(d) corresponds to the detent-profile of the detent 116 and depicts at least 6 pairs of peaks
as a part of detent profile.
Figure 12 (a and b) illustrates an example snap fit connection between the detent 116 and
the knob CP. While Fig. 12a illustrates the snap fit connection at two points between the detent
116 and the knob CP 108, the enlarged view (referred by detail A) depicts a magnified view of
one of such snap-fit connections. As depicted in Fig. 12a, the pushers 112 or spring based
plungers 112 traverse the profile of the detent116 during the rotation of the knob 106. Further,
Fig. 12b illustrates the detent 116 depicting an arrangement 1204 to achieve an enhanced walllocking
between the knob CP 108 with the detent 116 as a part of the snap-lock arrangement.
Figure 13 (a and b) illustrates another example snap fit connection between the detent
116 and the knob CP. While Fig. 13a illustrates the snap fit connection at two points between the
detent 116 and the knob CP 108, the enlarged view (referred by detail B) depicts a magnified
view of one of such snap-fit connections. Detail B view differs from Detail A as the snap fit
connection in Detail B comprises receiving the knob CP within a groove of the detent 116.
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Further, Fig. 13b illustrates the detent 116 depicting an arrangement 1304 to achieve an
enhanced wall-locking between the Knob CP 108 with detent 116 as a part of the snap-lock
arrangement.
Figure 14 illustrates sectional-views of the knob-switch assembly 100 depicting
interconnection of the constituent components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
As indicated in Fig. 14, the two stopping ribs or stoppers 402-1, 2 of housing 110 are
supported by tapered walls 1002 of the housing 110 at two places to define the limits of the
rotation of the knob-insert 108 and thereby the rotary-knob 106. The first and second lock or
mating -1, 2 (as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) are further reinforced by a locking between the
tapered-walls 1002 of the housing 110 and said plurality of stopper-faces 302-1,2 of the Z
shaped flap of the element 108.
Fig. 15 (a till c) illustrates a structural-connection between the housing 116 and the back
cover 120 to impart a structural strength to the overall assembly 100. More specifically, the
present Figure illustrates provision of adequate strength to the knob CP 108 and housing 116
(i..e. body). As indicated in Fig. 15(a), the middle cylindrical portion or body of the housing 110
shaped as ‘water drain channel walls’ are designed to be taper-mated with a tapered wall or
rectangular ribs in the back cover 120. The taper walls of the back cover accordingly lock with
the water drain channels or the body 116 to strengthen the cylindrical body of the housing 110.
Accordingly, such taper mating contributes to a lock or press-fit connection between the housing
110 and the back cover 120. The enlarged view referred by Detail C further present a magnified
view of such taper-mating.
More specifically, a the water drain channel walls of the housing 110 are shaped as a
plurality of ribs for locking or getting snug-fit with a plurality of rectangular ribs of the bottomcover
120, said locking having been further assisted by taper-matching between the ribs of the
housing and the bottom cover.
Fig. 15b represents a bottom view of the assembly 100 without the cover 120 and Fig.
15c illustrates an isometric view of the bottom cover 120 when seen from the top. As shown
through a conjoint representation of Fig. 15b and Fig. 15c, the bottom-cover 120 is shaped in
accordance with the circular printed circuit board (PCB) 118, wherein said PCB 118 acts as the
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electrical-circuit in respect of hall-sensing arrangement. Moreover, the bottom cover 120 is
rigidly supported within the second side enclosure of the housing 110 to thereby complete an
assembly of the switch 100. The PCB 118 is remotely linked to the knob 106 (as a part of hall
sensing arrangement) to sense the plurality of operable-positons of the knob 106 and thereby
generate a plurality of electrical-signals. The PCB 118 in turn also comprises arrangement to fit
within the bottom cover 120 and thereby render a rigid housing of the PCB 118 within the
bottom cover 120.
At least by virtue of aforesaid features, the present subject matter describes a rotary knob
based contactless switch assembly in respect of automatic gear assembly for triggering the
automatic gears in the vehicle, such that the switch-assembly is composed of a rotaryarrangement
wherein the extreme operable positions upon the knob lie within the span of 180
degrees. Accordingly, the operable positions “D”, “N”, “P”, “R” are implemented, while
achieving an angular separation of 60 degrees between any two consecutive positions (e.g. D to
N, N to P, P to R). However, extreme positions, “D”, “R”, are angularly separated from each
other by about 180 degrees.
Moreover, the present rotary knob based switch assembly facilitates a user to
continuously rotate the knob in any particular direction, say clockwise or anti-clockwise, and yet
achieve all the operable positions within the span of 180 degrees. Accordingly, not only a
continuity of rotation is achieved, but also least confusion is caused to the operator of the knob
while driving the vehicle. In an example, D to R and back to D position may be attained in
clockwise or anti-clock wise direction, while resorting to a rotation of 180 degrees.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising
on account of the same 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 forgoing 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.
14
The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous
variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure,
dimension, and use of material, are possible.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with
regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and
any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

We claim:
1. A rotary-switch (100) for a vehicle, said rotary-switch comprising:
a rotatable-knob (106) defined by a plurality of operable-positions;
an element (108) shaped to be received at-least partly within the knob (106) and defining
at-least two grooves (304-1, 2) and a snap-fit arrangement (306) along its longitudinal-axis,
wherein said at least two grooves (304) are offset from each other transversely;
a housing (110) defined by a first-side enclosure for receiving an assembly of knob (106)
and the element (108) and a second side enclosure, wherein the housing (110) comprises a
plurality of ribs (402-1, 2) to lock with said at-least two grooves (304) of the element (108) in
case said knob (106) is rotated to extremity with respect to said operable-positions;
a plurality of spring-loaded plungers (112) suspended within the second-side enclosure of
the housing (110);
a detent (116) received within the second side enclosure of the housing (110) and
connected to the element (108) to thereby follow rotary motion of the rotary-knob (106), said
arrangement defined by :
i. a cam profile to receive the plunger (112) at a plurality of locations and thereby
define said operable positions of the knob (106); and
ii. a protrusion to lock with the snap-fit arrangement of the element (108) in case the
knob (106) rotates to a particular operable-position;
and
an electrical-circuit to generate a plurality of electrical signals with respect to said
operable positions of the knob.
2. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the element (108) comprises at least
two longitudinally extending Z shaped flaps comprising the grooves (304) and the snap-fit
arrangement (306), each of said Z shaped flap defining:
a higher altitude groove (304-2);
a lower altitude groove (304-1), said lower altitude groove offset transversely
from higher altitude groove; and
the snap fit arrangement (306) at the bottom.
3. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, said plurality of operable positions of the knob
(106) corresponds to gear-positions comprising Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Park with respect to
an automatic-transmission system in the vehicle.
4. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of operable positions of
the knob (106) are circularly-dispersed upon the knob’s surface with respect to an angular-range
substantially greater than 120 degrees.
5. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said extremity of operable position
defines a rotary limit of the knob (106) and in turn is defined by:
a. a first-lock corresponding to a mating between a stopper-face (302-2) corresponding to
the upper altitude groove (304-2) of the insert element (108) with a first set of stopper ribs (402-
2) of the housing (100);
b. a second-lock corresponding to a mating between another stopper-face (302-1)
corresponding to the lower-altitude groove (304-1) of insert element (108) with a second set of
stopper ribs (402-1).
6. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 5, wherein the first and second lock are
further reinforced by a locking between tapered-walls of the housing (110) and said plurality of
stopper-faces of the Z shaped flap of the element (108).
7. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in 1, further a comprising a bottom-cover (120) shaped in
accordance with a circular printed circuit board (PCB) (118), wherein said PCB (118) acting as
the electrical circuit and the bottom cover are structurally supported within the second side
enclosure of the housing (110) to thereby complete an assembly of the switch (100).
8. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the PCB (118) is linked to the knob
(106) to sense the plurality of operable-positons of the knob (106) and thereby generate a
plurality of electrical signals.
9. The rotary-switch (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the PCB (118) comprises an
arrangement to fit within the bottom cover (120) and thereby render a rigid connection therebetween.
10. The rotary-switch as claimed in claim 7, wherein a middle cylindrical portion of the housing
(110) at the bottom is shaped as a plurality of ribs acting as water drain channel walls for locking
with a plurality of rectangular ribs of the bottom-cover (120), said locking having been assisted
by taper-mating between the ribs of the housing (110) and the bottom cover (120).
11. A rotary-switch (100) for a vehicle, said rotary-switch comprising:
a rotatable-knob (106) defined by a plurality of operable-positions to generate electrical
signals;
an element (108) shaped to be received at-least partly within the knob (106) and defining
at-least two grooves (304-1, 2) and a snap-fit arrangement (306) along its longitudinal-axis,
wherein said at least two grooves (304-1, 2) are offset from each other transversely;
and
a housing (110) defined by a first-side enclosure for receiving an assembly of knob (106)
and the element (108) and a second side enclosure, wherein the housing (110) comprises a
plurality of ribs (402-1, 2) to lock with said at-least two grooves (304-1, 2) of the element (110)
in case said knob (106) is rotated to extremity with respect to said operable-positions;
wherein said extremity of operable position defines a rotary limit of the knob (106)
and in turn is defined by one or more of:
a first-lock corresponding to a mating between a stopper-face (302-2)
corresponding to an upper altitude groove (304-2) of the insert element (108) with a first
set of stopper ribs (402-2) of the housing (110); and
a second-lock corresponding to a mating between a stopper-face (302-1)
corresponding to a lower-altitude groove (304-1) of insert element (108) with a second
set of stopper ribs (402-1) of the housing (110);.