The present invention relates to a two-wheel vehicle, for example, a motorcycle or a scooter. More particularly, the invention related to a handle-bar assembly in a two-wheel vehicle.

Background

Handlebar switches in two-wheeled vehicle are commonplace. The same may be electrical, electromechanical or electronic in nature. The same may be contact based switches or may be wireless in nature as well.

In an example, Fig. 1 illustrates a prior art arrangement wherein a wireless switch is provided for controlling a turn-signal and stop lamp assembly for vehicle use. The same comprises a signal transmitting unit, a signal receiving unit and a lamp assembly, wherein the signal transmitting unit comprises an inductor, two turn signal lamp touch switches, a first microprocessor, a wireless transmitter and a transmitting antenna; and the signal receiving unit comprises a receiving antenna, a wireless receiver and a second microprocessor. After the inductor detects a brake signal or the two turn signal lamp touch switches are actuated and the transmitting antenna transmits a control signal, the receiving antenna receives the control signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna, and the control signal is processed by the wireless receiver and the second microprocessor to control the operation of the left and the right turn signal lamps and the stop lamp of the turn signal and stop lamp assembly. However, the switch in accordance with Fig. 1 remains exposed to moisture & dust contamination over unit. Moreover, the switch is externally connected to CPU which controls transmission and prone to damage.

In another example as depicted in Fig. 2, a digital indicating switch for a two wheeler comprises a switch housing 11 having a face 12 with a seven-segment digital indicator 26 with segments 19-25 and with conductive touch-responsive areas 27, 28 on the face. A capacitive, resistive or heat-sensitive touch-responsive switch 33 has an input connected to an external clock generator 34 and a second input connected to one or both areas 27, 28 and provides a train of output pulses synchronized with the clock generator whilst an area is touched. The switch 33 includes a spark gap 55 protecting transistor 46 from damage due to static charge on the operator. A monostable multi-vibrator 35 is triggered on each pulse and provides a corresponding pulse to a counter 36. Thus application of a finger for a time equal to or less than the cycle time of the multi-vibrator produces only a single increment of the counter output. The counter output passes to an optional latch circuit 39 and thence to a BCD-seven-segment decoder 41 driving the indicator 26. The first touch area and its touch switch may advance the counter and the second area and touch-switch may decrement the counter or clear it. While the device exhibits a compact design, however the device is not IP67 compliant and remains exposed to moisture & dust contamination over unit.

In yet another example as depicted in Fig. 3, a miniature navigation switch assembly of motorcycle is provided. This miniature navigation switch assembly of motorcycle has casing, touch display, navigation unit. This casing includes GPS locator, map-module and the radio communication of this navigation unit. The apparatus enables the driver to directly drive the motorcycle and navigate within the map without the need of parking the vehicle. While the device in Fig. 2 exhibits a compact design and is wireless compatible, yet the same is not IP67 compliant and remains exposed to moisture & dust contamination over unit. As number of features incorporated in switch assembly is more than expected product cost is higher.

SUMMARY
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.
A handlebar switch-assembly for a vehicle comprises a display- module for rendering a graphical user interface (GUI) for depicting one or more controls pertaining to operation over devices in the vehicle. Further, the switch assembly comprises a set of switches for controlling one or more devices in a vehicle through said display module. The set of switches are defined by a first set of controls for navigating through the GUI, a second set of controls for selecting a control option within the GUI, a third set of controls for exiting from a function within the GUI, and a fourth set of controls for setting up of a shortcut or setting as a part of updating the controls within the GUI.

The present subject matter refers a touch-sensitive switch for communications signals to a cluster unit. The touch sensitive unit comprises one or more controls (e.g. button, or slider option) to navigate menu within the cluster unit and select various options within the cluster unit as related to driving of the two wheeler, e.g. blinker, horn, dimmer, light on/off, pass function, engine off/on, self-start etc. Other options include and browsing of GPS enabled geographical maps.

The present subject matter at least describes a switch for handlebar assembly and having a uniform touch at designated or earmarked portions within the surface of switch button and slider, to be used on handlebar of two wheelers/three wheelers for navigating display or Cluster unit. At least an object of the present touch switch and slider is to ease and enhance the user experience with recognition on touch-feel and communicate data to control display navigation. Specifically, the device detects position of finger on case front and then accordingly transmits the data to display unit which reflects position upward and downward direction as per slider and selection position as per button. An assembly of the present touch-based navigation switch comprises resistive layered PCB, connectors (both male & female), case upper & case Lower.

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 drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting 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 illustrates a prior art handlebar arrangement
Figure 2 illustrates another prior art handlebar arrangement
Figure 3 illustrates another prior art handlebar arrangement
Figure 4 illustrates different views of Touch based Navigation switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a view of touch based Navigation switch mounted on vehicle handlebar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded View of touch based navigation switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a Block diagram of touch based Navigation switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates operation and working principle of touch switch with navigation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates touch based with wireless circuitry for navigation purpose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” are defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 4 (a to c) illustrates different views of Touch based Navigation switch 400 in a handlebar switch-assembly 500 for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present subject matter refers a communication between handlebar touch based navigation panel switch 400 and cluster vehicle cluster 502 which are mounted on vehicle as shown in Fig. 5. The cluster 502 may be a display- module for rendering a graphical user interface (GUI) for depicting one or more controls pertaining to operation over variuous illuminating, acoustic and engine ON/OFF related devices in the vehicle. The handlebar-switch 400 has an integrated communication circuitry which establishes communication between itself and cluster 502. The circuitry is internally connected to Main control system switch or ECU which communicates required signal to the cluster that in turn controls vehicles signal. The communication of signals may be configured as wired or wireless depending upon user’s requirement.

As shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, a set of switches 400 may be provided for controlling one or more devices in a vehicle through said display-module. The switches 400 may be navigation controls for navigating through the GUI, a second set of controls for selecting a control option within the GUI, a third set of controls for exiting from a function within the GUI, and a fourth set of controls for creating of a shortcut or setting as a part of updating the controls within the GUI. The present switch 400 may be configured as slider or button based touch-switch. In slider mode, the user can simply navigate cluster console by sliding finger on touch-points. Whereas as Button format, particular touch-points are shown in form of Icons (i.e. enter, set, back etc.) on top of layer of the assembly. The same sends signal to cluster console 502 once those icons are pressed by user. Accordingly, the set of switches 400 are defined by at-least one of navigation controls, one or more touchscreen based switches; and touchpad based switches.

As an example, the touch based navigation switch has been shown in “Button mode” in Fig. 4a to 4c and present Fig. 5. In these five touch buttons are given specific function related to cluster navigation system. “Up’ and “Down” icon button is used for upward and downward direction Menu’s movement of cluster. “Back” icon is used for exiting from Menu function. “Enter” icon is used for selecting particular navigation menu or setting/ resetting function. Similarly, “set” icon may be used for shortcut or setting default setting of navigation in cluster.

Figure 5 illustrates a view of touch based Navigation switch 400 mounted on vehicle handlebar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present figure at-least illustrates connectivity with a vehicle-cluster device at the center console or the display module 502. On activation, an internal circuitry within the switch 400 starts communication with cluster 502 by sending its address and name. In response, the cluster 502 acknowledges the signal by sending required address. Once communication is authenticated and established between the present switch 400 and cluster 502, the user can remotely control cluster-features & functionality by navigating touch-points in form of slider or buttons within the switch 400 depending upon their requirement. Specifically, the device 400 detects position of finger and then accordingly transmits the data to display unit 502 which reflects position upward and downward direction as per slider and selection position as per button.

More specifically, the switch 400 refers a touch sensitive unit comprising one or more controls (e.g. button, or slider option) to navigate menu within the cluster unit and select various options within the cluster unit as related to driving of the two wheeler, e.g. blinker, horn, dimmer, light on/off, pass function, engine off/on, self-start etc. These options correspond to illumination, acoustic and engine ON/OFF functions. Other options include and browsing of GPS enabled geographical maps.

The switch 400 for handlebar assembly 500 exhibits a uniform touch at designated or earmarked portions within the surface of switch button and slider, to be used on handlebar of two wheelers/three wheelers for navigating display or Cluster unit. At least an object of the present touch switch 400 and slider is to ease and enhance the user experience with recognition on touch-feel and communicate data to control display navigation.

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded View of touch based navigation switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The switch assembly comprises following components as follows:
1. PC Sheet 602
2. Touch Film 604
3. Upper Case 606
4. Main PCB comprising Output Connector 608 and PCB housing 612
5. Lower Case 610

In present Fig 6, the assembly of touch based navigation switch on two/three wheeler handlebar is shown. The PC sheet 602 is placed on top of Upper case 606 which is used for User Interface and also it depicts function icons for cluster console control. Upper case 606 and Lower case 610 is outer casing of switch, which is placed on handlebar of two wheelers. Touch film on top of upper case 606 is connected with Main PCB circuitry 608. Main PCB 608 is placed within PCB Housing 612 in Lower Case 610. PCB housing 612 is used to cover main PCB and epoxy is filled in it from top to protect circuitry from water, dust etc. The Lower case 610 is connected from bottom with upper case and sealed accordingly. An output connector from the Main PCB 608 is routed from Lower Case 610 for connection with the display module or the cluster console and information is transmitted to and fro via LIN, CAN etc. accordingly.

Figure 7 illustrates a block-diagram of touch based Navigation-switch 400 for depicting the basic operation and working principle of touch switch with navigation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the touch switches 400 are connected to Main Controller Unit (MCU), e.g. by encrypted communication protocol. When a finger is detected on touch-switch 400, then the signal is transmitted to MCU via encrypted communication mode in order to generate interrupt for executing required function as per switch. In said invention, MCU can be comprised of any one or more Microcontroller along driver peripheral IC’s and etc. Optional LIN/CAN transceiver is used to transmit LIN/CAN signal to Cluster unit which will be controlling vehicle signal. Signal is transmitted to Cluster Unit via LIN/CAN or control output as per user requirement.

The communication protocol may be a wireless-communication defined by at-least one of: Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee and rendered between the set of switches and the display module, between the set of switches and the mobile device, and between the mobile device and the display module.

The MCU may be an electronic-module for communicating the signals generated upon actuation of the controls within the GUI to the respective devices within the vehicle. The MCU may be configured for communicating the signals generated upon actuation of the controls, within the GUI as rendered by the center console 502, to the respective devices within the vehicle. The MCU may comprise a wireless-transceiver to facilitate wireless communication of the signals from the set of switches to an external mobile-device. The MCU may also facilitate wireless reception of the signals from the external mobile-device to the display module or center console. The MCU may be an ECU to control one or more devices within the vehicle based on received signals from the set of switches and the mobile device.
Figure 8 illustrates operation and working principle of touch switch with navigation Fig. 8.
At stage 802 when ignition of vehicle is turned ON, power is transmitted to internal circuitry and accordingly internal circuitry gets power up. Ignition ON of vehicle is there if power circuitry is connected to vehicle’s battery. When Ignition is turned ON, the present switch also gets activated.

Accordingly, the present switch initializes the drivers vide step 804 in Main Controller Unit. Once the drivers are initialized vide step 804, the MCU or Main controller unit sends signal to a touch interface for verifying connection vide steps 806 and 808. Touch interface can be based on capacitive or resistive or inductive technology on rigid or flex PCB. The Main controller Unit initiates signal for finding touch interface.

If touch interface is not detected, then signal from main controller unit is initiated to Cluster console signalling that touch interface not detected vide step 810. If touch interface is detected by Main Controller Unit vide step 810, then detection signal is transmitted to cluster console vide step 812 and simultaneously calibration process of touch interface is started, if required. User can now control cluster console operation remotely by pressing or sliding on touch interface designed for said invention vide step 814. Also navigation switches in said invention can be mapped by user as per requirement in cluster console or mobile application for controlling other application through navigation touch switches vide the step 812. Likewise, under specific mode of operation, the set of switches may exercise a direct-control over one or more devices within the vehicle through an internal-connection.

When system is idle for given time interval, the present switch undergoes sleep mode vide step 816 in order to save power consumption and save battery from draining. It is woken up from sleep mode by pressing switches (i.e. touch detection) or by Cluster console application.

Figure 9 illustrates touch based with wireless circuitry for navigation purpose, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring Fig 9; the touch sensor captures data according to position & direction of fingerprint on sensor and transmits it wirelessly to a display unit (i.e. cluster unit) for navigation. For example, in present figure as per placement direction of finger, menus in display are navigating in left, right, upward or downward direction. Apart from cluster unit, other examples of display unit include a remote mobile device 900 or a tablet as seen by the user while driving the two-wheeler. Accordingly, the set of switches are configured for acting as a control of one or more mobile devices supported on the vehicle.

At least based on aforesaid, the present subject matter leads to at least following advantages:
• Sealed Waterproof (IP67) complaint.
• Automotive grade complaint.
• Integration within same package size of switch assembly.
• Vibration dampening resistant.
• Easy to install.
• Provision for voltage & current Conditioning.
• Less number of parts.
• Enhances visual appearance.
• Low cost product.

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.

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.

CLAIMS:1. A handlebar switch-assembly (500) for a vehicle, wherein said switch-assembly comprises:
a display- module (502) for rendering a graphical user interface (GUI) for depicting one or more controls pertaining to operation over devices in the vehicle;
a set of switches (400) for controlling one or more devices in a vehicle through said display module; wherein said set of switches are defined by at-least one of:
a) a first set of controls for navigating through the GUI;
b) a second set of controls for selecting a control option within the GUI;
c) a third set of controls for exiting from a function within the GUI; and
d) a fourth set of controls for setting up of a shortcut or setting as a part of updating the controls within the GUI.
2. The handlebar switch-assembly (500) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an electronic-module (MCU) for communicating the signals generated upon actuation of the controls within the GUI to the respective devices within the vehicle.
3. The handlebar switch-assembly (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of switches (400) are further configured for acting as one or more of:
a) a control of one or more mobile devices (900) supported on the vehicle
b) a direct control over one or more devices within the vehicle through an internal-connection.
4. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the set of switches (400) act as handlebar-switches for controlling acoustic and illuminating-devices within the vehicle.
5. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of switches are defined by at-least one of:
Slider for navigation controls;
one or more touchscreen based switches for providing button facility; and
touchpad based switches for providing button based and navigation based facility.

6. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electronic-module (MCU) comprises a wireless-transceiver to wirelessly-communicate the signals from set of switches to a mobile device (900).

7. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic-module (MCU) is a wireless-transceiver to wirelessly-receive the signals from the mobile-device (900) and communicate it to the display module (502) via an ECU.

8. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic-module (MCU) comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) to control one or more devices within the vehicle based on received signals from the set of switches and the mobile device.

9. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of switches (400) correspond to touch based navigation switch and packaged as an assembly, said assembly comprising:
an upper-case (606) acting as a user interface and comprising function icons for control of options in the display module positioned as a center-console;
a polycarbonate (PC) sheet (602) placed on top of an upper case;
a Touch film (604) provided on top of upper case;
a PCB circuit (608) connected to the touch film; and
an output connector connecting the PCB circuit with the display module (502) at the centre console, wherein PCB circuit (608) and the display module (502) communicate via LIN, CAN based communication protocol.

10. The handlebar switch assembly (500) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the communication is a wireless communication defined by at-least one of: Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee and rendered between at least one of :
the set of switches and the display module;
the set of switches and the mobile device; and
the mobile device and the display module.