The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 25, 2013
Filed:
Dec. 15, 2010
Alexandru Salagean, Mississauga, CA;
Alexandru Salagean, Mississauga, CA;
Omron Dualtec Automotive Electronics Inc., Oakville, CA;
Abstract
A switch assembly is provided that includes a series of bridge actuators that include oppositely spaced protrusions separated by a bridge. The protrusions extend through apertures in a support that provides a sliding surface for overlying actuator plates. The actuator plates include ramps to act on the protrusions and in turn activate underlying dome switches. The bridge actuators utilize an angled underside to provide better alignment with the top surface of the dome to reduce shearing. The switch assembly also includes a sub-assembly that uses a micro switch cell in a knob instead of a PCB to reduce the number of connections. The sub-assembly uses an elastomeric keypad to preload a button on the knob and provide tactile feel. The switch assembly also includes a four-way knob that provides distinct feel to the directions of movement using a contoured male-female connection that uses tabs and slots, a contoured female connection and a protrusion on the tip of the male connector.