Linear pressure switch apparatus and method

• US 20090120777A1
• Filed: 11/08/2007
• Published: 05/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John T. Grzan, Joseph L. Montalto, Matt Grzan
• Original Assignee: John T. Grzan, Joseph L. Montalto, Matt Grzan
• Inventors: Grzan, Matt, Grzan, John T., Montalto, Joseph L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,659,485 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/86.R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/145 provisions for avoiding closure or contact damage during manufacturing or mounting
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/142 of the elongated strip type

Abstract

A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.

Claims

1. A linear pressure switch apparatus that comprises:

a first elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a second elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

at least one insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate;

a jacket that encases the structure of the conductors and the at least one insulative strip, the jacketed structure providing an at least water resistant barrier; and

an attachment mechanism that is adapted to fix the jacketed structure in position on an external structure.

2. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a through hole in the jacketed structure that is adapted to receive a fastener for the connection of the switch to an external structure.

3. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a fastener that is connected to one of the conductor plates and extends outwardly approximately perpendicular to the face of the conductor plate.

4. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a base plate that includes a flange that is adapted to interface with a channel.

5. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a base plate that is connected to a fastener.

6. A linear pressure switch apparatus that comprises:

a first elongate conductor plate that has opposed terminal end portions;

a second elongate conductor plate that has opposed terminal end portions;

an insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate;

a jacket that encases the conductors and the at least one insulative strip and provides a jacketed structure that is at least water resistant barrier; and

a set of connectors coupled to the terminal end portions of the conductors that extend through the jacket and are adapted to interface with a mating set of conductors.

7. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 6, wherein the terminal end portion of the jacketed structure includes a molded cap and the connectors extend outwardly from the terminal end portion of each conductor through the molded cap.

8. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 6, wherein the connectors for the conductors extend from a single terminal end portion of the switch apparatus.

9. The linear pressure switch apparatus of claim 6, wherein the conductors are connected to a pin connector.

10. A linear pressure switch apparatus that comprises:

a first elongate conductor plate that has opposed terminal end portions;

a second elongate conductor plate that has opposed terminal end portions;

at least one insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate;

a jacket that encases the conductors and the at least one insulative strip to form a jacketed structure; and

a bias member positioned between the jacket and the first elongate conductor plate that is a resilient foam, the bias member providing a tactile sensation to the activating of the conductors.

11. The linear pressure switch of claim 10, wherein the bias member extends between the full lateral width of the longitudinal edges of at least one of the conductors.

13. The linear pressure switch array of claim 10, wherein the each pair of conductors defines a separate circuit.

14. The linear pressure switch array of claim 10, wherein at least one of the conductors is shared between a common circuit.

12. A linear pressure switch array that comprises:

a first elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a second elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a first insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate;

a third elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a fourth elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a second insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the third conductor plate and the fourth conductor plate;

a fifth elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a sixth elongate conductor plate that has a pair of opposed faces;

a third insulative strip that separates and electrically isolates the fifth conductor plate and the sixth conductor plate and the sensitivity of each pair of conductive plates varies to provide a range of activation signals; and

a jacket that encloses the conductor plates and insulative strips to form a jacketed structure.