Multiple-function selector utilizing a force sensitive, variable impedance device
First Claim
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1. An electrical multiple function selector switch assembly comprising:
- a pressure transducer having an impedance which changes in response to pressure applied to the pressure transducer;
a member that applies varying pressure to the pressure transducer when the member is operated by a user;
a circuit connected to the pressure transducer for producing an electrical signal which in response to the impedance of the pressure transducer has a plurality of discrete states which indicate a plurality of functions which the user is able to select.
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Abstract
An electrical switch assembly includes a member by which a user selects one of a plurality of functions. Operation of the member applies different amounts of pressure to a transducer that has an impedance which changes in response to the applied pressure. An input circuit produces an output voltage which varies in relation to changes in the impedance of the pressure transducer. A voltage comparator compares the output voltage to a plurality of voltage ranges and in response to the voltage comparison, an output driver produces at least one electrical signal that indicates which one of plurality of functions the user has selected.
19 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An electrical multiple function selector switch assembly comprising:
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a pressure transducer having an impedance which changes in response to pressure applied to the pressure transducer; a member that applies varying pressure to the pressure transducer when the member is operated by a user; a circuit connected to the pressure transducer for producing an electrical signal which in response to the impedance of the pressure transducer has a plurality of discrete states which indicate a plurality of functions which the user is able to select. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An electrical switch assembly by which a user selects one of a plurality of functions, said electrical switch assembly comprising:
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a pressure transducer having an impedance which changes in response to pressure applied thereto; a user operable member that applies varying pressure to the pressure transducer when operated by a user; an input circuit connected to the pressure transducer for producing an output voltage which varies in relation to changes in the impedance of the pressure transducer; a voltage comparator connected to the input circuit to compare the output voltage to a plurality of voltage thresholds; and an output driver coupled to the voltage comparator for producing at least one electrical signal which in response to the impedance of the pressure transducer indicates which one of plurality of functions the user has selected. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for electrically selecting among a plurality of functions, said method comprising steps of:
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manually activating a member coupled to a pressure transducer which applies pressure that varies an impedance of the pressure transducer; sensing the impedance of the pressure transducer; and in response to sensing the impedance, producing an electrical signal which has a given one of a plurality of discrete states which thereby indicates a selected one of the plurality of functions. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification