Configurable switch array
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A switch array comprising:
- a housing having a front face defining a plurality of receptacles open toward the front face for receiving switch assemblies;
a backing circuit board having a plurality of sets of contact identification points on a forward face associated with and oriented toward a back end of each receptacle; and
at least a first switch housing mounted in any one of the receptacles of the switch array, the switch housing having a plurality of identification pins of unique number and arrangement extending from the switch housing into contact with the contact identification points on the backing circuit board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The configuration switch array for motor vehicle instrument panels provides for the free substitution and replacement of switches without rewiring of the instrument panel. Each switch assembly in the switch array includes a plurality of identification fingers projecting from the bottom of a switch assembly housing. The pattern and number of the identification fingers indicate the function the switch assembly is to invoke.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A switch array comprising:
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a housing having a front face defining a plurality of receptacles open toward the front face for receiving switch assemblies;
a backing circuit board having a plurality of sets of contact identification points on a forward face associated with and oriented toward a back end of each receptacle; and
at least a first switch housing mounted in any one of the receptacles of the switch array, the switch housing having a plurality of identification pins of unique number and arrangement extending from the switch housing into contact with the contact identification points on the backing circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A configurable switch array comprising:
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a switch array housing having a plurality of switch positions;
a plurality of switch assemblies each of which are positionable in any one of the plurality of switch positions in the switch array housing;
unique identifying indicia associated with each switch assembly; and
the switch array housing having cooperative identifying indicia reading means adapted to generate a value for any unique identifying indicia upon interrogation without regard to switch assembly state. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A motor vehicle electrical control system comprising:
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a body controller;
a data link;
a switch array controller connected to communicate with the body controller over the data link;
a switch array electrically coupled with the switch array controller, including a plurality of switch receiving positions;
a plurality of switch assemblies each of which are positionable in any one of the plurality of switch positions in the switch array housing;
unique identifying indicia associated with each switch assembly; and
the switch array housing having cooperative identifying indicia reading means adapted to generate a value for any unique identifying indicia upon interrogation by the switch array controller. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification