Underwater device with rotary switch and related switch assembly and method

A switch assembly for an underwater device comprising a waterproof housing defining a dry cavity therein and comprising a nonferrous switch interface wall, the waterproof housing comprising a first rim defining a first recess, and a second ridge defining a second recess, the first and second recesses being adjacent respective opposite first and second sides of the nonferrous switch interface wall, the switch assembly comprising:

• a rotary switch to be positioned within the dry cavity and comprising a switch body, and a switch shaft extending outwardly from the switch body, the switch shaft having an axis and being rotated about the axis during operation of the rotary switch;
• a first magnetic body to be rotatably positioned within the first recess of the waterproof housing, within the dry cavity, and coupled between the switch shaft and the nonferrous switch interface wall, the first magnetic body abutting the nonferrous switch interface wall and being within the first rim;
• and
• a second magnetic body to be rotatably positioned within the second recess of the waterproof housing, external from the waterproof housing, and adjacent the nonferrous switch interface wall in alignment with the first magnetic body so that rotation of the second magnetic body rotates the switch shaft, the second magnetic body abutting the nonferrous switch interface wall and being within the second ridge;
• each of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body comprising a permanent magnet.

A method for making an underwater device, the method comprising:

• forming a waterproof housing defining a dry cavity therein and comprising a nonferrous switch interface wall, the waterproof housing comprising a first rim defining a first recess, and a second ridge defining a second recess, the first and second recesses being adjacent respective opposite first and second sides of the nonferrous switch interface wall;
• coupling a rotary switch within the dry cavity, the rotary switch comprising a switch body, and a switch shaft extending outwardly from the switch body, the switch shaft having an axis and being rotated about the axis during operation of the rotary switch;
• coupling a first magnetic body to be rotatably positioned within the first recess of the waterproof housing, within the dry cavity, and between the switch shaft and the nonferrous switch interface wall, the first magnetic body abutting the nonferrous switch interface wall and being within the first rim;
• and
• coupling a second magnetic body to be rotatably positioned within the second recess of the waterproof housing, external from the waterproof housing, and adjacent the nonferrous switch interface wall in alignment with the first magnetic body so that rotation of the second magnetic body rotates the switch shaft, the second magnetic body abutting the nonferrous switch interface wall and being within the second ridge;
• each of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body comprises a permanent magnet.