Switch actuator
AssigneeSensata Technologies, Inc.
InventorsMichael A. Stoner, Jeffrey M. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments included herein are directed towards an apparatus for actuating a switch of an operator control device, and related methods. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a trigger shaped to mate with the operator control device. The trigger may include an integrated preload portion formed, at least in part, within the trigger. The trigger may further include an integrated actuator portion formed, at least in part, at an interfacing portion of the trigger. The integrated actuator portion may be configured to interface with the switch of the operator control device.
Claims18
An apparatus for actuating a switch of an operator control device, comprising:
- a trigger shaped to mate with the operator control device, the trigger comprising:
- an integrated preload portion formed, at least in part, within the trigger;
- and
- an integrated actuator portion formed, at least in part, at an interfacing portion of the trigger,
- wherein the integrated actuator portion is configured to interface with the switch of the operator control device,
- wherein the integrated actuator portion is configured to contact the integrated preload portion upon pressure being exerted on the trigger, and
- wherein a change in a spring rate of the integrated preload portion is caused by the contact of the integrated actuator portion with the integrated preload portion.
A method for forming an apparatus for actuating a switch of an operator control device, comprising:
- forming a trigger shaped to mate with the operator control device;
- forming an integrated preload portion of the trigger, at least in part, within the trigger;
- and
- forming an integrated actuator portion of the trigger, at least in part, at an interfacing portion of the trigger,
- wherein the integrated actuator portion is configured to interface with the switch of the operator control device,
- wherein the integrated actuator portion is configured to contact the integrated preload portion upon pressure being exerted on the trigger, and
- wherein a change in a spring rate of the integrated preload portion is caused by the contact of the integrated actuator portion with the integrated preload portion.
An apparatus for actuating a switch of an operator control device, comprising:
- a trigger shaped to mate with the operator control device, the trigger comprising:
- an integrated preload portion formed, at least in part, within the trigger;
- an integrated actuator portion formed, at least in part, at an interfacing portion of the trigger;
- an integrated rotation portion formed, at least in part, at a first end of the trigger;
- and
- at least one mating portion shaped to allow the trigger to mate with the operator control device,
- wherein the integrated rotation portion is configured to allow at least a portion of the trigger to rotate around a pivot portion of the operator control device upon pressure being exerted on the trigger and cause the integrated actuator portion to actuate the switch of the operator control device,
- wherein the integrated actuator portion is configured to contact the integrated preload portion upon pressure being exerted on the trigger, and
- wherein a change in a spring rate of the integrated preload portion is caused by the contact of the integrated actuator portion with the integrated preload portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.