US 2014/0151930 A1 · ROTARY KNOB ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A rotary knob assembly and methods for forming and controlling friction effecting features of the knob assembly are disclosed. The knob assembly includes a mounting structure and a knob. The knob is rotatably coupled to a bezel of the mounting structure. The knob includes a stabilizer, a guide member, and a retainer having a patterned surface. At least a portion of the stabilizer is disposed between the bezel and the retainer to maintain an axial position and a radial position of the knob. A detent formed on the guide member cooperates with a patterned surface of the retainer to provide a haptic feedback to a user.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for forming a knob assembly comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a cavity insert for a mold assembly;
(b) providing an inner core insert for the mold assembly;
(c) providing an outer core insert for the mold assembly;
(d) positioning the cavity insert, the inner core insert, and the outer core insert to form a mold cavity within the mold assembly for receiving a molten material therein;
and
(e) introducing the molten material into the mold cavity, wherein at least one of the cavity insert, the inner core insert, and the outer core insert is at least one of modifiable and replaceable, and wherein the cavity insert, the inner core insert, and the outer core insert form friction effecting features of the knob assembly.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

14/173,946Filed 6 Feb 2014

Priority

15 Jun 2011

Published

5 Jun 2014

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

B29C 45/2673
Moulds: with exchangeable mould parts, e.g. cassette moulds
B60K 35/10
Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles: input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle,…
G05G 1/08
Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members: controlling members…
H01H 19/11
Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon: with indexing means

Rotary knob assembly

Life of this patent

Rotary knob assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20