Patent ID: 8587395

Claim:
A rotary encoder switch assembly comprising: a panel including a hole defined at least partially through the panel, a rotary encoder switch mounted into the hole of the panel and the encoder switch translatable with respect to the panel, and rotatable with respect to the panel; the rotary encoder switch oriented in a longitudinal dimension and transversely to the panel, a first stop protruding from the panel in the longitudinal dimension having first and second longitudinal bearing surfaces, a single crescent-shaped recess formed along the longitudinal dimension of the stop and extending longitudinally into a length of the hole, and the crescent-shaped recess defining the first bearing surfaces, a spring-loaded plunger that engages with the crescent-shaped recess of the panel to provide tactile feedback to a user when the spring-loaded plunger engages the crescent-shaped recess; a spring oriented in the longitudinal dimension and positioned between the rotary encoder switch and the panel to bias the rotary encoder switch toward the panel; wherein the rotary encoder switch is translatable in the longitudinal dimension in a direction away from the panel against a force of said spring; the rotary encoder switch including a second stop having third and fourth longitudinal bearing surfaces; wherein when the rotary encoder switch is rotated in a clock-wise direction, the third bearing surface abuts the crescent-shaped recess defining the first bearing surface; and when the rotary encoder switch is rotated in a counter clock-wise direction, the fourth bearing surface abuts the second bearing surface; and wherein a magnet is connected to the rotary encoder switch and an encoder chip that is positioned adjacent the magnet senses rotational movement and translational movement of the magnet of the rotary encoder switch; and a first switch position is sensed by the encoder chip when the third bearing surface abuts the first bearing surface; a second switch position is sensed by the encoder chip when the fourth bearing surface abuts the second bearing surface; and rotation of the rotary encoder switch alerts the user that the rotary encoder switch has moved out of the first switch position; and an ON/OFF switch position is sensed by the encoder chip when the rotary encoder switch is translated in the longitudinal direction away from the panel.