Switches and systems employing the same to enhance switch reliability and control
A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.
1. A switch, comprising:
a first conductive region;
a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern, wherein the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern form a plurality of spirals; and
a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed.
2. The switch of claim 1 wherein the first conductive region comprises a plurality of conductive members.
3. The switch of claim 2 wherein the conductive members are parallel to each other.
4. The switch of claim 2 wherein the plurality of conductive members comprises a first set of parallel members and a second set of parallel members, the first set being orthogonal to the second set.
5. The switch of claim 2 wherein the plurality of conductive members comprises a plurality of circular members arranged concentrically to each other.
6. The switch of claim 2 wherein the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern form a plurality of interdigitated fingers.
7. The switch of claim 6 wherein the interdigitated fingers are orthogonal to the plurality of conductive members.
8. The switch of claim 1 wherein the first conductive region comprises a conductive plate.
9. The switch of claim 1 wherein the third conductive region comprises a material applied over portions of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern.
10. The switch of claim 9 wherein the material comprises an ink.
11. The switch of claim 10 wherein the ink comprises a carbon ink.
12. The switch of claim 1 wherein the first indication comprises an electrical resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal of greater than or equal to one Mega-ohm.
13. The switch of claim 1 wherein the second indication comprises an electrical resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal of less than one Mega-ohm.
14. The switch of claim 1 wherein electrical current flows between the first terminal and the second terminal whether the switch is open or closed.
15. The switch of claim 1 wherein a portion of the first conductive region contacts the third conductive region whether the switch is open or closed.