Abstract A switch assembly comprises a deformable electrically insulative substrate with a plurality of grooves formed therein extending in a direction parallel to a given axis. Electrically conductive wires are disposed in the grooves and extend beyond one end of the substrate. The grooves have a width and a depth such that the wires are accurately positioned in the substrate and securely held therein. Flexible, electrically conductive strips having a column of dome shaped portions or discs overlie the wires, each dome being formed with a centrally located projection which moves into engagement with a wire when the dome is depressed. Materials for the electrically conductive members are so chosen as to minimize corrosion problems. In the preferred embodiment, the strips are formed of a high strength brass, bus wires are of nickel containing bronze and contact wires are of nickel containing brass. A layer of electrically insulative, flexible material overlies the substrate and strips and is sealingly attached to the exposed top surface of the strips and substrate. The wires are attached to a transversely extending bar intermediate the substrate and the free end of the wires to facilitate connection to a motherboard.
A method of attaching a switching assembly to a motherboard, the switching assembly having a plurality of electrically conductive wires extending from the assembly in a direction parallel to a given axis comprising the steps of forming an elongated bar of deformable material, locating the bar a selected distance from and transversely across the free end of the wires, placing the wires into contact with the bar and then deforming the bar to at least partially embed each of the wires in the bar.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of attaching a switching assembly to a motherboard, the switching assembly having a plurality of electrically conductive wires extending from the assembly in a direction parallel to a given axis comprising the steps of forming an elongated bar of deformable material, locating the bar a selected distance from and transversely across the free end of the wires, placing the wires into contact with the bar and then deforming the bar to at least partially embed each of the wires in the bar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the bar material is resinous and the wires are attached to the bar by forcing the wire into the bar by an ultrasonic tool.