Control knob positioning device having tactile feedback

摘要

An operator-controlled positioning device having tactile feedback which includes an elongated tubular bullet-shaped housing and a coil spring slidably engaged in said housing. The housing includes a semi-spherical cap enclosing one end. The cap is biased by the coil spring against a scale having a plurality of detents which represents gradients along the scale. The coil spring provides a biasing force such that, during relative movements between the housing and the scale, the end cap disengages each detent as it moves away, and engages each detent as it becomes axially aligned with said housing. The assembly is particularly suited for detent applications in automotive HVAC control panels.