Hybrid relay
AssigneeZonit Structured Solutions, LLC
InventorsSteve Chapel, William Pachoud
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).
Claims16
An electrical switch, comprising:
- a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein an electrical circuit is closed when said first and second electrodes are in electrical contact and said circuit is opened when said first and second electrodes are electrically disconnected, wherein said first electrode is mounted on a piston for reciprocal motion within a piston housing, wherein, in said first position, said first and second electrodes are separated by a first distance and, in said second position, said first and second electrodes are separated by a second distance that is less than at first distance but greater than zero;
- a motor for driving said reciprocal motion of said piston within said piston housing, wherein said piston moves between a first position where said first and second electrodes are electrically disconnected and a second position for establishing an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes;
- and
- a secondary switch mechanism, operative independent of said motor, for establishing and breaking an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes.
A method for operating an electrical switch, comprising:
- providing an electrical switch including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein an electrical circuit is closed when said first and second electrodes are in electrical contact and said circuit is opened when said first and second electrodes are electrically disconnected, wherein said first electrode is mounted on a piston for reciprocal motion within a piston housing, wherein, in said first position, said first and second electrodes are separated by a first distance and, in said second position, said first and second electrodes are separated by a second distance that is less than at first distance but greater than zero;
- first operating a motor for driving said reciprocal motion of said piston within said piston housing, wherein said piston moves between a first position where said first and second electrodes are electrically disconnected and a second position for establishing an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes, and
- second operating a secondary switch mechanism for establishing an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.