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;
- a primary switch mechanism for moving at least one of said first and second electrodes between first and second positions, 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 secondary switch mechanism, operative independent of said first switch mechanism, for establishing an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes when said first and second electrodes are in said second position;
- and
- a control system for controlling operation of at least one of said first and second switch mechanisms such that one of a connection between said first and second electrodes and a disconnection between said first and second electrodes is synchronized with a phase of said power signal.
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;
- first operating a primary switch mechanism for moving at least one of said first and second electrodes between first and second positions, 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;
- second operating a secondary switch mechanism, independent of said first switch mechanism, for establishing an electrical connection between said first and second electrodes when said first and second electrodes are in said second position;
- and
- third operating a control system for controlling operation of at least one of said first and second switch mechanisms such that one of a connection between said first and second electrodes and a disconnection between said first and second electrodes is synchronized with a phase of said power signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.