Accelerated motion relay

A method for use in switching electrical power using a relay, the relay including a moveable electrode structure and first and second circuit electrodes, wherein said moveable electrode structure is moveable from a first position, where said moveable electrode structure electrically contacts said first circuit electrode to enable current flow in a first circuit, and a second position, where said moveable electrode structure electrically contacts said second circuit electrode, said method comprising the steps of, in connection with performing a switching function wherein said moveable electrode structure moves on a path across a space between said first position and said second position:

• providing a drive system including a drive element for driving said moveable electrode structure between said first and second positions and a controller, operatively associated with said drive element, for providing control signals to control operation of said drive element
• first operating said controller to provide a first control signal, when said moveable electrode structure is in said first position, to move said moveable electrode structure from said moveable electrode structure from said first position towards said second position;
• second operating said controller to provide a second control signal, different than said first control signal, when said moveable electrode structure is between said first and second positions, to control motion of said moveable electrode structure in-flight between said first position and said second position;
• and
• third operating said controller to provide a third control signal, different than said second control signal, when said moveable electrode structure is in said second position.