Controllable electronic switch
First Claim
1. A method, comprising the steps of:
- positioning in close proximity first and second elongate heat-deformable members, each of said first and second elongate heat-deformable members respectively having disposed thereon one of a pair of electrical contacts which rest in contact with each other when in a quiescent state;
electrically connecting a first one of said pair of electrical contacts to an incoming power line and the second one of said pair of electrical contacts to an output conductor;
placing a heating element proximate the second elongate heat-deformable member;
positioning a resting member between said first and second elongate heat-deformable members; and
controlling said heating element with a switch control signal, whereby said heating element controllably bends the second heat-deformable member while said resting member inhibits the first elongate heat-deformable member from following the bending of the second elongate heat-deformable member, thereby causing the pair of electrical contacts to open.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.
102 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method, comprising the steps of:
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positioning in close proximity first and second elongate heat-deformable members, each of said first and second elongate heat-deformable members respectively having disposed thereon one of a pair of electrical contacts which rest in contact with each other when in a quiescent state; electrically connecting a first one of said pair of electrical contacts to an incoming power line and the second one of said pair of electrical contacts to an output conductor; placing a heating element proximate the second elongate heat-deformable member; positioning a resting member between said first and second elongate heat-deformable members; and controlling said heating element with a switch control signal, whereby said heating element controllably bends the second heat-deformable member while said resting member inhibits the first elongate heat-deformable member from following the bending of the second elongate heat-deformable member, thereby causing the pair of electrical contacts to open. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification