Shape-memory-based dead-facing mechanisms for severing electrical connections
US10867763B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H37/46
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus includes an electrical switch that includes (i) multiple first electrical contacts and (ii) a second electrical contact configured to bridge the first electrical contacts in order to form at least one electrical connection. The apparatus also includes a shape-memory actuator configured to move the second electrical contact in order to selectively open the electrical switch and break the at least one electrical connection. The shape-memory actuator may be configured to be returned to an original shape and the second electrical contact may be configured to be returned to a bridging position in order to reset the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a shutter member configured to be moved between the first electrical contacts in order to prevent re-bridging of the first electrical contacts and to extend an arc-gap between the first electrical contacts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.