US4538087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alternating current driven piezoelectric latching relay and method of operation
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1984-06-11
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Granted: 1985-08-27
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Expires: 2004-06-11
Abstract
Abstract An alternating current latching relay is provided which employs a latching-type, mechanically operated snap-action switch mechanism with a set of electric contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action mechanism by suitable push rod means for initiating its operation. At least one alternating current excited bender-type piezoelectric drive member has one end secured to a common base member with the latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means. An alternating current electric excitation signal is directly applied to the piezoelectric plate elements of the bender-type drive member for mechanically vibrating the bender-type drive member in a manner such that its amplitude of vibration quickly builds up to a value where it repeatedly strikes the push rod means with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it originally was set. A tuning mass in the form of a slug element is secured to the end of the bender-type drive member to reduce the natural resonant frequency of vibration of the bender-type drive member to substantially the frequency of the alternating current excitation signal to thereby increase the amplitude of its vibrations to a maximum. Additionally, the tuning mass increases the impulse delivered by the bender-type drive member to the push rod for actuating the snap-action mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Carmen P. Germano
- 👤 John M. Davenport
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:52
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H45/00; H01H57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
An alternating current latching relay including in combination at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member, a latching type snap-action switch mechanism having a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the switch mechanism, operating push rod means for actuating the snap-action switch mechanism and engageable by the free end of the piezoelectric drive member whereby movement of the piezoelectric drive member selectively operates the snap-action switch mechanism, and selectively operable alternating current electric excitation circuit means connected to said piezoelectric drive member for selectively electrically exciting the piezoelectric element thereof with an alternating current electric excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the engageable end of the push rod means with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it had been initially set.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
An alternating current latching relay including in combination at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member, a latching type snap-action switch mechanism having a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the switch mechanism, operating push rod means for actuating the snap-action switch mechanism and engageable by the free end of the piezoelectric drive member whereby movement of the piezoelectric drive member selectively operates the snap-action switch mechanism, and selectively operable alternating current electric excitation circuit means connected to said piezoelectric drive member for selectively electrically exciting the piezoelectric element thereof with an alternating current electric excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the engageable end of the push rod means with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it had been initially set.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric drive member is a bender-type piezoelectric drive member the free end of which engages and hits the end of the operating push rod means repeatedly at a frequency dependent upon the frequency of the excitation alternating current so as to build up a sufficient magnitude of movement of the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member and cause it to repeatedly hit the end of the push rod with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 2 further including a mass secured to the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member for adjusting its natural resonant frequency of vibration to substantially equal the frequency of the excitation alternating current.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
119 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 1 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type wherein axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
119 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 3 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type wherein axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 2 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current is applied in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 5 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current selectively is applied in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 2 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current is applied in series across both piezoelectric plate elements and the common conductive plane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 5 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current selectively is applied in series across both piezoelectric plate elements and the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the push rod means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 6 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 7 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 8 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the member mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 9 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the member mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
172 words
In an alternating current latching relay of the type having a latching-type snap-action switch mechanism with a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action switching mechanism by push rod means for initiating actuation of the snap-action switch mechanism; the improvement comprising at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member having one end thereof secured to a common base member with said latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means, and selectively operable alternating current electric excitation circuit means connected to said piezoelectric drive member for selectively exciting the piezoelectric plate element thereof with an alternating current excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the end of the push rod means with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it had been initially set.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
172 words
In an alternating current latching relay of the type having a latching-type snap-action switch mechanism with a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action switching mechanism by push rod means for initiating actuation of the snap-action switch mechanism; the improvement comprising at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member having one end thereof secured to a common base member with said latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means, and selectively operable alternating current electric excitation circuit means connected to said piezoelectric drive member for selectively exciting the piezoelectric plate element thereof with an alternating current excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the end of the push rod means with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it had been initially set.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
91 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 15 wherein the piezoelectric drive member is a bender-type piezoelectric drive member the free end of which engages and hits the end of the operating push rod means repeatedly at a frequency dependent upon the frequency of the excitation alternating current so as to build up a sufficient magnitude of movement of the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member and cause it to repeatedly hit the end of the push rod with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 16 further including a mass secured to the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member for adjusting the natural resonant frequency of vibration to substantially equal the frequency of the excitation alternating current.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
119 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 15 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type wherein axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
119 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 17 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type wherein axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
63 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 16 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current is applied in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 19 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current selectively is applied in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
63 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 16 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current is applied in series across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 19 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the excitation alternating electric current selectively is applied in series across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 15 wherein there are a plurality of piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the push rod means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 20 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 21 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 22 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alternating current latching relay according to claim 23 wherein there are a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members mechanically intercoupled to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
167 words
The method of actuating an alternating current latching relay of the type having a latching-type snap-action switch mechanism including a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action switching mechanism by push rod means for initiating actuation of the snap-action switch mechanism, said relay further including at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member having one end secured to a common base member with the latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means; said method comprising selectively and respectively exciting the piezoelectric drive member with an alternating current excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the push rod means with increasing force to thereby selectively actuate the snap-action switch to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it was initially set prior to excitation of the piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
167 words
The method of actuating an alternating current latching relay of the type having a latching-type snap-action switch mechanism including a set of electrical contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or the closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action switching mechanism by push rod means for initiating actuation of the snap-action switch mechanism, said relay further including at least one electrically actuated piezoelectric drive member having one end secured to a common base member with the latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means; said method comprising selectively and respectively exciting the piezoelectric drive member with an alternating current excitation field whereby the piezoelectric drive member is caused to mechanically resonate and to repeatedly strike the push rod means with increasing force to thereby selectively actuate the snap-action switch to the opposite one of its two operating conditions from that in which it was initially set prior to excitation of the piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method according to claim 29 wherein the piezoelectric drive member is a bender-type piezoelectric drive member the free end of which engages and hits the end of the operating push rod means repeatedly at a frequency dependent upon the frequency of the excitation alternating current so as to build up a sufficient magnitude of movement of the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member and cause it to repeatedly hit the end of the push rod with sufficient force to selectively actuate the snap-action switch mechanism.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 30 further including securing a mass to the free end of the bender-type piezoelectric drive member for adjusting its natural resonant frequency of vibration to substantially equal the frequency of the excitation alternating current.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
117 words
The method according to claim 29 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type in which axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
117 words
The method according to claim 31 wherein the snap-action switch contact mechanism is of the type in which axial movement of the push rod means in a first direction results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in either an open or closed condition and reverse movement of the push rod means results in snap-action setting of the relay contacts in the opposite condition and wherein the relay includes at least two bender-type piezoelectric drive members the free ends of which are engageable with opposite ends of the push rod means for respectively driving the push rod means in either of the two directions to thereby selectively set the relay in either an open or closed condition.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method according to claim 30 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the method further comprises applying the excitation alternating electric current in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method according to claim 33 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the method further comprises selectively applying the excitation alternating electric current in parallel across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method according to claim 30 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive member is a bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive member having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the method further comprises applying the excitation alternating electric current in series across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method according to claim 33 wherein the bender-type piezoelectric drive members are bimorph bender-type piezoelectric drive members each having two piezoelectric plate elements secured together on each side of a common conductive plane in a unitary sandwich-like structure and wherein the method further comprises selectively applying the excitation alternating electric current in series across both piezoelectric plate elements to the common conductive plane of each bender-type piezoelectric drive member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 29 further comprising mechanically interconnecting a plurality of piezoelectric drive members to drive the push rod means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 34 further comprising mechanically interconnecting a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 35 further comprising mechanically interconnecting a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 36 further comprising mechanically interconnecting a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 37 further comprising mechanically interconnecting a plurality of bender-type piezoelectric drive members to drive the respective ends of the push rod means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-26 | 1989-02-25 | 1989-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-26 | 1993-02-25 | 1993-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-26 | 1997-02-25 | 1997-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |