Patent ID: 9646789
Date: 2017-05-09
CPC Classifications: H01H

Claim:
1. 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: accelerating said moveable electrode structure during a first portion of travel of said moveable electrode structure on said path across said space between said first position and said second position; decelerating said moveable electrode structure during a second portion of travel of said moveable contact structure on said path across said space between said first position and said second position; wherein at least one of said steps of accelerating and decelerating comprises operating an electromagnetic drive system to exert a force on said moveable electrode structure; and wherein said electromagnetic drive system exerts force on said moveable electrode structure from a first position on a first side of a space between said first and second circuit electrodes, and said accelerating comprises driving said electromagnetic drive system with current of a first polarity, and said decelerating comprises driving said electromagnetic drive system with current of a second polarity.