An microelectromechanical switch uses electrostatic attraction to draw a beam toward a contact and electromagnetic repulsion to disengage and repel the beam from the contact. The electrostatic attraction is generated by a gate electrode. The electromagnetic repulsion is generated between the beam and a magnetic coil positioned on the same side of the beam as the contact. The magnetic coil produces a magnetic field, which induces a current in the beam that repels the magnetic coil. The gate electrode and the magnetic coil may be co-planar or in different planes. A circuit may also operate a coil-shaped structure act as the gate electrode and the magnetic coil, depending on the configuration.

An electrical outlet control system, for controlling when an electrical outlet will be ON or OFF. A micro switch is located between the slots of the electrical outlet, and will be engaged when an electrical plug is plugged in, and thus allowing the electrical outlet to operate.

An acceleration sensor is provided. The acceleration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. An electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, where at least a portion of the first electrically conductive element and at least a portion of the second electrically conductive element make contact with the electrically insulative element. At least one electrically conductive spring is located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.

The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.

A contactor includes an upper insulation shell, a pair of static contacts, a movable contact, a driving assembly, an insulation bracket and a microswitch. The upper insulation shell has an arc extinguishing chamber. The pair of static contacts are fixed to the upper insulation shell. The movable contact is arranged in the arc extinguishing chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The driving assembly is arranged in the arc extinguishing chamber, and drives the movable contact to move between the closed position and the open position. The insulation bracket is installed into the arc extinguishing chamber and is formed with a receiving chamber separated from the arc extinguishing chamber. The microswitch is installed in the receiving chamber of the insulation bracket. The driving assembly has a pressing part for pressing the microswitch when the movable contact is moved to the closed position.