A pressure-activated membrane switch and methods of use are provided. The pressure-activated membrane switch includes an electrically-conductive membrane, and a compliant conductive material having an electrically-conductive inner surface, wherein contact between the electrically-conductive membrane and the electrically-conductive inner surface of the compliant material is configured to cause an electrical circuit, of which the switch is a part, to close. The pressure-activated membrane switch further includes a plurality of spacers dispersed between the electrically-conductive membrane and the compliant conductive material. The plurality of spacers form one or more gaps between the electrically-conductive membrane and the compliant conductive material, and, with an application of pressure against the compliant conductive material, the compliant conductive material is configured to deform between the one or more gaps to contact the electrically-conductive membrane.

A high power, single-use electrical switch includes a spring-biased plunger contact that mates with a corresponding socket contact, a spacer that provides a separation clearance between the contacts prior to activation of the switch, and a shear tab that supports the spacer and is removed from the switch to enable engagement between the contacts and activation of the switch. Using the shear tab for activation of the switch enables a compact and small form factor assembly that is suitable for use in smaller electronic assemblies.

A high power, single-use electrical switch includes a spring-biased plunger contact that mates with a corresponding socket contact, a spacer that provides a separation clearance between the contacts prior to activation of the switch, and a shear tab that supports the spacer and is removed from the switch to enable engagement between the contacts and activation of the switch. Using the shear tab for activation of the switch enables a compact and small form factor assembly that is suitable for use in smaller electronic assemblies.

A mouse device includes a casing, a circuit board and two button modules. The circuit board is disposed within the casing. Each button module includes an electronic switch, a button lid, a first protrusion post, a second protrusion post and a buffering structure. The electronic switch is disposed within the casing. An end of the button lid is connected with the casing. The first protrusion post and the second protrusion post are disposed on the bottom surface of the button lid. The buffering structure is disposed on the casing and aligned with the second protrusion post. The second protrusion post is inserted into a buffering hole of the buffering structure. While the button lid is depressed or the pressing force is released, the buffering structure is contacted or not contacted with the second protrusion post along a first lateral direction and/or a second lateral direction.

A switch includes: a first electrode sheet including a first electrode; a second electrode sheet including a second electrode that faces the first electrode sheet; and an adhesive that includes a first opening through which the first electrode faces the second electrode sheet and that attaches the first electrode sheet to the second electrode sheet. The first electrode sheet includes: a first substrate on which the first electrode is disposed; a first spacer between the first substrate and the second electrode sheet that includes a second opening at a position corresponding to the first electrode; and a first base between the first substrate and the first spacer that overlaps at least a portion of an edge of the first opening of the adhesive. The first spacer is attached to the second electrode sheet by the adhesive.

A switch includes: a first electrode sheet including a first electrode; a second electrode sheet including a second electrode that faces the first electrode sheet; and an adhesive that includes a first opening through which the first electrode faces the second electrode sheet and that attaches the first electrode sheet to the second electrode sheet. The first electrode sheet includes: a first substrate on which the first electrode is disposed; a first spacer between the first substrate and the second electrode sheet that includes a second opening at a position corresponding to the first electrode; and a first base between the first substrate and the first spacer that overlaps at least a portion of an edge of the first opening of the adhesive. The first spacer is attached to the second electrode sheet by the adhesive.

An electrode assembly for a vacuum interrupter includes a contact plate, an electrode coil, an inner support, a lower support, and at least one support member. The electrode coil includes a base for attachment to a terminal post of the vacuum interrupter. The electrode coil also includes at least one arcuate arm between the base and the contact plate extending along a curved path in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the electrode assembly. Each arcuate arm includes an aperture that is positioned to align with a corresponding aperture of an adjacent arcuate arm or the base of the electrode coil. Each support member is partially positioned within aligned apertures to maintain a gap between the arcuate arms and the base. The support members and the lower support may be slotted to decrease the current flowing through the supports.

Electronic devices having input structures that are operative to translate a relatively small travel of an input surface to a larger travel elsewhere. For example, force exerted on an input surface of an input body may cause a corresponding input body to move a first distance. An arm, lever mechanism, or the like may have an end or other portion that moves a second distance in response to the input body's motion. The second distance may be greater than the first; in some embodiments, the second distance may be an order of magnitude or more than the first distance. The travel may close or open a switch in response to the force exerted on the input surface.

A force activated electrical switch including a conductor that is screen printed on a first base and a conductor that is screen printed on a second base. The switch includes a plurality of nodes of dielectric material printed in a spaced apart pattern on at least one of the bases. The first base is positioned over the second base so that when a downward force is applied to the first base, the distance between at least a portion of the conductors decreases. The switch may be employed in a system that includes a controller operatively connected to the conductors. The controller includes a sensing circuit or processor configured to detect the presence of the occupant when the force is great enough to cause the conductors to contact one another, thereby activating the electrical switch.

An electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can comprise: a housing which has an opening part penetrating through the inside and the outside of the electronic device and forms the outside of the electronic device; a key button inserted into the opening part so as to be movable; a sealing member which is disposed such that the sealing member slidably contacts the outer surface of the key button, and prevents communication between the inside and the outside of the electronic device through the inner surface of the opening part and the outer surface of the key button; and a push switch accommodated in the housing and pressed by an inward movement of the key button. Various other embodiments are possible.