A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

A load break tool for opening a high load electrical switch having a first switch contact and a second switch contact. The load break tool includes a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The main body is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. A first contact is coupled to the first end and configured to selectively couple with the first switch contact. A second contact is coupled to the second end and configured to selectively couple with the second switch contact. In the retracted configuration the first contact is in electrical communication with the second contact. A spring assembly is mounted in the main body for biasing the main body to the retracted configuration, the spring assembly including a compression spring.

A load break tool for opening a high load electrical switch having a first switch contact and a second switch contact. The load break tool includes a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The main body is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. A first contact is coupled to the first end and configured to selectively couple with the first switch contact. A second contact is coupled to the second end and configured to selectively couple with the second switch contact. In the retracted configuration the first contact is in electrical communication with the second contact. A spring assembly is mounted in the main body for biasing the main body to the retracted configuration, the spring assembly including a compression spring.

A switch assembly according to an example of this disclosure includes a disk rotatable about a disk axis in a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction. A U-shaped spring is fixed to the disk. Rotation of the disk in the first circumferential direction moves the disk in a first axial direction, and rotation of the disk in the second circumferential direction moves the disk in the first axial direction.

A user interface for a home appliance comprises a circuit board having at least one mechanically actuated switch having a first area. The user interface further comprises an input interface having at least one button defining a second area, greater than the first area, and having an actuator corresponding to the switch. The button is coupled to at least one of the circuit board or the input interface for relative movement between an actuation position, where the actuator actuates the switch, and a non-actuation position, where the actuator does not actuate the switch.

A user interface for a home appliance comprises a circuit board having at least one mechanically actuated switch having a first area. The user interface further comprises an input interface having at least one button defining a second area, greater than the first area, and having an actuator corresponding to the switch. The button is coupled to at least one of the circuit board or the input interface for relative movement between an actuation position, where the actuator actuates the switch, and a non-actuation position, where the actuator does not actuate the switch.

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.