Controllable electronic switch
A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.
1. A controllable electronic switch, comprising:
a pair of opposing elongate deformable members for controllably separating a pair of electrical contacts by each being independently deformed under different conditions, and thereby connecting and disconnecting an incoming power signal from a load; and
a resting member disposed between said elongate deformable members, such that when either elongate deformable member bends, the opposing elongate deformable member is inhibited from following the bending elongate deformable member;
wherein the first of the pair of opposing elongate deformable members is deformed under an over-current condition while the second of the pair of opposing elongate deformable members remains stationary; and
wherein the second of the pair of opposing elongate deformable members is deformed by heating in response to a control signal while the first of the pair of opposing elongate deformable members remains stationary.
2. The controllable electronic switch of claim 1 , wherein the resting member comprises a semi-circular rotatable cam having a first end and a second end, wherein when the rotatable cam is in a first unrotated position the opposing elongate deformable members are separated if either of them is deformed such that an electrical connection is broken between the pair of electrical contacts, and wherein when the rotatable cam is in a second rotated position the non-deformed elongate deformable member is permitted to bend towards the deformed elongate deformable member and re-establish the electrical connection between the pair of electrical contacts.