CN114203461A - Electrical switch contact assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electrical switch contact sets. One disclosed example apparatus includes a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a fixed portion having a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact.

Description

Electrical switch contact assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical switches and, more particularly, to electrical switch contact sets.

Background

Some known electrical switches used in industrial environments employ movable portions (e.g., movable sub-components) that are moved to close or open an electrical circuit. In particular, the movable part may be moved by an actuator or a force caused by a magnetic field. In some known implementations, the movable portion is coupled to an electrical braid (i.e., an electrical outlet) such that a contact of the movable portion can be electrically coupled to a node in the electrical circuit.

The above-mentioned electrical braids are subjected to repeated and/or periodic movements of the respective movable portions. Therefore, the electrical braid must maintain electrical continuity and structural integrity during this movement. Some known electrical braids employ annealed copper wire and may require a significant amount of effort and cost to implement and assemble. Furthermore, these electrical braids may require time-consuming length adjustments for certain applications.

Disclosure of Invention

An example apparatus includes a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a fixed portion having a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact.

An example electrical switch includes a first contact and a second contact mounted to a movable platform, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically coupled via the movable platform; and third and fourth contacts mounted to the fixed portion, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close current paths of circuits associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts.

An example method includes coupling a movable platform to an electrical switch, the movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically coupled via the movable platform; and aligning the first and second contacts with third and fourth contacts, respectively, of a fixed portion of the electrical switch such that the third and fourth contacts can be brought into contact with the first and second contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts when the movable platform is moved.

Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B show an electrical switch of a first known type.

Fig. 2A and 2B show an electrical switch of a second known type.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example electrical switch in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative example electrical switch in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A-5C show schematic diagrams of exemplary switch types that may be implemented with examples disclosed herein.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram representing an example method that may be implemented for producing and/or manufacturing the examples disclosed herein.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Rather, the thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the figures. Generally, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. As used in this patent, stating that any part is in any way on or in contact with another part (e.g., positioned on … …, located on … …, placed on … … or formed on … …, etc.) means that the referenced part is on or in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is on the other part with one or more intervening parts between them. Unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other. Stating that any part is "in contact" with another part means that there is no intervening part between the two parts. Although the figures illustrate layers and regions having distinct lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be desirable. In reality, the boundaries and/or lines may be non-observable, mixed, and/or irregular.

The descriptors "first", "second", "third", etc. are used herein when identifying a plurality of elements or components that may be referred to individually. Unless otherwise stated or otherwise understood based on the context of their use, such descriptors are not intended to be given any meaning in priority, physical order, or arrangement in a list or temporal order, but merely serve as labels to individually mention a number of elements or components for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in a particular embodiment, while a different descriptor (such as "second" or "third") may be used in a claim to refer to the same element. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only for ease of reference to the various elements or components.

Detailed Description

An electrical switch contact set is disclosed. In known electrical switches, electrical braids are sometimes employed to provide continuity of contact to a corresponding movable portion to which the electrical braids are coupled. Therefore, the electric braid may be subjected to the movement of the movable portion. In order for the electrical braid to maintain electrical continuity and structural integrity during movement of the movable portion, annealed copper wire is typically employed. However, the manufacture, assembly, adjustment, and implementation of these electrical braids may involve significant costs and effort.

Examples disclosed herein enable cost-effective and reliable contact switch solutions that may reduce and/or eliminate the need for the above-mentioned electrical braids. Examples disclosed herein implement first and second contacts mounted to a movable platform or movable portion of a switch. In particular, the first and second contacts are moved together with the movable platform and are in contact with (i.e., electrically coupled to) the third and fourth contacts, respectively, of the fixed portion of the switch to simultaneously close and/or complete the current path of the circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts. The first contact and the second contact are bridged and/or electrically coupled to each other via the movable platform. As a result, no movable and/or flexible electrical items or components, such as electrical braids, need to be implemented.

In some examples, the movable platform moves by pivoting in a rotational manner about an axis. In some such examples, another circuit corresponding to the other contact group may be closed and/or completed when the first and second contacts are rotated away from the third and fourth contacts, respectively. In some examples, the movable platform is implemented as a plunger that moves along a linear motion path. In some examples, an actuator is coupled to the movable platform to cause movement of the movable platform. Additionally or alternatively, the movable platform is moved by magnetic and/or electric forces (e.g., moved by magnets).

As used herein, the term "movable platform" refers to a component, assembly, and/or apparatus that moves within an assembly, housing, and/or apparatus. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "stationary portion" refers to a component, assembly, and/or apparatus that remains stationary relative to the assembly, housing, and/or apparatus. As used herein, stating that a circuit is "closed" or "complete" means that the circuit is at least partially closed (e.g., fully closed such that current and/or signals can flow through the circuit).

Fig. 1A and 1B show an electrical switch 100 of a first known type. In particular, the electrical switch 100 functions as a proximity sensor. Turning to fig. 1A, a known electrical switch 100 is shown in cross-section. The electrical switch 100 includes a housing 101, an armature assembly 102, a contact chamber 104, a magnet 106, a potting fill 107, and a cable assembly 108, the cable assembly 108 including a wire 110 having a bare terminal end 112. In other known embodiments, an electrical connector and/or a terminal block is implemented in place of the cable assembly 108. Further, a sensing region 116 is shown.

Fig. 1B is a detailed view of the armature assembly 102 of fig. 1A. In the view illustrated in FIG. 1B, the contact chamber 104 is shown adjacent to the movable stage 122. Further, the contact chamber 104 has extended support posts 124, and in turn, an electrical braid 126 extends from one of the support posts 124. The electrical braid 126 terminates in a distal end or coupling 127 disposed on the movable platform 122. In this known embodiment, the pivot 128 enables rotational movement of the movable platform 122. Further, the movable platform 122 includes contacts 130, 132, while the contact chamber 104 includes contacts 134, 136.

In operation, the presence of an object (e.g., an external metal object, an external magnet, a ferrous object, etc.) proximate to (i.e., within the requisite range of) switch 100 and within sensing region 116 causes movement of movable platform 122. In particular, the movable platform 122 is rotated about the pivot axis 140 by a repulsive or attractive force corresponding to at least one of the magnets 106, thereby electrically coupling or decoupling the contacts 130 and 134 from each other. Likewise, movement of the movable platform 122 electrically couples and decouples the contacts 132 and 136. As a result of the seesaw-like movement of the movable platform 122, a first circuit bridging the electrical braid 126 with the contact 134 is closed, or a second circuit bridging the electrical braid 126 with the contact 136 is closed.

In contrast to the known example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the examples disclosed herein employ the relatively simultaneous termination together of multiple contacts to complete and/or close the electrical circuit, thereby eliminating the need for electrical braid 126. In other words, the multiple contacts of the movable platform terminate together simultaneously to complete the circuit such that no mechanical or electrical coupling of the flexible electrical conductor to the movable platform is required.

Fig. 2A and 2B show an electrical switch 200 of a second known type. In particular, the electrical switch 200 functions as a plunger-type proximity switch. Fig. 2A shows electrical switch 200 in cross-section. The known electrical switch 200 includes a threaded portion 201 having threads 202, a body portion 204, a mount 206, a wire assembly 207, and a movable platform (e.g., a plunger assembly) 208. In other known embodiments, instead of the wire assembly 207, an electrical connector and/or coupling is implemented. The movable platform 208 includes a magnet 210, a moving shaft 212, and a switch portion 214.

Fig. 2B provides a detailed view of the moving platform 208 of the known electrical switch 200. In the view illustrated in fig. 2B, magnet 210 is shown mounted at the distal end of shaft 212. Further, the moving portion 214 is shown to include a base (e.g., base structure) 215, an electrical braid 216 (hereinafter 216a, 216b, etc.), and contacts 217, 218, 219. In this example, the electrical braid 216 and contacts 217, 218, 219 are electrically coupled to a socket contact 222 extending from a socket base 220.

In operation, the magnet 210 is displaced (e.g., linearly displaced) by the presence of a target (e.g., an external metal object, an external magnet, an external ferrous object, etc.), causing the shaft 212 to move. As a result, the support structure 215 and the contact portion 217 move toward the contact portion 219. In this known embodiment, the contact portions 217 are in contact with the contact portions 218 until the contact portions 217 are moved towards the corresponding contact portions 219 by the support structure 215. Further, at least a portion of the braid 216 moves with the support structure 215. Thus, similar to the braid 126 shown in fig. 1B, the braid 216 must achieve sufficient flexibility to maintain properly functioning electrical continuity while maintaining structural integrity.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example electrical switch 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In particular, the example electrical switch 300 of fig. 3 is shown in an exploded view, disassembled, for clarity. Similar to the known switch 100 of fig. 1A and 1B, the electrical switch 300 of the illustrated example is proximity-based such that the electrical switch is operated, for example, based on detecting the presence of a target, such as an external magnet or a ferrous object (e.g., an object having a ferrous material of sufficient mass). The electrical switch 300 of the illustrated example includes a movable platform (e.g., armature, pivoting armature, etc.) 301, a pivot 302, a fixed portion 304, an electrical contact post 305 (hereinafter 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, etc.), and a support post 306, the fixed portion 304 being implemented as a contact chamber in this example. Further, the example movable platform 301 includes contacts 310, 312 mounted thereon. The example contacts 310, 312 are positioned proximate to a first distal end of the movable platform 301. Further, in this example, the fixed portion 304 includes contacts 314, 316 mounted thereon that are generally aligned with the respective mating contacts 310, 312.

To simultaneously close the current paths of the circuits defined by the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, the movable platform 301 is rotated about an axis 330 associated with the pivot 302. In this example, the movable platform 301 is caused to move by an external object placed within the requisite proximity of the electrical switch 300. Thus, this rotation of the movable platform 301 causes the contact 310 to engage the contact 314, which contact 314 is electrically coupled to the electrical contact post 305b, and likewise, causes the contact 312 to engage the contact 316, which contact 316 is electrically coupled to the electrical contact post 305a, thereby completing and/or closing the electrical circuit associated with the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, and thereby also completing or closing the associated electrical contact posts 305a, 305 b. In the example shown, the contact 310 is electrically coupled to the contact 312 via the movable platform 301. In this example, contact 310 is electrically coupled to contact 314 at a similar time (e.g., simultaneously), and contact 312 is electrically coupled to contact 316. In some examples, engagement (i.e., contact) of contact 310 with contact 314 and engagement of contact 312 with contact 316 causes further movement of movable platform 301 to be stopped. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement of the contact portion 310 with the contact portion 314 and the engagement of the contact portion 312 with the contact portion 316 cause a spring back force (spring back force) to act on the movable platform 301, thereby restricting further movement of the movable platform 301. In other examples, the movable platform 301 moves translationally relative to the fixed portion 304.

In some other examples, the pivot 302 and/or the moveable platform 301 are spring-loaded and/or biased to maintain the moveable platform 301 at a default rotational angle until an external target causes movement of the moveable platform 301. In other words, in these other examples, the movable platform 301 may be biased to a default angular position until the movable platform is moved due to the presence of an external target. In some such examples, a torsion spring or a linear spring may be implemented (e.g., at the pivot 302 or disposed on the pivot 302).

In some examples, the movable platform 301 further includes contacts 320, 322, while corresponding contacts 324, 326 are mounted to the stationary portion 304. In particular, contact 320 is electrically coupled to contact 322, and thus contact 310 and contact 312, via movable platform 301, while contacts 314, 316, 324, 326 are electrically isolated from one another. In other words, the example movable platform 301 is electrically conductive. Further, in such examples, the contacts 320, 322 are positioned proximate a second distal end of the movable platform 301 that is on an opposite side of the movable platform 301 from the first distal end mentioned above. In these examples, the contacts 324, 326 of the stationary portion 304 are generally aligned to be placed in contact with the moving contacts 320, 322. In particular, the movable platform 301 may be moved in a see-saw like rotational motion about the rotational axis 330 to electrically couple the contacts 310, 312 to the contacts 314, 316 or to electrically couple the contacts 320, 322 to the contacts 324, 326. Additionally or alternatively, the movable platform 301 is biased (e.g., rotationally biased, spring biased, etc.) such that the contacts 320, 322 are biased into a default contact mode with the contacts 324, 326 until the presence of an external object causes the movable platform 301 to rotate. Alternatively, the contacts 310, 312 are biased toward the contacts 314, 316.

In some examples, the contacts 310, 312, 320, 322 screw into the movable platform 301, thereby defining electrical contacts therebetween. As a result, the height and/or displacement of a plurality of the contacts 310, 312, 320, 322 may be adjusted relative to the respective contacts 314, 316, 324, 326 via rotation, e.g., to accommodate for variations and/or tolerances in parts.

In some examples, at least one of the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, 320, 322, 324, 326 is at least partially comprised of cadmium silver oxide, palladium silver, or the like. However, any suitable material may be implemented instead. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, 320, 322, 324, 326 is not plated or gold plated. However, any suitable plating, coating and/or material treatment may be implemented instead. In some examples, actuators (e.g., motors, solenoids, etc.) are coupled to the moveable platform 301 and/or the pivots 302 to bias the moveable platform 301 and/or positionally control movement of the moveable platform 301. In some examples, the pairs of contacts 310, 312 and contacts 320, 322 are bridged together and/or to each other via components (e.g., bridges, blades, wires, etc.) that are mounted to the movable platform 301 and separated from the movable platform 301. In some such examples, the movable platform 301 is not electrically conductive.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative example electrical switch 400 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The electrical switch 400 of the illustrated example includes a magnet 210, a shaft 212, and a movable platform (e.g., support structure) 402, the movable platform 402 including a support bar 404 and a contact flange 406 (hereinafter 406a, 406b, etc.). In this example, contact 407 is mounted to flange 406a and moves between contacts 410 and 412. Likewise, contact 413 is mounted to flange 406b and moves between contact 414 and contact 416. In this example, the contact 407 is electrically coupled to the contact 413 via the flanges 406a, 406b and/or the moveable platform 402. Also, contact 222 is implemented to define electrical nodes for contacts 407, 410, 412, 413, 414, 416.

To change the electrical connection between the contacts 222, an external target causes movement of the magnet 212 and, in turn, the shaft 212. As a result, movable platform 402 moves support bar 404 with flange 406 such that contact 407 moves away from contact 412 and into contact and engagement with contact 410. Similarly, during movement of flanges 406a, 406b, contact 413 moves away from contact 416 and contacts and engages contact 414.

Although two sets of contacts are shown in the examples of fig. 3 and 4, any suitable number of sets of contacts (e.g., four, five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, etc.) may be implemented instead. In some other alternative examples, shaft 212 and/or movable platform 402 are spring-loaded by a spring (e.g., linear spring) 420. In some other examples, the contacts 407, 413 are moved by the movable platform 402 between contact with a corresponding circuit contact (e.g., a contact associated with a closed circuit) and non-terminating contact (e.g., an open, always open circuit).

Fig. 5A-5C show schematic diagrams of example switch types and/or configurations that may be implemented with examples disclosed herein. In particular, the example switch types and/or configurations of fig. 5A-5C may be implemented with the electrical switches 300, 400 shown in fig. 3 and 4, respectively. Turning to fig. 5A, a two-way, two-break switch 500 is shown. In this example, the bridge 502 is shown between a first node 504 and a second node 506. In this example, the bridge 502 moves between electrically coupling the first node 504 or electrically coupling the second node 506.

Fig. 5B depicts an exemplary single pole, double throw switch 510 that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. In this example, bridge 502 is moved to electrically couple node 512 to either node 514 or node 516.

Turning to fig. 5C, a single pole, single throw switch 520 is depicted that can be implemented in the examples disclosed herein. In the example shown, bridge 502 moves between electrically coupling nodes 522, 524 or breaking the circuit between nodes 522, 524.

The exemplary switch configurations 500, 510, 520 of fig. 5A-5C, respectively, are merely examples, and any suitable switch configuration type (e.g., a two-way, two-way switch) may be implemented instead.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram representing an example method 600 that may be implemented 600 for producing and/or manufacturing the examples disclosed herein. In this example, the magnetic proximity detection sensor switch is created without the electrical braid.

At block 602, a movable platform (e.g., movable platform 301, movable platform 402) is coupled to a switch. In this example, the movable platform is configured to move (e.g., move in a rotational manner, translate, etc.) within the switch. Furthermore, the movable platform moves relative to the fixed part of the switch.

At block 604, in some examples, an actuator (e.g., a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, a solenoid, a motor, etc.) is coupled to the movable platform. The actuator may for example be used to guide the movement of the movable platform.

At block 606, the movable platform is aligned and/or oriented to the fixed portion mentioned above. In particular, the first and second contacts of the movable platform are aligned with the third and fourth contacts of the fixed portion such that movement of the movable platform causes the first and second contacts to contact the third and fourth contacts, respectively. The first and second contacts contact and engage the third and fourth contacts, respectively, resulting in a closed electrical circuit.

At block 608, in some examples, the above-mentioned circuit defined by the movement of the movable platform is tested and the process ends. In such an example, a test fixture (test fixture) may be used to simulate the presence of an external magnet and test the corresponding electrical function of the magnetic proximity detection sensor switch. Alternatively, an actuator operatively coupled to the pivot of the movable platform may be driven to test the circuit.

Example 1 includes an apparatus that includes a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a fixed portion having a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact.

Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, further comprising a pivot about which the movable platform rotates to bring the first contact portion and the second contact portion into contact with the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion, respectively.

Example 3 includes the apparatus according to example 2, further comprising a fifth contact and a sixth contact of the movable platform, the fifth contact and the sixth contact being brought into contact with a seventh contact and an eighth contact of the fixed portion, respectively, when the first contact and the second contact are moved away from the third contact and the fourth contact due to rotation of the movable platform about the pivot.

Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first contact and the second contact electrically couple the third contact and the fourth contact to each other.

Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a single pole, single throw switch.

Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a two-way, two-break switch.

Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the movable platform at least partially defines a plunger to move in a linear motion path.

Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, further comprising a spring to bias the moveable platform to a default position or rotation.

Example 9 includes an electrical switch having a first contact and a second contact mounted to a movable platform, the first contact and the second contact being electrically coupled via the movable platform. The electrical switch further includes a third contact and a fourth contact mounted to the fixed portion, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact.

Example 10 includes the electrical switch of example 9, further comprising a pivot, wherein the movable platform rotates about the pivot to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively.

Example 11 includes the electrical switch of example 10, further comprising an actuator to pivot the movable platform.

Example 12 includes the electrical switch according to example 10, further comprising fifth and sixth contacts of the movable platform that are brought into contact with seventh and eighth contacts of the fixed portion, respectively, when the first and second contacts are moved away from the third and fourth contacts due to rotation of the movable platform.

Example 13 includes the electrical switch of example 9, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a single pole, single throw switch.

Example 14 includes the electrical switch of example 9, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a two-way, two-break switch.

Example 15 includes the electrical switch of example 9, wherein the movable platform at least partially defines a plunger to move in a linear motion path.

Example 16 includes the electrical switch of example 9, further comprising a spring to bias the movable platform to a default position or rotation.

Example 17 includes a method. The method comprises the following steps: coupling a movable platform to an electrical switch, wherein the movable platform has a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact being electrically coupled via the movable platform; and aligning the first and second contacts with third and fourth contacts, respectively, of a fixed portion of the electrical switch such that the third and fourth contacts can be brought into contact with the first and second contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts when the movable platform is moved.

Example 18 includes the method of example 17, further comprising operatively coupling an actuator to the movable platform.

Example 19 includes the method of example 18, further comprising testing the circuit by driving the actuator.

Example 20 includes the method of example 17, wherein coupling the platform to the electrical switch includes coupling a moveable platform to a pivot.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that exemplary methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that implement cost-effective and reliable switches. Other examples disclosed herein enable the reduction (e.g., elimination) of electrical braids, which can be expensive and time consuming to manufacture, install, and adjust.

Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Although the examples disclosed herein are shown in the context of a proximity-based industrial switching application, any suitable switching/contact application may implement the examples disclosed herein.

The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact being electrically coupled via the movable platform; and

a fixed portion having a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first contact and the second contact into contact with the third contact and the fourth contact, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pivot about which the movable platform rotates to bring the first and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising fifth and sixth contacts of the movable platform that are brought into contact with seventh and eighth contacts of the fixed portion, respectively, when the first and second contacts are moved away from the third and fourth contacts due to rotation of the movable platform about the pivot.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first contact and the second contact electrically couple the third contact and the fourth contact to each other.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a single pole, single throw switch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a two-way, two-way switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable platform at least partially defines a plunger to move in a linear motion path.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spring to bias the movable platform to a default position or rotation.

9. An electrical switch, comprising:

a first contact and a second contact mounted to a movable platform, the first contact and the second contact being electrically coupled via the movable platform; and

third and fourth contacts mounted to a fixed portion, wherein the movable platform is movable to bring the first and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close current paths of circuits associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts.

10. The electrical switch of claim 9, further comprising a pivot, wherein the movable platform rotates about the pivot to bring the first and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively.

11. The electrical switch of claim 10, further comprising an actuator to rotate the movable platform about the pivot.

12. The electrical switch of claim 10, further comprising fifth and sixth contacts of the movable platform that are brought into contact with seventh and eighth contacts of the fixed portion, respectively, when the first and second contacts are moved away from the third and fourth contacts due to rotation of the movable platform.

13. The electrical switch of claim 9, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a single pole, single throw switch.

14. The electrical switch of claim 9, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a two-way, two-break switch.

15. An electrical switch according to claim 9, wherein said movable platform at least partially defines a plunger for movement in a linear path of motion.

16. The electrical switch of claim 9, further comprising a spring to bias the moveable platform to a default position or rotation.

17. A method, comprising:

coupling a movable platform to an electrical switch, the movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact being electrically coupled via the movable platform; and

aligning the first and second contacts with third and fourth contacts, respectively, of a fixed portion of the electrical switch enables the third and fourth contacts to be brought into contact with the first and second contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts when the movable platform is moved.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising operatively coupling an actuator to the movable platform.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising testing the circuit by driving the actuator.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein coupling the platform to the electrical switch comprises coupling the movable platform to a pivot.

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