Damped longitudinal mode latching relay

摘要

A piezoelectric relay is disclosed in which a solid slug moves within a switching channel formed in relay housing. An electrical circuit passing between fixed contact pads in the switching channel is completed or broken by motion of the solid slug. Motion of the solid slug is controlled by at least two piezoelectric actuators within the switching channel. Motion of the solid slug is resisted by an electrically conductive liquid, such as a liquid metal, that wets between the solid slug and the contact pad in the switching channel. The surface tension of the, liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.