Electrical switch contact set

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electrical switch contact sets. One example device disclosed includes a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts 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 and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical switches, and more particularly, to electrical switch contact sets. BACKGROUND

[0002] 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 portions can be moved by an actuator or by a force induced by a magnetic field. In some known implementations, the movable portions are coupled to electrical lacing (i.e., electrical leads) such that the contacts of the movable portions can be electrically coupled to nodes in the electrical circuit.

[0003] The electrical lacing mentioned above is subjected to repeated and / or periodic movements of the respective movable portions. Thus, during this movement, the electrical lacing must maintain electrical continuity and structural integrity. Some known electrical lacing employs annealed copper wire and can require significant effort and cost to implement and assemble. Moreover, for certain applications, these electrical lacing can require time-consuming length adjustments. SUMMARY

[0004] An example apparatus includes a movable platform having a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts 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 and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts.

[0005] An example electrical switch includes a first contact and a second contact mounted to a movable platform, wherein the first and second contacts are electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a third contact and a fourth contact 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 a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts.

[0006] 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 and second contacts are electrically coupled via the movable platform; and aligning the first and second contacts with a third and fourth contact, respectively, of a stationary 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 a circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts when the movable platform is moved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An electrical switch of a first known type is shown.

[0008] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An electrical switch of a second known type is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 An example electrical switch in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 An alternative example electrical switch in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figures 5A to 5C A schematic diagram of an example switch type that can be implemented with the examples disclosed herein is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 is a flowchart representing an example method that can be implemented for producing and / or manufacturing examples disclosed herein.

[0013] The drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, thickness and / or size of layers or regions can be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. Generally, the same reference numbers in the drawings will be used throughout the several figures to refer to same or like parts. As used in this patent, to state that any part is on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on) another part indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or in the case of a space between the two parts, that the one or more intermediate parts are also in contact with the referenced part and the other part. Unless otherwise stated, a connecting reference (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between the elements collection and relative movement between elements. As a result, a connecting reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with respect to one another. To state that any part is in “contact” with another part means that there are no intermediate parts between the two parts. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries can be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and / or lines can be unobservable, blended, and / or irregular.

[0014] When identifying multiple elements or components that can be individually referenced, the descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein. Unless otherwise stated or otherwise understood based on the context of their use, such descriptors are not intended to impart any meaning of priority, physical order, or arrangement in a list or temporal order, but merely serve as labels to individually reference multiple elements or components for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” can be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while a different descriptor (such as “second” or “third”) can be used in the claims to refer to the same element. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only for ease of referencing multiple elements or components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Electrical switch contact sets are disclosed. In known electrical switches, electrical braid is sometimes employed to provide continuity to a contact of a corresponding movable part to which the electrical braid is coupled. As a result, the electrical braid can be subjected to movement of the movable part. To maintain electrical continuity and structural integrity of the electrical braid during movement of the movable part, annealed copper wire is typically employed. However, manufacturing, assembly, adjustment, and implementation of these electrical braids can involve substantial cost and effort.

[0016] The examples disclosed herein implement a cost-effective and reliable contact switch solution that can reduce and / or eliminate the need for the above-mentioned electrical braid. The examples disclosed herein implement a first contact and a second contact that are mounted to a movable platform or movable portion of a switch. In particular, the first contact and the second contact are moved with the movable platform and make contact (i.e., are electrically coupled) with a third contact and a fourth contact, respectively, of a stationary portion of the switch to simultaneously close and / or complete a current path of an electrical circuit that is associated with the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact. The first contact and the second contact are bridged and / or electrically coupled to each other via the movable platform. As a result, there is no need to implement a movable and / or flexible electrical item or component, such as an electrical braid.

[0017] In some examples, the movable platform is moved by pivoting in a rotational manner about an axis. In some such examples, another electrical circuit corresponding to another set of contacts can be closed and / or completed when the first contact and the second contact are rotated away from the third contact and the fourth contact, 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 electrodynamic forces (e.g., by a magnet).

[0018] As used herein, the term “movable platform” refers to a component that moves within an assembly, housing, and / or device. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “stationary portion” refers to a component, assembly, and / or device that remains fixed relative to an assembly, housing, and / or device. As used herein, the statement that an electrical circuit is “closed” or “complete” refers to the electrical circuit being at least partially closed (e.g., completely closed such that current and / or a signal can flow through the electrical circuit).

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A first known type of electrical switch 100 is shown. In particular, the electrical switch 100 is used as a proximity sensor. Turning to Figure 1A A known electrical switch 100 is shown in a cross-sectional view. 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 that includes an electrical wire 110 having an exposed terminal end 112. In other known implementations, instead of the cable assembly 108, an electrical connector and / or terminal block is implemented. Further, a sensing zone 116 is shown.

[0020] Figure 1B is Figure 1Aa detailed view of the armature assembly 102 of the electrical switch 100. In Figure 1B In the illustrated view, the contact chamber 104 is shown adjacent to the movable platform 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 at a terminal end or coupling 127 disposed on the movable platform 122. In this known implementation, a pivot 128 effects 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.

[0021] In operation, the presence of a target (e.g., an external metallic object, an external magnet, a ferrous object, etc.) proximate to the switch 100 (i.e., within the requisite range of the switch) and within the sensing region 116 causes movement of the 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 one another. 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, the bridging electrical braid 126 closes a first electrical circuit with the contact 134, or the bridging electrical braid 126 closes a second electrical circuit with the contact 136.

[0022] In contrast to the known examples shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B Instead of the known examples shown in

[0023] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A second known type of electrical switch 200 is shown. In particular, the electrical switch 200 functions as a plunger-type proximity switch. Figure 2A The electrical switch 200 is shown in a cutaway view. 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., plunger assembly) 208. In other known implementations, instead of the wire assembly 207, an electrical connector and / or coupling is implemented. The movable platform 208 includes a magnet 210, a movement shaft 212, and a switch portion 214.

[0024] Figure 2BA detailed view of the moving platform 208 of the known electrical switch 200 is provided. In Figure 2B In the illustrated view, the magnet 210 is shown mounted at a distal end of a shaft 212. Further, the moving portion 214 is shown to include a base (e.g., a base structure) 215, an electrical braid 216 (hereinafter 216a, 216b, etc.), and contact portions 217, 218, 219. In this example, the electrical braid 216 and the contact portions 217, 218, 219 are electrically coupled to a socket contact 222 that extends from a socket base 220.

[0025] In operation, the magnet 210 is displaced (e.g., linearly displaced) due to the presence of a target (e.g., an external metallic object, an external magnet, an external ferrous object, etc.), resulting in the shaft 212 moving. As a result, the support structure 215 and the contact portion 217 move toward the contact portion 219. In this known implementation, the contact portion 217 is in contact with the contact portion 218 until the contact portion 217 is moved by the support structure 215 toward the corresponding contact portion 219. Further, at least a portion of the braid 216 moves with the support structure 215. Thus, in contrast to the braid 126 shown in Figure 1B Similar to the braid 126 shown in

[0026] Figure 3 An exemplary electrical switch 300 according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, for clarity, the exemplary electrical switch 300 is shown in an exploded view after disassembly. Figure 3 Similar to the known switch 100 of Figure 1A and Figure 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., an armature, a pivoting armature, etc.) 301, a pivot 302, a stationary portion 304, which in this example is implemented as a contact chamber, electrical contact posts 305 (hereinafter 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, etc.), and a support post 306. Further, the exemplary movable platform 301 includes contact portions 310, 312 mounted thereon. The exemplary contact portions 310, 312 are positioned proximate to a first distal end of the movable platform 301. Further, in this example, the stationary portion 304 includes contact portions 314, 316 mounted thereon, which are generally aligned with the corresponding mating contact portions 310, 312.

[0027] To simultaneously close the current path of the circuit defined by the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, the movable platform 301 is rotated about the axis 330 associated with the pivot 302. In this example, the movable platform 301 is caused to move by an external target placed within a necessary proximity of the electrical switch 300. Thus, this rotation of the movable platform 301 causes the contact 310 to engage the contact 314, which is electrically coupled to the electrical contact post 305b, and likewise, causes the contact 312 to engage the contact 316, which is electrically coupled to the electrical contact post 305a, thereby completing and / or closing the circuit associated with the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, and thereby also completing or closing the associated electrical contact posts 305a, 305b. In the illustrated example, the contact 310 is electrically coupled to the contact 312 via the movable platform 301. In this example, the contact 310 is electrically coupled to the contact 314 and the contact 312 is electrically coupled to the contact 316 at similar times (e.g., simultaneously). In some examples, the engagement (i.e., contact) of the contact 310 with the contact 314 and the contact 312 with the contact 316 causes further movement of the movable platform 301 to be stopped. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement of the contact 310 with the contact 314 and the contact 312 with the contact 316 causes a spring back force to act on the movable platform 301, thereby limiting further movement of the movable platform 301. In other examples, the movable platform 301 is translated with respect to the fixed portion 304.

[0028] In some other examples, the pivot 302 and / or the movable platform 301 is spring-loaded and / or biased to maintain the movable platform 301 at a default rotational angle until an external target causes movement of the movable platform 301. In other words, in these other examples, the movable platform 301 can be biased to a default angular position until movement of the movable platform is caused by the presence of an external target. In some such examples, a torsional spring or a linear spring can be implemented (e.g., at or disposed on the pivot 302).

[0029] In some examples, the movable platform 301 also includes contacts 320, 322, while corresponding contacts 324, 326 are mounted to the fixed portion 304. In particular, the contact 320 is electrically coupled to the contact 322 via the movable platform 301, and thus to the contacts 310 and 312, while the contacts 314, 316, 324, 326 are electrically isolated from one another. In other words, the example movable platform 301 is electrically conductive. Moreover, in such examples, the contacts 320, 322 are positioned proximate to a second distal end of the movable platform 301, on an opposite side from the first distal end mentioned above. In these examples, the contacts 324, 326 of the fixed portion 304 are generally aligned to be placed in contact with the moving contacts 320, 322. In particular, the movable platform 301 can be moved in a seesaw-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 in a default contact pattern with the contacts 324, 326 until the presence of an external target causes the movable platform 301 to rotate. Alternatively, the contacts 310, 312 are biased toward the contacts 314, 316.

[0030] In some examples, the contacts 310, 312, 320, 322 are threaded into the movable platform 301, defining electrical contact therebetween. As a result, the height and / or displacement of multiple ones of the contacts 310, 312, 320, 322 can be adjusted relative to the corresponding contacts 314, 316, 324, 326 via rotation, for example, to accommodate variations and / or tolerances in the parts.

[0031] In some examples, at least one of the contacts 310, 312, 314, 316, 320, 322, 324, 326 is at least partially composed of cadmium oxide silver, palladium silver, or the like. However, any suitable material can 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 can be implemented instead. In some examples, an actuator (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, or the like) is coupled to the movable platform 301 and / or the pivot 302 to bias the movable platform 301 and / or to positionally control movement of the movable platform 301. In some examples, the pairs of contacts 310, 312 and 320, 322 are bridged together and / or to each other via a component (e.g., an electrical bridge, a tab, a wire, or the like) that is mounted to and separate from the movable platform 301. In some such examples, the movable platform 301 is not electrically conductive.

[0032] Figure 4 An alternative exemplary electrical switch 400 is shown in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The electrical switch 400 of the illustrated example includes the magnet 210, the shaft 212, and a movable platform (e.g., support structure) 402 that includes a support rod 404 and contact flanges 406 (hereinafter 406a, 406b, etc.). In this example, a contact 407 is mounted to the flange 406a and moves between contacts 410 and 412. Likewise, a contact 413 is mounted to the flange 406b and moves between a contact 414 and a contact 416. In this example, the contact 407 is electrically coupled to the contact 413 via the flanges 406a, 406b and / or the movable platform 402. Also, the contact 222 is implemented to define an electrical node for the contacts 407, 410, 412, 413, 414, 416.

[0033] To change the electrical connection between the contacts 222, an external target causes movement of the magnet 212, and in turn, movement of the shaft 212. As a result, the movable platform 402 moves the support rod 404 with the flanges 406, causing the contact 407 to move away from the contact 412 and into contact and engagement with the contact 410. Similarly, during movement of the flanges 406a, 406b, the contact 413 moves away from the contact 416 and into contact and engagement with the contact 414.

[0034] While in Figure 3 and Figure 4Two sets of contacts are shown in the example of FIG. 6, but any suitable number of sets of contacts (e.g., four, five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, etc.) can be implemented instead. In some other alternative examples, the shaft 212 and / or the movable platform 402 are spring loaded by a spring (e.g., a 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-terminal contact (e.g., an open circuit, a circuit that is always broken).

[0035] Figures 5A to 5C schematics showing example switch types and / or configurations that can be implemented with the examples disclosed herein. In particular, Figures 5A to 5C example switch types and / or configurations can be implemented with the electrical switches 300, 400 shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively. Turning to Figure 5A , a double pole double throw switch 500 is depicted. In this example, the bridge 502 is shown between a first node 504 and a second node 506. In this example, the bridge 502 is moved between electrically coupling the first node 504 or electrically coupling the second node 506.

[0036] Figure 5B An example single pole double throw switch 510 that can be implemented in the examples disclosed herein is depicted. In this example, the bridge 502 is moved to electrically couple the node 512 to the node 514 or the node 516.

[0037] Turning to Figure 5C , a single pole single throw switch 520 that can be implemented in the examples disclosed herein is depicted. In the example shown, the bridge 502 is moved between electrically coupling the nodes 522, 524 or breaking the circuit between the nodes 522, 524.

[0038] Figures 5A to 5C The example switch configurations 500, 510, 520 are merely examples, and any suitable switch configuration type (e.g., a double pole double throw switch) can be implemented instead.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart representing an example method 600 that can be implemented for producing and / or manufacturing the examples disclosed herein. In this example, a magnetic proximity detection sensor switch is produced without an electrical braid.

[0040] At frame 602, a movable platform (e.g., movable platform 301, movable platform 402) is coupled to the switch. In this example, the movable platform is configured to move within the switch (e.g., rotate, translate, etc.). Furthermore, the movable platform moves relative to a fixed portion of the switch.

[0041] At box 604, in some examples, an actuator (e.g., a linear actuator, rotary actuator, solenoid, electric motor, etc.) is coupled to the movable platform. The actuator may, for example, be used to guide the movement of the movable platform.

[0042] At frame 606, the movable platform is aligned and / or oriented to the aforementioned fixed portion. Specifically, the first and second contact portions of the movable platform are aligned with the third and fourth contact portions of the fixed portion, such that movement of the movable platform causes the first and second contact portions to contact the third and fourth contact portions, respectively. The contact portions of the first and second contact portions, respectively, with the third and fourth contact portions, engage to form a closed circuit.

[0043] At box 608, in some examples, the circuitry mentioned above, defined by the movement of the movable platform, is tested, and the process ends. In such examples, a test fixture can be used to simulate the presence of an external magnet and to test the corresponding electrical function of the magnetic proximity detection sensor switch. Alternatively, an actuator operatively coupled to a pivot of the movable platform can be driven to test the circuitry.

[0044] Example 1 includes an apparatus having a movable platform and a fixed portion. The movable platform has a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts are electrically coupled via the movable platform. The fixed portion has a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the movable platform is movable such that the first and second contacts respectively contact the third and fourth contacts to simultaneously close current paths of circuits associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts.

[0045] Example 2 includes the device according to Example 1, and further includes a pivot about which a movable platform rotates to contact the first contact portion and the second contact portion with the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion, respectively.

[0046] Example 3 includes the device according to Example 2, and further includes a fifth contact portion and a sixth contact portion of the movable platform, which, when the first contact portion and the second contact portion are moved away from the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion due to the rotation of the movable platform about the pivot, make the fifth contact portion and the sixth contact portion contact the seventh contact portion and the eighth contact portion of the fixed portion, respectively.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact define a double-pole double-throw switch.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, further comprising a spring to bias the movable platform to a default position or rotation.

[0052] 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 electrically coupled via the movable platform. The electrical switch further includes a third contact and a fourth contact mounted to a 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Example 11 includes the electrical switch of example 10, further comprising an actuator to rotate the movable platform about the pivot.

[0055] Example 12 includes the electrical switch of example 10, further comprising a fifth contact and a sixth contact of the movable platform to bring into contact with a seventh contact and an eighth contact of the fixed portion 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 double-pole double-throw switch.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Example 16 includes the electrical switch of Example 9, further comprising a spring to bias the movable platform to a default position or rotation.

[0060] Example 17 includes a method. The method includes coupling a movable platform to an electrical switch, wherein the movable platform has a first contact and a second contact that are electrically coupled via the movable platform, and aligning the first contact and the second contact with a third contact and a fourth contact, respectively, of a stationary portion of the electrical switch such that the third contact and the fourth contact can be brought into contact with the first contact and the second 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 when the movable platform is moved.

[0061] Example 18 includes the method of Example 17, further comprising operatively coupling an actuator to the movable platform.

[0062] Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, further comprising testing the electrical circuit by driving the actuator.

[0063] Example 20 includes the method of Example 17, wherein coupling the platform to the electrical switch includes coupling the movable platform to a pivot.

[0064] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to implement a cost-effective and reliable switch have been disclosed. Other examples disclosed herein enable reduction (e.g., elimination) of electrical braids, which can be expensive and time-consuming to manufacture, install, and adjust.

[0065] 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 falling within the scope of the claims. Although the examples disclosed herein are shown in the context of proximity-based industrial switch applications, any suitable switch / contact application can implement the examples disclosed herein.

[0066] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by reference, wherein each claim is independently a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a movable platform having a planar surface supporting a first contact and a second contact, the first and second contacts being electrically coupled via the movable platform; a fixed portion having a third contact and a fourth contact, 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 a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts; and a pivot about which the movable platform rotates to bring the first and second contacts into contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, in an orientation of the movable platform about the pivot, wherein 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, a fifth and sixth contact on the planar surface will come into contact with a seventh and eighth contact, respectively, of the fixed portion.

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

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

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth contacts define a double pole double throw switch.

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

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a magnet to cause movement of the movable platform.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a spring operably coupled to the movable platform.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically powered actuator operably coupled to the movable platform.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth contacts are spring loaded.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth contacts are electrically coupled to respective contact posts.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second contacts are on a first side of a hole in the planar surface, and wherein the fifth and sixth contacts are on a second side of the hole opposite the first side.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically powered actuator to bias the movable platform about the pivot.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an axis of rotation of the pivot passes through the hole.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a central axis of a shaft of the electrically powered actuator is aligned with the axis of rotation of the pivot.

15. An electrical switch comprising: ​ a first contact and a second contact mounted to a planar surface of a movable platform, the first and second contacts being electrically coupled via the movable platform; a third contact and a fourth contact 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 a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third, and fourth contacts; 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, in an orientation of the movable platform about the pivot; and a fifth contact and a sixth contact on the planar surface of the movable platform that will come into contact with a seventh contact and an eighth contact, respectively, of the fixed portion 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.

16. The electrical switch of claim 15, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth contacts define a single pole single throw switch.

17. The electrical switch of claim 15, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth contacts define a double pole double throw switch.

18. The electrical switch of claim 15, further comprising a spring to bias the movable platform to a default position or rotation.

19. The electrical switch of claim 15, wherein a fifth and a sixth contact on the planar surface of the movable platform will come into contact with a seventh and an eighth contact, respectively, of the fixed portion 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.

20. A method comprising: coupling a movable platform to an electrical switch, the movable platform having a first contact and a second contact on a planar surface of the movable platform, the first and second contacts being electrically coupled via the movable platform; aligning the first and second contacts with a third contact and a fourth contact, 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; and ​ ​ The movable platform is operably coupled to a pivot about which the movable platform rotates to bring the first and second contact portions into contact with the third and fourth contact portions, respectively, in an orientation of the movable platform, the movable platform including fifth and sixth contact portions on the planar surface that will come into contact with seventh and eighth contact portions, respectively, of the fixed portion when the first and second contact portions move away from the third and fourth contact portions as a result of rotation of the movable platform.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising testing the electrical circuit by driving an electric actuator operably coupled to the movable platform.

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