Manual reset of relay assembly

Abstract

This document discloses a relay assembly. The relay assembly may include a first relay and a second relay, the first relay having a first reset interface for resetting the first relay's operating state; the second relay having a second reset interface for resetting the second relay's operating state. The second relay may be positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly may further include a mechanical armature located between the first reset interface and the second reset interface. The mechanical armature is switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first and second reset interfaces; wherein in the second position, the mechanical armature is engaged with both the first and second reset interfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to relay assemblies, and to apparatus, systems, and methods for manually resetting relay assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] A latching relay can maintain its operating state even when the start signal is no longer present. Therefore, it is well known that a latching relay can remain in an "on" or "off" state without a continuous power supply. This means that providing a way to manually reset the latching relay is crucial.

[0003] However, for relays with multiple specific poles arranged in a particular manner, existing manual reset solutions are scarce. Some relays with a specific number of poles (such as eight poles) lack manual reset solutions. Even when manual reset solutions exist for such relays, these traditional solutions have numerous problems. For example, if a traditional reset solution uses a "press" mechanism configured to press the reset interface of the relay, its orientation relative to the relay circuit configuration is not asymmetrical. This creates an unfavorable torque arm, shortens the mechanical life of the reset component, and cannot guarantee that relays far from the point of force application or fulcrum receive sufficient force to fully engage with the reset interface and achieve a true relay reset. Furthermore, traditional reset solutions lead to inefficient panel-level designs because they require relays to be stacked and all reset interfaces to be positioned side-by-side. This increases the length of the panel or circuit-level design, which may be unnecessary or difficult to adapt depending on the intended application. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a relay manual reset solution with more reliable mechanical and electrical performance. This solution should achieve a more compact design compared to traditional reset solutions and be easily scalable so that manual reset can be implemented for relay configurations with any number of poles. As technology and customer demands increasingly require more interfaces (and thus more poles), the ability to expand and adapt to modular relay configurations becomes increasingly important. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a relay assembly is provided. The relay assembly may include a first relay and a second relay. The first relay has a first reset interface configured to reset its operating state in response to physical action with the first reset interface. The second relay has a second reset interface configured to reset its operating state in response to physical action with the second reset interface. The second relay may be positioned such that its second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly may further include a mechanical armature located between the first and second reset interfaces. The mechanical armature is switchable between the first and second positions. In the first position, the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first and second reset interfaces; in the second position, the mechanical armature is engaged with both the first and second reset interfaces.

[0005] In another embodiment, another relay assembly is provided. The relay assembly may include a first relay having a first reset interface configured to reset the first relay's operating state in response to physical interaction with the first reset interface. The first reset interface may define a first axis. The relay assembly may also include a second relay having a second reset interface configured to reset the second relay's operating state in response to physical interaction with the second reset interface. The second reset interface may define a second axis, and the second relay may be positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly may also include a mechanical armature located within a space defined by a first end of the first axis and a second end of the second axis, and the mechanical armature is switchable between a first position and a second position. The mechanical armature may include a shaft and a first arm extending from the shaft, wherein in the first position, the first arm does not physically interact with the first reset interface; and in the second position, the first arm physically interacts with the first reset interface. The mechanical armature may also include a second arm extending from the shaft, wherein in the first position, the second arm does not physically interact with the second reset interface; and in the second position, the second arm physically interacts with the second reset interface.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a relay assembly is provided. The method may include: arranging a first relay having a first reset interface and a second relay having a second reset interface such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay; positioning a mechanical armature between the first reset interface and the second reset interface; and arranging the mechanical armature such that it does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface in a first position, but physically interacts with the first reset interface and the second reset interface in a second position. The method may further include fixing the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature within a housing such that user input allows the mechanical armature to switch between the first position and the second position. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The subject matter described herein can be understood by referring to the following description of non-limiting embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a relay assembly for a manually reset relay configuration according to one embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The side view of the relay assembly shown.

[0010] Figure 3 It shows that it contains Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the relay assembly system.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first and second positions are shown respectively. Figure 1 A perspective view of the relay assembly shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a relay assembly for a manually reset relay configuration according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Now for reference Figure 1 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an exploded perspective view of a relay assembly 100 for a manually reset relay configuration is depicted. Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay assembly may include a first relay 102, a second relay 104, and a mechanical armature 110 located between the first and second relays. Figure 1 As shown, the structure of the second relay can be similar to that of the first relay. For example, the first and second relays can have the same number of poles, therefore Figure 1 The relay assembly shown allows for manual reset of each pole of the first and second relays via a single user input provided through a single manual interface, as will be discussed in more detail below. Although Figure 1 The embodiments depict a first relay and a second relay each containing four poles, for a total of eight poles in the relay assembly; however, it should be understood that... Figure 1 The embodiments described are merely illustrative. According to other embodiments, the first or second relay may include a single-pole single-throw configuration (e.g., two poles), a single-pole double-throw configuration (e.g., three poles), a double-pole single-throw configuration (e.g., four poles), and / or a double-pole double-throw configuration (e.g., six poles). Therefore, it should be understood that… Figure 1 The relay assembly can be modified as needed to determine the required total number of poles.

[0014] Still referencing Figure 1 The first relay may include a first reset interface 106, and the second relay may include a second reset interface 108. According to... Figure 1In one embodiment, the first reset interface may include a metal hook configured to be mounted to a reset circuit of a first relay, and the second reset interface may include a metal hook configured to be mounted to a reset circuit of a second relay. When mounted to the reset circuit of the first relay, the first reset interface may define a first axis A1. Similarly, when mounted to the reset circuit of the second relay, the second reset interface may define a second axis A2. The reset interfaces are configured to change the operating state of the relay to an initial state in response to physical action or user input, as will be described in more detail below. Specifically, user input may cause the reset interface to apply a brief current pulse to a dedicated reset coil within the relay, thereby reversing the magnetic field and physically switching the contacts to the opposite position, effectively resetting the operating state even if the circuit is de-energized.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the second relay can be positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite the first reset interface of the first relay in a "mirror" configuration. Unlike conventional reset schemes, this configuration gives the relay assembly (especially relative to the mechanical armature) physical symmetry. This is in contrast to conventional reset schemes (e.g., a "stacked" configuration where relays are arranged side-by-side so that the reset interfaces are essentially in the same plane). Figure 1 The relay configuration offers several advantages. For example, the physical symmetry of the first and second relays relative to the mechanical armature reduces the torque arm generated throughout the relay assembly. Furthermore, this symmetrical configuration allows for a more practical and compact footprint, reducing the need for circuit / panel redesign during higher-level assembly. For example, according to... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the second relay is positioned such that the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0016] Further reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the mechanical armature may be located within a space defined by a first axis defined by a first reset interface and a second axis defined by a second reset interface. The mechanical armature may include a shaft 112 and a first arm 114 and a second arm 116 extending from the shaft. According to some embodiments, the first and second arms may be integrally formed with the shaft. However, according to other embodiments, the first and second arms may be separately formed and connected to the shaft. In either case, the first and second arms may be specifically configured to physically interact with the first and second reset interfaces, respectively. Reference will be made below. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described in detail, the mechanical armature can be configured to switch between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first arm does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second arm does not physically interact with the second reset interface; and in the second position, the first arm physically interacts with the first reset interface and the second arm physically interacts with the second reset interface.

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram also illustrates how the first and second arms dock / interact with the metal hooks of the first and second reset interfaces via their geometric configuration. For example, according to... Figure 1 The first and second arms extend from the axis at a predetermined angle. This angle is designed such that when the mechanical armature switches from the first position to the second position, the first arm moves / travels between the first metal hook and the first axis, thereby pulling the first metal hook and the first reset interface toward the mechanical armature. Similarly, when the mechanical armature switches from the first position to the second position, the second arm moves / travels between the second metal hook and the second axis, thereby pulling the second metal hook and the second reset interface toward the mechanical armature. When the metal hook is pulled toward the mechanical armature, the reset interface applies a brief current pulse to a dedicated reset coil within the relay, thereby reversing the magnetic field and physically switching the contacts to their opposite position, effectively resetting the operating state. This angle is determined such that it facilitates the required physical interaction between the arm and the metal hook while promoting smooth movement and avoiding any "jamming" between components.

[0018] Figure 1 The relay assembly may also include a housing 120 configured to cover at least a portion of the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature. The housing may define an aperture 122 through which a button 118, extending from the shaft of the mechanical armature, protrudes. According to some embodiments, the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature may be fixed within the housing such that the mechanical armature can be switched between a first position and a second position. The button may be configured to receive user input and, in response to user input, switch the mechanical armature from the first position to the second position. A spring 124 may be located within a spring seat 126 and configured to mechanically contact the bottom of the mechanical armature shaft, which may also be housed within the spring seat. The spring constant of the spring may be configured to bias the mechanical armature upward to the first position, as will be referred to below. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This will be explained in more detail. However, when the downward force applied by the user exceeds the spring constant, the mechanical armature can switch from the first position to the second position, causing the mechanical armature to physically interact with the first and second reset interfaces. This will be referred to below. Figure 3 In more detail, according to some embodiments, the button can be configured to receive input from a mechanical actuator electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit communicatively linked to a user interface. Thus, user input can be provided via the user interface and received via the communication circuitry, wherein the user input causes the actuator to interact with the button.

[0019] although Figure 1The mechanical armature has a specific geometric configuration, but it should be understood that this disclosure covers alternative configurations that can achieve the same purpose. According to such embodiments, the mechanical armature may include a reed, a rotary switch, a sliding button, and / or a lever-based configuration, further enabling the mechanical armature to switch between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, two or more additional relays may extend along a first axis and a second axis, provided they conform to… Figure 1 The configuration and arrangement of the first and second relays shown are sufficient. According to this embodiment, the geometry of the mechanical armature can be modified to physically interact with each reset interface of each of the other relays. For example, the mechanical armature can be modified to include additional arms corresponding to each reset interface of each of the other relays. In this embodiment, it may be advantageous to position the shaft of the mechanical armature at a center point relative to each relay to minimize torque arms and ensure robust and efficient manual reset.

[0020] Now for reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is shown that Figure 1 Side view of the relay assembly shown. Figure 2 The assembled components are shown, thus illustrating the aforementioned interactions between the components in more detail. For example, according to Figure 2 The mechanical armature of the relay assembly is in the second position, meaning that user input has been applied by the button and the spring has been compressed. Accordingly, the first arm engages with the first metal hook of the first reset interface, thereby pulling the first reset interface toward the mechanical armature. Similarly, the second arm engages with the second metal hook of the second reset interface, thereby pulling the second reset interface toward the mechanical armature. Figure 2 It also shows how the mechanical armature is located in a space defined at a first end by a first axis defined by a first reset interface and at a second end by a second axis defined by a second reset interface.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method comprising... Figure 1 The block diagram of system 300 showing relay assembly 100. According to... Figure 3 In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay assembly can be integrated into a system including a mechanical actuator 304, a communication circuit 306, and a user interface 308. As previously described, according to some embodiments, the button can be configured to receive input from a mechanical actuator electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit communicatively connected to the user interface. This communication circuit can be wired or wireless, and the user interface can be located locally or remotely relative to the relay assembly. Therefore, user input can be provided through the user interface and received via the communication circuit, causing the actuator to interact with the button. Figure 3As shown, the mechanical actuator, communication circuitry, and user interface are electrically connected to a first power supply 301. According to some embodiments, the first power supply may be separate from a second power supply 303 that supplies power to relay assemblies (including a mechanical armature, a first reset interface, and a second reset interface). For example, the first power supply may include a vehicle power supply and / or a battery power supply. Therefore, even if the second power supply is not activated (thus requiring manual reset of the first and second relays), the user can still provide input via the user interface, which is transmitted via the communication circuitry to the mechanical actuator, which provides user input to button 118 and initiates a manual reset of the relays. Therefore, it should be understood that... Figure 3 The system can achieve "manual" reset of relay components when the button cannot be reached.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B According to one embodiment of this disclosure, respectively, Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the relay assembly in the first and second positions. According to... Figure 4A The mechanical armature is in the first position. The button is not pressed, indicating that no user input has been provided. Therefore, the spring continues to bias the mechanical armature. The mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset port and the second reset port. Accordingly, the first arm is not engaged with the first metal hook, the second arm is not engaged with the second metal hook, and the first and second reset ports have not been pulled toward the mechanical armature.

[0023] However, according to Figure 4B The mechanical armature is in the second position. User input has been provided to the button, so the button is pressed. The spring bias has been overcome, and the mechanical armature engages with the first and second reset ports. Accordingly, the first arm engages with the first metal hook, and the second arm engages with the second metal hook, causing the first and second reset ports to be pulled toward the mechanical armature. In other words, the user has applied a brief current pulse to the dedicated reset coil within the relay through the reset port, thereby reversing the magnetic field and physically switching the contacts to their opposite positions, effectively resetting the operating state even if the circuit is de-energized.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 5 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a flowchart of a method 500 for manufacturing a relay assembly for a manually reset relay configuration is depicted. Figure 5The method may include arranging 502 a first relay having a first reset interface and a second relay having a second reset interface, such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The method may also include positioning a mechanical armature 504 between the first and second reset interfaces. Once the mechanical armature is correctly positioned, the method may include arranging 506 the mechanical armature such that it does not physically interact with the first and second reset interfaces in a first position, but physically interacts with the first and second reset interfaces in a second position. The method may also include fixing 508 the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature within a housing such that user input causes the mechanical armature to switch between the first and second positions.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method may include defining a hole in the housing and arranging a button extending from the axis of the mechanical armature such that the button protrudes through the hole, wherein the button is for receiving user input. According to other embodiments, arranging the mechanical armature may include: aligning a first arm extending from the axis of the mechanical armature with a first hook extending from a first reset interface such that the first arm interacts with the first hook in a second position; and aligning a second arm extending from the axis of the mechanical armature with a second hook extending from a second reset interface such that the second arm physically interacts with the second hook in a second position.

[0026] Examples of the methods and systems disclosed herein are provided in the following embodiments, according to various aspects of this disclosure. One aspect of the method may include any one or more of the following embodiments, and any combination thereof.

[0027] In a first embodiment, this disclosure provides a relay assembly. The relay assembly may include: a first relay having a first reset interface configured to reset the first relay's operating state in response to physical action with the first reset interface; and a second relay having a second reset interface configured to reset the second relay's operating state in response to physical action with the second reset interface, wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly may further include a mechanical armature located between the first and second reset interfaces, the mechanical armature being switchable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first and second reset interfaces; in the second position, the mechanical armature is engaged with both the first and second reset interfaces.

[0028] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly may include: a housing defining an aperture in which the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are located; and a button protruding through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to switch the mechanical armature from a first position to a second position in response to user input.

[0029] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the mechanical armature may include: a shaft from which a button extends; a first arm extending from the shaft to engage with a first reset interface in a second position; and a second arm extending from the shaft to engage with a second reset interface in a second position.

[0030] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first reset interface may include a first hook that engages with the first arm in a second position, and the second reset interface may include a second hook that engages with the second arm in a second position.

[0031] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly may include a spring that biases a mechanical armature toward a first position, wherein the user input includes a force greater than the spring constant associated with the spring.

[0032] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first relay may include a first 4-pole relay, and the second relay may include a second 4-pole relay.

[0033] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly may include an actuator configured to switch a mechanical armature from a first position to a second position in response to user input.

[0034] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly may include communication circuitry coupled to the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein user input is provided via the user interface.

[0035] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the communication circuit may include a wireless communication circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with a user interface remotely positioned relative to the relay assembly.

[0036] In a second embodiment, this disclosure provides a relay assembly. The relay assembly may include: a first relay having a first reset interface configured to reset the first relay's operating state in response to physical interaction with the first reset interface, wherein the first reset interface defines a first axis; and a second relay having a second reset interface configured to reset the second relay's operating state in response to physical interaction with the second reset interface, wherein the second reset interface defines a second axis, and wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly may also include a mechanical armature located within a space defined at a first end by the first axis and at a second end by the second axis, wherein the mechanical armature is configured to switch between a first position and a second position. The mechanical armature may include: a shaft; a first arm extending from the shaft, wherein in a first position, the first arm does not physically interact with the first reset interface, and wherein in a second position, the first arm physically interacts with the first reset interface; and a second arm extending from the shaft, wherein in the first position, the second arm does not physically interact with the second reset interface, and wherein in the second position, the second arm physically interacts with the second reset interface.

[0037] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second relay may be positioned such that the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0038] In addition, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly may include: a housing defining an aperture in which the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are located; and a button extending from the shaft and protruding through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to switch the mechanical armature from a first position to a second position in response to user input.

[0039] In addition, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly may include a spring that biases a mechanical armature in a first position, the spring having a spring constant, wherein the user input includes a force greater than the spring constant.

[0040] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first relay may include a first 4-pole relay, and the second relay may include a second 4-pole relay.

[0041] Furthermore, in a second embodiment, the relay assembly may include an actuator configured to switch a mechanical armature from a first position to a second position in response to user input.

[0042] In addition, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly may include communication circuitry coupled to the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein user input is provided via the user interface.

[0043] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the communication circuit may include a wireless communication circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with a user interface remotely positioned relative to the relay assembly.

[0044] In a third embodiment, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a relay assembly. The method may include the following steps: arranging a first relay having a first reset interface and a second relay having a second reset interface, such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay; positioning a mechanical armature between the first reset interface and the second reset interface; arranging the mechanical armature such that it does not physically interact with the first and second reset interfaces in a first position, and physically interacts with the first and second reset interfaces in a second position; and fixing the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature within a housing such that user input allows the mechanical armature to switch between the first and second positions.

[0045] Furthermore, in a third embodiment, the method may include: defining a hole in the housing; and arranging a button such that it extends from the axis of the mechanical armature, thereby causing the button to protrude through the hole, wherein the button is used to receive user input.

[0046] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, arranging the mechanical armature may include: aligning a first arm extending from the axis of the mechanical armature with a first hook extending from the first reset interface, such that the first arm interacts with the first hook in a second position; and aligning a second arm extending from the axis of the mechanical armature with a second hook extending from the second reset interface, such that the second arm physically interacts with the second hook in a second position.

[0047] Embodiments of the relay assemblies described herein can be configured for use in rail vehicle systems (such as locomotives, shunting locomotives, or passenger cars), or other types of vehicle systems (such as automobiles, trucks (with or without trailers), buses, ships, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones), mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, or other off-highway vehicles). This may include relay assemblies that meet requirements such as vibration tolerance as stipulated in relevant railway or other industry standards (e.g., EN 50155, IEC 60571, and IEC 60077). For example, the relay assemblies may be used on vehicles in a controllable manner: (i) electrically isolating two or more electrical systems / components of the vehicle in a first operating mode or state; and (ii) electrically connecting two or more electrical systems / components of the vehicle in a second operating mode or state. The vehicle systems described herein (rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems not operating on tracks) may consist of a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. For multi-vehicle systems, the vehicles may be mechanically coupled to each other (e.g., via couplings), or virtually / logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. For example, when vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate their movements so that they travel together (e.g., escort formations, close formations, train formations, dynamic formations), the vehicles can be logically connected but not mechanically connected. Calculations and operations such as navigation processing can be performed on or outside the vehicle system and then transmitted back to the vehicle system. Whether on or outside the vehicle, the vehicle control system can operate the vehicle system and receive and process sensor inputs, operator inputs, operating parameters, vehicle parameters, and route parameters.

[0048] Terms such as “processing,” “operation,” “calculation,” or “determining” refer to operations performed by control circuitry, which may include a computing system or electronic device that manipulates data stored in memory or registers as physical (electronic) quantities. One or more components may be described as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable to,” “adapted to,” or similar terms. Unless explicitly stated, these terms cover components in both active and inactive states. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as “comprising” or “having” shall be interpreted as open-ended (i.e., “including but not limited to”). Numerical claims generally mean “at least” the stated numerical value, and disjunctive terms such as “A or B” shall be interpreted as including A or B or both, unless explicitly specified. Operations in any claim may generally be performed in any order, unless explicitly stated. The statement “at least one of A, B, and C” shall be interpreted as any combination of A, B, and C, such as A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together. The phrase “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together.

[0049] This written description discloses multiple embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and enables those skilled in the art to implement embodiments of the subject matter, including making and utilizing any apparatus or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the claims if they do not contain structural elements different from those described in the literal language of the claims, or if they comprise equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A relay assembly, comprising: A first relay having a first reset interface, the first reset interface being configured to reset the operating state of the first relay in response to a physical action with the first reset interface; A second relay having a second reset interface configured to reset the operating state of the second relay in response to a physical action with the second reset interface, wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay; as well as A mechanical armature located between the first reset interface and the second reset interface, the mechanical armature being switchable between the following two positions: In the first position, the mechanical armature is disposed at a distance from the first reset interface and the second reset interface; as well as In the second position, the mechanical armature engages with both the first reset interface and the second reset interface.

2. The relay assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A housing defining a hole, wherein the first relay, the second relay and the mechanical armature are located within the housing; as well as A button protrudes through the hole, wherein the button is configured to switch the mechanical armature from the first position to the second position in response to user input.

3. The relay assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The mechanical armature includes: A shaft, wherein the button extends from the shaft; A first arm extending from the shaft is used to engage with the first reset interface at the second position; and A second arm extending from the shaft is used to engage with the second reset interface at the second position.

4. The relay assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first reset interface includes a first hook that engages with the first arm at the second position, and wherein the second reset interface includes a second hook that engages with the second arm at the second position.

5. The relay assembly of claim 2, further comprising a spring biasing the mechanical armature toward the first position, wherein the user input includes a force greater than a spring constant associated with the spring.

6. The relay assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first relay includes a first 4-pole relay, and the second relay includes a second 4-pole relay.

7. The relay assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to switch the mechanical armature from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

8. The relay assembly of claim 7, further comprising a communication circuit coupled to the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein the user input is provided via the user interface.

9. The relay assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The communication circuit includes a wireless communication circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with the user interface remotely positioned relative to the relay assembly.

10. A relay assembly, comprising: A first relay having a first reset interface, the first reset interface being configured to reset the operating state of the first relay in response to a physical action with the first reset interface, and the first reset interface defining a first axis; A second relay having a second reset interface configured to reset the operating state of the second relay in response to a physical action with the second reset interface, wherein the second reset interface defines a second axis, and wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay; as well as A mechanical armature located within a space defined by a first axis at a first end and by a second axis at a second end, wherein the mechanical armature is configured to switch between a first position and a second position, and wherein the mechanical armature comprises: axis; A first arm extending from the axis, wherein, in the first position, the first arm does not physically interact with the first reset interface, and wherein, in the second position, the first arm physically interacts with the first reset interface; and A second arm extending from the axis, wherein in the first position, the second arm does not physically interact with the second reset interface, and wherein in the second position, the second arm physically interacts with the second reset interface.

11. The relay assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The second relay is positioned such that the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

12. The relay assembly of claim 10, further comprising: A housing defining a hole, wherein the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are located within the housing; and A button protrudes from the shaft and through the hole, wherein the button is configured to switch the mechanical armature from the first position to the second position in response to user input.

13. The relay assembly of claim 12, further comprising a spring biasing the mechanical armature to the first position, the spring having a spring constant, wherein the user input includes a force greater than the spring constant.

14. The relay assembly of claim 10, wherein, The first relay includes a first 4-pole relay, and the second relay includes a second 4-pole relay.

15. The relay assembly of claim 10, further comprising an actuator configured to switch the mechanical armature from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

16. The relay assembly of claim 15, further comprising a communication circuit coupled to the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein the user input is provided via the user interface.

17. The relay assembly of claim 16, wherein, The communication circuit includes a wireless communication circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with the user interface remotely positioned relative to the relay assembly.

18. A method of manufacturing a relay assembly, the method comprising: Arrange a first relay having a first reset interface and a second relay having a second reset interface, such that the second reset interface is opposite to the first reset interface of the first relay; Position the mechanical armature between the first reset interface and the second reset interface; The mechanical armature is arranged such that it does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface in a first position, and physically interacts with the first reset interface and the second reset interface in a second position. as well as The first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are fixed inside the housing, so that user input can switch the mechanical armature between the first position and the second position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: A hole is defined in the housing; as well as A button is arranged extending from the shaft of the mechanical armature such that the button protrudes through the hole, wherein the button is used to receive the user input.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The arrangement of the mechanical armature includes: The first arm extending from the shaft of the mechanical armature is aligned with the first hook extending from the first reset interface, such that the first arm interacts with the first hook in the second position; and The second arm extending from the shaft of the mechanical armature is aligned with the second hook extending from the second reset interface, such that the second arm physically interacts with the second hook in the second position.

Images