Manual reset for relay assembly and method of manufacturing

Abstract

A relay assembly is disclosed herein. The relay assembly can include a first relay with a first reset interface to reset an operating state of the first relay and a second relay with a second reset interface to reset an operating state of the second relay. The second relay can be positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly can further include a mechanical armature positioned between the first reset interface and the second reset interface. The mechanical armature can be transitionable between a first position, wherein the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the first position, and a second position, wherein the mechanical armature engages the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the second position.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field.

[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to relay assemblies and to devices, systems, and methods for manually resetting relay assemblies.Discussion of Art.

[0002] Latching relays maintain their operating state, even when the activating signal is no longer present. Thus, it is widely understood that latching relays can remain "on" or "off" without a constant power supply. This means it is important to provide a means for manually resetting a latching relay.

[0003] However, few manual reset solutions exist for relays with a number of particular poles arranged in a particular way. Some relays with a certain number of poles (e.g., eight poles) lack manual reset solutions. To the extent that such relays do have manual reset solutions, such conventional reset solutions result in several problems. For example, to the extent that conventional reset solutions implement a "pushing" mechanism configured to push on a reset interface of a relay, such solutions are not symmetrically oriented relative to the relay circuit configuration. This can create an undesirable moment arm that reduces the mechanical life of the reset assembly and lacks assurance that relays further away from the initiating force, or pivot point, will receive sufficient force to provide sufficient interaction with the reset interface and actually reset the relay. Additionally, conventional reset solutions result in an inefficient panel-level design, as they require relays to be stacked with all reset interfaces positioned side-by-side. This adds length the the panel or circuit level design, which may not be necessary or easy to accommodate depending on the intended application. Accordingly, there is a need for a more mechanically and electrically robust solution for manually resetting relays. Such a solution should enable a more compact design relative to conventional reset solutions and should be easily scalable such that relay configurations with any number of poles can be manually reset. Scalability and an ability to accommodate modular relay configurations is increasingly important as technological and customer needs continue to require more interfaces and, therefore, poles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] In one embodiment, a relay assembly is provided. The relay assembly can include a first relay with a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface and a second relay with a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive to physical interaction with the second reset interface. The second relay can be positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly can further include a mechanical armature positioned between the first reset interface and the second reset interface. The mechanical armature can be transitionable between a first position, wherein the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the first position, and a second position, wherein the mechanical armature engages the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the second position.

[0005] In another embodiment, another relay assembly is provided. The relay assembly can include a first relay with a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface. The first reset interface can define a first axis. The relay assembly can further include a second relay with a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive to physical interaction with the second reset interface. The second reset interface can define a second axis, and the second relay can be positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly can further include a mechanical armature positioned within a space bounded on a first end by the first axis and a second end by the second axis, and the mechanical armature can be configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The mechanical armature can 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 wherein, in the second position, the first arm does physically interact with the first reset interface. The mechanical armature can further 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 wherein, in the second position the second arm does physically interact with the second reset interface.

[0006] According to yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a relay assembly is provided. The method can include arranging a first relay with a first reset interface and a second relay with a second reset interface such that the second reset interface opposes 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, in a first position, the mechanical armature does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface and, in a second position, the mechanical armature does physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface. The method may further include securing the first relay, the second relay and the mechanical armature in a housing such that a user input will transition the mechanical armature between the first position and the second position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The subject matter described herein may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective, exploded view of a relay assembly for manually resetting a relay configuration according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates an assembled, side view of the relay assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of system including the relay assembly of Figure 1. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of the relay assembly of Figure 1 in a first position and a second position, respectively. Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a relay assembly for manually resetting a relay configuration according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Referring now to Figure 1, a perspective, exploded view of a relay assembly 100 for manually resetting a relay configuration is depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1, the relay assembly can include a first relay 102, a second relay 104, and a mechanical armature 110 positioned between the first relay and the second relay. As depicted in Figure 1, the second relay can be of similar construction relative to the first relay. For example, the first relay and the second relay can each have the same number of poles and, therefore, the relay assembly of Figure 1 enables each pole of the first and second relay to be manually reset via a single user input provided via a single manual interface, as will be discussed in further detail herein. Although the embodiment of Figure 1 depicts a first and second relay that each include four poles, for a total of eight poles across the relay assembly, it shall be appreciated that the embodiment of Figure 1 is merely illustrative. According to other embodiments, either the first or second relay can 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). Thus, it shall be appreciated that the relay assembly of Figure 1 can be modified as necessary to accommodate the desired number of total poles.

[0009] Still referring to Figure 1, the first relay can include a first reset interface 106 and the second relay can include a second reset interface 108. According to the embodiment of Figure 1, the first reset interface can include a metal hook configured to be mounted to reset circuitry of the first relay and the second reset interface can include a metal hook configured to be mounted to reset circuitry of the second relay. When mounted to the reset circuitry of the first relay, the first reset interface can define a first axis A1. Similarly, when mounted to the reset circuitry of the second relay, the second reset interface can define a second axis A2. The reset interfaces are configured to alter the operating state of the relay to an original condition such that in response to a user input or physical interaction, as will be described in further detail herein. Specifically, the user input may cause the reset interfaces to apply a brief pulse of current to a dedicated reset coil within the relay, reversing the magnetic field and causing the contacts to physically switch to their opposite position, effectively resetting the operating state even after power has been removed from the circuit.

[0010] As depicted in Figure 1, the second relay can be positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay in a "mirrored" configuration that, unlike conventional reset solutions, introduces physical symmetry across the relay assembly, particularly relative to the mechanical armature. Compared to conventional reset solutions (e.g., "stacked" configurations where relays are juxtaposed such that the reset interfaces substantially exist within the same plane), the relay configuration of Figure 1 provides several advantages. For example, the physical symmetry of the first and second relay relative to the mechanical armature can reduce moment arms induced throughout the relay assembly. Furthermore, the symmetrical configuration results in a more usable, compact footprint of the relay assembly, which can reduce circuit / panel redesign at the next-highest level of assembly. For example, according to the embodiment of Figure 1, the second relay is positioned such that the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0011] In further reference to the embodiment of Figure 1, the mechanical armature can be positioned within a space bounded on a first end by the first axis defined by the first reset interface and bounded on a second end by the second axis defined by the second reset interface. The mechanical armature can include a shaft 112 as well as a first arm 114, and a second arm 116, each of which extend from the shaft. According to some embodiments, the first and second arm can be integrally formed with the shaft. However, according to other embodiments, the first and second arm can be separately formed and coupled to the shaft. Regardless, the first and second arm can be specifically configured for physical interaction with the first and second reset interface, respectively. As will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the mechanical armature can be configured to transition between a first position-wherein 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 a second position-wherein the first arm does physically interact with the first reset interface and the second arm does physically interact with the second reset interface.

[0012] Figure 1 further depicts how the first and second arm can be geometrically configured to interface with the metal hooks of the first and second reset interfaces. For example, according to Figure 1, the first and second arm can extend from the shaft at an predetermined angle. The angle can be determined such that, as the mechanical armature transitions from the first position to the second position, the first arm traverses between the first metal hook and the first axis, thereby pulling the first metal hook and the first reset interface towards the mechanical armature. Likewise, as the mechanical armature transitions from the first position to the second position, the second arm traverses between the second metal hook and the second axis, thereby pulling the second metal hook and and the second reset interface towards the mechanical armature. As the metal hooks are pulled towards the mechanical armature, the reset interfaces apply a brief pulse of current to the dedicated reset coil within the relays, reversing the magnetic field and causing the contacts to physically switch to their opposite position, effectively resetting the operating state. The angle is determined to facilitate the desired physical interaction between the arms and the metal hooks, while promoting seamless movement and eliminating any "catching" between components.

[0013] The relay assembly of Figure 1 can further include a housing 120 configured to cover at least a portion of the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature. The housing can define an aperture 122 through which a button 118 extending from the shaft of the mechanical armature can protrude. According to some embodiments, the first relay, second relay, and mechanical armature can be secured within the housing such that the mechanical armature can transition between the first and second positions. The button can be configured to receive a user input and cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input. A spring 124 can be positioned within a spring seat 126 and configured to mechanically contact a bottom portion of the shaft of the mechanical armature, which can also be seated within the spring seat. The spring can include a spring constant configured to bias the mechanical armature upwards into the first position, as will be explained in further detail with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. However, when the user input includes a downward force that exceeds the spring constant, the mechanical armature can transition from the first position to the second position such that the mechanical armature physically interacts with the first and second reset interfaces. As will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 3, according to some embodiments, the button can be configured to receive inputs from a mechanical actuator electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit communicatively coupled to a user interface. Thus, a user input can be provided via a user interface and received via the communication circuit, wherein the user input causes the actuator to interact with the button.

[0014] Although the mechanical armature of Figure 1 includes a specific geometric configuration, it shall be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates alternate configurations to accomplish the same objectives. According to such embodiments, the mechanical armature can include a spring-leaf, rotary switch, sliding button, and / or lever-based configuration that further enables the mechanical armature to transition between the first position and the second position. Additionally, according to other embodiments, two or more additional relays can extend along the first and second axis, as long as they are configured and arranged similar to the first relay and the second relay, as depicted in Figure 1. According to such embodiments, the geometrical design of the mechanical armature can be modified for physical interaction with each reset interface of each additional relay. For example, the mechanical armature can be modified to include additional arms corresponding to each reset interface of each additional relay. In such embodiments, it may be beneficial to position the shaft of the mechanical armature at a center point relative to each relay in order to minimize moment arms and ensure a robust and efficient manual reset.

[0015] Referring now to Figure 2, a side view of the relay assembly of Figure 1 is depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 depicts the assembled components and thus, illustrates the aforementioned interactions between components in more detail. For example, according to Figure 2, the mechanical armature of the relay assembly is in the second position, meaning a user input has been applied via the button and the spring has been compressed. Accordingly, the first arm is engaged with the first metal hook of the first reset interface, thereby pulling the first reset interface towards the mechanical armature. Likewise, the second arm is engaged with the second metal hook of the second reset interface, thereby pulling the second reset interface towards the mechanical armature. Figure 2 further depicts how the mechanical armature can be positioned within a space bounded on a first end by the first axis defined by the first reset interface and bounded on a second end by the second axis defined by the second reset interface.

[0016] Referring now to Figure 3, a block diagram of a system 300 including the relay assembly 100 of Figure 1 is depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 3, the relay assembly can be integrated into a system that includes 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 inputs from a mechanical actuator electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit communicatively coupled to a user interface. The communication circuit can either be wired or wireless and the user interface can be positioned either locally or remotely relative to the relay assembly. Thus, a user input can be provided via a user interface and received via the communication circuit and cause the actuator to interact with the button. As depicted in Figure 3, the mechanical actuator, communication circuit, and user interface can be electrically coupled to a first power source 301. According to some embodiments, the first power source can be separate from a second power source 303 that supplies power to the relay assembly, including the mechanical armature, the first rest interface, and the second reset interface. For example, the first power source can include a vehicle power source and / or a battery, amongst other power sources. Accordingly, even if the second power source is inactive, thereby requiring a manual reset of the first relay and the second relay, a user input could still be provided via the user interface and transmitted via the communication circuit to the mechanical actuator, which can provide a user input to the button 118 an initiate the manual reset of the relays. As such, it shall be appreciated that the system of Figure 3 can enable a "manual" reset of the relay assembly in situations where the button is inaccessible.

[0017] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, perspective views of the relay assembly of Figure 1 in a first position and a second position are respectively depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 4A, the mechanical armature is in the first position. The button is not depressed, indicating that not user input has been provided yet. The spring, therefore, continues to bias the mechanical armature. The mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset interface and the second reset interface is spaced apart from the second reset interface. Accordingly, the first arm is not engaged with the first metal hook and the second arm is not engaged with the second metal hook and the first and second reset interfaces have not been pulled towards the mechanical armature.

[0018] However, according to Figure 4B, the mechanical armature is in the second position. A user input has been provided to the button and therefore, the button is depressed. The spring bias has been overcome and the mechanical armature engages the first reset interface and the second reset interface. Accordingly, the first arm is engaged with the first metal hook and the second arm is engaged with the second metal hook, such that the first and second reset interfaces have been pulled towards the mechanical armature. In other words, the user has caused the reset interfaces to apply a brief pulse of current to a dedicated reset coil within the relay, reversing the magnetic field and causing the contacts to physically switch to their opposite position, effectively resetting the operating state even after power has been removed from the circuit.

[0019] Referring now to Figure 5, a flow diagram of a method 500 of manufacturing a relay assembly for manually resetting a relay configuration according to one embodiment is depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 5, the method can include arranging 502 a first relay that includes a first reset interface and a second relay that includes a second reset interface such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The method can further include positioning 504 a mechanical armature between the first reset interface and the second reset interface. Once the mechanical armature is properly positioned, the method can include arranging 506 the mechanical armature such that, in a first position, the mechanical armature does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface and, in a second position, the mechanical armature does physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface. The method can further include securing 508 the first relay, the second relay and the mechanical armature in a housing such that a user input will transition the mechanical armature between the first position and the second position.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the method can include defining an aperture in the housing, and arranging a button extending from a shaft of the mechanical armature such that the button protrudes through the aperture, wherein the button is to receive the user input. According to other embodiments, arranging the mechanical armature can include aligning a first arm extending from a shaft 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 the second position, and aligning a second arm extending from the shaft 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 the second position.

[0021] Examples of the methods and systems disclosed herein, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, are provided below in the following embodiments. An aspect of the methods may include any one or more than one of, and any combination of, the embodiments described below.

[0022] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a relay assembly, The relay assembly can include a first relay including a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface, and a second relay including a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive to physical interaction with the second reset interface, and wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly can further include a mechanical armature positioned between the first reset interface and the second reset interface, the mechanical armature transitionable between a first position, wherein the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the first position, and a second position, wherein the mechanical armature engages the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the second position.

[0023] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly can include a housing that defines an aperture, wherein the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are positioned within the housing, and a button that protrudes through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

[0024] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the mechanical armature can include a shaft, wherein the button extends from the shaft, a first arm extending from the shaft to engage the first reset interface in the second position, and a second arm extending from the shaft to engage the second reset interface in the second position.

[0025] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the first reset interface can include a first hook that engages the first arm in the second position, and the second reset interface can include a second hook that engages the second arm in the second position.

[0026] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly can include a spring that biases the mechanical armature toward the first position, wherein the user input includes a force greater than a spring constant associated with the spring.

[0027] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the first relay can include a first 4-pole relay and the second relay can include a second 4-pole relay.

[0028] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly can include an actuator configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

[0029] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the relay assembly can include a communication circuit coupled the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein the user input is provided via the user interface.

[0030] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the communication circuit can include a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the user interface located at a remote position relative to the relay assembly.

[0031] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a relay assembly. The relay assembly can include a first relay including a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface, and wherein the first reset interface defines a first axis, and a second relay including a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive 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 opposes the first reset interface of the first relay. The relay assembly can further include a mechanical armature positioned within a space bounded on a first end by the first axis and a second end by the second axis, wherein the mechanical armature is configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The mechanical armature can include a shaft, 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 wherein, in the second position, the first arm does physically interact 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 does physically interact with the second reset interface.

[0032] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the second relay can be positioned such that the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0033] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly can include a housing that defines an aperture, wherein the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are positioned within the housing and a button extending from the shaft and protruding through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

[0034] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly can include a spring that biases the mechanical armature in the first position, the spring having a spring constant, wherein the user input includes a force greater than the spring constant.

[0035] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the first relay can include a first 4-pole relay and the second relay can include a second 4-pole relay.

[0036] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly can include an actuator configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

[0037] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the relay assembly can include 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.

[0038] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the communication circuit can include a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the user interface located at a remove position relative the the relay assembly.

[0039] In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a relay assembly. The method can include the steps of arranging a first relay including a first reset interface and a second relay including a second reset interface such that the second reset interface opposes 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, in a first position, the mechanical armature does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface and, in a second position, the mechanical armature does physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface, and securing the first relay, the second relay and the mechanical armature in a housing such that a user input will transition the mechanical armature between the first position and the second position.

[0040] Additionally, in the third embodiment, the method can include defining an aperture in the housing, and arranging a button extending from a shaft of the mechanical armature such that the button protrudes through the aperture, wherein the button is to receive the user input.

[0041] Additionally, in the third embodiment, arranging the mechanical armature can include aligning a first arm extending from a shaft 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 the second position, and aligning a second arm extending from the shaft 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 the second position.

[0042] Embodiments of a relay assembly as described herein may be configured to use in a rail vehicle system, such as a locomotive, switcher, or passenger car, or other types of vehicle systems, such as automobiles, trucks (with or without trailers), buses, marine vessels, aircraft, unmanned aircraft (e.g., drones), mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, or other off-highway vehicles. This may include the relay assembly meeting relevant railway or other industry standards (e.g., EN 50155, IEC 60571, and IEC 60077) for vibration tolerance, etc. A relay assembly may be used onboard a vehicle, for example, to controllably (i) in a first mode or state of operation, electrically isolate two or more electrical systems / components of a vehicle and (ii) in a second mode or state of operation, electrically connect the two or more electrical systems / components of the vehicle. Vehicle systems described herein (rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems that do not travel on rails or tracks) may be formed from a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. With respect to multi-vehicle systems, the vehicles may be mechanically coupled with each other (e.g., by couplers), or virtually or logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. For example, vehicles may be logically but not mechanically coupled when the separate vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate movements of the vehicles with each other so that the vehicles travel together (e.g., as a convoy, swarm, consist, platoon). Calculations and computations, such as navigation processes, may be performed on-board the vehicle systems or off-board the vehicle systems and then communicated to the vehicle systems. Whether on-board or off-board, a vehicle control system may operate a vehicle system and receive and process sensor inputs, operator inputs, operational parameters, vehicle parameters, and route parameters, etc.

[0043] Terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," or "determining" refer to operations carried out by a control circuit, which may include computing systems or electronic devices that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within memory or registers. One or more components may be described as "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable to," or similar terms. Unless explicitly stated, these terms encompass components in both active and inactive states. Unless stated otherwise, terms like "including" or "having" should be interpreted as open-ended (i.e., "including but not limited to"). Numeric claim recitations generally mean "at least" the stated number, and disjunctive terms like "A or B" should be interpreted to include either or both unless explicitly specified. Operations in any claim may generally be performed in any order unless explicitly stated. The recitation "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as any combination of A, B, and C, such 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 recitation "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted to include 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.

[0044] This written description may disclose several embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and may enable one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the embodiments of subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that may occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other embodiments may be intended to be within the scope of the claims if they may have structural elements that may not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they may include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A relay assembly, comprising: a first relay comprising a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface; a second relay comprising a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive to physical interaction with the second reset interface, and wherein the second relay is positioned such that the second reset interface opposes the first reset interface of the first relay; and a mechanical armature positioned between the first reset interface and the second reset interface, the mechanical armature transitionable between: a first position, wherein the mechanical armature is spaced apart from the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the first position; and a second position, wherein the mechanical armature engages the first reset interface and the second reset interface in the second position.

2. The relay assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a housing that defines an aperture, wherein the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are positioned within the housing; and a button that protrudes through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

3. The relay assembly of claim 2, wherein the mechanical armature comprises: a shaft, wherein the button extends from the shaft; a first arm extending from the shaft to engage the first reset interface in the second position; and a second arm extending from the shaft to engage the second reset interface in the second position.

4. The relay assembly of claim 3, wherein the first reset interface comprises a first hook that engages the first arm in the second position, and wherein the second reset interface comprises a second hook that engages the second arm in the second position.

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

6. The relay assembly of claim 1, wherein the first relay comprises a first 4-pole relay and the second relay comprises a second 4-pole relay.

7. The relay assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition 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 the actuator and configured to communicate with a user interface, wherein the user input is provided via the user interface.

9. The relay assembly of claim 8, wherein the communication circuit comprises a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the user interface located at a remote position relative to the relay assembly.

10. A relay assembly, comprising: a first relay comprising a first reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the first relay responsive to physical interaction with the first reset interface, and wherein the first reset interface defines a first axis; a second relay comprising a second reset interface configured to reset an operating state of the second relay responsive 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 opposes the first reset interface of the first relay; and a mechanical armature positioned within a space bounded on a first end by the first axis and a second end by the second axis, wherein the mechanical armature is configured to transition between a first position and a second position, and wherein the mechanical armature comprises: a shaft; 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 wherein, in the second position, the first arm does physically interact 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 does physically interact with the second reset interface.

11. The relay assembly of 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 that defines an aperture, wherein the first relay, the second relay, and the mechanical armature are positioned within the housing; and a button extending from the shaft and protruding through the aperture, wherein the button is configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition from the first position to the second position in response to a user input.

13. The relay assembly of claim 12, further comprising a spring that biases the mechanical armature in the first position, the spring having a spring constant, wherein the user input comprises a force greater than the spring constant.

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

15. The relay assembly of claim 10, further comprising an actuator configured to cause the mechanical armature to transition 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 comprises a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the user interface located at a remove position relative the the relay assembly.

18. A method of manufacturing a relay assembly, the method comprising: arranging a first relay comprising a first reset interface and a second relay comprising a second reset interface such that the second reset interface opposes 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, in a first position, the mechanical armature does not physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface and, in a second position, the mechanical armature does physically interact with the first reset interface and the second reset interface; and securing the first relay, the second relay and the mechanical armature in a housing such that a user input will transition the mechanical armature between the first position and the second position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: defining an aperture in the housing; and arranging a button extending from a shaft of the mechanical armature such that the button protrudes through the aperture, wherein the button is to receive the user input.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein arranging the mechanical armature comprises: aligning a first arm extending from a shaft 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 the second position; and aligning a second arm extending from the shaft 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 the second position.

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