| Name | NetID | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Cai | wcai10 | ECE 120 |
| Anna Liu | ziqil7 | ECE 110 |
Statement of Purpose
For this project, the goal is to create a sound activated light switcher. The light switcher, when detected with a specific sound, would be able to turn on and off a light switch. It will be a physical object that needs to be attached to the light switch and will then be able to switch the switch from on to off and vice versa. The light switcher will be using a sound sensor to collect sound data and using logic gates to process the data. This project is useful for people who would like a simpler, safer, and more efficient way to turn off their lights in their dorm room.
Background Research
It could be really frustrating when you finally get on your bed and then realize you need to get down again to turn off the light. However, it could also be unsafe if you turn off your light before you get on your bed. As a result, our team came up with the idea of assembling a light control system that could turn on/off the light through one simple clapping sound.
We decided we could use a sound sensor in accordance with logic gate controls to use the clapping sound waves for controlling the motors and physically turn the light switch on or off. After thinking through different possible solutions, we decided to build a box that mounts directly over the light switch. The box will contain a mechanical system that works similarly to the steam train wheels’ mechanism to turn the light switch on and off. While we have also seen similar products and projects like this, it seems that most of them are assembled with an Arduino or equivalent devices. In this project, we intend to build our product purely with IC or transistor logic gates.
Block Diagram / Flow Chart
System Overview
Sound input (clap): to initiate our system, a clapping sound is needed.
Sound sensor: the sound sensor will collect and transfer the analog sound waves into electrical signals that can be processed.
Logic gate: after receiving the electrical signals, the logic gate would process and analyze the signals and eventually turn on the motor.
Motor: the motor would spin after the system completes the logic gate processing. The motor will only turn in one direction.
Switch flipping mechanism: this mechanism is directly connected to the motor and the light switch. This mechanism also assures that the flip switch can be turned on and off while the motor only spins in one direction.
Parts
Index | Item | Quantity | Price | Link |
1 | DC Motor Set | 1 | $13.99 | |
2 | Zip Ties | 1 | $7.99 | |
3 | Plastic Sheet | 1 | $9.95 | |
4 | Electret Condenser Microphone | 1 | $5.99 | |
5 | Logic Gate Kit | 1 | $19 | |
6 | Breadboard Kit | 1 | $18.98 | |
7 | Stainless Steel Brace | 1 | $8.99 | |
| 8 | Metal Eyelets Kit | 1 | $14.98 |
Possible Challenges
One of the hardest challenges would be designing and integrating the logic gate. Since we decided to use pure hardware to complete the build of the system, it would require a lot of knowledge and tuning to finish the logic gate controls. Secondly, the switch flipping mechanism could also be challenging. For each time it is activated, we need to successfully rotate the motor the same designated distance since over/under rotation over time will result in it not working right. Lastly, another challenge is either keeping the whole system light enough or finding a way to secure the system so that it could stay attached to the light switch
References
Circuit Digest. 2022. Clap On Clap Off Switch. [online] Available at: <https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/clap-on-clap-off-switch> [Accessed 14 February 2022].
Posted by quinnd2 at Feb 20, 2022 13:53