Proximity/Sensor Switch

Proximity/Sensor Switch

Purpose

The purpose for proximity/sensor switches is to provide a hands-free, touchless way to activate devices, making them ideal for individuals with motor disabilities who don’t want to use much force to activate things.

Purchasing and Price

Ready-Made switches on the market:

• Glassouse Proximity switch, $79
• Able Net Big Candy Corn Switch, $255

DIYs

DIY1: Proximity Switch Design

Important Note:

While the DIY proximity switch demonstrates how to use sensor components like the VL53L0X or an ultrasonic module, it is not a complete equivalent to a commercially available proximity switch designed for assistive technology use. These tutorials show how to build electronic components as a sensor but not how to convert it into a working proximity switch that can work for accessible devices.

This switch can be built using off-the-shelf components. Some available DIY resources:

• VL53L0X Distance Sensor Guide – Adafruit
• Ultrasonic Sensor DIY Tutorial – SparkFun

Expertise Required:

• Some Arduino Programming Experience Preferred
• General electronics building experience
• These DIY’s are approachable with some practice and perfect for learners looking to get hands-on experience.

Materials Required

Sensor Module

• Adafruit VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor, $15.00
• SparkFun HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, $6.00

Microcontroller

• Arduino Uno R3, $35.00
• Arduino (Free Software to Download)

Jumper Wires & Breadboard

• Jumper Wire Kit, $7.00
• Solderless Breadboard, $10.00

3.5 mm Audio Jack Adapter

• Panel Mount 3.5mm Audio Jack, $5.25

Power Source

• 9V Battery Holder with Barrel Jack, $3.50

Instructions

• Follow along with this video Adafruit if you are using the L53L0X Distance Sensor Guide from Adafruit