CLAP SWITCH

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed in today’s society that everybody likes

convenience. Many electronic users decide at will not to use appliances such
as radio, fan, television (TV), etc., if they must walk across the room to either
switch on or off such appliances. This has led to the manufacturing of devices
that are remote controlled. However, operating most remote controlled
appliances requires a little walk across the room in order to retrieve the remote
control unit. Sometimes, when the remote control unit is misplaced, it usually
requires extra time and effort to find it. Therefore, in other to alleviate the
problem associated with the usage of remote control unit, the sound activated
switch was proposed.

One of the recent studies on sound activated switches used sound

produced by clapping hands to control electric bulb. The authors used a sound
activated switch to turn ON the bulb by clapping the hand once or twice and
OFF when the clapping is done once or twice again as the case may be.
Clapping produces sound waves. A transducer which converts these sound
waves into electrical signal is desired to detect the occurrence of sound event.
Hence, a microphone is used to sense audio signal whose output voltage level
typically is of the order of few millivolts depending upon the intensity of sound
and distance of source from the microphone.

The primary purpose of switch generally, is to provide means for

connecting two or more terminals in order to allow the flow of electric current
across them, thereby allowing for interaction between electrical components,
and to be able to easily isolate circuits in order to terminate this communication
flow when needed. Application of clap switch is it acts as a direct switch by
using a battery. It is also used in transistors.
OBJECTIVES

The objective of this project is to design a sound activated switch that;

i. Could turn ON/OFF appliances plugged to its two socket outlets with 2
claps which would differ in timing, thereby making the device select
the particular appliance to be turned ON/OFF.
ii. Can serve as a limited function security device.
iii. Has adjustable settings that can be set to make it:
a) Very sensitive such that almost any noise will turn on the connected
appliance(s) to discourage potential intruders (AWAY MODE).
Applicable for turning on a light when entering a dark room, such
as a garage or basement, i.e no need to clap since any noise will
turn on the lights. b) High sensitivity mode such that the connected
appliance can be operated by clap from a far away distance.
(HIGH MODE) c) Low sensitivity mode that can only control the
appliance from a nearby position. (LOW MODE)

Advantages disadvantages and applications of a clap switch

The major advantage of a clap switch is that you can turn something
(e.g. a lamp) on and off from any location in the room (e.g. while lying in bed)
simply by clapping your hands. What are the advantages of clapping?
Clapping leads to stimulation of receptors in the palms. These receptors carry
the sensations to the brain. In the brain there are sensory areas. These are called
parietal cortexes. The right and left cortexes have different but complementary
functions. In these areas there representation of the body in an inverted
manner. This small body representation is called homunculus.

The hands and the face have maximum representation in this

homunculus. Hence clapping causes stimulation of the large areas of brain [just
as rubbing of the inner aspects of the oral cavity does] and presumably this
activates and all the body systems and thereby improving the health. Knowing
this; probably in an intuitive manner, the clapping has been integral part of
devotional hymns, music, prayers etc. This link of religions or spiritual practices
and health has to be appreciated. Clapping behavior is unmistakable right from
the childhood days and in times exclamations or ecstatic responses.

The major disadvantage is that it's generally cumbersome to have to

clap one's hands to turn something on or off and it's generally seen as simpler for
most use cases to use a traditional light switch. The primary application involves
an elderly or mobility-impaired person. A clap switch is generally used for a light,
television, radio, or similar electronic device that the person will want to turn
on/off from bed.

SIGNIFICANCE OF A CLAP SWITCH

A clap switch will be a big help specially to those persons who is lacking
or those persons with disabilities. This will be handy to them since they can easily
turn on or turn off a switch.

This will also help kids, whose height is not yet developed, because the
switch may be placed higher above them.

The switch and the idea may also be an additional knowledge to future
researchers and students who will need information about this topic.