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.