CLAP AUTOMATED ELECTRIC FAN

An InnoVention Project
Presented to:
Ms. Catherine Jacobe
InnoVention Project Adviser
Science and Technology Department
St. Joseph School – La Salle

In Partial Fulfilment of the requirements

in Science 8

By
Group 7

Andrin, Van Bernadine

Alolod, Francine Rose
Ege, Gwyneth Nucclei
Fermo, Neissel Anne
Gomeri, Madeleine Rafaelle
Piano, Izel

Class 8A

October 2017
 Introduction

Background of the Study

A person with disability is anyone with a physical or mental impairment

that substantially limits at least one major life activity. According to statistics

published by the United Nations, 15% of our global population is afflicted with

disabilities. A lot of these people, including the senior citizens are at risk of

ergonomic hazards and have a hard time bending down to reach things that are

beyond their reach. (World Health Organization, 2012)

Persons with Disabilities as well as senior citizens hire caregivers to

provide help and to make the difficult lives of these people much easier.

Caregivers would help them eat, take a bath and do the rest of the everyday

activities that the person is having a hard time doing alone. However, there are

times when the caregiver is not around to help them satisfy their needs. (Medline

Plus, 2017)

In 1996, the Clapper Light Switch was invented. The light switches on and

off through the sound of a clap. It was discovered that the major component that

was used in its circuit is the Sound Activated Switch. This component is sensitive

to the sounds in its surroundings. This circuit can also be used for an electric fan

where the device will be controlled through the sound of a clap. (Dale E. Reamer,

2016)

The struggles of the Persons with disabilities and the senior citizens have

led the researchers in making the Clap Automated Electric Fan.

Statement of the Problem

This InnoVention Project has the intention to make a circuit that can control

an electric fan through the sound of a clap. Specifically, it sought answers to the

following questions:

1) What is the clap’s volume (in decibels) that can be detected by the circuit?

a) 60 - 65 Decibels

b) 66 - 70 Decibels

c) 70 - 75 Decibels

d) 76 – 80 Decibels

e) Above 80 Decibels

2) What is the distance of the clap that can be detected by the circuit?]

a) 1 meter

b) 2 meters

c) 3 meters

d) 4 meters

e) 5 meters

3) What is the clap’s frequency required to turn on/off the electric fan?

4) Will the product be sensitive to other sounds aside from claps?

Scope and Limitation

This project mainly focuses in making a circuit that is capable of turning

on/off an electric fan through the sound of a clap. This study would be limited in
powering an electric fan and does not cover the control of the electric fan’s speed

and the movement of the electrical motor. It is also limited to only two types of

electric fans: Table Fans and Pedestal Fans. It does not include other types of

fans such as ceiling fans.

Significance of the Study

This InnoVention Project, if done successfully, would be beneficial to the

following:

Persons with Disability. This product will provide ease to those people who

have disabilities especially to those who are incapable of standing and walking. It

can be switched on/off through clapping and will not require them to stand or

walk to the switch or to the electric fan itself just to turn if on/off.

Workplace. The product will be of great help and convenience to busy people

who have lots of things to do. Instead of leaving what they are doing to turn the

electric fan on/off, they just have to clap their hands in order to make it work or

stop.

Household. This product can be used in households to help families in making

their lives easier. When the electric fan is out of their reach, they can just clap

their hands to turn it on.

Definition of Terms

Circuit / Electrical Circuit

An electrical circuit is a path or line through which an electrical current

flows. (ESchoolToday, 2016) In the study, the circuit is the concept used in

controlling an electric fan through the clap sound.

Sound Switch

A component used in the Clapper Light Switch which is sensitive to sound

in its surroundings. (Electro Schematics, 2014) In the study, this component is

used to detect the sounds of a clap.

Fan

A fan is a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such

as air. (Britannica, 2012) In the study, the fan is the device that automatically

responds to the clap sounds.

Volume

Volume is the degree of loudness or the intensity of a sound. (Merriam

Webster, 2017) In the study, the clap’s volume must be considered in order to

identify the sensitivity of the product.

Decibel

The decibel (dB) is used to measure sound level, but it is also widely used

in electronics, signals and communication. (Joe Wolfe, 2016)In the study, decibel

is the unit used to identify the clap’s volume that can be detected by the circuit.

Frequency

Frequency is the number of crests of a wave that move past a given point

in a given unit of time. (Science Dictionary, 2005) In the study, the clap’s

frequency is considered to identify the sensitivity of the product.

Sound

Sound is a vibration that typically propagates as an audible wave of

pressure, through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid or solid. (Merriam

Webster, 2017) In the study, the sound of a clap turns on/off the product.