Robust switch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: gaminn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 07:26:53 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking for a small switch low profile (5 mm height max) that is robust - it should withstand a child's (30 kg) step.I used some noname tactile switch like thishttps://solarbotics.com/product/17390/but it stopped working after several steps.I also thought about designing switch using some conductive rubber glued on a surface and gold plated pads on PCB - the conductive rubber will touch PCB when someone steps on the surface.Are there other options?Thanks

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 07:30:39 pm
content: If it deliberate step operation, then you can get proper foot switches, designed for musical instrument pedals etc.Another idea is mechanical paddles with fixed mechanical end stops and attach microswitches.

author: gaminn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 07:35:46 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on August 09, 2019, 07:30:39 pmI really have 5 mm space between stationary surface and the surface where someone steps on.Quote from: Gyro on August 09, 2019, 07:30:39 pmGood idea, thanks, will think about it.

author: m98
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 07:41:15 pm
content: A plate with an embedded magnet, some kind of flat spring or stiff foam and a hall sensor with adjustable trigger value on a pcb underneath.

author: FenTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 08:28:57 pm
content: There are special switch mats that detect someone stepping on them, intended for security systems. They're thin enough to hide under a carpet:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Floor-Pressure-Alarm-Switch-Pad-Mat-PM156/253756658234

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2019, 04:08:58 pm
content: In ancient times, before IR motion sensors, grocery store automatic doors were triggered by special mats.Can you still get those? How did they work? They certainly took a ton of abuse.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2019, 07:34:37 pm
content: You haven't made clear the operational requirements. Is the switch intended to operate when stepped on, or is that merely a condition it has to survive? Does it have to survive AND switch when stepped on, survive and NOT switch when stepped on, or merely survive?I'm thinking of a touch switch, based on either capacitance, piezo, or resistance principle. They all have no moving parts, but their suitability will depend on your requirements.

author: gaminn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2019, 11:17:35 am
content: Quote from: Nusa on August 10, 2019, 07:34:37 pmI'm sorry how I defined the condition - It is merely out test condition to survive. The switch will not be operated by foot, it will be operated by hand (and it can be hit quite hard).I decided to try gold plated pads on PCB and conductive rubber. This should withstand almost any force applied. A little problem can be dust (the enclosure of the switch is not IP rated) but the switch will not be operated in harsh environment....

author: AndersJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2019, 05:52:33 pm
content: Capacitive sensor?