Float Switch: Difference between revisions

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*'''We need a switch system that triggers when the water level rises past and drops below a certain height.'''
*'''We need a switch system that triggers when the water level rises past and drops below a certain height.'''
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=Float System=
=Float System=

Revision as of 19:12, 11 June 2012

Basic Concept

The float switch essentially turns something on or off when the water level goes over a certain point, then turns it back off or on, respectively, when the water level drops below that point.

Conclusions:

  • We need a float system that rises and falls depending on the height of the water level
  • We need a switch system that triggers when the water level rises past and drops below a certain height.

Float System

The float system needs to be low enough density to both float in the water and to trigger the switch if the switch trigger requires any kinetic force.

The float system needs to be consistently aligned with the switch system such that the float system cannot just float away and be unable to trigger the switch.

Switch System

The switch system should involve a sensor and microcontroller for superior versatility of switch operation.

The switch system needs a transistor for the microcontroller to have superior switching specifications; that is, high maximum electric potential and high maximum current.

Conclusions:

  • The switch system needs a sensor system, microcontroller system, and transistor system.

Float System

Sensor System

Hall effect sensor. Source Datasheet

Microcontroller System

Arduino Uno: Microcontroller Board Source

Arduino IDE: Integrated Development Environment Source

Float Switch Code [Source]

Transistor System