Float Switch: Difference between revisions
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=Float System= | =Float System= | ||
*'''Float Container''' [Instructions] | |||
*'''Alignment Frame''' [Instructions] | |||
=Sensor System= | =Sensor System= | ||
Revision as of 19:14, 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
- Float Container [Instructions]
- Alignment Frame [Instructions]
Sensor System
Hall effect sensor. Source Datasheet
Waterproof Casing [Instructions]
Microcontroller System
Arduino Uno: Microcontroller Board Source
Arduino IDE: Integrated Development Environment Source
Float Switch Code [Source]