Search Here

MISC
 Parts List
 Robot Forum
 Chat
 Member Pages
 Axon MCU
 Robot Books
 Shop
 Contact

SKILLS
 How To Build
  A Robot
  Tutorial
 Calculators
 Mechanics
 Programming
 Miscellaneous
 Robots
 Space

HARDWARE
 Actuators
 Batteries
 Electronics
 Materials
 Microcontrollers
 Sensors

SCIENCE
 Robot Journals
 Robot Theory
 Conferences

SCHEMATICS - TACTILE BUMP SENSOR CIRCUIT



note: this page is a place holder until a better tutorial is written

Tactile Bump Sensors are great for collision detection, but the circuit itself also works fine for user buttons and switches as well.
There are many designs possible for bump switches, often depending on the design and goals of the robot itself. But the circuit remains the same. They usually implement a mechanical button to short the circuit, pulling the signal line high or low. An example is the microswitch with a lever attached to increase its range, as shown above.

There are several versions below, depending on how you plan to use the circuit and your available switches. For the resistor use a very high value, such as 40kohms.

Tactile Bump Sensor Circuits

	Voltage goes high with contact		Voltage goes low with contact
		More efficient switch for 3 lead switches (use for microswitches)



Tips and Uses
Tactile switches only work if your robot can stop instantaneously (like when moving slowly). There is no point ramming the wall, then the switch saying 'oops, wall here.' This is why more advanced robots often use sonar and IR because it gives a slowing down buffer zone. You will need several to cover the front and/or back of your robot.



Availability and Cost
Microswitches easily available under $1. Use a popsickle stick lever with it.

Power Requirements
None.

Get Your Ad Here