This project, created as part of the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Capstone Project, is a smart light switch overlay designed to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption in homes by automating light switch control. The system uses a servo motor, PIR motion sensor, and button input to provide both hands-free and manual control of a traditional light switch. It was developed using a combination of CAD, Arduino, custom soldered components, and a slider mechanism.
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The LightSwitch Overlay system allows users to toggle a light switch automatically by detecting motion (via a PIR sensor) or manually via a button press. This product addresses the common problem of homeowners leaving lights on in vacant rooms, leading to unnecessary electricity consumption and higher energy bills.
According to a 2020 Lutron Electronics survey, 90% of American homeowners reported someone in their household frequently leaving lights on. This solution aims to combat that issue in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.
- Motion-Activated Switching: Automatically flips the switch when motion is detected.
- Manual Control: Users can manually toggle the switch with a button press.
- LED Feedback: Provides visual cues about the switch’s state (on or off).
- Easy Installation: The overlay can be easily installed over any standard light switch without extensive wiring.
- Cost Efficiency: Prototype cost $9.65, and with manufacturing optimization, the projected cost is $5.01.
- Servo Motor: Flips the physical light switch through a custom-designed mechanism.
- PIR Sensor: Detects motion to trigger the automatic switch toggle.
- Push Button: Allows manual control over the switch.
- Arduino Nano: The ultra-compact microcontroller responsible for controlling the logic.
- Soldered Breadboard: For reliable electrical connections.
- 9V Battery: Powers the entire overlay system.
- Best Overall Award: Won the "Best Overall" award at an engineering panel against seventy other students.
- Patent Pending: The team is pursuing a patent and developing a custom PCB to optimize the design.
- Motion Detection: When the PIR sensor detects motion, the servo motor flips the switch to the "on" position. After a set time, it flips back to the "off" position unless overridden by the button.
- Manual Override: Users can press the button to manually toggle the switch, which overrides any motion-based triggers.
- Low Power Consumption: The system is optimized to use minimal power, ensuring longer battery life (projected six-month lifespan after further optimization).
- Custom PCB: Aiming for power optimization to extend the product's battery life to six months (from the current prototype’s 20 hours of operation).
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.