Force and motion
Force and Motion
Sample Hidden Switches
The five basic types
There are five basic switches that should be available, in case students can’t think of ways to make hidden switches. these are switches activated by
- closing a book
- opening a book
- closing a box
- opening a box
- removing something from a clothespin
Each type is presented below using both a video and a diagram.
Switch Activated by Closing a Book
The video above and diagram below show how to make a hidden switch that could turn a circuit on when the book was closed. As the book begins to close, the heads of the two paper fasteners inside touch each other, making contact.
Switch Activated by Opening a Book
The video above and diagram below show how to make a hidden switch that could turn on a circuit when the book opens. As the two sides open up, the leg of one paper fastener on the back of the book touches the head of the other, making contact.
Switch Activated by Closing a Box
The video above and diagram below show how to make a hidden switch that could turn on a circuit when a box closes. As the lid closes, the head of the paper fastener touches the battery inside, making contact.
Switch Activated by Opening a Box
The video above and diagram below show how to make a switch that is activated by opening a box. As the lid opens, the paper fastener touches the battery taped to the back, mking contact.
Clothespin Switch
The video above and diagram below show how to make a switch that could make a circuit come on when a piece of paper or cloth was removed from a clothespin. A jumbo paper clip is taped to each of the clothespin’s jaws. Normally, these contact can’t touch. because of the paper or cloth insulator that separates them. When the paper or cloth is removed, the two clips make contact.
