cheap force sensitive resistor or switch

[vinodstanur]

Hi,
I am searching for a switch some thing similar to FSR. FSR is costly and I don't want to measure the weight or force, just need to turn ON a system when a force is applied on it. But it should not be a push button because the push button will get damaged if a 100N weight is applied on it.... It is working perfectly when I am using FSR but is there any cheap alternative for the FSR ? Is there any switch which will turn ON if we shake it or some thing like that?

 

[tpetar]

Hi Vinodstanur,

What You say on these sensors :

**broken link removed**

 

[barry]

You could use a piezoelectric element. very inexpensive. How much force will you have? Piezos work better with a sharp impulse rather than a slow, steady pressure; they are essentially "AC" devices, the only produce an output when the input is changing.

 

[vinodstanur]

Yes barry, I have a plan to try the same, but I am not sure if it can trigger a switch with simple motion rather than hitting or striking on any surface. But I will try that..

Any other solution?

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Hi Vinodstanur,

What You say on these sensors :

**broken link removed**

that seems to be interesting... any similar MEMS switch available which doesn't require power?

 

[tpetar]

Tilt Sensor
https://learn.adafruit.com/tilt-sensor/overview

**broken link removed**

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http://www.rapidonline.com/electronic-components/non-mercury-shock-movement-sensor-62094/

http://in.rsdelivers.com/product/active/vs-801p/link-lead-type-non-mercury-motion-sensor/3615100.aspx

 

[barry]

Yes barry, I have a plan to try the same, but I am not sure if it can trigger a switch with simple motion rather than hitting or striking on any surface. But I will try that..

Any other solution?

Are you looking to detect MOTION or force? Your original post said you wanted to detect an applied force. Motion would be a whole different thing. Maybe you can explain your application a little more.

I've also seen something about using conductive foam. Supposedly as it's compressed its resistance changes, but I've never tried it. I don't think I'd use this for a product, but if you're just playing around it might be worth a try.

An inexpensive strain gauge would work, but I'm not sure how much "inexpensive" costs.