Hi everyone!
I'm working on an Arduino-based animatronics project. I want to trigger the animation when a fake book on a shelf is slightly pulled outward at an angle (not fully removed, just tilted slightly).
I'm trying to figure out the best type of sensor for this kind of interaction. Ideally, I’d like something that:
- Detects when the book is pulled/tilted a bit
- Doesn’t false-trigger from nearby motion or vibration
- Can be hidden inside or behind the book if possible
Would a tilt sensor, motion sensor, or something else be best here?
Edit: I'm pretty new to arduino, so if there is anything else that is easier to implement this, please let me know!
Thanks in advance!
Or a micro-switch. There are such things as power and connecting wires, etc. to consider as well.
If the fake book is attached so as to pivot I second @Paul_KD7HB's suggestion to use a microswitch. They can have all sorts of kinds of actuators so you should be able accommodate any placement required.
We weren't exactly planning on attaching it to a pivot. We were basically envisioning have a book on a shelf, and when it was slightly pulled or tilted, it would trigger some sound to run. The motion would most likely not be consistent (in the way/angle/force that it is pulled) every time, which is why I wasn't sure if a switch would work. However, the motion would not be extremely exaggerated with the book being pulled out completely.
This seems like a rare case where you can actually test several options!
The book was going to be on a shelf, where would we have a fake wall to hide the Arduino, wires, power source, etc. In terms of scale, this is a small, simple project. Shelf Dimensions: 1' x 1' x 1' (this can be changed slightly).
Then you are all set to begin testing your possible sensors!
Thank you! For the motion sensor, would you recommend a Arduino PIR motion sensor? I'm pretty new to this, so I'm not sure what the best one would be.
A simple reed switch would work. The easiest to find would be a door sensor. Try something like this where the switch is anchored to the bookcase and the magnet is in the book. Place sensor near top of book (cardboard) then it will trip when tilted or pulled back. This may save you the cost of the Arduino. The switch can be gotten in SPNO, SPNC, and SPDT.
I have a lot of them in my home, in all the kitchen cabinets. The light up inside when the door is opened.
I would attach it at the outside edge so that it could be tilted back but not dislodged from its position. like in all the movie scenes with the bookcase that reveals the hidden passageway.
I have to second the magnetic reed switch as the easiest to actuate of the suggestions so far. Or the Hall switch analog which requires a little more to interface.
What are the specifications for you PIR sensor? How wide an area does it cover? By definition, it only detects heat in motion. Will that work for you? You decide!
