Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Reva Johnson
College
College of Engineering (COE)
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
Adaptive switches are crucial in the field of assistive technology and enable people with mobility challenges to interact with their environment. However, the high cost of adaptive switches limits accessibility. While additive manufacturing has reduced cost, existing designs primarily focus on functionality over innovation. The failure to address different types of sensory issues and cost reduction has led to a limited market. The goal of this project was to develop accessible, low-cost options that considered sensory processing issues. We studied materials, electrical and mechanical components, and types of manufacturing to optimize the design and functionality for an adaptive switch. We developed two open-source, cost-effective, adaptive switches with the use of additive manufacturing: one basic model and one premium model. The basic switch consists of a simple push button design consisting of springs and a switch sensor with a removable push button plate, with an estimated cost of $10. This basic switch mirrors pre-existing switches, but at a lower cost while maintaining functionality, quality build, and user-friendliness. The premium switch consists of switch sensors, a removable push button plate, a speaker, and the ability to add different textures to the surface of the push button, with an estimated cost of $30. This premium switch focuses on addressing tactile and auditory sensory challenges while maintaining user-friendliness. These prototyped switches are cost-effective, functional switches, and enhance future innovation due to their open-source availability. This work demonstrates potential advances in making assistive technology more accessible.
Recommended Citation
Engelbert, Grant; Barnawi, Saeed; Orozco, Jonathan; and Johnson, Reva, "Assistive Technology: Cost-Effective Adaptive Switches" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1479.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1479
