Concept

As part of my exploration into unconventional switches and interactive physical computing, I set out to create a hands-free tilt maze that would light up an LED when a metal ball reached the end. The goal was to design a circuit where the ball itself would act as a conductor, closing the circuit when it landed in the final zone. This would be a simple yet effective way to merge an engaging, movement-based game with basic electronics.

Planning & Execution

1. Designing the Maze

I started with a small wooden tray, which served as the base for my maze. Using thin wooden strips, I created walls to guide the ball along a path. The objective was to navigate the ball from the start to the finish zone using only tilting motions, without touching it by hand.

2. Creating the Conductive Finish Zone

The most crucial part of the project was designing the finish zone, where the ball would complete an electrical circuit. I used copper tape to create two separate conductive paths (Pads A & B) with a small gap between them. When the metal ball landed on both pads simultaneously, it bridged the connection and completed the circuit, allowing current to flow and light up the LED.

3. Wiring the LED Circuit

To keep the project simple, I opted for a basic circuit:

•  Arduino 5V power supply
• Some LEDs
• A 330Ω resistor to protect the LED
• Wires connecting the copper tape pads to the circuit

The LED remained off until the ball touched both pads, acting as a natural switch.

4. Making It Hands-Free

To fully embrace the “hands-free” challenge, I designed the maze to be played by tilting the tray. I experimented with different ways to control the tilt: Holding the tray with some other body part ( added a stick for easy holding later)

The Confusing Part

One of the trickiest parts of the project was ensuring consistent electrical contact when the ball landed on the finish zone. Initially, the ball wouldn’t always complete the circuit properly. Through testing, I identified a few issues:

• Copper tape alignment: If the gap between the two pads was too wide, the ball wouldn’t bridge them effectively.
• Surface roughness: Uneven copper tape or debris could prevent a reliable connection.
• Ball material: Not all metal balls conducted electricity equally well. A steel washer worked best.

and heres “The Video”-

Final Thoughts

This project was a fun way to combine electronics, physical movement, and creative problem-solving. the conductivity issues helped me better understand how to design reliable electrical contacts.

I’m excited to explore more unconventional switch mechanisms in the future. Maybe next time, I’ll design a game that reacts to body heat, breathing, or even sound vibrations!

Will be demonstrating the gameplay on class!