Assistive Technology Project

 This is an AbleNet Jelly Bean switch. This switch costs around $75 . It contains: - 3.5mm mono audio jack and cable—about 6 feet total (measured). ( $1.59 ) - 1 3/8 inch activation surface. Note that this surface has a piece of rubber padding on the back surface. (Est. few cents to $1 ) - 3.5-ounce activating microswitch. ( 19¢ per piece [pack of 10 is $1.88] ) - Misc. category: Spring, casing, and two screws. (In total cost up to (being generous) $3 ) This switch should cost no more than $10 to produce one—not to mention partial-mass production.  ------------------------------------------------------------------ The requirements for designing a switch ( ✓ indicates that the item/requirement has been attained ) : - An activation surface of no less than 1.72 inches squared - A cord length of 6ft.   ✓ - A activation weight of around 3-4 ounces.  ✓ - Low-cost yet high-quality and reliable.  - Auditory and tactile feedback. - Easy to produce

 After reviewing the possible options and suggestions, I have decided that designing a low-cost switch may be an easier start for the group of projects I plan to do.  The goal: Design a switch that could possibly be 3D printed and easily manufactured/assembled by anyone.  The challenge: We must make this switch easy to produce, assemble, and not infringe on any patents currently pending. The design must not differ too much from the original switch, as we want this switch to be intuitive and seamless. In the next few weeks, I will start to design a switch. I plan to explore systems such as compliant mechanis ms (" achieves force and motion transmission through elastic body deformation.") If not, we will use a different mechanism to achieve similar results. The other, more challenging projects are planned to start later this year when I have access to more advanced tools. This is an excellent start!