Created October 4, 2019

Automatic Door Opener

Open a door via voice command or other sensor to assist those with mobility issues like a walker or wheelchair.

IntermediateFull instructions provided5 hours35

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Particle Photon

linear actuator

Roomba Wheel

4 channel 12V (3.3V action) DPDT Relay

Only 3 channels are required.

12V to 3.3V convertor module

Bolts and nuts 1/4"

Command adhesive strips

Small spring and picture hanging wire

12V 3A Power Supply

Software apps and online services

IFTTT IFTT Trigger

Hand tools and fabrication machines

RAISE N2 3D Printer

Story

Older people often must walk with a walker or use a wheelchair making opening and closing doors difficult . Many disabled folks also have pets that need to go in/out often and it can be difficult for them to get up and open the door. While there are automatic door openers on the market, they are very expensive and don't always work in residential environments. This door solution is easy to install on any door. It will turn the handle and open/close the door based on a voice command to Alexa. When not in use, the door is free to open via normal means.

This solution costs under $100 to build.

Build Notes:

- The base and motor mount are custom 3D Printed Parts.

- The motor is mounted to the baseplate with plastic adhesive.

- The IFTT "Trigger" function is used to connect Alexa to the Proton. The operative speech is "Alexa trigger open door" and "Alexa trigger close door."

The code contains a function handler that can be used to connect other controllers such as motion detection or an external button.

- I used picture hanging wire to connect the door handle to the actuator. For standard doorknobs, there will need to be an additional part to clamp around knob.

- The timers in the code need to be adjusted to provide the proper open and close amount for each door. The door itself must swing freely.

- The floor surface dramatically effects the performance. Very heavy shag carpets and very slick surfaces are more difficult to handle. A rubber floormat by the door is helpful.

This is still a work-in-progress but the system is fully functional today and used in my home.

Door Opening

Door Closing

Electronics

Schematics

Code

DoorV5..ino

/*
 * Project DoorWheel
 * Description:
 * Author:Mark Lewis
 * Date: 10/1/2019
 */

int rlBar = D0;
int ocWheel = D1;
int motorPower = D2;
int DOWNTIME = 16000;
int OPENTIME = 3000;
int CLOSETIME = 4000;
int lastData;


void setup() {
  pinMode(rlBar, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ocWheel, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(motorPower, OUTPUT);

  Particle.function("openDoor", openDoor);
  Particle.function("closeDoor", closeDoor);
  Particle.subscribe("let_the_dog_out", myHandler);  
 
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing to see here....

}

void oDoor()  {
  //  if (lastData = 1) {
  digitalWrite( rlBar, HIGH);
  delay (DOWNTIME);
  digitalWrite( ocWheel, HIGH);
  digitalWrite( motorPower, HIGH);
  delay (OPENTIME);
  digitalWrite( motorPower, LOW);
  //lastData = 0;
 // }
}

void cDoor()  {
    //if (lastData = 0) {
  digitalWrite( ocWheel, LOW);
  digitalWrite( motorPower, HIGH);
  digitalWrite( rlBar, LOW); 
  delay (CLOSETIME);
  digitalWrite( motorPower, LOW);
  //lastData = 1;
  //  }
}

void myHandler(const char *event, const char *data)
{
    if (strcmp(data,"open")==0)  {
       oDoor();
       delay (OPENTIME);

   }
    if  (strcmp(data,"close")==0) {  
       cDoor();
       delay (CLOSETIME);
   }
}

//Invoked by alexa 
int openDoor(String Command) {
    oDoor();
    return 1;
}

//Invoked by alexa
int closeDoor(String Command) {
    cDoor();
    return 1;
}

Credits

Mark Lewis

3 projects • 2 followers

Automatic Door Opener

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Custom parts and enclosures

Base

Motor Mount

Schematics

Basic Schmatic

Code

DoorV5..ino

Credits

Mark Lewis

Comments

Embed the widget on your own site

Automatic Door Opener

Automatic Door Opener

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Custom parts and enclosures

Base

Motor Mount

Schematics

Basic Schmatic

Code

DoorV5..ino

Credits

Mark Lewis

Comments

Related channels and tags