Door handle at common door in offices is a common source of COVID-19 virus transmission. A proximity sensor can sense finger pointing from a distance of about 1 inch. This sense can be detected by Arduino Nano, which can transmit the signal wirelesslly to commercial motorized door opener. Another similar proximity sensor can be used to close the door. The circuit was built with Microchip MTCH101 on our Saniabox board ( it had the MTCH101 circuit already populated) and was tested successfully. Commercialization of this product can reduce the COVID-19 infection substantially.
Proximity Sensors detect the presence of object nearby by detecting the change in the Capacitance value. The Microchip MTCH101 integrates a single-channel capacitive proximity detection, and can work through plastic,or wood-front panel. Its sensitivity can be adjusted using on board components. An active-lowoutput will communicate state of the sensor to Arduino Nano.
The wiring diagram captures the connection between Arduino Nano and MTCH101. The TP1 is a metal piece ( Typically 1" x 1") on the PCB that will sense the presence of finger. The Sensitivity could be adjusted using R8 and R9. The Pin 4 of MTCH101 gives the output that goes to a GPIO of Arduino Nano.
The change of logic on the GPIO pin can trigger the Arduino Nano to start opening and closing of the motorized door. This will allow the door to be opened or closed.
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