FAQ
TL;DR: Easiest build: fingertip pads touching a palm plate close a circuit; FlexiForce needs only 1 wire pair. “A battery, piezo buzzer, and a few op amps would do it.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
Why it matters: This helps people who ask “how do I make a glove alarm for cramps?” with simple, low‑force parts and wiring.
Quick Facts
- Trigger method: touch contacts between fingertip pads and a palm plate complete the alarm circuit. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685529]
- Low force: avoid mechanical switches; touch contacts respond without significant pressure. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
- Single-cable option: one FlexiForce palm sensor needs only one pair of wires to the belt unit. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
- Minimal BOM: battery + piezo buzzer + a few op amps can drive an audible alert. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
- Thin, flexible conductors: copper mesh/grill plates are bendable and glove‑friendly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
What’s the simplest way to detect fingers touching the palm?
Sew or adhere metal pads on fingertips and a metal plate on the palm, then wire them to close a circuit when they touch. This contact closure drives a buzzer or logic input. It needs no force calibration and works with normal gloves. Add insulation around edges to prevent accidental shorts. This approach is inexpensive and fast to prototype with craft copper tape or metalized fabric. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685529]
Are mechanical switches a good idea for cramp detection?
Use them only if grip force is strong during cramps. Mechanical switches need considerable force, which can miss gentle closures or fatigue the user. Touch contacts or force sensors reduce activation effort and bulk in the palm. As one expert noted, “touch contacts are the best solution.” For severe, locking cramps, a low‑force switch can still work if positioned centrally. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
How would I wire a basic battery and alarm to the glove?
Create a simple series circuit: battery positive → alarm/buzzer → glove contact pair → battery negative. When fingers touch the palm, the circuit closes and the buzzer sounds. Keep wire runs short, and strain‑relieve at the glove cuff. Use a small enclosure on a belt or wrist for battery and buzzer. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685534]
Can I put a single device on the palm that triggers when pressed?
Yes. You can mount a pressure‑actuated device on the palm so finger pressure activates it, similar to a slim doorbell concept. This reduces fingertip wiring but still requires low activation force. Place it where the average finger cluster lands during a cramp. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685531]
What is a FlexiForce sensor, and why use it here?
FlexiForce is a thin force‑sensing resistor that outputs a resistance change with pressure. Glued to the palm, it detects finger pressure without multiple fingertip wires. It needs a simple conditioning circuit but only one pair of wires to the belt unit. It tolerates normal hand motion after a quick tare. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
Do I need complex electronics, or will a buzzer suffice?
For basic alerts, a battery and piezo buzzer work. For sensitivity or threshold control, add op‑amps to condition the sensor signal. As one expert said, “A battery, piezo buzzer, and a few op amps would do it.” Keep the circuit light and place it off‑glove. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
How do I build flexible, durable contacts into a glove?
Use thin copper mesh or grill as electrodes for the palm and fingertips. They bend with the fabric and reduce bulk. Stitch or adhesive‑bond them, then cover edges with fabric tape. Route conductors along seams to minimize snagging and improve comfort. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
Will normal hand movements cause false alarms?
With touch contacts, accidental brushing can trigger alarms. Using a force sensor and a calibrated threshold helps. Set a tare so normal flexing sits below the trip point, and cramp force triggers it. Place the sensor where fingers press during a lock. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
What if the cramp locks the fingers tightly?
This scenario suits both touch contacts and force sensors. Locked fingers ensure reliable contact or high pressure. For maximum assurance, use a palm force sensor plus a backup contact plate. The user confirmed that fingers lock during cramps. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685537]
Could MEMS sensors help?
Yes. Small MEMS pressure or touch components can sense compression with minimal bulk. Integrate them in the palm area and feed their output to a threshold circuit or microcontroller. This matches the thread’s principle‑level scheme suggestion for compact sensing. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685535]
Is there a quick 3‑step way to prototype this?
- Add fingertip pads and a palm plate (or a palm force sensor).
- Wire battery → alarm → sensor path, with strain relief.
- Test, adjust sensitivity or plate area, and secure wiring.
[Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685535]
Any edge cases where switches fail?
Yes. High‑activation‑force microswitches may not trigger if the hand closes gently or inconsistently. They can also add uncomfortable pressure points. Prefer touch contacts or low‑force sensors to reduce strain and improve reliability during variable cramps. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
What parts count should I expect for a minimal build?
Typical minimal build uses three core parts: a battery, a piezo buzzer, and a sensor or contact pair. Add two to four small passives for conditioning if using a force sensor. Keep electronics on a belt to reduce glove weight. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
Can someone build this for me?
The thread includes a request for a builder. If you need help, share your location and requirements to engage a local maker or forum member. Provide glove size, sensor choice, and power preference to speed quotes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685538]
