The bimetallic switch with Cobra SMARTsense Code

Principle

A bimetallic strip is a metal strip made of two adjacent metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the bimetal is heated, it bends to one side. This means that bimetals can also be used as switches.

The programmable actuator Cobra SMARTsense Code can be used to indicate when a bimetal switch closes or opens the circuit.

Tasks

1. Build a bimetal switch into a circuit consisting of a current sensor and resistor so that it can open or close the circuit.
2. Program the code so that a sad smiley appears as soon as the bimetal switch bends due to heat.

Learning objectives

The students should use the experiment to understand the principle and function of a bimetal switch. They will also learn how to program an actuator with simple "If... then..." logic operations.

Advantages

• No additional cable connections required between the components - clearer and faster assembly
• Contact reliability thanks to components that can be interlocked like a puzzle
• Hard gold-plated, corrosion-resistant contacts
• Double learning success: electrical circuit diagram visible on the top and real components on the bottom