Unconventional Switch: Fly-Down Indicator

The Fly-Down Indicator is a clever invention which determines whether or not a person's zipper is undone. When the zipper is undone the indicator light is off, but when the zipper is up the indicator light turns on.

The circuit draws power from the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, which is plugged into any traditional USB port, and onto the breadboard. The current then passes through a 100-ohm resistor. From there, the current travels to an alligator clip fastened towards the top of the right leg of the pants. The zipper itself forms an unconventional switch. When the zipper is down, there is no conductive material to receive the current, but when the zipper is up the alligator clip will make contact with the conductive head of the zipper. The head of the zipper is attached to yet another alligator clip which jumps back to the breadboard. Next, the current jumps to the red LED indicator. Finally, the current returns to ground on the breadboard and returns to ground on the Circuit Playground Express.