Surya Prototype: Fire Extinguisher Alarm Device with Installation and Expiration Date Timer
Surya Prototype: Fire Extinguisher Alarm Device with Installation and Expiration Date Timer
Concept:
A smart alarm device that attaches to fire extinguishers to monitor their installation and expiration dates.
The device will issue an audible alert starting one week before the expiration date, ensuring timely maintenance or replacement.---
Key Features
1. Installation Timer:
Tracks the installation date and calculates the expiration timeline.
2. Expiration Date Alerts:
Emits an alarming sound starting 7 days before the expiration date, continuing daily until replacement.
3. LED Indicator:
Visual alert system with color-coded LEDs:
Green: Active and valid.
Yellow: Approaching expiration (within one week).
Red: Expired.
4. Battery Status Monitoring:
Notifies users if the device's battery is running low.
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Components
1. Microcontroller (e.g., ATmega328):
Handles date tracking and alert mechanisms.
2. Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module:
Tracks time and date to ensure accurate timer functionality.
3. Buzzer:
Emits an audible alarm as the expiration date nears.
4. LED Indicators:
Provides visual alerts for status updates.
5. Input Buttons:
Allows users to set the installation date and expiration duration.
6. Battery (e.g., CR2032 or Li-ion):
Powers the device with long-lasting performance.
7. Plastic Enclosure:
Compact, durable housing to attach securely to the fire extinguisher.
8. Adhesive Mounting or Magnetic Clip:
Ensures easy attachment to various extinguisher types.
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Mechanism
1. Setup:
Upon installation, the user sets the installation date and lifespan of the fire extinguisher (e.g., 5 years).
The RTC module records the current date and calculates the expiration date.
2. Monitoring:
The device continuously monitors the current date against the expiration timeline.
3. Alert Activation:
7 days before the expiration date:
The buzzer emits a loud alarm daily until the expiration date.
The LED changes from green to yellow.
After the expiration date:
The LED turns red, and the alarm becomes continuous until reset.
4. Battery Status Check:
A low-power indicator alerts the user to replace the battery to ensure uninterrupted operation.
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Benefits
1. Proactive Maintenance:
Ensures fire extinguishers are replaced or serviced on time, reducing safety risks.
2. Convenience:
Eliminates the need for manual checks by providing automated alerts.
3. Increased Safety:
Prevents reliance on expired or ineffective extinguishers during emergencies.
4. Cost-Effective:
Affordable solution that extends the usability of existing fire extinguishers.
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Future Enhancements
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Pair with a smartphone app for remote monitoring and notifications.
QR Code Scanner:
Automatically retrieves expiration data by scanning extinguisher labels.
Centralized Monitoring:
Link multiple devices in a building to a single monitoring system for large-scale management.
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Overview — Patenting design & innovation in oral-care diagnostics
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Patent strategy for oral-care devices (diagnostic probes, imaging attachments, sensor-enabled mouthguards) typically distinguishes between apparatus claims (physical device), method claims (how it’s used), and software/algorithm claims (signal processing, AI diagnostic models). Design patents (or registered designs) protect appearance/ornamentation rather than function.
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Patentable elements — What to protect
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- Novel hardware: unique probe geometries, integrated optical paths, sterilization-friendly housings.
- Sensing tech: new sensor combinations (optical + biochemical), novel calibration approaches.
- Algorithms & workflows: AI models for lesion detection, scoring systems, or specialized data-fusion methods.
- User interface & ergonomics: intuitive controls, modular docking systems, or single-handed operation mechanisms (consider design patents for distinct looks).
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Design considerations — drafting strong claims
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Draft claims from broad to narrow: start with a broad independent claim that captures the inventive concept, followed by dependent claims with specific dimensions, materials, or parameter ranges. Include fallback claims (e.g., a manual calibration method) and describe preferred embodiments with drawings or flow diagrams.
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Regulatory & prior art — diagnostics overlap
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For diagnostic devices, be mindful of regulatory requirements (e.g., medical device classification) which influence disclosure—data supporting clinical performance strengthens patent filings. Prior art searches should include patents, scientific papers, and products in dental journals or device catalogs.
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Filing tips — provisional & international strategies
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- Consider a provisional filing to lock a priority date while you mature the prototype.
- Use PCT for global coverage if you plan international markets; file national phase applications later.
- Keep detailed lab notebooks, photos, and versioned drawings to support inventive step and enablement.
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Example — Claim idea (short)
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Example independent claim idea: “A handheld oral diagnostic device comprising: an illumination source arranged to provide multispectral light; a sensor array configured to capture reflected light; and a processor configured to analyze spectral signatures to detect demineralization of tooth enamel.” (Use this as inspiration, not literal legal wording.)
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