Convex Mirror Alarm with Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal safety devices either lack a visual component to monitor surroundings or do not provide an easily activatable alarm system that can alert others to potential threats, particularly from behind the user.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated, integrated convex mirror and pressure-sensitive audible alarm system that allows users to see their surroundings, including what is beside and behind them, with an alarm activated by the force of a human hand, and sends signals to a central processor for location and time recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a personal safety alarm is integrated into a watch or key chain, then the alarm can be easily carried and activated, but the device cannot provide a view of what is happening behind the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a convex mirror and alarm system into a single integrated device mounted on a rear surface (such as a door or wall). This merging allows the device to simultaneously provide visual monitoring capability and alarm functionality, resolving the contradiction between portability and visual awareness by creating a fixed monitoring station that captures both functions in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a convex mirror for visual monitoring and an alarm system for security notification. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both the need for visual awareness and the need for easy alarm activation, eliminating the requirement for separate devices.
2Loss of information
If a convex mirror is used to see behind, then visual awareness is improved, but no alarm mechanism is provided to scare off attackers or alert others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the convex mirror and alarm mechanism into a single integrated unit. The mirror portion provides visual monitoring while the alarm portion provides active security response. This combination ensures that both visual awareness and alarm capability are available through one device, resolving the contradiction between monitoring and response versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary between the user and potential threats. The convex mirror provides passive visual information about surroundings, while the alarm provides active deterrence and notification. Together, these functions create a comprehensive security system that addresses both awareness and response needs.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded trigger requiring 5 pounds of pressure is used, then false activation is reduced, but the alarm requires significant force to activate which may not be easily achievable during an attack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from a high-force spring-loaded trigger (5 pounds) to a low-force pressure-sensitive mechanism that can be activated by the force of a human hand or part of a hand. This parameter change maintains reliability by using a pressure-sensitive design that detects intentional contact while reducing the activation force to a level easily achievable during an emergency situation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a battery-operated system is used, then the device can be easily installed without wiring, but power consumption must be minimized to ensure long operation
Solution Approach 1:
The convex mirror portion of the device operates passively and continuously without consuming battery power, reflecting light to provide visual monitoring. The alarm portion operates periodically only when activated by pressure contact. This periodic action minimizes battery consumption while maintaining both visual monitoring capability and alarm functionality, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and low power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to visually monitor their environment while having an easily activatable alarm that alerts others and records activation data, enhancing personal safety by providing both visual awareness and immediate alert mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a front which includes a reflective convex surface
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor located in the interior, in a contact distance of the button
Implementation Method 3
at least one biasing member, which extends between the first inner surface and the second inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A low power, battery operated wall or surface mountable personal safety device equipped with a convex mirror and an audible alarm. The device is for alerting a user to anyone approaching from beside or behind, and allows them to trigger the audible alarm when they feel threatened. The device may also be equipped to send a signal to a central processor to identify and record the location and time of the alarm activation.