Flashlight Hazard Detector With Smoke and CO Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light and emergency alert systems do not incorporate carbon monoxide detectors, temperature sensors, and magnetic mounting and charging modules in a flashlight-style apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A housing containing a processor that activates a light source, hazard detector, alarm indicator, and optional temperature sensor, integrated with a flashlight design, which senses hazardous conditions and emits alerts, and includes features like magnetic mounting and charging modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection functions (smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature) are integrated into a single flashlight-style apparatus, then the comprehensiveness of emergency alert capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hazard detection functions (smoke detection via optical sensor, carbon monoxide detection via electrochemical sensor, temperature detection via thermistor) into a single integrated flashlight-style apparatus. The housing contains all sensors, processing electronics, light source, and alarm indicators unified in one device, eliminating the need for separate detectors and providing comprehensive emergency alert capability through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The flashlight-style apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hazard detection (smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature), emergency lighting through the light source, visual and audible alarm indications, and wireless communication capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate safety devices while maintaining portability and ease of use
2Ease of operation
If magnetic mounting and charging modules are integrated into the flashlight housing, then the ease of operation and portability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting module enables the flashlight to self-mount to metallic surfaces without requiring separate mounting hardware or tools. The charging module accepts power through a magnetic interface that simultaneously provides electrical connection and mechanical attachment. These self-service features simplify operation and enhance portability while the modular design keeps the added complexity contained within standardized components
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
Provides comprehensive emergency alerts for smoke and carbon monoxide, temperature measurement, and location sharing, enhancing safety and convenience through integrated sensors and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
The hazard detector senses for hazardous conditions in a surrounding atmosphere via the vent, including a presence of smoke
Implementation Method 2
a presence of a concentration of carbon monoxide greater than a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 3
A light source is mounted to and directed away from the housing
Implementation Method 4
The processor causes the alarm indicator to emit an alert signal when the hazard detector senses one of the hazardous conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A light and emergency alert system for alerting individuals to smoke or carbon monoxide in combination with a flashlight includes a housing that contains a processor. A light source is mounted to and directed away from the housing. A hazard detector mounted in the housing adjacent to a vent extending through the housing. An alarm indicator is mounted to the housing. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the light source. The hazard detector senses for hazardous conditions in a surrounding atmosphere via the vent, including a presence of smoke and a presence of a concentration of carbon monoxide greater than a predetermined threshold. The processor causes the alarm indicator to emit an alert signal when the hazard detector senses one of the hazardous conditions.