Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an earthquake safety device that is capable of providing a means to enhance building protection during seismic events and ensuring safety of occupants by providing timely evacuation alerts and real-time warnings to reduce impact of earthquakes on buildings and residents of the building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural disasters, often leading to significant loss of life, injuries, and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Traditional earthquake safety measures, such as structural reinforcements and basic alarm systems, are often insufficient in providing comprehensive protection to both buildings and their inhabitants. While modern engineering techniques focus on strengthening buildings to withstand seismic forces, these methods do not always account for the dynamic nature of seismic events or the need for quick evacuation. Additionally, many buildings, especially in older or densely populated areas, are not equipped with the advanced seismic technologies required to minimize damage and protect residents. Emergency alarms, though essential, often do not provide enough time for proper evacuation or fail to alert residents effectively in the case of large earthquakes.

[0003] Traditionally, the systems for earthquake safety are limited in their ability to mitigate shock impacts between buildings and provide real-time, automated responses based on the severity of the earthquake. Moreover, existing alarms and warning systems often lack integration with adaptive technologies that can automatically adjust to the magnitude of the quake and ensure timely evacuation of residents. As a result, many earthquake-prone regions still face significant risks to both life and property during seismic events. Such systems lack in sensing seismic activity, dynamically adjusting to the intensity of the earthquake, and providing clear and immediate guidance to residents to ensure their safety and reduce damage to property.

[0004] US4297690A discloses an earthquake alarm system detects lateral impulse movements of a building or other structure and generates an audible sound as a result of the lateral detector moving beyond a preset limit. The lateral detector comprises a solid inertial mass that detects the lateral movement of the support as the measure of an impending earthquake. Electrical contacts associated with the mass and the support energize an audible circuit for generating an alarm to the occupants of the structure.

[0005] US20170206769A1 relates to approaches for detecting and monitoring for earthquakes using a control unit of a security system. A security system may include a plurality of sensors that detect alarm conditions and send alarm condition messages to a control unit for the security system. The control unit may be communicatively coupled to the sensors and configured to receive the alarm condition messages from the sensors. The security system may also include an earthquake sensor that senses earthquake conditions and sends an earthquake condition message to the control unit if it detects the earthquake condition. The control unit may include an alarm module. The control unit causes the alarm module to generate an alarm in response to receiving the earthquake condition message from the earthquake sensor.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to save the residents and buildings from earthquake by various methods for improving earthquake safety, but lacks in dynamically adjusting the intensity of the earthquake over the buildings, provide real-time evacuation alerts, or effectively mitigate damage during the entire seismic event. Moreover, such systems lack in analysing possibility of extreme weather conditions due to the earthquake, including storms, cyclones, flood.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of providing dynamic protection during an earthquake by not only absorbing seismic shocks, but also offers real-time evacuation alerts ensuring optimal protection for both the building and its occupants.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enhancing building safety during earthquakes by providing real-time seismic detection, shock absorption, and evacuation alerts to protect both structure and occupants.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting early seismic activity through advanced sensing technologies, such as animal behaviour analysis and ground shift monitoring, to provide timely warnings for evacuation.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of dynamically adjusting shock absorption mechanisms based on the magnitude of an earthquake, thereby reducing structural damage and ensuring occupant safety.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an earthquake safety device that is capable of providing dynamic protection during an earthquake by not only absorbing seismic shocks, but also offers real-time evacuation alerts ensuring optimal protection for both the building and its occupants.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an earthquake safety device, comprises of a rectangular frame having a grid structure, adapted to be installed in a narrow space between two buildings, multiple hydraulic pushers having absorber plate at the ends, disposed on front and rear surfaces of the frame, attached in a grid, to provide cushioning between the buildings in case of an earthquake, the absorber plate comprises a rectangular plate having a pliable pocket on a surface of the plate, containing a magnetorheological fluid for absorbing shocks generated during an earthquake, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit in synchronisation with an InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) provided in a cuboidal housing supported at an upper edge of the frame by means of a vertical support to determine an earthquake by detecting behaviour of animals, a microcontroller to actuate a display unit, multiple LEDs (light emitting diodes) and a speaker disposed in the housing to generate an audio-visual alarm for residents of the buildings to evacuate the building, a seismic vibration sensor embedded in the frame detects a magnitude of the earthquake, an environmental sensing unit embedded in the housing, to determine possibility of extreme weather conditions due to the earthquake, a user interface module adapted to enable a computing device of a user to connected with a wireless communication unit in the housing, to receive safety instructions as per a database linked with the microcontroller, a GPS (global positioning system) unit installed on the housing, to determine a location of installation of the device, and a battery associated with the device to supply power to all components of the device to operate accordingly.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an earthquake safety device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an earthquake safety device that is capable of enhancing building safety during earthquakes by providing real-time seismic detection, shock absorption, and evacuation alerts to protect both structure and occupants.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an earthquake safety device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular frame 101 having a grid structure having multiple hydraulic pushers 102 having absorber plate 103 at the ends, disposed on front and rear surfaces of the frame 101, attached in a grid, a cuboidal housing 104 supported at an upper edge of the frame 101 by means of a vertical support 105, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106, installed on the housing 104, an environmental sensing unit 107 embedded in the housing 104, a display unit 108, multiple LEDs (light emitting diodes) 109 and a speaker 110 disposed in the housing 104, and an anchor plate 111 installed with the frame 101.

[0022] The proposed device comprises of a rectangular frame 101 encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in providing safety to buildings from earthquake. Upon installing the frame 101 in narrow space between two buildings with a stable support of the frame via an anchor plate 111 integrated with the frame 101, the user accesses a user interface module linked with a computing device of a user to fed input regarding safety of the buildings from the earthquake. The computing device includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit.

[0023] A microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a wireless communication unit which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication unit acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and user interface module to process the input. Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated with a cuboidal housing 104 supported at an upper edge of the frame 101 by means of a vertical support 105 in synchronisation with an InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) provided in the housing 104 to detect behaviour of animals in vicinity and minor shifts in ground level.

[0024] The imaging unit 106 mentioned herein comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of the surrounding of the housing 104. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding of the housing 104. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal.

[0025] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 106 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the presence of animals in vicinity and ground level. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) to detect the behaviour of animals in vicinity and minor shifts in ground level. The InSAR works by emitting radar signals toward the ground or nearby surfaces and analysing the reflected signals to detect changes. The InSAR captures phase differences between successive radar images to measure minute displacements or shifts in the ground level and nearby structures.

[0026] When applied to detect animal behaviour, it monitors movement patterns by analysing dynamic shifts in the radar reflections caused by the animals' motion to track subtle ground deformations and activity in the vicinity with high precision, providing valuable data to the microcontroller for analysing and detecting an earthquake in surrounding. Based on detecting, the microcontroller sends alert in the computing device to show safety instructions as per a database linked with the microcontroller to the residents and actuates a display unit 108, multiple LEDs (light emitting diodes) and a speaker 110 disposed in the housing 104 to generate an audio-visual alarm for residents of the buildings to evacuate the building.

[0027] The display unit 108 works by using LCD (liquid crystals) that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display unit 108. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align in a way that either allows light to pass through or blocks it, creating the images and colors that is being visible in the LCD of the display real-time information about the detected seismic activity, including the intensity and location of the potential earthquake for evacuating the buildings. Further, the speaker 110 operates by converting electrical signals into sound waves. The speaker 110 consists of a diaphragm that vibrates in response to an electrical signal, which is generated by the microcontroller or audio unit when an alert or message is triggered. The diaphragm's movement produces sound that is emitted from the speaker 110.

[0028] The LEDs (light emitting diodes) mentioned herein work by emitting bright, energy-efficient light when activated by the microcontroller upon detecting seismic activity. The LEDs configured to flash in specific patterns or colors, such as red for high danger, to visually alert residents of an impending earthquake. The flashing pattern and intensity of the LEDs are utilized to grab attention effectively, even in noisy or low-visibility conditions, complementing the audio-visual alarm and ensuring a clear, immediate warning for evacuation for the residents from the building.

[0029] During evacuation from the buildings, a seismic vibration sensor embedded in the frame 101 detects a magnitude of the earthquake. The seismic vibration sensor works by using highly sensitive components, such as piezoelectric materials or accelerometers, to detect ground movements and vibrations caused by seismic activity. When the earthquake occurs, the sensor measures the intensity and frequency of the vibrations, converting these mechanical signals into electrical signals. These signals are then processed to determine the magnitude of the earthquake. This data is transmitted to the microcontroller, which analyse to detect the magnitude of the earthquake.

[0030] Based on detecting magnitude of the earthquake, the microcontroller actuates a magnetorheological fluid integrated in a rectangular plate having a pliable pocket on a surface of each of absorber plate 103 that is assembled at ends of hydraulic pushers 102 attached on front and rear surfaces of the frame 101 to adjust viscosity as per magnitude of earthquake for efficiently absorbing shocks generated to prevent a damage to the buildings. The magnetorheological fluid works by changing its viscosity in response to a magnetic field. The fluid consists of a suspension of magnetic particles in a carrier liquid. When a magnetic field is applied, these particles align and form a semi-solid structure, increasing the fluid's viscosity.

[0031] The microcontroller herein controls this magnetic field, adjusting the fluid's viscosity based on the magnitude of the detected earthquake. This adjustment allows the magnetorheological fluid to efficiently absorb and dissipate the shock waves generated by the earthquake, preventing damage to the buildings. The pliable pockets on the absorber plates, which are integrated with hydraulic pushers 102, use the viscosity changes in the fluid to absorb and cushion the impact, to prevent damage to the buildings. Also, an environmental sensing unit 107 embedded in the housing 104 to detect possibility of extreme weather conditions due to the earthquake, including storms, cyclones, flood.

[0032] The environmental sensing unit 107 mentioned herein includes an anemometer 107a in synchronisation with a Doppler radar 107b, and a barometer 107c to detect wind speed and atmospheric pressure. The anemometer 107a works by measuring the speed of the wind using rotating blades or cups. As the wind blows, it causes the blades or cups to rotate at a speed proportional to the wind velocity. This rotational motion is converted into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the environmental sensing unit 107 to determine the wind speed. Based on detection, the anemometer 107a works in synchronization with the Doppler radar 107b to provide real-time wind speed data, to detect the environmental conditions accurately.

[0033] The Doppler radar 107b works by using a continuous or pulsed signal towards a moving particle in the atmosphere (e.g., raindrops, dust, or other debris). When the signal hits these particles, it is reflected back to the radar 107b receiver. The Doppler effect causes a shift in the frequency of the reflected signal depending on the movement of the particles relative to the radar 107b. By analysing this frequency shift, the Doppler radar 107b determine the speed and direction of the particles, providing real-time data on wind speed and movement in the surrounding environment. Further, the barometer 107c typically consists of a sealed chamber that expands or contracts in response to changes in pressure. As the atmospheric pressure increases, the chamber is compressed, and as the pressure decreases, the chamber expands. This physical change is then converted into an electrical signal, which is processed to determine the current atmospheric pressure.

[0034] In combination with the anemometer 107a and Doppler radar 107b, the barometer 107c provides critical data on the overall weather conditions to determine possibility of extreme weather conditions due to the earthquake, including storms, cyclones, flood. Based on detecting the extreme weather conditions, the microcontroller sends an alert in the display unit 108 and speaker 110 to accordingly warn the residents.

[0035] Additionally, a GPS (global positioning system) unit installed on the housing 104 to determine a location of installation of the device. The GPS unit works by receiving signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites transmit time-stamped signals, and the GPS receiver measures the time it takes for each signal to reach the receiver. By calculating the distance to at least three or four satellites, the GPS unit determine the housing’s exact location in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude. This data is then processed by the microcontroller; to detect the location of the installation of the device to enable evacuation route planning during an earthquake to relay onto the display unit 108 and the user interface module and the wireless communication unit is actuated to inform emergency authorities about location of the building facing earthquake.

[0036] Moreover, the device provides a comprehensive emergency response solution during earthquakes, offering real-time alerts, guides users to safe areas and evacuation routes while displaying live data on vibration intensity and ground movement. The device also provides informative videos, caution messages, and past earthquake records to educate users on what to do in emergencies. Additionally, Augmented Reality (AR) integrated with the device that helps residents navigate the building by displaying safe zones, evacuation paths, and potential hazards, using real-time information from GPS, AI analysis, and environmental sensors to ensure safe and efficient movement during an earthquake. For example, the device identifies and displays safe zones where residents seek safety, highlights potential risks such as fire or structural damage, and provides clear evacuation paths to the nearest exits. This feature helps residents quickly understand the best routes to take during emergencies, making easier to navigate buildings under stressful conditions ensures accurate guidance to safely direct residents to exits while avoiding hazards.

[0037] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so the user effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular frame 101 as disclosed in the invention possesses a grid structure, adapted to be installed in a narrow space between two buildings. Herein, the user accesses the computing device to give input commands regarding the safety from the earthquake based on which the microcontroller actuates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106, in synchronisation with an InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) to determine an earthquake by detecting behaviour of animals in vicinity and minor shifts in ground level, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the display unit 108, LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the speaker 110 to generate an audio-visual alarm for residents of the buildings to evacuate the building. During evacuating the building, the seismic vibration sensor detects a magnitude of the earthquake, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the magnetorheological fluid to adjust viscosity as per magnitude of earthquake for efficiently absorbing shocks generated to prevent a damage to the buildings. Herein, the hydraulic pushers 102 aids the plate 103 to assists the magnetorheological fluid to adjust viscosity as per magnitude of earthquake for efficiently absorbing shocks generated to prevent a damage to the buildings. Also, the environmental sensing unit 107 includes the anemometer 107a in synchronisation with a Doppler radar 107b, a barometer 107c to detect wind speed and atmospheric pressure to determine possibility of extreme weather conditions due to the earthquake, including storms, cyclones, flood to accordingly warn the residents via the display unit 108 and speaker 110.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An earthquake safety device, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 101 having a grid structure, adapted to be installed in a narrow space between two buildings;
ii) a plurality of hydraulic pushers 102 having absorber plate 103 at the ends, disposed on front and rear surfaces of said frame 101, attached in a grid, to provide cushioning between said buildings in case of an earthquake, wherein said absorber plate 103 comprises a rectangular plate having a pliable pocket on a surface of said plate 103, containing a magnetorheological fluid for absorbing shocks generated during an earthquake;
iii) a cuboidal housing 104 supported at an upper edge of said frame 101 by means of a vertical support 105, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106, installed on said housing 104 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 104, in synchronisation with an InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) provided in said housing 104, to determine an earthquake by detecting behaviour of animals in vicinity and minor shifts in ground level, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a display unit 108, a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) and a speaker 110 disposed in said housing 104 to generate an audio-visual alarm for residents of said buildings to evacuate said building;
iv) a seismic vibration sensor embedded in said frame 101 detects a magnitude of said earthquake, to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said magnetorheological fluid to adjust viscosity as per magnitude of earthquake for efficiently absorbing shocks generated to prevent a damage to said buildings; and
v) an environmental sensing unit 107 embedded in said housing 104, to determine possibility of extreme weather conditions due to said earthquake, including storms, cyclones, flood to accordingly warn said residents via said display unit 108 and speaker 110.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface module adapted to enable a computing device of a user to connected with a wireless communication unit in said housing 104, to receive safety instructions as per a database linked with said microcontroller, in case of earthquake.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said environmental sensing unit 107 comprises an anemometer 107a in synchronisation with a Doppler radar 107b, a barometer 107c to detect wind speed and atmospheric pressure.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (global positioning system) unit installed on said housing 104, to determine a location of installation of said device to enable evacuation route planning during an earthquake to relay onto said display unit 108 and said user interface module and said wireless communication unit is actuated to inform emergency authorities about location of said building facing earthquake.