Description:Detailed Description of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic celebration devices, and more specifically to a programmable, battery-free system that produces synchronized light and sound effects using capacitive energy storage. The invention offers a clean, reusable alternative to conventional firecrackers and is particularly suited for cultural festivals such as Diwali.
Background of the Invention
Traditional celebration methods such as firecrackers involve combustion, chemical reactions, and the release of toxic gases, contributing to air and noise pollution, health hazards, and physical litter. There is a growing need for sustainable, factory-made alternatives that preserve the spirit of celebration while eliminating environmental and safety risks.
EthnoSpark addresses this need by offering a compact, programmable device that simulates festive effects using clean energy, without chemicals, combustion, or waste.
Summary of the Invention
EthnoSpark is a battery-free, capacitive energy system housed in a biodegradable PLA enclosure. It is powered by a standard 5V mobile phone charger and utilizes a 10 Farad supercapacitor for energy storage. The stored energy is boosted to 24V using a DC-DC converter and distributed to a bank of bulk capacitors totalling approximately 4700 microfarads.
A microcontroller (ESP32) governs the output logic and is wirelessly connected to a standard smart mobile phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A dedicated mobile application allows users to program and trigger customized sequences of light and sound. The output components include three 24V-rated LEDs (Red, Green, White) and a 24V piezoelectric buzzer, each controlled via independent MOSFET switches. Signal isolation between control and power stages is achieved using opto-couplers.
A buck converter is employed to step down the boosted 24V supply (from the DC-DC converter) to a regulated 5V output, which powers the microcontroller and associated control circuitry. This ensures stable operation of the ESP32 and enables reliable triggering of output sequences and status indicator.
A red status LED is connected to the output of the buck converter (5V regulated) and is controlled by the microcontroller to indicate when the supercapacitor is fully charged. Upon reaching the designated voltage threshold, the microcontroller activates the LED, providing a clear visual cue to the user.
The system is capable of delivering approximately 40 full output cycles per charge, with each cycle producing a burst of illumination and sound. The unit is reusable, safe for all age groups, and free from pollution, toxic emissions, and physical litter.
The system architecture and interconnections are illustrated in Figure 1 (System Block Diagram).

Technical Specifications of Key Components
Component Specification
Supercapacitor 10 Farad, 5V
DC-DC Boost Converter Input 5V, Output 24V
Buck Converter Input 24V, Output 5V regulated
Bulk Capacitor Bank 10 x 470 µF capacitors in parallel
Microcontroller ESP32 with Wi-fi and Bluetooth
Output LEDs Red, Green, White, rated 20 mA at 24V
Piezoelectric Buzzer Rated 30 mA at 24V
MOSFETs 4 x N-channel, 24V DC switching
Opto-Couplers 4 x signal isolators, 5V input
Passive Components Resistors, filter/decoupling capacitors, flyback diodes
Enclosure Rectangular Cuboid with rounded edges, ca. 120 mm (L) x 80 mm (W) x 40 mm (H), IP42, ca. 180g weight, Biodegradable polymer PLA.

Energy Calculations and Performance
a) Stored Energy in Supercapacitor:
E = CV2 /2
E= (10 x 5 x 5)/2 = 125 Joules

b) Charging Time Calculation:
Input power is from 5V, 500 mA charger:
P = 5 x 0.5 = 2.5W
Ideal time for full charging is:
t = 125/2.5 = 50s
Adjusted for efficiency (~ 80%) and voltage ramping, the realistic time would be:
t = (50 x 2)/0.8 = 125s (say around 2.1 minutes)

c) Energy Consumption per Output Cycle:
o LEDs: ~0.72 J
o Buzzer: ~0.36 J
o Bulk Discharge: ~1.35 J
o Microcontroller + App Triggering: ~0.5 J
o Internal Components (MOSFETs, opto-couplers, passives): ~0.25 J
o Total per cycle: ~3.18 J
Total Cycles per Charge = 125/3.18 = 39.3 cycles

Thermal Robustness
The EthnoSpark device is thermally robust and designed to operate reliably within an ambient temperature range of 0°C to 50°C. All key components—including the supercapacitor, DC-DC converters, buck converter, microcontroller, output devices, and enclosure material—are selected to ensure stable performance across this range without degradation in functionality or safety.

Mobile Application Functionality
The smart mobile application interfaces with the device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Key functions include:
• Pairing and Connectivity: Secure connection with ESP32
• Sequence Programming: Selection and customization of light and sound patterns
• Trigger Control: Manual or timed activation
• Status Monitoring: Feedback on charge level and cycle count
Compatible with standard Android and iOS smartphones.

Output Sequences with Cultural Resonance
For output sequences, an appealing and audio-visual balanced timing would be:
Pulse ON duration: 200ms
Pulse OFF duration: 100ms
Total sequence duration: 900ms (3 pulses x 200ms ON + 3 x 100ms OFF).
This timing creates a crisp, rhythmic burst that is pleasant to the human eye and ear. It also aligns well with celebration rituals like claps, drumbeats or chants.
If the user has her/his own ideas, she/he can always program the pulse durations and sequences to her/his liking. Each of the output LEDs and the buzzer can be programmed individually.
In Figure 4, an example of a Diwali firecracker output sequence timing has been provided with explanation. Similar output sequences can be programmed for other festivals and celebrations such as Dusshera, Holi, Eid, Christmas and weddings.

Advantages of the Invention
• Zero Pollution: No combustion, chemicals, or toxic gases
• Reusable: Rechargeable and programmable for repeated use
• Safe: No risk of burns, explosions, or auditory damage
• Clean: No physical litter
Further benefits include:
a) The EthnoSpark device is a fully factory-assembled, battery-free compact unit, housed in a biodegradable PLA enclosure.
b) No charger needs to be supplied with the device. The device is designed to be charged using any standard 5V mobile phone charger (USB type), ensuring universal compatibility and ease of use.
c) Programming and triggering of the device are done via a regular smartphone. Users simply scan the QR code on the device to download the mobile application, which enables wireless control, sequence customization, and real time activation.
d) The device is manufactured in a regular factory with proper safety measures, quality control and testing procedures. No shady and unauthorized factories, which produce chemical fireworks under dangerous conditions and often employ child labour.
e) EthnoSpark is a product completely conceived, designed and manufactured in India. It can provide a boost to the Make in India initiative.

Expansion Possibilities
While the present invention pertains to the Basic Unit of EthnoSpark, the system architecture is inherently modular and scalable. Future variants may include higher-voltage configurations for enhanced visual and auditory impact, multi-burst units capable of delivering rapid, synchronized output sequences, and group-synchronized arrays for large-scale celebrations. These expansion pathways are referenced for illustrative purposes only and are not claimed herein.

Drawings Description
The invention is further illustrated by the accompanying drawings, which are provided for explanatory purposes and do not limit the scope of the claims.
Figure 1: System Block Diagram
This figure shows the overall architecture of the EthnoSpark device. It illustrates the energy flow from the mobile phone charger to the supercapacitor, through the DC-DC boost converter, and onward to the bulk capacitor bank and output components. The microcontroller and wireless connectivity interface are also depicted.
Figure 2: Enclosure Layout
This figure shows the external view of the EthnoSpark device housed in a biodegradable PLA enclosure. It includes the placement of the QR code for app access, LEDs and buzzer output port, and the charging input interface. (Note: The order of LEDs can be changed. For example, the order can be made Red (or Saffron), White and Green to reflect the Indian tricolour)
Figure 3: Output Control Logic Flow
This figure illustrates the functional logic flow from the mobile app trigger leading to activation of the LEDs and buzzer.
Figure 4: Example of Output Sequence Timing Diagram
This figure shows the timing of LED and buzzer activation in a sample celebratory sequence such as “Diwali Burst.” It illustrates the duration and order of visual and auditory outputs.
Figure 5: Charging Profile Graph
This figure presents a graph of voltage versus time during the trickle charging process of the 10 F supercapacitor using a 5V, 500 mA mobile charger. It demonstrates the approximate 2-minute charging duration and voltage ramping behaviour.

, Claims:
1. A programmable, battery-free celebration device comprising:
(a) a supercapacitor rated at 10 Farads and 5 Volts, configured to be charged via a standard 5V mobile phone charger;
(b) a DC-DC boost converter configured to elevate the stored voltage from 5V to 24V;
(c) a microcontroller configured to receive wireless signals from a standard smart mobile phone application and to trigger output sequences;
(d) a bank of bulk capacitors totalling approximately 4700 microfarads, charged via said boosted 24V supply;
(e) a plurality of output components comprising at least three LEDs of different colours and a piezoelectric buzzer, each rated for 24V DC and connected via independent MOSFET switches;
(f) opto-couplers configured to isolate control signals between the microcontroller and the MOSFET switches;
(g) a biodegradable, compact enclosure housing the above components.
2. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive wireless signals via Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth protocols.
3. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mobile phone application is configured to program and trigger customized light and sound sequences.
4. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bulk capacitors are configured to discharge abruptly upon receiving a trigger signal from the microcontroller, thereby producing synchronized bursts of illumination and sound.
5. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the supercapacitor is configured to be fully charged within approximately two minutes of trickle charging at 5V, enabling up to 40 output cycles per charge.
6. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of PLA and designed to be lightweight and portable.
7. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system operates without combustion, chemicals, or toxic emissions, thereby producing zero pollution, no waste, and no physical litter.
8. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the output components are configured to simulate celebratory effects suitable for cultural festivals such as Diwali.
9. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is factory-manufactured and reusable, offering a clean and safe alternative to conventional firecrackers.