[1] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety measures against increased load on a fan mounting, such as during hangings. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mounting apparatus for a fan that averts likelihood of disastrous events such as hangings.

BACKGROUND
[2] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[3] The accidents that happen due to the sudden falling of ceiling mounted systems has always caused wreckage and disaster which are sometimes life threatening. Such ceiling mounted systems, more particularly ceiling fans have caused a lot of accidents. Moreover, at present, suicide has become more prevalent in youngsters, and it is urgent to prepare measures to prevent such suicides and disturbances. Although there are many possible methods of suicide, asphyxia (typically by hanging or by ligature around the neck chiefly from a ceiling fan assembly) is a predominant method experienced in today’s social fabric.
[4] There have been many efforts to produce such anti-suicidal systems, especially in ceiling fans. There have been a variety of mechanical enclosures and modules to ensure prevention of such accidents. An electrical circuit has also been proposed in such systems. However, these systems do not guarantee a fail-safe method to prevent disasters. An only mechanical system might cause failure when the wear and tear of components happen. An electrical circuit might fail when there is too much load that in turn produces high current that would ultimately result in electric shock. Also, such systems are not reconfigurable. Once designed, the parameters or the design elements can never be changed.
[5] Hence, there is a requirement in the art to develop and design a smart reconfigurable mechatronics system that would initiate extracting, assessing, processing, and monitoring weight of an entity to prevent suicides and sudden accidents.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[6] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting apparatus for a fan to reduce risk of disaster such as an attempt at suicide by hanging from the fan.
[7] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting apparatus that can act quickly to prevent disaster.
[8] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that generates an alert when excess load is detected at the fan.
[9] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide amounting apparatus for a fan that can be easily incorporated in existing fans.

SUMMARY
[10] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety measures against increased load on a fan mounting, such as during hangings. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mounting apparatus for a fan that averts likelihood of disastrous events such as hangings.
[11] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus for a fan to reduce risk of disaster due to excess load, which includes: a mounting element adapted to couple the fan to a support structure such that the fan is at a predetermined height from a ground, the mounting element configured to move from a contracted state to an extended state on receipt of a first signal, wherein, when the mounting element moves to the extended state, the fan moves towards the ground leading to a relative decrease in the predetermined height; a sensor coupled to the mounting element, the sensor configured to detect a load acting on the mounting element; and a controller operatively coupled to the mounting element and the sensor, the controller configured to: receive, from the sensor, a load signal corresponding to a load on the mounting element; extract, from the received load signal, the load acting on the mounting element; and compare the load acting on the mounting element with a threshold load value. The controller is configured to generate the first signal when the load acting on the mounting element is greater than the threshold load value. The mounting element is operable, on receipt of the first signal, to move to the extended state leading to a relative decrease in the predetermined height of the fan from the ground, and wherein the threshold load value is indicative of load placed on the mounting element in addition to weight of the fan.
[12] In an embodiment, the mounting element includes an electronically actuated spring, the electronic actuated spring operable by the controller to move from a contracted state to an extended state to correspondingly move the mounting element from the contracted state to the extended state.
[13] In another embodiment, the threshold load value can be stored in a database operatively coupled to the controller.
[14] In another embodiment, the sensor can be a load cell.
[15] In another embodiment, the controller, on generation of the first signal, can be configured to generate an alarm signal indicative excess load on the mounting element.
[16] In another embodiment, the alarm signal can be indicated on an alarm device provided on the apparatus, the alarm device being any or a combination of a display device and an audio device.
[17] In another embodiment, the controller can be configured to operate the mounting element to move from the extended state to a default contracted state on receipt of a second signal.
[18] In another embodiment, the controller can be configured to operate the mounting element when the load on the mounting element decreases to below the threshold load value.
[19] In another embodiment, the controller itself can be configured to generate the second signal when the load acting on the mounting element decreases to below the threshold load value.
[20] In another embodiment, the second signal can be issued from an external device operatively coupled to the controller.
[21] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[22] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[23] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a mounting apparatus for a fan, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[24] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary module diagram for the controller of the mounting apparatus for the fan, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[25] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a method of operation of the mounting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[26] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[27] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety measures against increased load on a fan mounting, such as during hangings. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mounting apparatus for a fan that averts likelihood of disastrous events such as hangings.
[28] The present disclosure provides a fan assembly that can reduce or avert risk of disasters such attempts of suicides by hanging from fans. The mounting apparatus provided is adapted to extend towards the ground to decrease height of the fan from the ground when a load in excess of the fan is detected at the mounting apparatus.
[29] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a mounting apparatus for a fan, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[30] In an embodiment, the mounting apparatus 102 can be configured to couple the fan 104 to any support on which the fan 104 is to be mounted. The support may be a ceiling or a side wall.
[31] In another embodiment, the mounting apparatus 102 includes a mounting element 106. The mounting element 106 can be an electronically actuated spring such as a suspension shocker. The mounting element 106 can be actuated to move between a compressed or contracted state and an extended state. The mounting element 106 can be operated through a controller (not shown in figure). As the mounting element 106 moves between the contracted and extended states, so too does the mounting apparatus 102. At a contracted state, or default state, the mounting apparatus is so adapted as to support the fan at a predetermined height from the ground. Typically, for a ceiling mounted fan, this can be between 8 and 10 feet from the ground. At the extended state, the mounting element 106 is elongated, and the mounting apparatus 102 is so adapted as to reduce the height of the fan from the ground. The height from the ground is so reduced that any attempt at suicide by a person by hanging from a fan is mitigated, i.e., the reduced height of the fan from the ground is less than an average height of an individual. For instance, the reduced height from the ground can be about 4 feet.
[32] The ground may refer to a floor or any surface directly under the fan. The ground may be a floor of a room or may be any elevated surface that is directly present under the fan.
[33] In another embodiment, the mounting apparatus 102 can include a sensor (not shown in figure) that is configured to detect load 108 on the mounting apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be a load cell.
[34] In another embodiment, the controller is operatively coupled to the load cell. When the load on the mounting apparatus 102 is within a threshold value, the mounting apparatus 102 is in the default contracted state. The threshold value is indicative of the load on the mounting apparatus, which includes the fan coupled to the mounting apparatus and a reasonable additional load. A load greater than the threshold value would indicate a load that is greater than a combined load of the fan and any reasonable additional load. In this case, the load greater than the threshold value may indicate the load due to a person hanging from the fan.
[35] When the load on the mounting apparatus 102, as detected by the sensor, is greater than the threshold value, such as when a person is attempting to hang themselves on the fan, the controller generates a first signal. The mounting element 106, on receipt of the first signal, is configured to move from the contracted state to the extended state, and the height of the fan from the ground reduces, thereby averting risk of disaster of suicide by hanging.
[36] In another embodiment, when the load on the mounting apparatus 102 exceeds the threshold value, the controller is also configured to generate an alert signal indicative of the excess load. The alert signal can be indicated through an alert device such as a siren or an alarm, or through a display device such as blinking LED lights. The alert signal may also be transmitted to a mobile device that is operatively coupled to the controller, indicating an event of excess load detected by the mounting apparatus 102.
[37] In another embodiment, the controller can be configured to operate the mounting element 106 such that the mounting element 106, and consequently, the mounting apparatus 102 return to the default contracted state. The return may be initiated on receipt, by the mounting element 106, of a second signal. The controller can be configured such that the return to the original contracted state may occur only when the load on the mounting apparatus 102 reduces to within the threshold value.
[38] In an embodiment, the second signal may be generated automatically by the controller itself, when the load on the mounting apparatus 102 decreases to below the threshold value.
[39] In another embodiment, the second signal may be issued from an external source, such as from a user through a mobile device.
[40] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary module diagram for the controller of the mounting apparatus for the fan, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[41] In an embodiment, the controller 200 is configured to operate the mounting element 106 of the mounting apparatus 102. The controller is operatively coupled to the sensor and is configured to monitor the load on the mounting apparatus 102. The control unit 200 can include a processor 202; a sensor unit 204; a signal generation unit 206; and a mounting element operation unit 208.
[42] In an embodiment, the processor 202 is configured to execute one or more subroutines stored in the sensor unit 204 to receive signals from the sensor provided on the mounting apparatus 102 pertaining to load on the mounting apparatus. The processor 202 is configured to extract the value of load on the mounting apparatus 102.
[43] In another embodiment, the processor 202 is configured to execute one or more subroutines stored in the signal generation unit 206 to determine a deviation in the load on the mounting apparatus from the threshold load value. If the determined load is greater than the threshold value, the processor 202 is configured to generate a first signal.
[44] In another embodiment, the processor 202 is configured to execute one or more subroutines stored in the mounting element operation unit 208 to operate the mounting element, on generation of the first signal, to move from the contracted state to the extended state.
[45] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for a method of operation of the mounting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 can be implementable in the controller 200. The method 300 includes,
[46] 302 – receiving, from a sensor provided on the mounting apparatus and configured to detect load on the mounting apparatus, a load signal corresponding to load acting on the mounting element;
[47] 304 – extracting, from the received load signal, a value of load acting on the mounting element;
[48] 306 – comparing the load acting on the mounting element to a threshold value;
[49] 308 – generating a first signal when the load acting on the mounting apparatus is greater than the threshold value, wherein the mounting apparatus, on receipt of the first signal, moves from the contracted state to the extended state.
[50] When the mounting apparatus moves to the extended state, the fan drops towards the ground, and any attempt at suicide by hanging from the fan is averted.
[51] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[52] The present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus for a fan to reduce risk of disaster such as an attempt at suicide by hanging from the fan.
[53] The present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus that can act quickly to prevent disaster.
[54] The present disclosure provides a system that generates an alert when excess load is detected at the fan.
[55] The present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus for a fan that can be easily incorporated in existing fans.

Claims:1. A mounting apparatus (102) for a fan (104) to reduce risk of disaster due to excess load, the apparatus, comprising:
a mounting element (106) adapted to couple the fan (104) to a support structure such that the fan (104) is at a predetermined height from a ground, the mounting element (106) configured to move from a contracted state to an extended state on receipt of a first signal, wherein, when the mounting element (106) moves to the extended state, the fan moves towards the ground leading to a relative decrease in the predetermined height;
a sensor coupled to the mounting element (106), the sensor configured to detect a load acting on the mounting element (106); and
a controller (200) operatively coupled to the mounting element (106) and the sensor, the controller configured to:
receive, from the sensor, a load signal corresponding to a load (108) acting on the mounting element;
extract, from the received load signal, a value of load (108) acting on the mounting element; and
compare the load acting on the mounting element with a threshold load value,
wherein the controller is configured to generate the first signal when the load acting on the mounting element is greater than the threshold load value,
wherein the mounting element is operable, on receipt of the first signal, to move to the extended state leading to a relative decrease in the predetermined height of the fan from the ground, and
wherein the threshold load value is indicative of load placed on the mounting element in addition to weight of the fan.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting element (106) comprises an electronically actuated spring, the electronic actuated spring operable by the controller to move from a contracted state to an extended state to correspondingly move the mounting element from the contracted state to the extended state.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold load value is stored in a database operatively coupled to the controller.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a load cell.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller, on generation of the first signal, is configured to generate an alarm signal indicative excess load on the mounting element.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the alarm signal is indicated on an alarm device provided on the apparatus, the alarm device being any or a combination of a display device and an audio device.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to operate the mounting element to move from the extended state to a default contracted state on receipt of a second signal.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to operate the mounting element when the load on the mounting element decreases to below the threshold load value.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller itself is configured to generate the second signal when the load acting on the mounting element decreases to below the threshold load value.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second signal is issued from an external device operatively coupled to the controller.