An Idea Literally Forged in Fire
As a result of concerns arising from numerous reports of householders perishing after being trapped by deadlocked security doors, Bruce conceived the idea of extending the simple smoke alarm into an escape mechanism which can release the door without the need for keys. And so was born myFireEscape, a means to unlock doors in response to fire events. Discussion of the idea with Fire Services lent weight to the value of the concept.
Unable to further the concept without the required expertise in electronic design, a chance meeting with Roger, an experienced Electronics Engineer resulted in a teaming partnership to bring suitable products to the market place.
Concern for intellectual property protection resulted in a protracted period of formal applications for Patent protection in major domestic and overseas markets, a process that has recently come to fruition with the granting of an Australian patent.
In the meantime, work progressed to develop a set of realistic scenarios for the use of the product the name myFireEscape™. From the scenarios, detailed requirements were derived leading to possible design solutions. Validation of the design concepts was taken to the prototype stage. These prototypes wete installed in typical household situations, particularly:
- Scale models for the purpose of concept demonstration.
- An external access door in a seaside location facing the full force of winter storms with heavy wind-driven rain - this installation operated successfully for 5 years prior to this house being sold.
- An external security screen door equipped with a deadlock in a suburban situation - this installation continues to protect the occupants after 6 years of operation.