

The Need

Smoke detectors are an almost universal feature in newer US and UK homes and apartment construction. In many locales, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required features under applicable county construction, fire, and/or occupancy codes. They are almost universally required by local codes or applicable insurance policies for rental property.

Because of increased emphasis on energy conservation, many homes while not airtight have severely restricted air circulation. This can be especially problematic in older, rehabilitated homes as well as mobile homes with well insulated and closed off crawlspaces, whose formally open crawlspaces have become practically airtight. With limited air circulation in home spaces, an increasing danger of gas accumulation exists. While this danger has been recognized as to natural radon in many homes, less attention has been paid to natural gas and propane used for heating and in kitchen ranges and ovens over much of the country.



The Solution

The capability of combined smoke, carbon monoxide, natural gas, and propane detectors seems intuitive, but has not been encountered. A detector coupled to an exhaust system to extract and dissipate dangerous flammable gasses as well as carbon monoxide could prevent many deaths and provide warning to building occupants. For example, the first notice that many people have of a propane or natural gas leak occurs when smelled in another area of a home only after explosive concentration of gas are reached in other isolated home areas.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a multi-gas detection system for detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, propane, and natural gas and activating an exhaust fan for evacuating dangerous, detected gases. A system is needed for detecting gases and maintaining a safe home environment by preventing the build-up of explosive gases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gas detection system for a building that comprises a plurality of multi-gas detectors positioned in a first plurality of building locations, the multi-gas detectors each capable of detecting at least four gases. A control panel with a communication link to each multi-gas detector comprising a display and control inputs into the system. Wherein the multi-gas detectors provides a detection input identifying the gas detected to the control panel, generates an audible alarm on the detector, and activates an LED visual indicator on the detector.

The multi-gas detector detects gases selected at least from smoke, carbon monoxide, propane, natural gas, and butane.

The gas detection system further comprises at least one exhaust fan activated by the detection of the gases.

The at least one exhaust fan comprises a plurality of exhaust fans positioned in a second plurality of building locations.

The first and second plurality of building locations comprise at least one of an attic, a main floor, a basement, and a crawl space.

The multi-gas detector comprises a LED light generating a visual indicator of the gas detected and a speaker generating an audible alarm.

The LED light comprises a plurality of electroluminescent LED wires providing a different color alarm indicator for each type of gas detectable by the detector.

The control panel display provides a graphical user interface.

The gas detection system further comprises a remote controller with a wireless communication link to the control panel.

The remote controller further comprises a mobile device configured by a software application to interface with the control panel.

A multi-gas detector in a building location that comprises a plurality of internal gas detectors in communication with an atmosphere of the building location detecting at least four gases. A speaker in the interior of the multi-gas detector that generates an audible alarm when the plurality of internal gas detectors detects gas. A LED visual indicator that illuminates a specific color LED associated with a specific detected gas. An exhaust fan controller to activate an exhaust fan to evacuate detected gas in the building location.

The at least four gases are selected from a group comprising smoke, butane, propane, natural gas, and carbon monoxide. Advantages: 1. Improved detection of fuel gas leaks. 2. Improved protection from carbon monoxide poisoning. 3. Improved protection from smoke inhalation. 4. Improved fire safety. 5. Reduced incidence of fires and property damage, injury, or death due to fires.

Our Progress So Far

We have completed the industrial design, structure, and electronic circuit design for R & K Clean Air. We have a fully functional prototype and are ready to continue hardware and software development. We devoted the first phase of R & K Clean Air‘s development to creating the highly precise sensors that allow R & K Clean Air to measure gas and CO precisely enough to intelligently determine the threat level and provide an appropriate warning. We knew we wanted a portable detector for use in any part of the home, so we fit everything into a small, ergonomic package that is easy to operate and carry anywhere. But utility wasn’t the only consideration. R & K Clean Air also had to look good, fit any style or décor, and become an integral part of your home.

Why We Need Your Support

Your support is crucial for R & K Clean Air’s success. Our team began this journey because we wanted to help minimize the danger from gas leaks, and help save lives with a useful, intuitive, and dependable device. We’ve come a long way in the past year, and we still need your help scaling production of R & K Clean Air and keeping its price affordable. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us closer to our goal of bringing smart, affordable gas protection to homes around the world. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

The Kickstarter funds will be used to quickly begin mass production and get R & K Clean Arithrough the certification process. We also need your feedback so we can continue improving R & K Clean Air, and provide our users with an even better experience.