DETS (Device for Earthquake and Tremor Sensing) Innovation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippine K to 12 Curriculum includes the subject DRR (Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction) in senior high school to bring awareness about the different natural and man-made disasters. Together with the NDRRMC, government agencies are able to create plans that helps mitigate the effects of disasters. One of these plans is the use of an Improvised Earthquake Detector. The Improvised Earthquake Detector consists of a transparent bottle attached to the flat ceiling with a colored water inside that will form ripples, informing everyone when an earthquake occurs. However, this improvised earthquake detector seems to be ineffective. So, the researchers have decided to innovate the device. The project plans to include an alarm with a LED so that even in a normal classroom setup, they can easily detect the device's signal and prepare everyone to find safety. The project will be called Device for Earthquake and Tremor Sensing Innovation or DETS.

METHODS

The device consists of a 9-Volt battery (main source of electrical energy), a buzzer (12-Volt), a battery cap, a small container (will be filled with brine solution), LED, and an empty bottle container (which will provide protection for the mechanism). As for the mechanism, first you need to connect the first line join 1 wire from the battery cap, buzzer and LED). Next, do the same for the second line the remaining wires of the battery cap, buzzer and LED). After this, the 2 connected wires will be taped inside the bottle, allowing their tips to touch the bottom of the bottle. Lastly, the small container filled with brine solution will be placed inside the bottle, and then you can now attach it to the ceiling.

RESULTS

The study found out that the container inside the bottle was able to spill some of its content into the bottom of the bottle where the tips of wires were located, even with the slightest tremor. Therefore, the alarm was triggered as soon as the brine solution touches the tips of the wire. Brine solution was used instead of normal water because it has better conductivity. The battery generated enough electricity for the buzzer to perform its mechanism. It is user friendly and caters even the blind and hearing-impaired individuals.

DISCUSSIONS

The Project DETS Innovation is clearly one of the most important devices a school or community should have. It provides precise signals anytime, unlike human observation, which is obviously flawed at most times. The proposed project only triggers when a tremor occurs, making it a reliable earthquake alarm system.