Wake Up and Smell the Roses
The basic idea here is an alarm clock that isn't so harsh.
Don't you hate the sound of that alarm in the morning? It can
even make a person jump, and elevate blood pressure. So how is
this kinder, gentler alarm clock different?
A Clock that Wakes You Up with Odors
It could be the scent of roses, or lilacs, or something else
altogether. You set the alarm, and in the morning your favorite
scent fills your nostrils, gently waking you up. Just in case
it only gives you nice dreams, there is a more traditional back-up
alarm that starts five minutes later.
How Does It Work?
There are already many specialty stores that sell little bottles
of essential oils. The clock could be designed to use these in
whatever size is the most common. Alternately, if it took a special
size that was only available from the makers of the clock, this
could be a source of recurring revenue.
Either way, the primary design problem is in how to deliver
the odor. This might be accomplished with a small fan. For the
prototype, it should be relatively simple to reroute the wiring
that goes to the alarm of an existing clock, to go to the fan
instead. The fan would then start at the appointed time and blow
the scent towards the sleeping person.
The next problem is how to keep the scent bottle closed until
it is time, and have it easily open when it is supposed to. This
could be done with a separate motor that opens and closes the
bottle. It might also be possible to have the fan itself lift
the a cover over the scent-bottle when it turns on. It would
then close by gravity once the fan turned off.
Other Factors
It should be easy to replace the scent bottles. They should
be secure enough that they don't spill easily. Other names could
be used for the product, although I think this one is kind of
catchy. Trademark that name, then take this invention and run
with it. Good luck.
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