The initial ask was for two connected bells as a prove of concept. If one bell was rung, it will ring the other bell.
Once the proof of concept was delivered, they were going to order 12 more bells. The client wanted a network of bells throughout their hospitals for cancer patients to ring once they’ve completed their round of treatments.
I came up with a solution to make the bell a trigger switch. This was done using copper tape inside the bell so when the knocker hits the bell, it will complete an electrical circuit.
I had to source a circuit board that will transmit data via cellular (3G or LTE). This board will transmit or receive data. If the knocker strikes the bell, it will send the signal to the other bells. If it receives a signal, then it will activate a secondary knocker which will ring its bell.
Besides coming up with the electronic circuits, I had to design the secondary knocker mechanism. I used 3D printing to prototype several knocker arms and motor enclosures.
The ringing of the bell is captured in a Firebase database for future reference.
More photos of the build: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3adZRDMCtye8tc7N9
