Sonic Fire Extinguisher

Product Requirements Document (PRD): Sonic Fire Extinguisher1. Document Information
  • Product Name: Sonic Fire Extinguisher (SFE)
  • Versions:
    • SFE-Home: Compact, portable model for residential and small-scale use.
    • SFE-Forest: Larger, industrial-scale model for wildfire suppression.
  • Document Version: 1.0
  • Date: November 3, 2025
  • Author: SEVCO
  • Stakeholders: Product Management, Engineering, Safety & Compliance, Marketing.
2. Executive SummaryThe Sonic Fire Extinguisher leverages acoustic wave technology to suppress fires without chemicals, water, or physical contact. This PRD outlines requirements for two variants: a home-use model for everyday fire safety and a larger form factor for forest fire applications. The technology uses low-frequency sound waves to disrupt flame stability by separating fuel from oxygen, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional extinguishers.


By addressing limitations in current fire suppression methods—like chemical residue, water damage, and scalability—this product aims to revolutionize fire safety in both consumer and professional sectors.

3. Problem StatementTraditional fire extinguishers rely on chemicals (e.g., foam, CO2) or water, which can cause environmental harm, property damage, or health risks. In homes, these methods leave residue and may not be suitable for all fire types (e.g., electrical). For forest fires, large-scale water drops or chemical retardants are resource-intensive, environmentally damaging, and logistically challenging in remote areas. Acoustic suppression offers a clean, reusable solution that works on various fire classes without depleting resources.

Key challenges include:
  • Inefficiency in confined vs. open environments.
  • Need for targeted application to avoid energy waste.
  • Scalability for large fires like wildfires.
4. Market Opportunity
  • Market Size: Global fire extinguisher market is projected at $5-7 billion annually, with growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives amid climate concerns. Wildfire suppression costs exceed $3 billion yearly in the US alone.
  • Competitive Landscape: Existing acoustic prototypes (e.g., from George Mason University students in 2015) are experimental; no widespread commercial products exist.


    Recent advancements in inaudible acoustic tech for wildfires position this as innovative.


  • Unique Value Proposition: Chemical-free, reusable, low-maintenance. Home model competes with standard extinguishers; forest model targets government agencies and forestry services.
5. Target Audience
  • SFE-Home:
    • Homeowners, renters, and small business owners.
    • Families with children or pets seeking safe, non-toxic options.
    • Tech-savvy users interested in innovative gadgets.
  • SFE-Forest:
    • Firefighting agencies, forest services, and emergency responders.
    • Environmental organizations focused on sustainable wildfire management.
    • Drone operators or vehicle fleets for aerial/ground deployment.
6. Product FeaturesCore Features (Shared)
  • Acoustic Suppression Mechanism: Generates low-frequency sound waves (20-100 Hz) to create air pressure variations that extinguish flames by disrupting combustion.


  • Fire Class Compatibility: Effective on Class A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), and C (electrical) fires; limited on Class D (metals).
  • Rechargeable Battery: Lithium-ion with quick-charge capability.
  • Safety Sensors: Automatic shut-off if overheating or misuse detected.
  • Eco-Friendly: No emissions, residues, or water usage.
  • Integration: App connectivity for diagnostics and firmware updates.
SFE-Home Specific Features
  • Form Factor: Handheld, cylindrical design (similar to a large flashlight), weight <2 kg, dimensions ~30 cm length x 10 cm diameter.
  • Range: Effective up to 2-3 meters for small fires (e.g., kitchen grease, candles).
  • Power Output: 100-200 Watts, with adjustable intensity levels (low for small flames, high for larger).
  • User Interface: Simple trigger activation, LED indicators for battery and status, voice alerts.
  • Portability: Wall-mountable bracket, carrying case included.
  • Additional Modes: Training mode with simulated sound (no suppression) for practice.
SFE-Forest Specific Features
  • Form Factor: Larger, modular unit (vehicle-mounted or drone-compatible), weight 20-50 kg, dimensions ~1m x 0.5m x 0.5m.
  • Range: Effective up to 10-20 meters, scalable with arrays for broader coverage (e.g., 100m² zones).
  • Power Output: 1-5 kW, using inaudible frequencies (<20 Hz) for extended reach and minimal noise pollution.


  • Deployment Options: Mountable on trucks, drones, or fixed stations; supports remote operation via GPS and AI targeting.
  • Enhanced Durability: Weatherproof (IP67 rating), rugged casing for off-road use.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: Compatible with water mist enhancement for hybrid suppression.


  • Advanced Modes: Focused beam for spot fires, wide-area sweep for containment; thermal imaging for flame detection.
7. Technical Requirements
  • Hardware:
    • Speakers: High-excursion subwoofers for low-frequency output.
    • Amplifiers: Class-D for efficiency.
    • Sensors: Microphone for feedback loop (optimizes wave frequency), thermal/IR for fire detection.
  • Software:
    • AI Algorithms: Real-time flame analysis to adjust frequency and amplitude.
    • OS: Embedded Linux for reliability.
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for home; satellite/4G for forest.
  • Performance Metrics:
    • Extinguishing Time: <10 seconds for small fires (home); <1 minute for 10m² areas (forest).


    • Battery Life: 30-60 minutes continuous use (home); 2-4 hours (forest, with swappable packs).
  • Manufacturing: Use recyclable materials; target cost < $200 (home), < $5,000 (forest unit).
8. User Stories
  • As a homeowner, I want a portable extinguisher that doesn't leave mess, so I can safely put out kitchen fires without cleanup.
  • As a firefighter, I want a drone-mounted unit that targets remote flames, so I can suppress wildfires without endangering personnel.
  • As an eco-conscious user, I want a chemical-free device, so I can align with sustainable practices.
9. Success Metrics
  • Adoption: 100,000 units sold in first year (80% home, 20% forest).
  • Efficacy: 95% success rate in lab tests for target fire types.
  • User Satisfaction: NPS >80 via post-purchase surveys.
  • Environmental Impact: Reduction in chemical usage tracked via case studies.
10. Assumptions and Dependencies
  • Assumptions: Acoustic tech scales effectively for larger fires; regulatory approval for novel suppression methods.
  • Dependencies: Partnerships with audio engineering firms; access to testing facilities (e.g., UL certification).
  • Risks:
    • Technical: Ineffectiveness on very large or wind-affected fires.
    • Market: High R&D costs; competition from established extinguishers.
    • Regulatory: Delays in safety certifications (e.g., NFPA standards).
  • Mitigations: Prototype testing in controlled environments; phased rollout starting with home model.
11. Timeline and Milestones
  • Q1 2026: Concept validation and prototyping.
  • Q2 2026: Beta testing for home model.
  • Q3 2026: Forest model development and field trials.
  • Q4 2026: Launch and marketing.