3D-Guided Pop-Up Water Cannons for Targeted Wildfire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression devices such as water sprinklers and unguided water cannons are inefficient in targeting fire damage and often waste limited water resources, failing to effectively protect structures from wildfires due to lack of smart technology and environmental awareness.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system with water cannons that utilize smart technology, including sensors and AI, to detect and target fire threats, adjust for environmental conditions, and prioritize water application based on 3D models and real-time video feedback, while being concealed and controlled locally or remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional water sprinklers or unguided water cannons are used to wet large areas before or during wildfires, then water coverage area is increased, but water resources are wasted and fire suppression effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different water application strategies to different areas based on fire risk assessment. High-risk areas (e.g., near structures, dry vegetation) receive targeted water application while low-risk areas receive minimal or no water, optimizing water resource allocation across the property
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors (thermal cameras, smoke detectors, anemometers) to continuously monitor environmental conditions and fire threats, then adjusts water cannon operation in real-time based on this feedback, directing water only where and when needed rather than uniform coverage
2Device complexity
If unguided water cannons spray water in a single direction or repeated pattern, then device complexity is reduced, but fire suppression precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The water cannon system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with motorized mounts that can rotate and tilt to track moving fire threats in real-time, transitioning from static single-direction spraying to dynamic multi-directional tracking of fire locations
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from thermal cameras and fire detection sensors enables the system to continuously adjust spray direction and positioning to maintain precise targeting of moving fire threats, with the control system processing sensor data to update cannon positioning dynamically
3Area of stationary object
If water cannons are mounted on roofs for fire suppression, then fire coverage capability is improved, but safety risks and aesthetic issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from vertical roof mounting to horizontal ground-level placement of water cannons, changing the spatial dimension of deployment. This allows fire suppression coverage to be achieved from ground level without the safety and aesthetic problems associated with roof-mounted equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The water cannon system is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated water storage, pumping, and control systems that can be deployed in multiple locations around the property, providing flexible fire suppression coverage without requiring permanent roof installation
4Quantity of substance
If large numbers of outdoor sprinklers are connected to public water systems, then water availability is increased, but water pressure at other locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an on-site water storage tank and pumping system that can draw from both municipal water supplies and alternative sources (wells, ponds, reservoirs), providing multiple water supply pathways to maintain pressure and availability independent of municipal system conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The on-site storage tank and pump system acts as an intermediary between water sources and the water cannon, buffering pressure fluctuations and ensuring consistent water delivery to the fire suppression system regardless of municipal water pressure variations or demand at other locations
Data Source
AI summary
A smart multi-axis lawn pop-up precision fire water cannon system and associated fire suppression method are disclosed. A processor controls the mode of operation of the fire suppression system and directs multi-axis pop-up precision fire water cannons in relation to a known structural layout of a property based on a 3D model of the property being protected. Notably, the multi-axis lawn pop-up precision fire water cannons are closed when not in use and are located outside the building to be protected, e.g., buried in the ground. The fire suppression system is capable of controlling water cannons automatically or under control of a remote user app. Onsite cameras are used alone or with ember traps or other fire sensors. Based on video and/or 3D information water cannon are able to direct water accurately and efficiently to put out flames as they arise and/or to prewet an area to reduce fire risk.