A-Frame Rooftop Sprinkler for Wildfire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop sprinkler systems are often expensive, permanent, and difficult to deploy quickly in the event of a wildfire, failing to effectively protect buildings from ignition by flames or embers.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, inexpensive, and easily deployable wildfire rooftop sprinkler system featuring a one-piece A-frame assembly that straddles the roof ridge, requiring no assembly or anchor weights, with series connectivity for large roofs, and the ability to use a garden hose for water supply, and can distribute fire retardant or foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent hard-piped sprinkler systems are installed on rooftops, then fire protection reliability is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rooftop sprinkler protection into multiple independent A-frame assemblies that can be separately installed and positioned along the roof ridge. Each assembly is a self-contained unit with its own sprinkler head and support structure, allowing modular deployment without requiring complex hard-piped infrastructure across the entire roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The A-frame assemblies are designed to be temporary and movable rather than permanent fixed installations. They can be quickly deployed, repositioned, or removed as needed, providing dynamic adaptability for different fire protection scenarios while maintaining reliability during active use.
2Reliability
If permanent hard-piped sprinkler systems are installed on rooftops, then fire protection reliability is improved, but deployment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The A-frame assemblies are pre-fabricated as complete ready-to-deploy units with all components (support frame, sprinkler head, mounting hardware) already assembled. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site assembly time and allows immediate deployment when fire protection is needed, while maintaining the reliability of a proper sprinkler system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, temporary A-frame assemblies that can be quickly deployed and discarded or reused after use, rather than investing in permanent infrastructure. This approach prioritizes rapid deployment over long-term permanent installation, achieving both speed and adequate protection for the deployment duration.
3Ease of operation
If lightweight materials are used for A-frame assemblies, then ease of transport and installation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The A-frame assemblies utilize composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or plastic components) with strategic reinforcement elements. This composite approach maintains overall lightness for easy handling while providing sufficient structural strength to support the sprinkler head and withstand operational conditions on the roof ridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The A-frame structure concentrates material strength at critical load-bearing points (such as the ridge contact points and sprinkler mounting areas) while using lighter materials in non-critical sections. This localized quality enhancement provides necessary structural strength where needed while maintaining overall lightness for easy transport and installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides effective and rapid wildfire protection by wetting rooftops and surrounding areas, allowing for safe evacuation and protection against flying sparks and burning particles, with a low profile design that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to position, and can be used as an irrigation system.
Implementation Method 1
directs spray of water and/or fire retardant or fire fighting foam on rooftops
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler system that can be quickly deployed for preventing brush and forest fires from engulfing a home. The system includes at least one assembly with a sprinkler on a base. The base straddles the roof ridge. The base adjusts to different roof pitches. The assemblies include hose interfaces to allow connection of a hose routed from a water supply. A fire retardant solution or fire fighting foam can be added downstream of the supply. The sprinklers wet the rooftop and a portion of the surrounding grounds. An optional pump and independent power supply can be added to route water from an available reservoir.