Aerial Firefighting Nozzle with Hydrostatic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial firefighting systems lack accuracy and efficiency in water distribution, often wasting water due to non-targeted dispensing and being affected by wind, terrain, and vegetation density, resulting in low suppression drop effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An aerial firefighting system with a moveable nozzle suspended by a fluid conduit under hydrostatic pressure, allowing targeted water distribution and integration with existing systems, including a camera for precise control and a flexible hose reel for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If water is distributed rapidly using a large diameter orifice, then the discharge period is reduced and water volume is delivered quickly, but the accuracy of water placement deteriorates and water is wasted on areas not on fire
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution system is segmented into multiple independently controllable spray nozzles arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of specific nozzle groups to target different areas of the fire, thereby maintaining placement accuracy while delivering rapid water discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge characteristics by controlling individual nozzle groups based on real-time fire detection data, enabling rapid water delivery to moving fire fronts while preventing waste on already extinguished or non-combusting areas
2Area of stationary object
If a blanket coverage approach is used to distribute water, then the area covered is maximized, but the efficiency of water use deteriorates as water is distributed on burnt out areas or areas not yet alight
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates thermal imaging cameras and fire detection sensors that provide real-time feedback on fire location, intensity, and spread, allowing the control system to dynamically adjust water distribution patterns to match the actual fire perimeter and intensity, thereby maximizing both coverage area and water use efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzle groups are activated with different water flow rates based on the local fire conditions detected by thermal imaging, with higher water application rates directed at intense fire areas and lower or zero rates at periphery or already extinguished areas, optimizing both coverage and efficiency
3Productivity
If the helicopter flies at high velocity to cover more ground, then the productivity increases, but the accuracy of water placement deteriorates due to wind and helicopter motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical aiming and manual water release control with an automated computer-controlled system that uses thermal imaging detection and real-time helicopter position data to calculate and execute precise water delivery, enabling accurate placement even at high flight velocities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and mapping of the fire perimeter using thermal imaging cameras before water discharge, pre-calculating the optimal water distribution pattern and nozzle activation sequence to ensure accurate placement as the helicopter moves at high speed
4Device complexity
If water is discharged under low pressure, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the water coverage density deteriorates and wind can easily blow water away from the fire
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is segmented into multiple small-diameter nozzle outlets arranged in a matrix pattern, which naturally increases water discharge velocity and penetration through wind without requiring high-pressure pumps, while the distributed nozzle arrangement ensures adequate coverage density
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydrostatic pressure from the helicopter's altitude above the fire and the weight of the water column in the delivery hoses to generate sufficient discharge pressure, eliminating the need for complex active pressurization systems while maintaining adequate water coverage density
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
The system enhances water distribution accuracy and efficiency by enabling targeted water application, reducing waste and improving suppression drop effectiveness, allowing for safer and more effective firefighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle moveable relative to the reservoir to direct a flow of water from the nozzle to a target site, wherein the nozzle is suspended by a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water outlet and the nozzle such that water being expelled from the nozzle is under hydrostatic pressure from water within the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
water being expelled from the nozzle is under hydrostatic pressure from water within the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to an aerial firefighting system for a helicopter, the firefighting system including: an external reservoir for storing water, wherein the reservoir includes a water outlet; a supporting frame coupled to an outer surface of the reservoir; and a moveable robotic nozzle fluidly connected to the water outlet and mounted on the supporting frame or attached to a hose reel for distributing water on a fire; wherein the moveable nozzle is operable by a user from within the helicopter to control the direction that the water is distributed.