Fire-Resistant UAV Hull and Pressure Waves for Wildfire Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire-extinguishing systems for aerial vehicles lack precision and autonomy in delivering fire retardants, often relying on GPS-guided parachute systems that cannot maneuver below tree top level or perform autonomous flight, and do not effectively utilize advanced technologies like AI and pressure waves for fire suppression.

Innovation Solution

An aerial vehicle equipped with a pressure wave chamber that generates a controlled, non-destructive blast using compressed air, combined with thermal insulation and propulsion systems, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation and precise targeting of fires using AI and pressure waves to disrupt flames from their fuel sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If GPS-guided parachute systems are used for aerial delivery of fire retardants, then delivery coverage area is improved, but delivery precision and autonomous maneuvering capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery coverage areaVSAvoiddelivery precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive parachute-based mechanical delivery system with an active aerial vehicle equipped with propulsion systems. This substitution enables the vehicle to actively maneuver and position itself with precision while maintaining the ability to cover large areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage area and delivery precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation and AI-based fire detection systems that enable it to independently locate fires, navigate to target positions, and deliver retardants without human intervention. This self-service capability achieves both precise delivery and broad coverage through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If traditional aerial delivery systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but autonomous operation capability and tactical advantage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidautonomous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial vehicle integrates multiple functions including propulsion, navigation, fire detection, retardant delivery, and thermal insulation into a single platform. This multi-functionality achieves autonomous operation and tactical advantages without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the vehicle performs multiple tasks through integrated subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If aerial vehicles operate above tree top level, then accessibility to fire sources is improved, but operational effectiveness below tree line deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to fire sourcesVSAvoidoperational effectiveness below tree line

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial vehicle features dynamic and adjustable propulsion systems that enable it to adapt its flight characteristics based on environmental conditions. This allows the vehicle to operate effectively both above and below tree line by adjusting thrust, speed, and maneuverability to suit different operational scenarios, achieving versatility across varying altitudes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient and continuous fire suppression by creating a low-pressure system that moves flames off their fuel sources, effectively extinguishing fires without external propellants, and can operate below tree top level, providing a tactical advantage with autonomous or semi-autonomous drone swarms.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second thermal insulating materials being configured to resist flame and to provide thermal insulation to maintain an internal temperature of 35° C. or lower in an environment where temperatures range from about 35 degrees Celsius to about 1,650 degrees Celsius

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the second vessel having an inlet configured to receive and retain compress air in the second chamber, and to selectively discharge the compressed air through an outlet configured to produce a pressure wave to extinguish fires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentUS11225326B2Fire resistant aerial vehicle for suppressing widespread fires

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 INCAENDIUM INITIATIVE CORP

AI summary

A concentric, double hull, damage tolerant airframe vehicle double clad with a lightweight, impact resistant ceramic matrix composite for heat shielding and flame resistance, and fitted with insulation, to provide thermal protection from 35° C. to 1,650° C. of the internal fuselage areas for an extended period of time within an extreme heat environment, that will serve as a semi or fully autonomous vehicle, manned or unmanned, preferably an unmanned aerial vehicle designed as the delivery means to suppress or extinguish flames by repeatedly discharging pressure waves against flames without having to exit the fire environment.