Semi-Autonomous Firefighting Robot With Shielded Cooling and Nozzle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firefighting methods pose significant risks to personnel due to extreme temperatures and hazardous conditions, and existing robotic systems often require external support for extinguishing agents, which can be dangerous in such environments.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a drive assembly, power assembly protected by a shield, remote control, illumination, and video means for monitoring and controlling the fire from a safe distance, equipped with a fire extinguishing mechanism capable of directing a fire suppressant jet, and a cooling system to operate effectively in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firefighters enter burning areas to fight fires and perform rescues, then fire suppression and rescue operations can be performed directly, but firefighters are exposed to severe risks including intense heat, explosion, falling parts, sharp objects, and mental stress
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous fire environment. The robot enters the burning area to perform fire suppression and rescue operations, while the operator remains in a safe location controlling the robot remotely. This eliminates direct exposure of personnel to heat, explosion, falling parts, and other hazards while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human firefighters with a robotic system that can operate in extreme environments. The robot is equipped with fire suppression mechanisms, sensors, and protective shielding to perform fire fighting tasks without human operators being physically present in the hazardous zone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If robotic systems are deployed for fire fighting, then personnel safety is improved, but the systems require external support for extinguishing agents which creates danger in extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is equipped with its own fire suppression capabilities including onboard extinguishing agents and firing mechanisms. The robot can independently detect fires, navigate to the fire source, and discharge suppressants without requiring external support systems. This self-sufficiency eliminates the need for dangerous external agent delivery in extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is designed as a multi-functional system that combines navigation, fire detection, fire suppression, and communication capabilities in a single platform. This universal design allows the robot to perform multiple tasks including entering burning areas, suppressing fires, and potentially performing rescue operations without requiring separate specialized systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system is equipped with comprehensive fire suppression capabilities and protective shielding, then the system can operate independently in extreme environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates localized protective shielding specifically around the power assembly and critical components that require protection from extreme temperatures and hazardous conditions. Rather than protecting the entire robot uniformly, shielding is applied only where necessary, optimizing protection while minimizing added complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot features a dynamic cooling system that activates based on temperature conditions and operational requirements. The cooling mechanism can adjust its operation to match the thermal load, providing intensive cooling when needed and reducing operation when temperatures are manageable, thereby adapting the system's complexity to actual environmental demands.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a drive assembly, control panel, a power assembly. The power assembly is enclosed by at least one enclosing shield. At least one remote control means, at least one illumination means, and at least one video means disposed in the head portion capable of being oriented. At least one means for cooling the interior and exterior of said system as well as at least one remote control means for directing a flow of fire suppressant onto a fire. Further a method of controlling a fire fighting system is disclosed. Location of a region of interest of a fire is determined. Position and orientation of a nozzle is adjusted in response to location. The adjusting is performed using plurality of motion controller. Further video and audio information of the fire environment at the fire site is communicated to operator/controller through remote wireless means.