Guided Ejectable Container for Precision Fire-Suppression Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial fire-fighting methods require dedicated aircraft with limited utility, restricted operations, and specialized training, limiting their effectiveness and availability for fire-suppression missions.
Innovation Solution
A guided air-deployable load delivery system that includes a location tracking guided container and a glide control structure, allowing for precise delivery of fire-suppressant agents from an airborne vehicle by calculating and following a descent path to release the agent at a designated location, enabling efficient and accurate fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated aircraft are used for aerial fire-fighting, then fire-suppression capability is provided, but operational flexibility and utility for other missions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fire-fighting function from the aircraft by using ejectable containers that can be deployed from general-purpose aircraft. The container is divided into separate functional components: the container structure, the fire-suppressant agent, and the glide control structure, allowing the aircraft to remain versatile while the container provides dedicated fire-fighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The glide control structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic guidance for precise target acquisition, controls descent rate and angle, and enables the container to operate from various platform types (aircraft, bridges, towers, rooftops). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the fire-fighting system adaptable to different missions and platforms.
2Reliability
If specialized pilot training is required, then fire-fighting operations are performed, but operational restrictions and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is designed to be self-contained with automated guidance and control. The flight control system on the container independently manages its descent and targeting, reducing the need for specialized pilot training and allowing standard aircraft crews to perform fire-fighting operations without extensive specialized instruction.
3Manufacturing precision
If aircraft fly at low altitude in dangerous conditions, then fire-suppression delivery is achieved, but safety and operational restrictions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-suppressant delivery function is extracted from the aircraft and placed in the ejectable container. This allows the aircraft to remain at safe altitudes while the container, once ejected, independently descends to the target area. The container handles the dangerous low-altitude operation, separating the safety risks from the aircraft and crew.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the target. It receives the fire-suppressant from the aircraft, performs the dangerous descent through hazardous conditions, and delivers the agent to the target. This intermediary role protects the aircraft and crew from exposure to dangerous low-altitude conditions while maintaining delivery accuracy through aerodynamic guidance.
4Reliability
If dedicated fire-fighting aircraft fleet is used, then fire-suppression missions are performed, but fleet size limitations and operational capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables general-purpose aircraft to perform fire-fighting missions in addition to their primary missions. By using standardized ejectable containers that can be loaded onto various aircraft types, the available fleet for fire-fighting is expanded beyond dedicated fire-fighting aircraft, increasing both capacity and availability without requiring a separate dedicated fleet.
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
This system enhances safety, productivity, and accuracy, allowing for 24/7 operations and precise targeting, reducing the need for multiple flights and crews, while enabling the delivery of large amounts of fire retardant or water over a wide area.
Implementation Method 1
The location tracking guided container is aerodynamically guided by a glide control structure coupled thereto to fly along the calculated path from the ejection point to a load release altitude near the location of the target
Implementation Method 2
ejects the location tracking guided container at an ejection point from the airborne vehicle approximately above the designated location of the target to descend at a descent rate and a descent angle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for deployment operations from an airborne vehicle are presented. A designated location of a target is received at a flight control system coupled to a location tracking guided container comprising an agent. The location tracking guided container is ejected at an ejection point from the airborne vehicle approximately above the designated location of the target to descend at a descent rate and a descent angle. A calculated path to the designated location is calculated based on the designated location and a current location of the location tracking guided container. The location tracking guided container is aerodynamically guided by a glide control structure to fly along the calculated path from the ejection point to a load release altitude near the designated location of the target. The agent is delivered to the designated location of the target by releasing the agent at the load release altitude near the designated location.