Helicopter Fire Suppression Pump Air Induction Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial firefighting systems face challenges due to limited volume and payload capacity, weight constraints, and the need for rigorous certification, which complicates the use of compressed air foam systems (CAFS) that rely on pressurized tanks or air compressors, consuming space, energy, and increasing accident risks.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression apparatus for helicopters that uses a liquid fire retardant pump and primer pump supported by a powerpack with an air induction valve drawing unpressurized ambient air, combined with a foam pump to create a pressurized water/foam/air solution, eliminating the need for pressurized air tanks and optimizing weight and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized tanks or air compressors are used as air source in CAFS systems, then fire suppression capability is improved, but weight increases and payload capacity for consumable fluids decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy pressurized air tanks and air compressors from the aerial firefighting system. Instead, it uses naturally available atmospheric air as the compressible gas source, eliminating the need for carrying heavy pressurization equipment while maintaining the CAFS fire suppression capability through a simplified water-based pressurization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes atmospheric air as a free, naturally available resource for compression rather than relying on self-contained pressurized tanks. The aerial vehicle draws ambient air directly from the surrounding environment, eliminating the need to carry and manage heavy pressurized gas supplies while maintaining system functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressurized tanks are attached securely to airframe, then system stability is improved, but turnaround time for replacing depleted air tanks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the replaceable pressurized air tanks from the system entirely. By using atmospheric air as the gas source, there are no tanks to attach, secure, or replace, thereby eliminating the turnaround time associated with tank replacement while maintaining system stability through the simplicity of the new pressurization approach.
3Speed
If pressurized water tanks are used to propel water toward distant target, then delivery distance is improved, but structural and weight limitations prevent their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic pressurization system using water itself as the pressurizing medium. The pressurized water from the tank directly drives the pump mechanism that then propels the water/foam mixture toward the fire, eliminating the need for separate heavy pressurized gas tanks while achieving the required delivery distance and velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water already carried in the fire suppression tank to provide pressurization, rather than requiring separate pressurized gas tanks. This self-service approach allows the water to serve dual purposes: as the suppressant and as the pressurizing agent, maximizing payload efficiency.
4Reliability
If pressurized systems are used for fire suppression, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but risk of accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the high-pressure gas storage components (pressurized tanks and compressors) that create safety hazards. By using atmospheric air and a water-based pressurization system, the design removes the sources of high-risk pressurization while maintaining fire suppression effectiveness through controlled hydraulic pressurization.
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 provides efficient and effective fire suppression with a simplified, lightweight design that minimizes startup current draw and extends operational time on-station, while maintaining safety and certification compliance.
Implementation Method 1
an air induction valve where air is drawn into a suction end of the pump and pressurized together with the fire retardant
Implementation Method 2
a pump driven by an electric motor to pressurize the fire retardant
Implementation Method 3
foam and water held in separate containers aboard the vehicle that when mixed forms a fire retardant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An embodiment of a fire suppression apparatus for fighting fires from an aerial vehicle is disclosed having a foam and water held in separate containers that when mixed forms a fire retardant in the separate water container, a pump driven by a first electric motor, the pump including an air induction valve positioned at the pump inlet where air and the fire retardant are drawn into the inlet and pressurized simultaneously by the pump, a primer pump driven by a second electric motor to prime the inlet with the fire retardant before starting the pump, an inverter to control startup of the first electric motor, and an aimable boom connected to the pump by a conduit, the boom including a nozzle on a distal end of the boom from which the pressurized water/foam/air fire retardant is dispensed toward a target. Vertical mount plates can attach the apparatus to opposite sides of the helicopter.