Hinged Spray Tower Vehicles for Rapid Wildfire Liquid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, posing a threat to residential areas, and existing firefighting equipment is often inadequate for rapid deployment and prevention.
Innovation Solution
A mobile liquid deployment vehicle with a carriage, conduit, and hingedly attachable tower for spraying liquid, and a system of connected vehicles for efficient liquid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional firefighting equipment is used, then fire suppression capability is provided, but deployment speed and responsiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The firefighting system is divided into modular vehicles that can be deployed independently or connected in series. Each vehicle is a self-contained unit with its own liquid deployment capability, allowing rapid deployment of multiple units simultaneously while maintaining operational reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure employs hinged connections that allow it to transition dynamically between stowed and erected positions. This dynamic configuration enables rapid deployment without requiring complex assembly procedures, improving both deployment speed and operational readiness.
2Area of stationary object
If a single vehicle is used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but coverage area and liquid deployment capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vehicles are connected in series through fluid communication pathways, merging their liquid deployment capabilities into a coordinated system. This allows the coverage area to be expanded by combining multiple units while maintaining relatively simple operation through standardized connection interfaces and unified control protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle is designed as a multi-functional unit that can operate independently or as part of a series-connected system. The standardized connectors and fluid communication pathways enable universal interoperability, allowing the system to scale from single-vehicle to multi-vehicle configurations without increasing operational complexity proportionally.
3Ease of operation
If the tower is permanently erected, then liquid spraying capability is immediately available, but mobility and storage efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tower employs hinged connections that enable it to transition dynamically between a compact stowed position for transport and storage, and an erected position for liquid spraying operations. This dynamic configurability provides immediate spraying readiness when needed while maintaining vehicle compactness during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower is pre-configured with hinged connections that allow for rapid deployment into the erected position. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures during deployment, providing immediate spraying readiness while maintaining compact storage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mobile liquid deployment vehicle and system. The vehicle comprises a mobile liquid deployment vehicle, comprising a carriage having a plurality of ground engaging wheels; a tower containing a channel therein that is hingedly connected to the carriage, a first end of the tower having an input connector to receive liquid; and an output device attached to a second end of the tower that is configured to receive liquid from the tower for deployment. The tower is able to move between a stowed position and a spraying position. A system is also disclosed, in which a plurality of vehicles are fluidly connected, such as in series, to deploy liquid over a vast area. Once set up, a vehicle and the system can be operated in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner to aid in fighting and/or preventing fires.