Jet-Assisted Fire Suppression for Long-Range Mist Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional firefighting methods are ineffective in remote or rugged environments due to high water consumption, limited access, and inefficiency, while traditional systems like aerial retardant drops are costly and imprecise, and ground crews face safety risks and rapid water depletion.

Innovation Solution

A fire suppression system utilizing high-velocity airflow sources like jet engines to deliver fluids and chemicals across significant distances with precision, combined with an ultrasonic humidification system to convert water into mist for efficient suppression, and a platform or vehicle-mounted configuration for adaptability and autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional nozzle-based water injection systems are used, then fire suppression capability is achieved, but water consumption is enormous (upwards of 1,500 gallons per minute)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidfire suppression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of water by converting it to steam through combustion. This phase change from liquid to gas dramatically reduces the volume of water needed while maintaining fire suppression effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between water consumption and suppression efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes phase transition by burning water to produce steam. The water undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor, which allows a small amount of water to expand into a large volume of steam that can suppress fire over a wider area and for longer duration, thereby reducing overall water consumption while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Area of stationary object

If aerial retardant drops are used, then fire suppression coverage is achieved, but precision and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression coverageVSAvoidretardant delivery precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical dropping system with an active combustion-based steam generation system. The steam is actively produced and directed toward the fire, providing both wide coverage through steam expansion and precise targeting through controlled delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and delivery precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If ground crews use traditional equipment, then fire suppression operations can be conducted, but safety risks and operational duration are limited due to fatigue and water resupply requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression safetyVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-sufficient by generating its own steam supply through onboard water storage and combustion. This eliminates the need for continuous external water resupply and reduces dependence on vulnerable ground supply lines, thereby extending operational duration and improving safety by reducing crew exposure to hazardous environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from ground-based operations to aerial deployment, adding the vertical dimension to fire suppression. This allows the system to operate above the fire zone, improving safety by keeping crews away from direct fire contact while maintaining extended operational duration through aerial platform capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 achieves efficient fire suppression with reduced water consumption, extended operational duration, and adaptability to extreme conditions, enabling precise fluid delivery and autonomous operation in challenging terrains.

Implementation Method 1

a jet engine mounted on a chassis of the vehicle and configured to disperse the one or more fluids dispersed from the one or more nozzles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet propulsion: Jet

Implementation Method 2

combined with an ultrasonic humidification system to convert water into mist for efficient suppression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20260027397A1Methods and systems for extinguishing fires

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 TEAM WILDFIRE INC

AI summary

A fire suppression system includes fluid storage vessels, pumps fluidically coupled to the vessels, and nozzles that receive and disperse fluids from the pumps. The system utilizes a jet engine configured to disperse the fluids projected from the nozzles, extending their range and improving distribution. All components are supported by a platform configured for mounting on a mobile chassis, enabling deployment on various vehicles including fire trucks, logging trucks, emergency vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The system provides enhanced fire suppression capabilities through the integration of high-velocity jet airflow with traditional fluid delivery methods, allowing for extended range and improved effectiveness in challenging firefighting environments.