Modular Fire Extinguishing Machine with Segmented Excavating and Throwing Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire extinguishing machines are structurally complex, heavy, and expensive due to their multi-component designs with fixed transmission systems, which increase costs and complexity, and lack versatility in adapting to different operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular fire extinguishing machine comprising three independent modules - brush cutting, excavating, and throwing - that can be functionally associated or used separately, with adjustable configurations and interchangeable components, allowing for adaptable operation on various vehicles and terrain types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-component design with fixed transmission systems is used, then fire extinguishing function is achieved, but structural complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing functionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into three independent modules (brush cutting module, excavating module, and throwing module) that can be functionally associated or used separately. Each module can be independently mounted on different chassis or vehicles, allowing flexible configuration based on specific fire suppression needs while reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modules are designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow them to be attached to various types of chassis and vehicles. The same module can perform multiple functions depending on configuration - for example, the throwing module can throw material vertically or at horizontal angles, and modules can be used in combination or independently based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If lifting and lowering means are added to adjust component positions, then functionality is improved, but machine complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmachine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modules are equipped with adjustable and movable characteristics, allowing positioning changes according to operational needs. The brush cutting module has adjustable cutting depth, the throwing module can redirect material flow, and all modules can be mounted at different positions on various chassis, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex lifting and lowering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If three modules are used simultaneously, then fire extinguishing effectiveness is improved, but machine complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishing effectivenessVSAvoidmachine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into three independent modules that can be configured in different combinations - all three together for maximum effectiveness, or subsets (two or one module) for simpler applications. This segmentation allows the system to scale in complexity based on the specific fire suppression scenario without requiring a fixed complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module is designed to be universally applicable and can function independently or in combination with other modules. The brush cutting module prepares vegetation, the excavating module collects material, and the throwing module directs material to fires - any combination provides progressively enhanced functionality without requiring a completely different machine design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular design is implemented, then adaptability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but integration complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into three independent modules with standardized mounting interfaces that can be attached to various chassis and vehicles. This segmentation simplifies integration by providing clear, repeatable connection points while maintaining adaptability to different platform configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modules feature universal mounting capabilities and standardized interfaces that simplify integration across different vehicle types. The same module design can be mounted on tractors, specialized fire suppression vehicles, or other chassis, reducing integration complexity through consistency while maximizing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3498340B1Machine for extinguishing fires
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 ABASCAL RUBIO MARIA SUSANA
  • EP3498340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3498340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine for extinguishing fires, using materials that are excavated and thrown directly from the earth. For this purpose, the machine includes a clearing module (1) with knives (4) and lateral panels (5), an excavating module (2) comprising a cutter (10) with spikes (11), and a throwing module (3) formed by a flywheel (15) mounted on a rotary shaft (16) and provided with radial blades (17), allowing the excavated material to be thrown through openings in the throwing module (3). The position of the openings can be adjusted and the excavated/cleared materials can be thrown in one direction or another, different variants of the three modules having been described..