Rooftop Kit Combining Passive Barrier and Active Water Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing systems for buildings are inadequate in preventing wild fire embers from reaching rooftops and effectively extinguishing ignitions from falling embers.
Innovation Solution
A rooftop kit comprising a passive fire-resistant barrier made of composite textile with a wicking layer and an active suppression system that uses water to extinguish embers, mounted on the roof to create a physical barrier and saturate the barrier with water to prevent ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive fire-resistant barrier is mounted on the roof to prevent embers from reaching the structure, then protection against ember ignition is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system is divided into two functional segments: a passive barrier layer that physically blocks embers and an active suppression system that applies water. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to provide comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive barrier is pre-installed on the roof structure before fire events occur, creating an immediate physical shield. Additionally, the barrier can be pre-saturated with water to enhance its fire-resistant properties before embers make contact, eliminating the need for rapid response during actual fire events.
2Reliability
If the passive barrier is saturated with water to extinguish ignitions from embers, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but water consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier can be pre-saturated with water before fire events occur, storing fire-suppressing capability in advance. This preliminary action ensures immediate protection when embers land without requiring active water delivery systems during the critical initial moments of potential ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The saturated barrier serves itself as a fire suppressant, using the stored water within its structure to extinguish ignitions directly at the point of contact with embers. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external water delivery systems and reduces overall water consumption.
3Reliability
If space is maintained between the passive barrier and the roof structure, then fire protection effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space and becomes more complex to install
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system utilizes the vertical dimension by creating an air gap between the barrier and the roof surface. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the barrier to extend outward from the roof plane, providing effective fire protection while maintaining a compact footprint that minimizes space occupation.
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
Effectively prevents wild fire embers from reaching the rooftop and extinguishes any ignitions that may occur on the passive barrier, providing enhanced protection for buildings during firestorms.
Implementation Method 1
The passive barrier provides a physical barrier that prevents embers from wild fires from falling directly upon the roof of the structure
Implementation Method 2
The active suppression system saturates the passive barrier in water
Implementation Method 3
The water extinguishes the ignitions that may occur from the embers that have landed on the passive barrier
Data Source
AI summary
The roof top kit for extinguishing fire embers is a fire resistant structure that is adapted for use with buildings. The roof top kit for extinguishing fire embers is adapted to mount on the roof of the building. The roof top kit for extinguishing fire embers comprises a passive barrier and an active suppression system. The passive barrier is a fire resistant barrier that is mounted on the building such that there is space between the passive barrier and the structure. The passive barrier provides a physical barrier that prevents embers from wild fires from falling directly upon the roof of the structure. The active suppression system saturates the passive barrier in water. The water extinguishes ignitions that may occur from the embers that have landed on the passive barrier.