Ground-Deployable Rooftop Sprinkler via Rope Hoisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rooftop sprinkler systems require firefighters to climb steep and dangerous roofs for installation and removal, posing risks and being time-consuming, especially during fast-moving wildfires.
Innovation Solution
A ground-deployable rooftop sprinkler device with a clam shell frame and translation means, allowing for safe and quick installation and removal from the roof's peak without needing firefighters to climb, using a rigging assembly and wheels for easy positioning and hoisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sprinkler installation methods are used, then sprinklers can be securely mounted on the roof, but firefighters must climb steep and dangerous roofs which increases risk and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rope and pulley system as an intermediary mechanism that allows firefighters to deploy sprinklers from the ground without climbing the roof. The rope is thrown over the roof peak, connected to the sprinkler assembly, and used to hoist the equipment into position, thereby mediating between the ground-based operator and the rooftop installation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical climbing system (ladders, manual ascent) with a rope-based hoisting system. Instead of physically climbing to the roof peak, firefighters use a simple mechanical advantage system with ropes and pulleys to lift the sprinkler assembly, substituting a dangerous mechanical climb with a safer ground-based operation.
2Reliability
If firefighters climb the roof for sprinkler installation, then the sprinkler can be properly positioned and secured, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous during fast-moving wildfires
Solution Approach 1:
The rope and pulley system serves as an intermediary that enables rapid deployment without the time-consuming process of climbing. The system allows firefighters to quickly throw the rope over the peak and hoist the sprinkler into position, dramatically reducing deployment time while maintaining proper positioning through controlled hoisting and ground-based adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler assembly is pre-configured with attachment points and the rope system is pre-positioned on the ground, allowing for immediate deployment when needed. The preliminary preparation of the hoisting mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly during emergency situations.
3Reliability
If conventional sprinkler equipment is used, then fire protection can be provided, but removal requires firefighters to climb the roof again which repeats the same dangers
Solution Approach 1:
The same rope and pulley system used for installation serves as an intermediary for removal operations. Firefighters can hoist the sprinkler assembly back down to the ground using the rope system, eliminating the need to climb the roof for removal and maintaining safety while preserving fire protection capability during the deployment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables easy recovery and removal of the sprinkler equipment after use. The sprinkler can be hoisted back down to the ground using the rope system, allowing for safe retrieval and reuse of the equipment without requiring firefighters to repeatedly climb the dangerous roof.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a ground-deployable, rooftop-situated wildfire defense sprinkler system, which may be safely and quickly installed onto peaks of the roof by one or two people working from the ground, and which may also be safely and quickly removed from the roof once the equipment is no longer required; the sprinkler comprising a clam shell frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one front skid pivotally coupled at a pivotal coupling to at least one rear skid so that the front and rear skids rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling, a translation means mounted to the frame, at least one connection point mounted to the frame and positioned adjacent the axis of rotation, a sprinkler mast mounted to the frame and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom and adapted for mounting a sprinkler head thereon.