Telescopic Fire Suppression Boom Adapting to Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire suppression methods, including land-based and aerial fluid dispersion systems, often prove inefficient in controlling and containing wildfires due to the lack of adaptability and uniform coverage, leading to excessive fluid usage and ineffective fire management.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispersing apparatus with a mounting assembly, array of spray nozzles, and a support structure that can move between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring a telescopic and foldable boom with pivotable arms and fingers, along with an air supply system to direct the fluid, allowing for adjustable coverage and counteracting wind effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-configuration fluid dispersion systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to changing fire conditions and wind is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic support structure with pivotable arms and telescopic sections that can change configuration in response to wind conditions and fire geometry. The arms can pivot between multiple positions and the telescopic sections can extend or retract, allowing the fluid dispersion system to adapt its coverage pattern dynamically without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent segments including pivotable arms and telescopic sections that can move independently of each other. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system adaptability, and enables localized adjustments without affecting the entire structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed fluid dispersion patterns are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the uniform coverage and adaptability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic positioning mechanisms including pivotable arms with multiple positions and telescopic sections that can be adjusted during operation. These dynamic elements work in conjunction with the fluid delivery system to maintain uniform coverage patterns even as wind conditions and fire geometry change, without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous adjustment of geometric parameters such as arm angles, telescopic extension lengths, and nozzle orientations. By allowing these parameters to be modified in real-time, the system can compensate for wind effects and maintain uniform fluid distribution across the target area while adapting to changing operational conditions.
3Productivity
If large quantities of fluid are used in traditional systems, then the fire suppression capacity is increased, but the efficiency and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic support structure enables precise positioning of fluid delivery nozzles to optimize coverage efficiency. By adjusting arm positions and telescopic sections to match the actual fire geometry and wind conditions, the system delivers fluid more effectively to the target area, reducing waste from over-spraying and improving overall suppression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows localized adjustment of fluid delivery parameters at different positions along the support structure. Each section can be independently positioned and configured to match local fire conditions, ensuring that fluid is delivered at optimal rates and locations rather than using uniform high volumes throughout the entire coverage area.
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 apparatus provides a flexible and efficient means of dispersing a uniform wall of fluid, adapting to changing fire conditions and wind, thereby enhancing fire suppression by optimizing fluid usage and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply system configured to generate an air flow to blow the dispersed fluid in a direction counteracting the effect of wind
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid dispersing apparatus for fire suppression, the apparatus comprising: a mounting assembly for mounting the system to a vehicle; an array of spray nozzles; a support structure, connecting the spray nozzles to, and able to be supported by, the mounting assembly; and a fluid supply network able to fluidly connect the spray nozzles to a fluid supply in use.