Tethered Fire Extinguisher Deployment for Precise Aerial Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerial firefighting vehicles face challenges in maneuvering close enough to precisely apply fire suppressants in densely forested areas due to downdrafts and canopy obstacles, lacking the precision needed for targeted suppression of small ignitions.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision, autonomously guided, tethered fire extinguisher (SAFE) system connected to an aerial vehicle, capable of expelling fire suppressants while maintaining a safe distance to avoid downdrafts and maneuvering around obstacles, with stabilization operations using a second propulsion system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional aerial vehicles approach closely to apply fire suppressants, then suppression precision is improved, but downdrafts from rotors/propellers fan the flames and exacerbate the fire
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aerial vehicle into two independent components: a mother vessel that maintains distance to avoid downdraft, and a detached fire extinguishing device that approaches the fire closely for precise suppression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without the harmful effects that would occur if the entire system approached closely.
Solution Approach 2:
A tether assembly acts as an intermediary connection between the mother vessel and the fire extinguishing device. This intermediary allows the device to be deployed close to the fire while the mother vessel remains at a safe distance, transferring both physical connection and control without transmitting the harmful downdraft effect to the fire site.
2Speed
If conventional aerial vehicles fly through densely forested areas to reach ignition sites, then response capability is improved, but canopy obstacles impede maneuvering and prevent close approach
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the long-range travel function (performed by the mother vessel) from the close-proximity suppression function (performed by the detached device). The mother vessel navigates to the general area through the canopy, then deploys the smaller device that can maneuver more easily among trees for precise target acquisition and suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single aerial platform operating in three-dimensional space to a two-component system where the detached device can operate in a different operational dimension - closer to the ground and among canopy obstacles - while the mother vessel operates at higher altitude for approach and deployment.
3Area of stationary object
If large volumes of water or fire retardant are dropped from height above tree canopy, then coverage area is improved, but precision for targeted suppression of small ignitions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the suppressant delivery function into targeted application by the detached device for precision suppression of small ignitions, while the mother vessel provides positioning and deployment capability. This segmentation allows suppressant to be applied precisely at the ignition site rather than dispersed from high altitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the passive gravity-based dropping mechanism with an active, controlled delivery system. The detached fire extinguishing device uses its own propulsion system to position itself precisely over the ignition site and apply suppressant with controlled direction and placement, substituting uncontrolled aerial dropping with active, precision positioning and application.
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
Enhances wildfire prevention by providing precise and targeted fire suppression in various environments, including dense forests, grasslands, and urban areas, while minimizing airflow impact on the fire site.
Implementation Method 1
a fire extinguishing device coupled to the tether assembly and comprising a second propulsion system, the fire extinguishing device configured to (i) expel a fire suppressant towards the fire
Implementation Method 2
perform one or more stabilization operations using the second propulsion system based at least in part on expelling the fire suppressant
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for aerial-based firefighting using a suspended autonomous fire extinguisher.