Modular Wildfire Water Conduit Network for Rapid Terrain Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wildfire suppression systems lack efficiency and adaptability in deploying fire suppression systems to protect assets from wildfires, particularly in areas with challenging terrain and proximity to water sources.

Innovation Solution

A fire suppression system comprising segments of water transfer conduit with adapters for connecting main and branch conduits, utilizing a pump to draw water from a source and deploy it through a network of water dispensing devices, including irrigation guns with adjustable angles and rotation, to create a fire break and increase local humidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional wildfire suppression systems are used, then fire suppression capability is provided, but deployment efficiency and adaptability to challenging terrain are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components including water transfer conduits, adapters with multiple connection points, and dispensing devices that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in manageable sections and assembled adaptively to navigate challenging terrain while maintaining deployment efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter component serves multiple functions: connecting main water transfer conduits, branching to secondary conduits, providing structural support, and enabling deployment in various terrain configurations. This multi-functionality increases system adaptability without compromising deployment efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If extensive water transfer infrastructure is deployed, then fire suppression coverage is increased, but deployment complexity and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression coverageVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water transfer system is segmented into standardized modular units with uniform adapters and connection points. This standardization allows for rapid assembly and expansion of coverage area without proportionally increasing deployment complexity, as each module can be independently deployed and connected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Branch conduits and dispensing devices are nested within or attached to the main water transfer conduit structure. This nested configuration allows extensive coverage to be achieved through hierarchical expansion rather than deploying entirely separate infrastructure, reducing overall deployment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of time

If rapid deployment is achieved using portable components, then response time is reduced, but system stability and continuity of water supply may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidwater supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-assembled into stable modular units with reinforced adapters and connection points designed to maintain structural integrity during rapid deployment. This preliminary structuring ensures that even when deployed quickly, the water supply continuity and system reliability are preserved

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple connection points and redundant pathways are integrated into each modular unit, combining multiple water flow paths within a single deployable component. This merging provides backup pathways that maintain water supply continuity even during rapid deployment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively suppresses wildfires by creating a wide, continuous fire break and increasing local humidity, protecting assets with minimal disruption and maximizing deployment efficiency using existing infrastructure and geographical features.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a pump to draw water from a source and deploy it through a network of water dispensing devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

water dispensing devices, including irrigation guns with adjustable angles and rotation, to create a fire break and increase local humidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid Spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12533537B2Fire suppression system and process for deployment

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 FIRE & FLOOD EMERGENCY SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A system for increasing humidity for fire suppression is provided, as well as a process for deploying the system.