Wildfire Suppression Tower With Pivot Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression devices are not designed to effectively inhibit the development of wildfires in remote, inaccessible locations where emergency responders cannot easily reach.
Innovation Solution
A wildfire suppression device comprising a tower with a pivotally coupled arm, a pump, and a spray nozzle that draws water from a below-ground source to spray water onto the remote location, equipped with sensors and a control system to automatically activate when high temperatures or lack of rain are detected, along with a power supply and communication system for monitoring and alerting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fire suppression devices are integrated into building exteriors, then fires on or near buildings can be suppressed, but wildfires in remote inaccessible locations cannot be effectively inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system is divided into modular components: a tower structure, a pivotally coupled arm, a pump unit, and spray nozzles. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed in remote locations independent of building structures while maintaining functional effectiveness for wildfire suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary water delivery mechanism (tower with arm and spray system) that bridges the gap between inaccessible remote wildfire locations and water sources. This intermediary structure enables water delivery to areas where traditional suppression devices cannot reach.
2Reliability
If a tower with pivotally coupled arm and pump is deployed in remote locations, then wildfire suppression capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is pivotally coupled to the tower, enabling dynamic positioning and movement of the spray nozzles. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different wildfire locations and maintain suppression effectiveness without requiring multiple fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is integrated into the tower structure and automatically draws water from below-ground sources, enabling the system to serve itself without external water delivery infrastructure. This self-service capability enhances reliability in remote locations while minimizing additional system complexity.
3Reliability
If spray nozzles are used to maintain moisture content above wildfire threshold, then wildfire development is inhibited, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains moisture content above wildfire thresholds through periodic or continuous spray operation controlled by the pump. This periodic action ensures adequate moisture levels are maintained in vegetation and surrounding materials to prevent wildfire ignition and spread, while allowing for water conservation when conditions permit.
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 maintains moisture levels above wildfire thresholds, automatically detects and responds to wildfires, and provides real-time monitoring and alerting to prevent uncontrolled wildfires.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is integrated into the tower which is in fluid communication with a below ground water source
Implementation Method 2
A spray nozzle is attached to the arm and the spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the pump for spraying water onto the remote location
Data Source
AI summary
A wildfire suppression assembly for inhibiting the development of wildfires includes a tower that is located in a remote location and an arm that is pivotally coupled to the tower. A pump is integrated into the tower and the pump is fluidly coupled to a supply pipe to receive water from a below ground water supply. A spray pipe is coupled to the arm and the spray pipe is in fluid communication with the supply pipe to receive the water urged by the pump when the pump is turned on. A spray nozzle is fluidly coupled to the spray pipe to spray the water onto the remote location. In this way the spray nozzle inhibits the development of wildfires by keeping the moisture content of the remote location above a wildfire threshold.