Problem Statement
According to the U.S. Department of interior, approximately 90% of all wildfires are caused by human interference leading to approximately 6.9 million acres of burnt fields and homes. This problem has led to millions of people without homes and has led to major economic problems, due to the fact that most cities cannot function without proper human infrastructure. If this problem continues, wildfires can lead to long term effects that can be irreversible and many people living near forests have the potential of losing their home.
Introduction
I have discovered three existing patents and three existing products on the market that can extinguish fire near forest areas. These existing products on the market turned out to be too messy, too heavy, and cannot hold enough water. I feel that I can develop a solution that is safe, ergonomic and efficient when it comes to putting out fires. My solution can be manufactured using existing products and its simplicity in design would allow for quick mass production. My solution is unique to what is currently in the market and has the potential to help millions of people who are at risk of losing their home during a wildfire outbreak.
Market Analysis
While researching what items were available to extinguish residential fires many of these existing items either take too much time to use or can be only use my professional fire men. The top most used items have similar techniques in extinguish fires however the price can range from $29.99 to $6,000. The current solutions take up too much time during a time of an emergency and the longer it takes to put out fires the more damage is caused.
Fire Extinguisher: $29.99
A portable or movable apparatus used to put out a small fire by directing onto it a substance that cools the burning material, deprives the flame of oxygen, or interferes with the chemical reactions occurring in the flame. Water performs two of these functions: its conversion to steam absorbs heat, and the steam displaces the air from the vicinity of the flame. Carbon dioxide is a common propellant, brought into play by removing the locking pin of the cylinder valve containing the liquefied gas; this method has superseded the process, used in the soda-acid fire extinguisher, of generating carbon dioxide by mixing sulfuric acid with a solution of sodium bicarbonate.
Fire extinguisher. (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/fire-extinguisher
Phos-chek: $500 per property
A non-colored long-lasting fire retardant. The USDA Forest Service has used PHOS-CHEK to stop the spread of wildfires for over 50 years. It’s the same product formulation you’ve seen dropping from planes during virtually every US wildfire. The phosphate and sulfate salts act as fire retardants and prevent combustion of cellulosic materials. They also act as a fertilizer once the fire danger has passed. Guar gum and clay are thickening agents to prevent dispersal of the retardant after it is dropped from the plane. Other ingredients include corrosion inhibitors and flow conditioners.
Fire Retardant - Phos-Chek. (2019, October 01). Retrieved November 05, 2020, from https://phoschek.com/product-class/fire-retardant-for-wildland/
Fire Hydrant: $6,000
A fire hydrant is a visible fixture placed inside or outside a building, parking area, industrial area, mine, roadside, etc. that is connected to the municipal or a private water service network. Fire hydrants are designed to instantly provide the water required by fire fighters to extinguish a fire. A fire hydrants have an intense pressure that can fire out approximately 500 gallons per minute allowing fire fighters a reliable source of water.
Fire Hydrant Systems - Best Fire Hydrant Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://damiaglobalservices.com/fire-hydrant-systems/
Market Research
After the completion of the similar solutions matrix, market analysis, and solutions decision matrix I have concluded that my design must be capable of extinguishing forest fires near residential areas. To gain a better understanding of the consumers’ needs I was able to get enough people to answer a survey regarding forest fires.
1. Do you know any proper procedures in the events of a forest fire?
2. Would you feel save living near a forest or wildlife environment?
3. Do you believe that forest fires are a problem?
4. If you answered Yes to the question above, do you know of any devices or tools that will keep you safe in a forest fire?
5. If you answered yes to the question above, are these devices or tools helpful in the events of a forest fire?
6. Do you believe that there are enough regulations in protecting our forests?
7. How much do you believe it costs for the recovery of a forest fire?
8. What areas do you think are an extreme fire hazard and pose a risk to homes or property?
9. Are you aware of any recent actions taken to reduce the risk of wildfires or any education programs that bring awareness to forest fires?
10. How great of a risk are wildfires in your community?
11. How much do you believe the government should spend in protecting our forests annually?
Manufacture and Distribution
The actual model for this solutions requires me to build an artificial tree that is approximately 20 feet tall. The following materials will be used to create a small model of the actual product.
· Cooler pump 60Hz/0.7A 1/140 HP Model Econ 5000 with 6ft Power Cord cost $19.99 Purchased from Home Depo
· Normal inside PVC pipe ½” in diameter, 2 meters long. Purchased from Home Depo
· Irrigation tubing 4 ft Purchased from Home Depo $2.87
· 3M Multi-use Duct Tape Purchased from Home Depo $5.97
· 1/2 in. x 260 in. Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber's Tape $0.59
· Fogger mister on Barb (5) Purchased from Home Depo $4.26
Required tools
· Pincers
· Tape measurer
· Drill
Conclusion
In this phase of the design process, I was able to learn the importance of reaching out to consumers to gauge their interest and get their opinions to better understand the market for similar products as ours. In addition, I was able to define the details of the manufacturing process including required materials and products, costs, quantities, and the tools required for manufacturing.