Description

The main components of the concept „Project Waterdrop“ are large and cheap rubber balloons, which can be filled with any kind of water. The ballons will be mounted under the ceiling by pulling them up with manual pulleys. To support them when in position, a low-tech grid of wooden or metal support sutructures must be installed. Addidionally, the lighting and/or AC-System of the rooms can be installed on this structure. The balloons can be installed in any room sizes. If the height is too short, the balloons can alternatively put on the floor on dedicated locations among the furniture. The balloons can be released in 2 ways: Automated release by increasing heat (the rubber will melt and burst) in the room in case of a large fire. Manual release by highly visible cords in case of a small fire spot or when leaving the room. The concept is inspired by dropping simple water balloons, which is a funny game on many childrens summer parties. To adapt this system by using the so called frugal innovation approach leads to a cheap and well known solution, where no mainitenance is required. Also, to transfer the „funny game“ into a serious fire fighting tool has the advantage that the simple complexity of the system is understood by anyone. In addidion, the visible & large balloons enhance the feeling of safety and security, also beacause of the many individual release cords. The lound noise of the bursting balloons are an early-alert-system for peope in adjacent rooms or buildings. In an nutshell, Project Waterdrop is cheap, flexible and easy to use.

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJsYC_EvFng

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