A closure control structure and method for a parachute

Abstract

The application discloses a closing control structure and method of a parachute, and relates to the field of parachutes. The closing control structure of the parachute comprises a canopy support arranged at the bottom opening of a main canopy, N radial closing ropes arranged along the circumference of the canopy support, at least one circumferential closing rope sleeved on the outer wall of the bottom of the main canopy, and a delay actuator for timing cutting of the circumferential closing rope. The bottom of the main canopy is connected with a plurality of closing rings arranged along the circumference of the bottom of the main canopy. Both ends of each radial closing rope are connected to the edge of the canopy support, the middle part of each radial closing rope passes through a closing ring of the bottom of the main canopy, the middle part of the last radial closing rope passes through the closing ring and the main canopy, and is then sleeved on the circumferential closing rope. The middle part of the Nth radial closing rope passes through the closing ring, and is then sleeved on the middle part of the (N-1)th adjacent radial closing rope passing through the closing ring. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The closing control structure and method of the parachute provided by the application can reduce the opening time of the canopy, reduce the hovering height, guarantee the opening consistency of the parachute, and significantly improve the opening performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of parachutes, and more specifically, to a parachute retraction control structure and method. Background Technology

[0002] Large parachutes are mostly used in high-speed, high-altitude heavy-duty parachute delivery. In order to reduce the dynamic load of large parachutes when opening, they often adopt a bottom edge circumferential closing method. The structural characteristics of large parachutes themselves determine that their systems are long, have many parachute lines, have many repeated "Z"-shaped folds and stacks at the bottom edge of the canopy, have a large impact on the bottom edge during air intake, have obvious mutual interference, and are slow to deploy.

[0003] Traditional parachute canopies with a circumferentially tapered bottom edge have slow pressure build-up. While this structure doesn't affect the single-parachute opening procedure for large parachutes, it results in a slightly longer inflation time, a reduced minimum drop altitude, and a longer hang time. However, in a group system, large tapered parachutes exhibit significant inconsistencies in opening. This is because the different positions of the parachutes within a group lead to varying airflow conditions. Even if the straightening time and the time of maximum straightening force are identical, asynchronous inflation begins from the tapered state, becoming more pronounced as the number of parachutes increases. Large parachutes, with their large circumference and long bottom edge, are flexible products. In a conventional circumferentially tapered structure, the airflow reaches the top first, inflating from the top and opening the bottom edge. This means the air inlets of parachutes in the middle are easily compressed, making them more susceptible to environmental influences during inflation. Delayed inflation can cause one or more parachutes in the group to malfunction, leading to a descent velocity exceeding the preset value. The impact upon landing can affect the accuracy of the equipment. Even with a single umbrella, there are issues such as slow bottom opening and insufficient air inlet pressure when the closure is released.

[0004] Therefore, a parachute opening control structure and method are needed to achieve rapid parachute opening and improve the consistency of parachute opening among multiple parachutes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a parachute retraction control structure and method, which can reduce the opening time of large parachute canopies, reduce the hang time, ensure greater consistency of large parachutes, significantly improve opening performance, and play a role in anti-interference and anti-collapse.

[0006] This application is implemented as follows:

[0007] This application provides a parachute retraction control structure, which includes a parachute support located at the bottom opening of the main parachute, N radial retraction ropes arranged circumferentially along the parachute support, at least one circumferential retraction rope sleeved on the outer wall of the bottom of the main parachute, and a time-delay actuator for timing the cutting of the circumferential retraction rope. The bottom of the main parachute is connected to a plurality of retraction rings arranged circumferentially along the main parachute. The two ends of each radial retraction rope are connected to the edge of the parachute support, and the middle part passes through a retraction ring at the bottom of the main parachute. The middle part of the last radial retraction rope passes through the retraction ring and the main parachute and is sleeved on the circumferential retraction rope. The middle part of the Nth radial retraction rope passes through the retraction ring and is sleeved on the middle part of the (N-1)th adjacent radial retraction rope passing through the retraction ring. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0008] In some alternative implementations, the outer wall of the main umbrella bottom is connected to at least one circumferentially extending closure cord protective sleeve, through which the circumferential closure cord passes.

[0009] In some alternative implementations, the outer wall of the main umbrella bottom is connected to an actuator protective sleeve fitted onto the time-delay actuator.

[0010] In some alternative implementations, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 10.

[0011] In some alternative implementations, the umbrella support includes at least a plurality of support rings arranged sequentially from the inside out and a plurality of radial strips arranged circumferentially spaced along the support rings, each radial strip being connected to a respective support ring.

[0012] This application also provides a parachute retraction control method, which uses the above-mentioned parachute retraction control structure and includes the following steps:

[0013] Deploy the main parachute for landing, tension the parachute support via radial tightening lines to define the size of the opening at the bottom of the main parachute, and use circumferential tightening lines to define the position of the outer wall of the main parachute.

[0014] When the main umbrella needs to be further opened, the control delay actuator cuts off the circumferential tightening rope to stop limiting the position of the main umbrella's outer wall, and causes each radial tightening rope to stop tensioning in sequence to limit the size of the opening at the bottom of the main umbrella, so that the opening at the bottom of the main umbrella opens and the airflow opens the canopy from the bottom of the main umbrella canopy.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The parachute closing control structure provided by this application includes a parachute support located at the bottom opening of the main parachute, N radial closing lines arranged at intervals along the circumference of the parachute support, at least one circumferential closing line sleeved on the outer wall of the bottom of the main parachute, and a time-delay actuator for timing the cutting of the circumferential closing line. The bottom of the main parachute is connected to a plurality of closing rings arranged at intervals along its circumference. The two ends of each radial closing line are connected to the edge of the parachute support, and the middle part passes through a closing ring at the bottom of the main parachute. The middle part of the last radial closing line passes through the closing ring and the main parachute and is sleeved on the circumferential closing line. The middle part of the Nth radial closing line passes through the closing ring and is sleeved on the middle part of the (N-1)th adjacent radial closing line passing through the closing ring. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The parachute closure control structure and method provided in this application can reduce the opening time of large parachute canopies, lower the hang time, ensure greater consistency of large parachutes, significantly improve opening performance, and play a role in anti-interference and anti-collapse. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the parachute retraction control structure provided in this application embodiment when it is installed on the main parachute;

[0018] Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the parachute closure control structure provided in this application embodiment, when installed on the main parachute, shows one end of a radial closure rope passing through a closure ring and sleeved on the end of an adjacent radial closure rope passing through the corresponding closure ring.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point A;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the delayed actuator of the parachute retraction control structure provided in this application embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the parachute support structure in a parachute retraction control structure provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0022] In the diagram: 100, main umbrella; 110, opening; 120, radial closing rope; 130, circumferential closing rope; 140, time-delay actuator; 150, closing ring; 160, closing rope protective sleeve; 170, actuator protective sleeve; 180, through hole; 200, umbrella support; 210, support ring; 220, radial strip. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] The features and performance of the parachute retraction control structure and method of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, this application embodiment provides a parachute retraction control structure for improving the opening performance of the main parachute 100. It includes a parachute support 200 located at the bottom opening 110 of the main parachute 100, N radial retraction ropes 120 spaced circumferentially along the parachute support 200, a circumferential retraction rope 130 sleeved on the outer wall of the bottom of the main parachute 100, and a time-delay actuator 140 for periodically cutting the circumferential retraction rope 130. The bottom of the main parachute 100 is connected to retraction rings 150 spaced circumferentially along its bottom. Each retraction ring 150 corresponds one-to-one with a radial retraction rope 120. The two ends of each radial retraction rope 120 are connected to the edge of the parachute support 200, and the middle portion passes through a corresponding retraction ring 150 at the bottom of the main parachute 100. The middle portion of the last radial retraction rope 120 passes through the corresponding retraction ring 150. The 50 and the main umbrella 100 are fitted onto the circumferential closing rope 130 after the through hole 180. The middle of the Nth radial closing rope 120 passes through the corresponding closing ring 150 and is fitted onto the middle of the adjacent (N-1)th radial closing rope 120 passing through the corresponding closing ring 150. In this embodiment, N is 20. A closing rope protective sleeve 160 extending circumferentially is connected to the bottom outer wall of the main umbrella 100. The circumferential closing rope 130 passes through the closing rope protective sleeve 160. An actuator protective sleeve 170 fitted onto the delay actuator 140 is connected to the bottom outer wall of the main umbrella 100. The umbrella support 200 includes at least two support rings 210 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside and 20 radial strips 220 arranged circumferentially around the support rings 210. Each radial strip 220 is connected to each support ring 210.

[0032] This application also provides a parachute retraction control method, which uses the above-described parachute retraction control structure and includes the following steps:

[0033] The main parachute 100 is opened and lowered, causing the parachute support 200 to be tensioned by the radial tightening rope 120 and limiting the size of the opening 110 at the bottom of the main parachute 100, and the circumferential tightening rope 130 is used to limit the position of the outer wall of the main parachute 100.

[0034] When the main umbrella 100 needs to be further opened, the control delay actuator 140 cuts the circumferential tightening rope 130 to stop limiting the position of the outer wall of the main umbrella 100, and causes each radial tightening rope 120 to stop tensioning in sequence to limit the size of the opening 110 at the bottom of the main umbrella 100, so that the opening 110 at the bottom of the main umbrella 100 opens, and the airflow opens the canopy from the bottom of the canopy of the main umbrella 100.

[0035] The parachute retraction control structure and method provided in this application improves the opening performance of a large-area retraction parachute by setting a retraction control structure at the bottom opening 110 of the main parachute 100 to change the direction of high-pressure airflow movement. The retraction control structure includes a parachute support 200 located at the bottom opening 110 of the main parachute 100, radial retraction lines 120 arranged circumferentially along the parachute support 200, a circumferential retraction line 130 sleeved on the bottom outer wall of the main parachute 100, and a timed action for periodically cutting the circumferential retraction line 130. The device 140 connects the two ends of each radial closing rope 120 via the umbrella support 200, allowing the middle portion of each radial closing rope 120 to pass through the closing ring 150 connected to the bottom of the main umbrella 100. The last radial closing rope 120 passes through the closing ring 150 and the main umbrella 100 before being fitted onto the circumferential closing rope 130. Each radial closing rope 120 after the first passes through the closing ring 150 and is then fitted onto the middle portion of the preceding adjacent radial closing rope 120 that passes through the closing ring 150. This allows for proper lowering when the main umbrella 100 opens. At the start of inflation, the umbrella support 200 is tensioned via the radial tightening cords 120, which limit the size of the opening 110 at the bottom of the main umbrella 100. The circumferential tightening cords 130 also limit the position of the outer wall of the main umbrella 100, confining the high-pressure air mass to the bottom edge of the canopy. When further expansion of the main umbrella 100 is needed, the delay actuator 140 cuts the circumferential tightening cords 130, stopping them from limiting the position of the outer wall of the main umbrella 100. This causes the radial tightening cords 120 to release sequentially, stopping the tensioning of the opening 110 at the bottom of the main umbrella 100. 0. When the main umbrella 100 is inflated, the high-pressure air mass quickly enters and expands the bottom edge of the main umbrella 100. Pressure is quickly built up at the bottom edge of the main umbrella 100, and the air inlet of the main umbrella 100 canopy is opened. The airflow quickly expands the canopy from the bottom, which can effectively prevent the air inlet of the main umbrella 100 canopy from being interfered with by the airflow or other canopies during inflation. By setting the radial closing rope 120, the umbrella support 200 can be constrained at the air inlet position at the bottom opening 110 of the main umbrella 100. By setting the circumferential closing rope 130, the umbrella support 200 can be prevented from shaking disorderly at the bottom edge of the canopy due to the influence of airflow, which may lead to failure.

[0036] In other optional embodiments, the umbrella support 200 may further include three or more support rings 210 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside, and a plurality of radial strips 220 arranged circumferentially spaced along the support rings 210; such as Figure 5 The umbrella support 200 shown is composed of seven support rings 210 and twenty-four radial strips 220 connected together.

[0037] The embodiments described above are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A parachute retraction control structure, characterized in that, It includes an umbrella support located at the bottom opening of the main umbrella, N radial drawstrings spaced apart circumferentially along the umbrella support, at least one circumferential drawstring sleeved on the outer wall of the bottom of the main umbrella, and a time-delay actuator for periodically cutting the circumferential drawstring. The bottom of the main umbrella is connected to a plurality of drawstring rings spaced apart circumferentially. The two ends of each radial drawstring are connected to the edge of the umbrella support, and the middle part passes through one of the drawstring rings at the bottom of the main umbrella. The middle part of the last radial drawstring passes through the drawstring ring and the main umbrella and is then sleeved on the circumferential drawstring. The middle part of the Nth radial drawstring passes through the drawstring ring and is then sleeved on the middle part of the (N-1)th adjacent radial drawstring passing through the drawstring ring. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The parachute retraction control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall at the bottom of the main umbrella is connected to at least one circumferentially extending drawstring protective sleeve, and the circumferential drawstring passes through the drawstring protective sleeve.

3. The parachute retraction control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall at the bottom of the main umbrella is connected to an actuator protective sleeve fitted onto the time-delay actuator.

4. The parachute retraction control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 10.

5. The parachute retraction control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The umbrella support includes at least a plurality of support rings arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside and a plurality of radial strips arranged circumferentially spaced along the support rings, each of the radial strips being connected to each of the support rings.

6. A method for controlling the retraction of a parachute, characterized in that, It is performed using the parachute retraction control structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and includes the following steps: The main parachute is deployed and lowered, causing the parachute support to be tensioned by the radial tightening ropes and limiting the size of the opening at the bottom of the main parachute, and the position of the outer wall of the main parachute is limited by the circumferential tightening ropes. When the main umbrella needs to be further opened, the control delay actuator cuts off the circumferential tightening rope to stop limiting the position of the outer wall of the main umbrella, and causes each of the radial tightening ropes to stop tensioning in sequence to limit the size of the opening at the bottom of the main umbrella, so that the opening at the bottom of the main umbrella opens and the airflow opens the canopy from the bottom of the canopy.

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