Air-drop parachute verification method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of parachutes, and particularly relates to an air-drop parachute verification method. The technical scheme comprises the following specific steps: 1, configuring a pod, arranging an empennage at the rear part of the outer end of the pod, integrating a sensor and a communication module at the top, accommodating a parachute to be verified and a parachute stripper at the rear part, and placing a balancing weight in the pod; 2, the unmanned aerial vehicle is put after mounting the pod to a preset height; 3, stabilizing the attitude of the empennage during falling, and acquiring data such as time, height and velocity pressure in real time by a sensor; 4, when the data reaches a preset threshold value, parachute opening is triggered, and parachute opening and stable descending stage parameters are recorded; 5, when the pod falls to the ground, the parachute remover executes parachute removal and records mechanical parameters; and 6, verifying the multiple performances of the parachute and the real working condition performance of the parachute remover in combination with data after recovery. According to the invention, accurate verification is realized through process innovation, and the test reliability and comprehensiveness are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of parachute technology, and specifically relates to a verification method for airdropped parachutes. Background Technology

[0002] In the aviation and aerospace fields, parachutes, as a crucial in-flight deceleration and landing device, are widely used in areas such as aviation rescue, airdropped supplies, air sports, and drone recovery. Their performance directly affects the safety of personnel and equipment; therefore, extensive performance verification tests are required during research, development, production, and use.

[0003] Traditional parachute verification methods mainly rely on wind tunnel tests, high-tower drop tests, or towing tests. Wind tunnel tests require the design of scaled-down models, and the measured aerodynamic characteristics need to be converted. Moreover, wind tunnel tests are expensive. High-tower drop tests, due to their limited height, are difficult to simulate complex conditions such as high-altitude and high-speed parachute opening, resulting in deviations between test results and actual use. Towing tests use aircraft, rockets, automobiles, etc., but the parachute opening process has a significant impact on safety, especially for parachutes that require high-speed recovery.

[0004] In recent years, the development of drone technology has provided new methods for parachute testing. However, existing drone deployment verification methods still have the following shortcomings: 1. Limited deployment conditions. Most deployments are triggered solely by altitude or time, failing to comprehensively assess the actual deployment risk. 2. Insufficient attitude control. The pod is prone to tipping or instability during deployment, affecting parachute opening and the accuracy of test data; 3. Incomplete data collection. The aerodynamic characteristics of parachutes at different deployment speeds, altitudes, and weights are lacking, as are test data on the actual operating conditions of the parachute release mechanism. 4. Weak repeatability testing capability. There is a lack of repeatable testing procedures for the same parachute, making it difficult to assess its durability and repeatability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the present invention aims to provide a verification method for airdropped parachutes. By rationally configuring the pod structure, triggering parachute deployment under multiple conditions, real-time attitude stabilization and parameter monitoring, landing parachute disengagement, and repeated testing, the method achieves comprehensive verification of the parachute's aerodynamic characteristics, mechanical performance, and reusability, thereby improving the safety, accuracy, and repeatability of the test.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A method for verifying airdropped parachutes includes the following steps: S1: Configuring the pod: A tail fin is installed at the rear of the outer end of the pod to stabilize the parachute opening attitude. The top of the pod integrates a sensor module and a communication module. The parachute to be verified is stored in the parachute compartment at the rear of the pod. The counterweight inside the pod is adjusted to match the recovery weight requirements of the parachute. One end of the parachute is connected to the parachute opening mechanism, and the other end of the parachute is connected to the pod. A release device is installed at the connection between the parachute and the pod. S2: Drone Deployment: The drone carries the pod and flies to a preset altitude, then the drone flies at a preset speed, and the pod is released to allow it to fall freely. S3: Attitude Stabilization and Parameter Monitoring: During the descent, the pod maintains attitude stability through the tail fin, and the sensor module collects descent time, altitude, and speed data in real time; S4: Trigger parachute deployment: When the time, altitude or speed collected in step S3 reaches the preset threshold, the parachute deployment mechanism is triggered to pull out the parachute. At the same time, the sensor module collects the instantaneous speed of parachute deployment, the maximum overload during parachute deployment, the speed and swing angle during the stable descent phase in real time, and the video recording equipment installed on the pod records the parachute deployment sequence and parachute opening status during parachute deployment. S5: Parachute Departure Test: When the pod lands, the parachute release device responds to the landing signal and performs the parachute release action. The sensor module synchronously records the pod status at the moment of parachute release, completing the functional and performance test of the parachute release device. S6: Performance Verification: Recover the parachute and pod, and analyze the aerodynamic, mechanical, and reusable performance of the parachute by combining the data collected in steps S4 and S5. At the same time, verify the mechanical performance of the parachute release device under real working conditions.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, the sensor module includes a GPS module, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometric altimeter, and a high-definition camera; wherein, the GPS sensor module is used to record the parachute deployment speed, the stable descent speed, and the altitude; the accelerometer is used to record the maximum overload of the parachute deployment; the gyroscope is used to record the change in the pod's swing angle after the parachute is deployed; the barometric altimeter is used to measure the altitude and descent speed when the GPS is interfered with; and the high-definition camera is used to record the parachute deployment status and the separation of the parachute release device.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, the counterweight is a detachable structure, and the weight of the counterweight can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of counterweights to match the load requirements of different types of parachutes.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, the tail fin includes at least two symmetrically arranged wing surfaces, each wing surface having an angle of 15° to 60° with the pod axis, for providing aerodynamic stability during the pod's descent and parachute deployment.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, the preset altitude is 500 to 2000 meters, and the wind speed in the test airspace is confirmed to be less than the design wind resistance level of the parachute before the UAV is deployed.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, after the pod is attached to the UAV, a load test is performed to confirm that the attachment structure is not loose or deformed within the preset tensile force range; the ground completes the power-on check of the pod, checks whether the sensor module data is within the normal range, checks whether the communication module transmission is stable, and checks whether there is any interference in communication after the UAV is powered on and working; after the check is completed, the operator controls the UAV to take off through the ground control station.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S3, after the sensor module collects the descent time, altitude, and speed data in real time, it transmits the collected real-time data to the ground monitoring equipment through the communication module, and the ground operators monitor the descent status of the gondola in real time.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S4, the preset threshold includes: the altitude is lower than the minimum parachute opening altitude, the descent time exceeds the set time, or the velocity pressure exceeds the set parachute opening velocity pressure; the parachute opening mechanism releases the parachute canopy and pulls out the parachute through an electromagnetic relay or a pyrotechnic device.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S5, the trigger signal of the parachute release device is a landing impact acceleration exceeding 5g, or a parachute release command sent by the ground control terminal; the performance test includes the magnitude of the parachute release device's resistance to instantaneous impact, the separation of the parachute release device after impact, and the number of times it can be reused.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S6, the reusability performance verification includes: performing steps S1 to S5 at least 5 times on the same parachute, and comparing the parachute opening response time, the degree of damage to the parachute canopy, and the reliability of the parachute release device in each test.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. More realistic working condition simulation: Breaking through the limitation of a single parachute opening trigger condition, it uses multiple parameters such as time, altitude, velocity and pressure to make judgments, accurately reproducing complex actual use scenarios such as high altitude and high speed, and avoiding performance misjudgment caused by simulation deviation and scaling.

[0017] 2. More accurate test data: The tail structure effectively suppresses the flipping and shaking of the pod during descent. Combined with the sensor module, it collects parameters such as parachute overload, descent speed, descent angle, and force on the parachute release device throughout the entire process, providing uninterrupted and accurate data support for performance analysis.

[0018] 3. More efficient verification: By using detachable counterweights to adapt to different load requirements, standardized processes, and ensuring operational consistency, the same parachute can be repeatedly tested multiple times, which shortens the durability assessment cycle and reduces the equipment cost of multiple rounds of testing.

[0019] 4. Safer testing process: No need to rely on high towers or dragging scenarios, drones can be flexibly deployed and monitored in real time on the ground, especially in high-speed verification situations, completely avoiding personnel safety risks.

[0020] 5. More comprehensive functionality: While verifying the aerodynamic and mechanical performance of the parachute, the performance of the parachute release device under real working conditions can be completed simultaneously without the need to build an additional test platform, realizing "one machine for multiple tests" and improving the overall verification cost-effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the specific steps of the airdropped parachute verification method in this embodiment are as follows: S1: Assemble and test the pod.

[0025] S1.1: A matching tail fin structure is installed on the outer rear end of the pod body to ensure that the tail fin is firmly connected to the pod body. The installation angle and size must meet the requirements of attitude stability during the pod's descent to avoid unstable states such as pod flipping or yaw.

[0026] S1.2: At the top of the pod, a sensor module and a communication module are integrated. The sensor module includes a GPS module, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometric altimeter, and a high-definition camera. The sensor module needs to establish a signal connection with the control unit inside the pod, and the communication module is tuned to a signal frequency band that matches the ground monitoring equipment to ensure stable data transmission.

[0027] S1.3: Open the parachute compartment cover at the rear of the gondola and store the parachute to be tested in the parachute compartment according to the preset folding method. During the folding process, avoid tangling or excessive compression of the parachute canopy and parachute lines. Reliably connect both ends of the release device to be tested to the upper and lower parachute straps of the parachute, and then close and lock the parachute compartment cover to ensure that the parachute will not accidentally come out when not triggered.

[0028] S1.4: Based on the design recovery weight requirements of the parachute to be verified, select a suitable counterweight block and place it stably in the preset counterweight area inside the gondola. The counterweight block is fixed to the inner wall of the gondola through a buffer structure to prevent the counterweight block from shifting during the descent and affecting the center of gravity of the gondola.

[0029] S1.5: Connect the top of the parachute to the deployment mechanism of the gondola. The connection point must be firm and reliable. The signal input terminal of the parachute release device is connected to the control unit of the gondola to ensure that an accurate landing separation signal is received and the action is executed.

[0030] S2: The drone carrying the pod has been deployed.

[0031] S2.1: Select a drone that meets the payload weight requirements of the pod, attach the configured pod to the drone using a common mounting bracket, and conduct a load test after connection to confirm that the mounting structure is not loose or deformed within the preset tensile force range.

[0032] S2.2: On the ground, complete the power-on check of the pod, check whether the sensor module data is within the normal range, check whether the communication module transmission is stable, and check whether there is any interference in communication after the UAV is powered on and working.

[0033] S2.3: The operator controls the drone to take off through the ground control station. The drone flies to the designated test airspace according to the preset flight route. After the drone flies to the preset release altitude, it is necessary to confirm that the wind speed in the test airspace is less than the "design wind resistance level" of the parachute. The drone maintains autonomous altitude, speed and straight level flight. The operator sends the pod release command. After receiving the command, the drone pylon unlocks. The pod separates from the drone under the action of gravity and begins to fall freely.

[0034] S3: Pod attitude stabilization and flight parameter monitoring.

[0035] S3.1: After the pod detaches from the drone, during the descent, the tail fin at its rear generates aerodynamics to adjust and maintain the pod's attitude, ensuring that the pod maintains a near-vertical descent attitude and reducing horizontal deviation and roll.

[0036] S3.2: The sensor module on top of the pod remains operational, collecting real-time data on the pod's descent time, current altitude, and velocity-pressure at its location. This data is then transmitted to ground monitoring equipment via a communication module, allowing ground operators to monitor the pod's descent status in real time.

[0037] S4: Trigger parachute deployment and pod descent.

[0038] S4.1: The ground monitoring equipment receives data transmitted by the sensor module and compares it in real time with the preset parachute opening threshold (including preset time, preset altitude, preset velocity pressure value, etc.). When any one or more parameters reach the preset threshold, the ground monitoring equipment can send a parachute opening command, or the control unit inside the gondola can trigger the parachute opening command autonomously.

[0039] S4.2: After receiving the command, the parachute opening mechanism immediately starts working, opening the canopy of the parachute compartment and quickly pulling out the parachute through a mechanical structure (or electromagnetic relay, pyrotechnic device). The parachute unfolds under the action of airflow. During this process, the sensor module synchronously records the speed of the pod at the moment of parachute opening and the maximum overload value during the parachute opening process.

[0040] S4.3: When the parachute is fully deployed and reaches a stable descent, the sensor module records the stable descent speed and the swing angle during the stable descent phase, and continuously transmits the sensor module data to the ground.

[0041] S5: Pod ground contact recovery and parachute disengagement test.

[0042] S5.1: When the gondola carrying the parachute descends to the ground, the overload sensor inside the gondola receives the ground contact overload. The control unit determines that the ground contact overload meets the threshold or the ground monitoring equipment sends a parachute release command, and instantly generates an electrical signal to the parachute release device. After receiving the signal, the parachute release device immediately activates the internal actuator to disconnect the parachute from the gondola and complete the parachute release action.

[0043] S5.2: While the parachute release mechanism is in operation, the sensor module collects and records in real time the tension of the parachute on the pod at the moment of release, the pod overload at the moment of ground contact, and the timing and impact parameters of the parachute release mechanism, ensuring complete capture of key data during the release process.

[0044] S5.3: After the pod separates from the parachute, the pod falls to the ground at a preset angle, so that the buffer part of the pod contacts the ground, protecting the sensor module on top and the tail fin at the rear, thus completing the recovery of the pod.

[0045] S6: Physical inspection of parachutes, pods, and parachute release devices; sensor data analysis.

[0046] S6.1: After the pod and parachute separate and land, the operator goes to the landing point to retrieve the pod and parachute, checks whether the parachute is damaged or the parachute lines are broken, checks whether the structure of each part of the parachute release device is deformed or damaged, and at the same time checks the working status of each component of the pod (including the sensor module, communication module, and parachute opening mechanism).

[0047] S6.2: Retrieve the high-definition camera on the pod, and replay the video to observe the changes in the pod's attitude after deployment, the order of parachute deployment and fully deployed state during parachute opening, and the separation status of the parachute release device upon touchdown.

[0048] S6.3: Summarize and organize the data stored in the sensor module and the data received by the ground monitoring equipment. Combine the parachute's appearance inspection results and changes in its opening shape, and evaluate the parachute's comprehensive performance from three dimensions: aerodynamic performance (such as stable descent speed and stable descent swing angle), mechanical performance (such as maximum overload during opening), and reusability (such as canopy integrity and component operational stability). At the same time, based on the mechanical parameters recorded by the parachute release device under maximum overload and the appearance inspection results of the release device, verify whether the reliability and mechanical performance of the release device under actual working conditions meet the design requirements.

[0049] S6.4: If repeated verification tests are required, simply inspect and refold the parachute, replace any damaged parts (if any), and adjust the counterweights (if necessary), and then follow the steps above to drop and test again.

[0050] This invention is not limited to the above-described optional embodiments. Anyone can derive other various forms of products under the guidance of this invention. However, regardless of any changes made in their shape or structure, any technical solution that falls within the scope of the claims of this invention shall be protected by this invention.

Claims

1. A verification method for airdropped parachutes, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Configuring the pod: A tail fin is installed at the rear of the outer end of the pod to stabilize the parachute opening attitude. The top of the pod integrates a sensor module and a communication module. The parachute to be verified is stored in the parachute compartment at the rear of the pod. The counterweight inside the pod is adjusted to match the recovery weight requirements of the parachute. One end of the parachute is connected to the parachute opening mechanism, and the other end of the parachute is connected to the pod. A release device is installed at the connection between the parachute and the pod. S2: Drone Deployment: The drone carries the pod and flies to a preset altitude, then the drone flies at a preset speed, and the pod is released to allow it to fall freely. S3: Attitude Stabilization and Parameter Monitoring: During the descent, the pod maintains attitude stability through the tail fin, and the sensor module collects descent time, altitude, and speed data in real time; S4: Trigger parachute deployment: When the time, altitude or speed collected in step S3 reaches the preset threshold, the parachute deployment mechanism is triggered to pull out the parachute. At the same time, the sensor module collects the instantaneous speed of parachute deployment, the maximum overload during parachute deployment, the speed and swing angle during the stable descent phase in real time, and the video recording equipment installed on the pod records the parachute deployment sequence and parachute opening status during parachute deployment. S5: Parachute Departure Test: When the pod lands, the parachute release device responds to the landing signal and performs the parachute release action. The sensor module synchronously records the pod status at the moment of parachute release, completing the functional and performance test of the parachute release device. S6: Performance Verification: Recover the parachute and pod, and analyze the aerodynamic, mechanical, and reusable performance of the parachute by combining the data collected in steps S4 and S5. At the same time, verify the mechanical performance of the parachute release device under real working conditions.

2. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the sensor module includes a GPS module, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometric altimeter, and a high-definition camera. The GPS sensor module is used to record the parachute deployment speed, stable descent speed, and altitude. The accelerometer is used to record the maximum overload during parachute deployment. The gyroscope is used to record the pod's swing angle change after parachute deployment. The barometric altimeter is used to measure altitude and descent speed when GPS is interfered with. The high-definition camera is used to record the parachute deployment status and parachute release mechanism separation.

3. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the counterweight is a detachable structure, and the weight of the counterweight can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of counterweights to match the load requirements of different types of parachutes.

4. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the tail fin includes at least two symmetrically arranged wing surfaces, each wing surface having an angle of 15° to 60° with the pod axis, which are used to provide aerodynamic stability during the pod's descent and parachute deployment.

5. The verification method for an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the preset altitude is 500 to 2000 meters, and the wind speed in the test airspace is confirmed to be less than the design wind resistance level of the parachute before the drone is deployed.

6. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, after the pod is attached to the UAV, a load test is performed to confirm that the attachment structure is not loose or deformed within the preset tensile force range; the ground completes the power-on check of the pod, checks whether the sensor module data is within the normal range, checks whether the communication module transmission is stable, and checks whether there is any interference in communication after the UAV is powered on and working. After the inspection is completed, the operator controls the drone to take off via the ground control station.

7. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, after the sensor module collects the descent time, altitude, and speed data in real time, it transmits the collected real-time data to the ground monitoring equipment through the communication module, and the ground operators monitor the descent status of the gondola in real time.

8. The verification method for an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the preset thresholds include: the altitude is lower than the minimum parachute opening altitude, the descent time exceeds the set time, or the velocity pressure exceeds the set parachute opening velocity pressure; the parachute opening mechanism releases the parachute canopy and pulls out the parachute through an electromagnetic relay or pyrotechnic device.

9. The verification method for an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the trigger signal for the parachute release device is a landing impact acceleration exceeding 5g, or a parachute release command sent by the ground control terminal; the performance test includes the parachute release device's resistance to instantaneous impact, the separation of the parachute release device after impact, and the number of times it can be reused.

10. The method for verifying an airdropped parachute according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S6, the reusability performance verification includes: performing steps S1 to S5 at least 5 times on the same parachute, and comparing the parachute opening response time, the degree of damage to the parachute canopy, and the reliability of the parachute release device in each test.

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