Airborne Launch of Inflatable Devices via Drag Parachute Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching high-altitude balloons face challenges such as weather dependency, limited ground site availability, and the need for additional components to protect balloon envelopes from air turbulence and high-speed ejection stresses during ground-based launches, limiting their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system for airborne launch of inflatable lighter-than-air devices from aircraft, using a container with a drag parachute to slow and reorient the deployment, followed by a main parachute for shielding and inflation, allowing sequential release of balloons with a computing device controlling valve operations and environmental sensor integration for optimal deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If balloons are launched from ground sites, then launch complexity is reduced, but weather dependency increases and launch flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the launch platform from ground level to airborne (aircraft), adding a vertical dimension to the launch operation. This enables access to different atmospheric conditions and weather patterns that are not available from ground sites, thereby improving weather adaptability while maintaining operational complexity through integrated launch systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If balloons are launched from aircraft, then weather adaptability improves and accessibility increases, but device complexity and additional protective components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with pre-positioned protective features including turbulence shields and controlled release mechanisms that are prepared before launch. The balloon envelope is pre-oriented and protected within the container structure, eliminating the need for additional complex protective components during the actual launch sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary structure between the aircraft and the balloon, providing a controlled environment that protects the balloon from turbulence and high-speed ejection stresses. This intermediate structure simplifies the overall system by integrating multiple protective functions into a single component.
3Reliability
If additional protective components are added to protect balloon envelopes, then envelope protection from turbulence improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective features are merged into the container structure itself, with turbulence shields and release mechanisms integrated into the container walls and opening system. This consolidation provides reliable envelope protection while minimizing the number of separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables predictable and efficient launch of multiple balloons with reduced envelope material, low descent velocities, and increased payload capacity, overcoming weather limitations and accessibility issues, while minimizing the impact of air turbulence and high-speed ejection stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The container may have a first drag device, such as a parachute, to slow down the deployment speed of the container
Implementation Method 2
deploy a main parachute consisting of an envelope which shields the balloon from on-rushing air whilst it is inflated
Implementation Method 3
A gas tank may be used to inflate the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to an apparatus, system, and method for the airborne launch of inflatable, lighter-than-air devices from aircraft. In some instances, a container comprising a drag parachute and a main parachute assembly may be deployed from an aircraft. Drag forces on the container may cause the drag parachute to be expelled from the container. Drag forces on the drag parachute may cause the main parachute assembly to be expelled from the container. The main parachute assembly may include a canopy with an opening and a release channel connecting the opening with the container. The container may further include a balloon inflation mechanism, which may be used to inflate one or more balloon envelopes. The one or more balloon envelopes, after being inflated, may be configured to be released from the container, traverse the release channel, and exit the main parachute assembly through the opening.