Tethered Balloon Flight Termination via Envelope Cutting Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tethered aerial vehicles, such as high-altitude balloons, require efficient and predictable descent mechanisms to ensure safety and minimize risk to surrounding objects when brought back to the ground, as existing methods lack a reliable and quick termination system.
Innovation Solution
A flight termination system comprising a tool with a cutting blade attached to the interior and exterior surfaces of the balloon envelope, activated by a tether force to create an opening and release lift gas, allowing controlled descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethered aerial vehicle uses existing descent methods, then the vehicle can return to ground, but the descent process is not predictable and takes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is pre-installed on the envelope with the tether attached, but the cutting action is not initiated until the termination command is given. The blade is positioned and ready to cut the envelope material, but remains inactive until the tether is pulled to trigger the cutting mechanism, ensuring the vehicle returns only when intentionally commanded
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting gas is extracted from the envelope by creating a cut opening that allows the gas to escape. This extraction of the lifting gas is what enables the controlled descent, separating the gas retention function from the envelope structure once the cut is made
2Productivity
If the cutting tool is activated to create an opening in the envelope, then the lift gas is released quickly for safe descent, but the structural integrity of the envelope is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade intentionally damages the envelope structure by creating a cut opening, which would normally be harmful. However, this structural damage is converted into a benefit by enabling rapid release of lifting gas for controlled descent and safe retrieval of the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool extracts a portion of the envelope material through the cutting blade, removing the sealed structure to allow gas escape. This extraction creates the opening necessary for rapid deflation while the rest of the envelope maintains sufficient integrity for controlled descent
3Reliability
If a complex termination system is used to ensure safe descent, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is self-activating through the tether mechanism. When the tether is pulled, it automatically triggers the cutting blade to engage with the envelope material through mechanical motion. The system uses the tether's own motion to activate the cutting action without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary between the operator's command and the cutting mechanism. The tether transmits the mechanical force from pulling to the cutting tool, which then transfers this force to the envelope material through the blade, creating a simple three-component chain: operator-tether-tool-envelope
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles. For instance, a flight termination system for a tethered aerial vehicle including an envelope may include a tool and a tether. The tool may include a first piece configured for attachment to an interior surface of the envelope and including a cutting blade. The tool may also include a second piece configured for attachment to an exterior surface of the envelope. The tether may be attached to the first piece such that when in use, a force on the tether causes the tool to cut an opening into the envelope.