Illuminated Balloon Parachute System for Burst Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illumination devices mounted inside balloons can become projectiles upon bursting, posing a risk due to their high speed upon ejection.
Innovation Solution
A parachute system comprising flexible sheets connected to the illumination device inside the balloon cavity to slow its descent and reduce impact force in case of rupture, with configurations involving one or multiple sheets and reinforcing ribs to maintain a stable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the illumination device is mounted inside the balloon cavity, then the balloon can be illuminated from the interior, but the illumination device becomes a projectile upon bursting posing a risk due to high speed ejection
Solution Approach 1:
A parachute device is attached to the illumination device before the balloon is inflated. The parachute remains folded during normal operation but automatically deploys when the balloon bursts, providing air resistance to slow the descent of the illumination device and reduce impact force upon ground contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of the balloon burst, which propels the illumination device at high speed, is converted into a beneficial outcome by using the burst itself to trigger parachute deployment. The gas pressure from the burst inflates the parachute, transforming the dangerous ejection force into a controlled descent mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a parachute system is added to reduce projectile speed, then the impact risk is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute is constructed from flexible material that can be folded into a compact form attached to the illumination device. This flexible film structure provides the necessary air resistance when deployed but adds minimal weight and complexity when in its folded state during normal balloon operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The parachute is folded and nested within or alongside the illumination device components, allowing it to be stored in a compact manner during balloon inflation and operation. The parachute automatically unfolds and deploys when triggered by the balloon burst, providing the safety function without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions.
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
The parachute system effectively reduces the velocity of the illumination device by up to 70% upon balloon burst, minimizing the risk of damage or injury from impact.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of flexible material connected to the illumination device inside the balloon cavity, this sheet being configured to serve as a parachute for the illumination device in the event of rupture of the wall of the balloon
Implementation Method 2
an illumination device including a light emitting member which is mounted to the wall inside the balloon cavity
Data Source
AI summary
In respect of a balloon (10) having an illumination device (20), including a light emitting member, which is mounted onto the wall inside the balloon cavity, at least one sheet (22, 24) of flexible material is connected to the illumination device inside the balloon cavity to serve as a parachute for the illumination device (20) in the event of rupture of the wall of the balloon when in an inflated condition. In embodiments where the illumination device is provided with a projection (12) and is mounted to the wall of the balloon by an attachment element, such as elastic band (18), engaging said projection from outside the balloon, the or each sheet of flexible material (22, 24) serving as the parachute may be connected to the illumination device (20) and to the balloon wall by location over the projection (12) and engagement by the same attachment member.