Adjustable Helical Capstan Rope Brake for Controlled Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lowering supplies from aerial vehicles to the ground, such as rotary wing aircraft, result in high losses due to the lack of control during descent, particularly when supplies are free-dropped from significant heights.
Innovation Solution
The development of a braking system comprising a capstan and puck mechanism that allows for adjustable braking force by wrapping a rope around the capstan, with the puck teeth engaging with capstan teeth to secure the number of wraps and determine the braking force, enabling controlled payload descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supplies are free-dropped from aerial vehicles, then the delivery process is simple and quick, but supply losses are high due to lack of control during descent
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system uses a dynamic capstan mechanism with adjustable braking force. The puck can be positioned at different locations along the capstan shaft, and the braking force can be adjusted by changing the number of rope wraps around the capstan. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different payload weights and descent conditions, reducing supply losses while maintaining delivery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking force parameter by adjusting the number of rope wraps around the capstan and the position of the puck along the shaft. By varying these parameters, the braking force can be precisely controlled to match different payload requirements, preventing excessive losses while maintaining controlled descent.
2Loss of substance
If a braking system with adjustable braking force is implemented, then supply losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the capstan shaft with teeth, the puck with corresponding teeth, the rope wrapping mechanism, and the biasing spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain despite the adjustable braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing spring automatically pushes the puck toward the descent line guide, providing a self-regulating mechanism that reduces the need for external control systems. The system uses the weight of the payload and the spring force to automatically adjust the braking force, reducing operational complexity while maintaining supply loss reduction benefits.
3Ease of operation
If the puck teeth height is made less than the clearance groove height, then the puck can rotate freely for adjustment, but the braking force control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic engagement mechanism where the puck teeth engage with capstan teeth at discrete positions. The clearance groove allows the puck to rotate freely between engagement points, providing operational flexibility. The braking force control precision is maintained through the discrete engagement steps, which provide sufficient resolution for controlling different payload weights.
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
This solution reduces supply losses by providing a controlled descent mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of braking force based on payload weight, minimizing damage and ensuring safer delivery of essential items like medicine, ammunition, and food.
Implementation Method 1
Puck teeth are located on the inner peripheral surface. The puck teeth are adapted to mate with capstan teeth on the capstan shaft.
Implementation Method 2
A clamp assembly is on the head and is biased towards the descent line guide.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for controlling payload descent are described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a puck is provided that includes a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface opposite the top planar surface and an inner peripheral surface that is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. The inner peripheral surface, the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface define a centrally located bore that is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. Puck teeth are located on the inner peripheral surface. An outer peripheral surface bounds the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. An exit port surface is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface. The exit port surface is between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface and couples the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface.