Drogue Parachute Elastomeric Insert for Force Spike Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drogue parachutes experience a 'lull' followed by a rapid increase in deceleration force during staged deployment, which can lead to injury or damage due to the high rate of change in force exerted on the object being ejected.
Innovation Solution
A multi-staged drogue parachute assembly with an elastomeric insert and a sleeve system that absorbs the load during secondary length deployment, reducing the rate of change in force by allowing gradual tension distribution through the suspension lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the drogue parachute deploys additional suspension line length in a staged manner, then the parachute can achieve longer deployment length and better stabilization, but the rate of change in force increases causing injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric element is integrated into the suspension line between the canopy and the ejection seat. This elastomeric element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes the force spikes generated during staged deployment, preventing direct transmission of harmful force rates to the ejection seat and occupant while still enabling the full deployment length benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element changes the mechanical parameters of the suspension line by introducing elasticity and damping characteristics. This modifies the force transmission characteristics during deployment, transforming the abrupt force changes into smoother, more gradual force variations that are safer for the ejection seat and occupant.
2Length of moving object
If the suspension line is made longer to improve deployment performance, then the parachute provides better deceleration and stabilization, but the weight of the suspension line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric element changes the mass distribution and mechanical properties of the suspension line. By incorporating this elastomeric component, the suspension line achieves enhanced deployment performance and force absorption capabilities without requiring a complete redesign of the entire suspension line, thus minimizing weight increase while gaining functional benefits.
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 elastomeric insert and sleeve system mitigate the sudden spike in force, providing a smoother deceleration and reducing the risk of injury or damage to the ejection seat and its occupant.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric insert coupled between a first portion of the secondary length and a second portion of the secondary length
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-staged drogue parachute assembly may include a suspension line having a primary length and a secondary length. The primary length may be deployable upon a first deployment of the multi-staged drogue parachute assembly. The secondary length may be prevented from deployment until the primary length has fully deployed. An attenuator may attach a first portion of the secondary length to a second portion of the secondary length.