Drop Zone Marker With Ballast And Light Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parachute-borne wind direction markers lack accuracy in marking drop zones due to wind drift and fail to provide clear indications of wind direction and speed, especially during night operations.

Innovation Solution

A drop zone marker system with a parachute, light modules, and a ballast module, where the light modules emit different types of light to visually differentiate wind direction, and the separation distance indicates wind speed, allowing parachutists to accurately target the landing zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If prior parachute-borne wind direction markers are deployed, then drop zone location can be marked, but wind drift during descent reduces accuracy of drop zone location marking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of drop zone location markingVSAvoidwind drift

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The marker system is divided into two separate components: a ballast module that lands first and remains stationary, and a parachute assembly with light modules that continues descending and is carried by wind drift. This segmentation allows the wind drift to be utilized as a useful indicator rather than a harmful factor, as the separation between the two components directly indicates wind direction and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cord connecting the ballast module to the parachute assembly acts as an intermediary element. It transmits the wind drift effect from the parachute to the ballast module, creating a visible separation that indicates wind conditions. The cord length and tension provide a measurable intermediary effect that parachutists can use to judge wind speed and direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If prior wind direction markers are used, then drop zone can be marked, but they fail to provide clear indication of wind direction and wind speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication of wind direction and speedVSAvoidvisual clarity for parachutists

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different light modules emit different colors of light (e.g., red, green, blue) to provide clear visual differentiation. The colored lights are visible against the night sky and create distinct visual cues that are easy for parachutists to perceive and interpret from a distance, clearly indicating wind direction and speed information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light modules flash or blink in periodic patterns to enhance visibility and attract parachutists' attention. The periodic flashing action makes the lights more noticeable against the dark background and helps parachutists distinguish the direction and intensity of wind conditions through the pattern and position of the flashing lights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a lightweight marker system is used, then ease of deployment is improved, but ability to maximize separation after ballast lands is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidseparation distance between light modules and ballast

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A dense ballast module is used as a counterweight to overcome the lightweight nature of the parachute and light modules. The ballast is designed to descend rapidly and land first, anchoring itself to the ground. This heavy counterweight creates sufficient gravitational force to maximize the separation distance between the ballast module and the lighter parachute assembly, even with minimal cord length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 system provides clear visual cues for wind direction and speed, enhancing the accuracy of parachute landings by minimizing wind drift and maximizing separation of light modules based on wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A ballast is connected to the second light module and is provided for pulling downwardly the drop zone marker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the parachute, which remains connected to the ballast module, thereby descending down-wind (away) from the ballast module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 3

each light module emits a different type of light and/or emits light differently (e.g., flashing or steady operation)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20170129625A1System, method, and apparatus for marking a drop zone area

Publication Date: 2017.05.11 ARCACHON HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A drop zone marker includes a parachute, a first light module connected to the parachute by a first length of cord and a second light module connected to the first light module by a second length of the cord. A ballast is connected to the second light module by a third length of the cord is provided for pulling downwardly the drop zone marker. The parachute is configured to include an integral packing/deployment bag within which all components of the drop zone marker are contained up until deployment.