Electronic Drogue Reefing Release for Precise Canopy Expansion Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parachute systems lack precise control over the reefing line cutting time during ejection events, leading to potential injury and damage due to fixed pyrotechnic timing durations with +/-25% accuracy, which do not account for variables like aircrew weight, speed, and altitude.
Innovation Solution
An electronic drogue reefing release system with electronically controlled reefing line cutters that determine the optimal reefing line cutting time based on flight metrics such as occupant weight, airspeed, and altitude, using either electrical signals or explosive assemblies for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed pyrotechnic timing durations are used for reefing line cutting, then the system is simpler and more reliable, but the accuracy of cutting time is poor with +/-25% tolerance leading to potential injury and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/pyrotechnic timing system with an electronic control system. The electronic reefing line cutter receives electrical signals from a controller that processes flight metrics (aircrew weight, airspeed, altitude) to determine the optimal cutting time, eliminating the +/-25% timing tolerance inherent in pyrotechnic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through sensors that continuously monitor flight metrics and feed this information to the controller. The controller adjusts the reefing line cutting timing based on real-time flight conditions, ensuring optimal cutting moment is achieved with high precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pyrotechnic timing is used for reefing line cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flight conditions (weight, speed, altitude) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the reefing line cutting timing is not fixed but adapts in real-time based on flight conditions. The electronic controller continuously adjusts the cutting moment based on detected aircrew weight, airspeed, and altitude, making the system versatile across different ejection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of reefing line cutting based on varying flight conditions. By detecting different flight metrics (weight, speed, altitude) and using these to calculate optimal cutting times, the system adapts to diverse operational scenarios while maintaining high precision.
3Reliability
If electronic control with real-time flight metric monitoring is implemented, then the accuracy and adaptability of reefing line cutting is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it monitors flight metrics, processes sensor data, calculates optimal cutting times, and controls the reefing line cutter. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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
Enhances the accuracy of reefing line cutting, reducing the risk of injury and system damage by optimizing the reefing duration based on real-time conditions, thereby improving ejection safety.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically controlled detonator is configured to receive an electrical control signal and to generate an explosion force in response to the electrical control signal
Implementation Method 2
The reefing lines are configured to restrict expansion of the canopy while in a first reefing state
Implementation Method 3
The at least one electrically controlled reefing line cutter includes a knife blade configured to sever the at least one reefing line in response to receiving the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic drogue reefing release system includes a drogue parachute having a canopy, one or more reefing lines coupled to the canopy, one or more reefing line cutters coupled to the canopy, and one or more signal lines configured to deliver an electrical signal. The reefing lines are configured to restrict expansion of the canopy while in a first reefing state. The reefing line cutters are configured to place the at least one reefing line into a second reefing state in response to receiving the electrical signal so as to expand the canopy.