Embedded Parafoil Canopy Actuator for Autonomous Payload Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous aerial payload delivery systems using parafoils face issues with heavy, expensive control mechanisms that are prone to tangling and damage, leading to reduced landing accuracy and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system embedded within the parafoil controls upper surface canopy spoilers by opening and closing slits to manage ram air flow, utilizing a gear motor, LiPo battery, and wireless communication for precise flight control, with a cylindrical housing and control lines to create aerodynamic spoilers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional control mechanisms are used to control parafoil flight path, then control capability is achieved, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (control lines, actuators on payload) with an integrated aerodynamic control system. The control is achieved by actuating slits in the canopy that redirect airflow, creating aerodynamic forces for control. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components and their associated control lines, significantly reducing weight while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is embedded within the canopy structure itself, with the control mechanism nested inside the aerodynamic surface. The slit actuator is integrated into the canopy fabric, allowing the control system to be part of the aerodynamic structure rather than a separate added component, reducing overall weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional control lines are used for parafoil control, then flight control is achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases and control lines become tangled or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external control lines from the system by integrating the control mechanism directly into the canopy. The control function is achieved through internal actuation of aerodynamic surfaces (slits) rather than through external control lines, removing the source of drag and tangling problems while preserving flight control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces aerodynamic surfaces (slits in the canopy) as an intermediary between the actuator and the flight control function. Instead of direct mechanical control through lines, the actuator controls the slits which then mediate control by redirecting airflow to produce aerodynamic forces, eliminating the need for traditional control lines.
3Measurement precision
If heavy control mechanisms are used for autonomous payload delivery, then control precision is achieved, but landing accuracy decreases due to tangling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems with aerodynamic control surfaces integrated into the canopy. This substitution provides more reliable and precise control without the mechanical failures that degrade landing accuracy, achieving both control precision and manufacturing precision (landing accuracy) simultaneously.
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 solution enhances glide slope control and landing accuracy while reducing weight and cost, improving aerodynamic efficiency and enabling lightweight, autonomous payload delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible parafoils provide aerodynamic lift by virtue of shape of the canopy and an alteration in the shape can greatly affect the directionality of the parafoil
Implementation Method 2
The control of internal air vented through the upper surface of the canopy creating aerodynamic spoilers has been shown to improve glide slope control
Implementation Method 3
The actuator comprises a means to control actuation and further comprises a main housing unit, a gear motor and means to control the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described to control the flight path of a parafoil. The physical control mechanism is a series of actuators embedded within the parafoil canopy that open a series of holes via slits in the upper surface of the parafoil canopy. Opening and closing the holes changes the forces and moments acting on the parafoil canopy in a consistent manner such that it can be used for flight control. The embedded actuator is attached to a structural cell wall of the parafoil canopy. A control line from the actuator extends through a ring attached to the leading edge of the slit in the upper surface of the parafoil canopy and back down to the lower surface of the parafoil canopy along the opposite side non-structural cell wall.