One-Time Flare Mechanism for Aerial Payload Soft Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial payload delivery systems face challenges in achieving soft landings due to the need for large control forces and complexity in actuating trailing edge brake deflection, which increases size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A one-time flare mechanism is introduced, utilizing a purchase system and release mechanism to slowly equalize load and avoid shock to rigging lines, allowing for a soft landing by releasing stored energy at a critical point in flight without direct actuation of the trailing edge lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If direct actuation of trailing edge lines is used to perform flare maneuver, then control force is sufficient, but system size, weight, cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions a block at a specific location along the trailing edge line before the flare maneuver is needed. When the maneuver is initiated, the block is simply released to slide along the line, converting stored gravitational potential energy into the force needed for trailing edge deflection. This eliminates the need for complex actuators during flight while providing sufficient control force.
Solution Approach 2:
The block uses its own weight and the gravitational field to generate the control force needed for the flare maneuver. By allowing the block to slide freely along the trailing edge line under gravity, the system converts the payload's weight into the actuation force, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex mechanical actuators.
2Ease of operation
If trailing edge brake deflection is used for flare maneuver, then landing softness is improved, but shock loads are generated on rigging lines
Solution Approach 1:
The block is designed to slide dynamically along the trailing edge line rather than being abruptly released. The sliding motion allows the block to gradually convert potential energy into kinetic energy, creating a controlled, progressive force application to the trailing edge. This dynamic approach smooths the flare maneuver and prevents sudden shock loads on the rigging lines while still achieving the desired soft landing.
3Measurement precision
If actuators are added for direct control of trailing edge lines, then control precision is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the actuation function from complex mechanical actuators and replaces it with a simple passive block that uses gravity to generate control force. The block's position along the trailing edge line determines the deflection amount, providing control precision without the weight penalty of motors, sensors, and power systems associated with traditional actuators.
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 mechanism enables a soft landing with minimal shock loads, reducing the complexity and cost associated with direct actuation systems while maintaining landing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The release of the trailing edge control line by the release mechanism produces a large change in the length of the trailing edge control line
Data Source
AI summary
A one-time flare mechanism system for use with an aerial payload system is described which uses minimal actuation force to produce a reliable flare with minimal shock to the payload, parafoil and rigging.