Gliding Parachute Line Adjustment for Reversible Trajectory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachutes and kites face challenges in controlling their trajectory, leading to overshooting or crashes due to limited control over direction and space constraints, especially when gliding or landing in target areas.
Innovation Solution
A gliding parachute/kite with a flexible wing and adjustable suspension lines that can change its leading edge during flight by altering the length of suspension lines, allowing for reversible direction and spinning capabilities to improve trajectory control, enabling precise landing without turning around.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing parachutes are used for transporting objects to target locations, then the parachute can slow down the load through air resistance, but the parachute may overshoot the target location due to limited trajectory control
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute employs dynamically adjustable suspension lines that can change length during flight, allowing the parachute to actively modify its shape and orientation. This dynamic adjustment enables precise trajectory control and accurate landing at target locations by adapting the parachute's aerodynamic properties in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The parachute system changes physical parameters by varying the length of suspension lines to alter the canopy's shape, angle of attack, and overall aerodynamic characteristics. This parameter modification allows the parachute to control its descent trajectory, prevent overshooting, and achieve precise landing positions
2Ease of operation
If gliding parachutes are constrained by airspace limitations or physical obstacles, then turning to control trajectory or ground speed at touch down may not be possible, but existing control approaches are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute uses dynamic suspension line adjustment to control its orientation and glide path without requiring traditional turning maneuvers. By selectively lengthening or shortening specific suspension lines, the parachute can adjust its attitude and trajectory to navigate around obstacles and operate effectively in constrained airspace
Solution Approach 2:
The parachute controls trajectory by adjusting parameters in the vertical and lateral dimensions through suspension line modification, rather than relying on horizontal turning. This dimensional approach to control allows maneuvering in constrained environments where traditional turning is not feasible
3Ease of operation
If existing approaches for controlling trajectory of kites are used, then trajectory control can be achieved, but a significant amount of space is consumed often resulting in crashes when a kite cannot complete its maneuver without impacting a surface
Solution Approach 1:
The kite employs dynamic suspension line adjustment to perform tight, controlled maneuvers that require minimal space. By actively modifying the suspension line lengths, the kite can execute precise trajectory changes and reversals without needing large maneuvering areas, preventing crashes in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The kite system changes its aerodynamic parameters by adjusting suspension line lengths to achieve efficient turning and trajectory control. This parameter modification enables the kite to complete maneuvers within smaller spatial boundaries, avoiding the need for extensive space and preventing surface impacts
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 enables precise control over trajectory, allowing the gliding parachute/kite to reverse direction or spin to avoid overshooting and land accurately in target areas, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A parachute is an apparatus having a surface used to slow a motion of a load through air by creating drag and/or lift
Implementation Method 2
A parachute is an apparatus having a surface used to slow a motion of a load through air by creating drag and/or lift
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.