Lateral Propeller Arrangement for Paraglider Harness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized paragliders face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to propellers being obstructed by the pilot, leading to torque issues and increased weight, which complicates flight stability and launching.
Innovation Solution
The propellers are laterally arranged relative to the pilot, with a support frame that keeps them evenly spaced and allows for independent motor operation, and the drive device is designed to attach to any harness, ensuring unobstructed airflow and minimizing weight, along with a method to reorient propellers from a vertical to horizontal position during takeoff for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the propeller is positioned behind the pilot, then the propulsion system can be integrated into the harness, but the pilot obscures the propeller from the front causing inefficiency and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement (behind the pilot) to a lateral arrangement (to the side of the pilot), changing the spatial dimension of propeller placement. This dimensional shift allows the propeller to operate in unobstructed airflow while remaining integrated with the harness structure through the support frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a special harness is used to integrate the propulsion system, then the motor and propeller can be mounted, but the harness becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed as a universal mounting structure that can be attached to conventional paragliding harnesses using standard carabiners and quick-release mechanisms. This allows the propulsion system to be integrated with existing harness designs rather than requiring a completely specialized harness, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If the propeller is positioned to the side of the pilot, then airflow is unobstructed and efficiency improves, but the support frame may increase weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with localized reinforcement only at critical mounting points where the motor and propeller are attached, rather than constructing a completely rigid full-frame structure. This allows the frame to provide necessary structural support while minimizing material usage and overall weight, achieving a balance between structural integrity and weight reduction.
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
This configuration enhances flight efficiency, stability, and safety by reducing turbulence, maintaining pilot legroom, and preventing accidents during launch, while allowing for compact and lightweight design with adequate propulsion for altitude gain and extended flight times.
Implementation Method 1
the propellers are almost completely unobstructed, allowing them to sweep through the air without hindrance. The resulting airflow field exhibits little turbulence.
Implementation Method 2
the fastening means interact with the harness in such a way that the axes of rotation of the first and second propellers are oriented vertically when the harness is unloaded and horizontally during flight. This initially downward orientation of the propellers significantly reduces the risk of accidents during paraglider launches.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a propulsion device (1) for a paraglider (2), a paraglider (2) with a propulsion device (1), and a method for launching a paraglider (2). To make launching and flying the paraglider (2) particularly efficient and safe, the present invention proposes that, during flight of the paraglider (2), a first propeller (6) of the propulsion device (1) is arranged to the left of the pilot and a second propeller (7) of the propulsion device (1) is arranged to the right of the pilot, and that the propellers are reoriented during launch.