Link-less Parachute Canopy Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Parachute canopy release devices using metal structures are heavy, pose a risk of injury due to metal fittings striking personnel, and require complex manufacturing processes, compromising structural integrity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A link-less parachute canopy release system comprising a riser, webbing stopper, harness, and a releasable body assembly with a clamp, latch, and safety cover, eliminating metal fittings and reducing part count, weight, and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal structures are used for parachute canopy release devices, then structural integrity and reliability are ensured, but weight increases and risk of injury from metal fittings striking personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal fittings and links from the parachute canopy release device, extracting the harmful metal components while retaining the essential connecting function through webbing-based construction. This eliminates the weight penalty and injury risk associated with metal structures while maintaining reliability through the webbing stopper and clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to webbing, fundamentally altering the physical properties of the release device. This parameter change reduces density and weight while eliminating the harmful effects of metal fittings, achieving both weight reduction and improved safety.
2Strength
If metal fittings are used in parachute canopy release devices, then structural strength is maintained, but the risk of injury to nearby personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of metal fittings striking personnel into a benefit by completely eliminating metal components. The webbing-based construction inherently prevents the injury risk while maintaining sufficient strength through the webbing stopper and clamp assembly, turning a harmful characteristic into a safe design.
3Reliability
If traditional link-based canopy release systems are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (links, metal fittings, and release mechanisms) into a single integrated webbing-based system. The webbing stopper combines the functions of connection, retention, and release in one element, significantly reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing stopper serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural connection element, acts as the retention mechanism through friction and geometry, and enables the release function when the clamp is actuated. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
4Reliability
If traditional link-based canopy release systems are used, then connection security is ensured, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the release device into modular webbing components that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled. The webbing stopper, clamp, and latch are separate but simple components that require minimal assembly steps, significantly reducing manufacturing time compared to traditional link-based systems that require sewing and complex assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy release assembly comprising a riser, a webbing stopper attached to said riser, a harness, and a release body assembly attached to the harness. The release body comprises a body frame attached to the harness, a clamp pivotally attached to the body frame and having a clamp bar, a latch pivotally attached to the body frame and having a lanyard, and a safety cover pivotally attached relative to the body frame. A method for attaching the canopy release assembly to the riser comprises inserting a webbing stopper through a gap in the clamp having a dimension G1 pivoting the clamp such that G1 narrows to a dimension G2 narrower than the thickness T of the webbing stopper, retaining said webbing stopper in a cage cavity.