Magnetic Reserve Parachute Deployment Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for main parachute cutaway and reserve parachute deployment, such as MARD and Skyhook, often experience premature disconnection issues due to failure in retaining the Reserve Static Line (RSL) lanyard and bridle connection, leading to delayed reserve parachute deployment and potential entanglements, which can result in increased time and altitude loss during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a reserve bridle with a closing pin and magnetic retention means that maintains connection beyond a predefined force threshold, ensuring the main parachute aids in reserve deployment bag extraction and preventing entanglements by using magnets, elastic items, or touch fasteners for secure attachment to the lanyard and reserve container flap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If known temporary connection devices (MARD, Skyhook) are used to use the main parachute as pilot chute for reserve extraction, then reserve deployment time/height is reduced, but premature disconnection occurs due to insufficient retention force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from simple mechanical friction or weak mechanical connections to a magnetic field-based connection. The magnetic item generates a magnetic field that exerts attractive force on the iron/magnetic item, providing reliable retention during cutaway while allowing controlled disconnection when force exceeds the threshold. This parameter change (from mechanical to magnetic) resolves the contradiction by providing both strong retention and controlled release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention systems (friction, clips, or weak mechanical connections) with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic item and iron/magnetic item create a non-contact force field that provides reliable connection during the critical cutaway phase, then allows clean disconnection when the force threshold is exceeded. This substitution resolves the reliability issue while maintaining the time-saving benefit.
2Ease of operation
If the Skyhook device is used in reserve only procedure, then reserve deployment is enabled, but the holding force on the kicker flap is insufficient causing delayed deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the same magnetic retention principle to the connection between the Skyhook device and the kicker flap. The magnetic item provides sufficient holding force to maintain the connection during reserve only procedures, while still allowing controlled disconnection when the force threshold is exceeded. This resolves the insufficient holding force issue while preserving the ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the main parachute is entirely disconnected before reserve deployment, then entanglements are avoided, but time and altitude loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic retention mechanism to maintain the connection between the main parachute and reserve bridle during the critical cutaway phase. This preliminary maintained connection allows the main parachute to immediately assist in pulling the reserve deployment bag from the container, reducing deployment time. The connection is then cleanly disconnected when the force threshold is exceeded, avoiding entanglement risks. This preliminary action resolves both the entanglement risk and time loss contradiction.
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 ensures timely and safe reserve parachute deployment by maintaining the main parachute connection until the predefined force is exceeded, reducing the risk of entanglements and enhancing the efficiency of reserve parachute opening, particularly in low-altitude skydiving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the connection means includes a magnetic item attracting an iron/magnetic item
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method of reserve parachute deployment comprising; a reserve bridle 2 connecting the reserve deployment bag 5 to the reserve pilot chute 4, and a lanyard 3 connecting the main parachute 1 to the reserve bridle 2 with a releasable attachment and a retention means of this attachment. This connection being placed onto a holding flap 17 of the reserve container 22, by releasable holding means. The system and method of realization allows the reserve parachute to be activated without cutting-away a main parachute, in a manner that the holding means are not released, while if the main parachute is cut away then the holding means release without the retention means doing so.