Modular Self-Rescue System for Aircraft Module Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft self-rescue systems lack modular and interchangeable capabilities to effectively protect flight and mission modules from damage or system failures during flight, particularly in scenarios where weight and performance trade-offs are critical.
Innovation Solution
A modular and interchangeable self-rescue system that includes various sub-modules such as parachutes, parafoils, propulsion packages, and control systems, allowing for customizable deployment strategies to separate and safely land flight and mission modules, with options for automated or manual control, and the use of explosive bolts for rapid disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-rescue system is attached to the flight module to protect both flight and mission modules, then the mission module is protected from damage during failure, but the mission module must support the additional weight of the self-rescue system
Solution Approach 1:
The self-rescue system is divided into separate attachable units that can be selectively attached to either the flight module or mission module. This segmentation allows the mission module to have protection capability only when needed, rather than permanently carrying the weight of a complete self-rescue system.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-rescue system is designed with universal attachment interfaces that allow it to be attached to different modules (flight module or mission module) depending on which module requires protection. This multi-functionality enables the same self-rescue system to serve different protection needs without requiring separate dedicated systems for each module.
2Strength
If a robust self-rescue system is attached to protect the mission module, then the mission module is protected from hard landing damage, but the weight of the mission module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-rescue system incorporates deployable structures such as airbags and parachutes that are compact during flight but expand during deployment to provide robust protection. This dynamic transformation allows the system to achieve high protection strength only when needed, rather than requiring the mission module to permanently support the weight of fully extended protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-rescue system components are nested or folded into compact configurations during normal operation, allowing them to be attached to the mission module without significantly increasing its operational weight or volume. The protective structures are stored in a compressed state and only occupy full volume during actual deployment when protection is needed.
3Weight of moving object
If the flight module and mission module are separable, then the mission module can avoid supporting flight module weight during rescue, but the self-rescue system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Both the flight module and mission module are equipped with identical or similar self-rescue system interfaces and attachment mechanisms. This copying approach simplifies the overall system design by using standardized components rather than requiring complex custom integration systems for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-rescue system is extracted as a separate, independently attachable unit rather than being integrated into the structural design of either module. This extraction allows the self-rescue capability to be added or removed without modifying the core flight or mission module structures, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables tailored self-rescue solutions based on mission requirements, optimizing weight and performance by allowing selective attachment of self-rescue systems to flight and mission modules, ensuring safe separation and landing of both modules even in hostile or hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a self-rescue system that includes various sub-modules such as parachutes, parafoils, propulsion packages, and control systems, allowing for customizable deployment strategies to separate and safely land flight and mission modules, with options for automated or manual control, and the use of explosive bolts for rapid disconnection
Implementation Method 2
A modular and interchangeable self-rescue system that includes various sub-modules such as parachutes, parafoils, propulsion packages, and control systems, allowing for customizable deployment strategies to separate and safely land flight and mission modules
Data Source
AI summary
The Invention is a self-rescue system for an aircraft. The aircraft may be a flight module, a mission module, or a combined flight module and mission module of a modular and morphable air vehicle, or may be any other aircraft. The self-rescue system is modular and interchangeable and provides selectable capability to protect the flight module, the mission module, and any crew or cargo of the mission module in the event that the flight module or mission module suffers mishap or system failure during flight.