Multi-Rocket Parachute Deployment for Low-Altitude Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parachute deployment systems often fail to fully inflate the parachute in time, especially when an aircraft is close to the ground, leading to potential damage upon landing, as they require a significant fall distance and time to deploy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rocket parachute deployment system that uses a first projectile to initiate parachute deployment and a second projectile to rapidly fill the parachute by pulling the riser in an opposite direction, forming an acute angle, allowing for quicker inflation and stabilization of the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single-rocket deployment system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the parachute cannot fully inflate in time when close to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into two independent rocket projectiles: a first rocket for initiating parachute deployment and a second rocket for rapidly filling the parachute. This segmentation allows each rocket to perform a specific function, ensuring complete inflation even at low altitudes while keeping individual rocket designs relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The first rocket performs preliminary action by deploying the parachute canopy first, creating the structure that the second rocket will then fill. This sequential preliminary action ensures that the parachute is properly positioned and structured before the rapid inflation phase begins, guaranteeing complete inflation
2Loss of time
If a conventional deployment system is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the stack up time from emergency recognition to full parachute inflation is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment process is divided into two distinct periodic phases: first, the deployment phase where the canopy is released and begins to form; second, the rapid filling phase where the second rocket inflates the parachute. This periodic action compresses the total deployment time significantly compared to conventional single-phase systems
Solution Approach 2:
The first rocket acts as an intermediary that deploys the parachute structure, which then serves as the medium for the second rocket to rapidly inflate. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve rapid deployment by breaking the process into manageable stages that can be executed in quick succession
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional parachute deployment system is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the aircraft may be damaged upon landing due to insufficient deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-rocket system performs preliminary anti-action by ensuring complete and rapid parachute inflation before the aircraft reaches the ground. The second rocket's rapid filling action counteracts the potential harm of incomplete deployment, guaranteeing that the parachute is fully inflated to provide maximum deceleration and prevent landing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by ensuring the parachute is fully inflated and providing maximum drag before the aircraft impacts the ground. The rapid deployment and complete inflation act as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs the kinetic energy of the falling aircraft, preventing damage upon landing
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 system significantly reduces the 'stack up' time from emergency recognition to full parachute inflation, minimizing damage to the aircraft and passengers by deploying the parachute in a shorter fall distance and time, even in low-speed, low-altitude conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first projectile configured to be propelled in a first direction, causing the parachute to be deployed
Implementation Method 2
a second projectile configured to be propelled in a second direction and coupled to a line tethered to the parachute in such a way that a force in a direction opposite the first direction is applied to the line of the parachute when the second projectile is propelled in the second direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques to deploy a parachute are disclosed. In various embodiments, a first projectile is configured to be propelled in a first direction, causing the parachute to be deployed. A second projectile configured to be propelled in a second direction is coupled to a line tethered to the parachute in such a way that a force in a direction opposite the first direction is applied to the line of the parachute when the second projectile is propelled in the second direction.