Parachute Equipment Bag Separating Mechanism With Replaceable Soft Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating mechanisms for equipment bags used by parachutists often deteriorate over time, leading to failure in releasing the bag properly due to torn or frayed locking soft loops and locked-up release loops, which can result in increased impact forces and injury during landing.
Innovation Solution
A separating mechanism featuring removable locking soft loops and a ring release system, along with an aerodynamic equipment bag design and integral cinch cord, ensures reliable release by using progressively sized rigid rings and a flexible retention member for easy replacement and secure item containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking soft loops are used in existing separating mechanisms, then the equipment bag can be coupled and decoupled repeatedly, but the locking soft loops deteriorate over time (tear and fray) requiring extensive repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The separating mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a base assembly with rigid rings, removable locking soft loops, and a retention member. This segmentation allows the locking soft loops to be easily replaced when deteriorated while maintaining the overall functionality of the separating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional webbing/cord loops to a ring-based system with progressively sized rigid rings. This parameter change in the structural material and configuration improves durability and prevents the locking-up problem while maintaining the repeated coupling and decoupling capability.
2Ease of operation
If additional release loops are included in existing separating mechanisms, then the equipment bag can be released, but the release loops deteriorate from overuse, heavy weight, and dry weather until they lock up, inhibiting proper release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional webbing/cord loop release mechanism with a ring-based retention system. The retention member engages with the progressively sized rigid rings to provide a reliable release function that does not deteriorate or lock-up under the conditions of overuse, heavy weight, and dry weather.
3Ease of operation
If traditional equipment bag shapes are used, then the bag can accommodate equipment, but the parachutist has difficulty maintaining stability during free fall
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment bag is designed with a contoured aerodynamic shape featuring curved surfaces that reduce drag and improve stability during free fall. The bag includes a main body with a contoured shape and an integrated cinch cord system that secures equipment while maintaining the aerodynamic profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A separating mechanism for releasing an equipment bag. The mechanism includes a base assembly, a removable soft loop assembly, an attachment ring, and a retention member. The base assembly includes a base member, an aperture, and one or more base assembly rings. The soft loop assembly includes a soft loop base and a soft loop. The soft loop is inserted through the aperture and a first of the base assembly rings. The soft loop base is configured to not be pulled through the aperture. A last of the base assembly rings is inserted through the attachment ring. The retention member is inserted through the soft loop to restrain the first base assembly ring. The base assembly rings are sequentially engaged to couple the attachment ring with the base member. The retention member is pulled out of the soft loop to release the base assembly rings thereby releasing the attachment ring.