Parachute Deployment Brake Release Hook Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployment brake systems for parachute canopies are costly and heavy due to the need for heavy-duty motors to withstand peak loads during initial inflation, and prior art solutions involving pyrotechnic cutting devices are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A deployment brake release system where brake lines are secured to a hook mount on the AGU frame, allowing the motor to release the brake lines after full inflation, transferring loads to the motor for flight, enabling the use of lighter and less expensive motors, and allowing for simultaneous or sequential release of multiple brake lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy-duty motors are used to withstand peak loads during initial inflation, then the motor can handle opening forces, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load-bearing function into two phases: during initial inflation, the AGU frame structure bears the peak opening forces; during flight, the motor bears the suspension line loads. This segmentation allows the motor to be sized for flight conditions only, reducing weight while maintaining sufficient strength capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection lines as intermediaries between the brake lines and the motor. These connection lines transfer loads to the AGU frame structure during deployment, acting as a mediator that protects the motor from peak opening forces while allowing the motor to control the brake lines during flight.
2Reliability
If pyrotechnic cutting devices are used to release brake lines, then the brake lines can be released after inflation, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor itself to perform the release function. By controlling the motor to winch in the suspension lines, the system automatically releases the brake lines from the AGU frame without requiring separate pyrotechnic devices. The motor serves both as the deployment actuator and the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the deployment and release functions into a single motor system. The same motor that deploys the brake lines by winching them in also releases them by reversing operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate pyrotechnic cutting devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment brake release system for use with an airborne guidance unit (AGU) of a parachute suitable for precision cargo delivery. The parachute includes deployment brake lines secured at one end to the edge of the canopy and connected at the other end through looped ends to motor control lines. The motor control lines are, in turn, engaged with the motor of the AGU. The deployment brake release system includes at least one hook mount having a hook secured to the AGU frame. The looped ends of the deployment brake lines are engaged with the hook during rigging so that, upon deployment, opening forces are applied to the hook mount rather than the motor. After full canopy inflation, the motor, via the motor control lines, pulls on the brake line looped ends to disengage them from the hook, transferring subsequent canopy loads to the AGU motor for the remainder of the flight. A method for releasing the deployment brake lines is also disclosed.