Parachute Dampening Riser Using Nested POY Webbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parachutes lack effective mechanisms to dampen tensile forces during deployment, which can lead to peak forces that may be harmful to the object or person attached, especially in rapid descent scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a suspension line assembly with dampening risers that extend from a stowed to a longer deployed position in response to tensile force, utilizing materials like fully oriented yarn (FOY) and partially oriented yarn (POY) webbing and threads that plastically deform or tear to absorb and distribute the force, thereby reducing peak loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional parachutes use standard suspension lines without dampening mechanisms, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but peak tensile forces during deployment can be harmful to the attached object or person
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening riser is nested within the suspension line assembly, with the webbing folded back on itself and secured by a thread. The first portion of the webbing is inserted into a pocket formed by the second portion, creating a compact nested structure that extends from a stowed first length to a deployed second length during parachute deployment, thereby dampening peak tensile forces without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening riser utilizes parameter changes in the webbing material properties through plastic deformation. The webbing is configured to plastically deform during deployment, changing its length from a first length in the stowed position to a second length in the deployed position. This parameter change allows the riser to absorb and dampen peak tensile forces generated during parachute deployment
2Length of moving object
If the dampening riser uses a thread to hold the webbing in a folded position, then the structure is compact in stowed position, but the thread must be configured to tear to allow deployment extension
Solution Approach 1:
The thread is intentionally designed with controlled strength to serve as a sacrificial element that tears during deployment. This beforehand cushioning approach allows the webbing to be held in a compact folded position during stowage, then enables controlled extension to a longer deployed position when the thread tears under tensile load, providing a predictable and controlled dampening mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The thread functions as a disposable, short-living component that is consumed during the deployment process. The thread is configured to tear at a specific point, sacrificing itself to allow the webbing to extend from the stowed first length to the deployed second length. This disposable element enables the dampening mechanism to work without requiring complex reversible fastening systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the dampening riser extends from a stowed first length to a deployed second length, then peak forces are dampened, but the riser occupies more space when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing is folded back on itself and nested within a pocket formed by the folded structure. In the stowed position, the first portion of the webbing is inserted into the pocket created by the second portion, creating a compact nested configuration. During deployment, this nested structure extends to provide the necessary length for dampening forces, effectively packing a longer functional length into a shorter stowed space
4Force
If conventional parachutes lack dampening mechanisms, then the suspension line assembly is simpler, but tensile forces are not effectively distributed or absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening riser utilizes plastic deformation of the webbing material to change its physical parameters during deployment. As the webbing plastically deforms, it transitions from a compact state to an extended state, absorbing energy and distributing tensile forces throughout the suspension line assembly. This parameter change provides effective force distribution without requiring complex mechanical dampening components
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening riser employs composite construction combining webbing material with a securing thread. The webbing provides the primary structural element for force distribution, while the thread (configured to tear) provides controlled release functionality. This composite approach enables effective tensile force distribution through the combination of different material properties and behaviors
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 dampening risers effectively reduce peak tensile forces experienced by the object or person, enhancing safety and stability during parachute deployment by utilizing plastic deformation and tear-attenuation mechanisms to manage the forces applied.
Implementation Method 1
the POY is configured to plastically deform in response to the dampening riser moving to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
the thread is configured to tear in response to the dampening riser moving to the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension line assembly for a parachute may comprise a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, and a dampening riser coupled to the confluence, wherein the dampening riser comprises a first length in the stowed position and the dampening riser is configured to extend to a second length in a deployed position in response to a tensile force applied to the dampening riser.