Parachute Deployment System with Decoupled Tow and Release Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute deployment systems face challenges in quickly extracting parachutes at low altitude and low speed conditions without causing recoil or altitude loss, especially when using self-propelled projectiles, which can result in unpredictable deployment and hazards due to the extra line length and weight.
Innovation Solution
A parachute deployment system utilizing a separate tow line and release line, where the tow line initially takes the load and the release line becomes taut after the parachute is fully extracted, allowing the rocket to be released smoothly, minimizing recoil by shifting the load from the tow line to the release line, which is designed to open under a specific threshold force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a self-propelled projectile is used to quickly extract the parachute, then extraction speed is improved, but recoil and unpredictable deployment occur due to high line loads at full extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single extraction line into two separate lines: a tow line that remains attached to the payload and a release line that is detached after use. This segmentation allows the extraction function to be separated from the retention function, enabling quick extraction while maintaining deployment control by keeping the tow line under controlled tension throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a load transfer mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the self-propelled projectile and the parachute system. This mechanism gradually transfers the load from the release line to the tow line during extraction, preventing sudden load changes and recoil when the projectile detaches, thereby ensuring predictable deployment.
2Productivity
If the self-propelled projectile is released at full extension, then extraction is complete, but altitude loss occurs due to parachute recoil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary load transfer before the self-propelled projectile is fully extended and before detachment occurs. The tow line gradually assumes the load during the extraction process, so that when the projectile releases, the load is already transferred to the tow line, preventing recoil and altitude loss that would otherwise occur from sudden load changes.
3Ease of operation
If extra line length is used for self-propelled projectile attachment, then extraction capability is improved, but hazards and weight increase occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release line from the permanent parachute system, using it only for the extraction phase and then detaching it. This allows the system to have sufficient line length for effective extraction capability while eliminating the hazards and weight associated with permanently carrying extra line length. The release line is taken out, used for its specific purpose, and then removed from the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A parachute system includes a release that detachably couples a self-propelled projectile and parachute canopy to each other. The release detaches the two from each other in response to a triggering of the release. There is also a first path between the release and a payload where the first path includes the parachute canopy and a suspension line between the parachute canopy and the payload. At least part of the suspension line is bound such that the first path is effectively shorter than a second path. In response to the first path being drawn taut, the suspension line becomes unbound so that the first path becomes effectively longer than the second path. In response to the second path being drawn taut after the suspension line becomes unbound, the release is triggered.