Parachute Ejection Device Using Pre-Tensioned Spring Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute ejection devices for aerial vehicles are not suitable for unmanned, cost-effective flying drones as they rely on external energy sources and require replaceable pressure storage devices, making them unreliable and impractical for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable base connected to a spring element, such as an elastic band, that accelerates the parachute for ejection through a housing opening, allowing for reliable and repeated deployment without external energy, and can be easily re-tensioned for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a servomotor is used to eject the parachute, then the ejection can be controlled, but the system becomes unreliable if the on-board energy network fails
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-tensioned before the parachute ejection is needed, storing energy in advance. When ejection is required, the fixing means is released and the pre-tensioned spring immediately propels the base and parachute without requiring any external energy supply at the moment of ejection, thus ensuring reliability independent of the on-board energy network
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as a self-contained energy storage device that does not require connection to external power sources. The system uses its own internal stored energy (pre-tensioned spring) to perform the ejection function, making it autonomous and independent of the aerial vehicle's energy network
2Reliability
If pressure storage devices such as CO2 cartridges are used to eject the parachute, then ejection can be achieved, but the pressure storage device must be replaced after each use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the entire ejection device after one use (as with CO2 cartridges), the invention allows recovery and reuse of the main device components. The spring element can be re-tensioned and the base reused, with only minimal components needing replacement, thus enabling repeated parachute deployments without replacing the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-tensioned in advance and can be re-tensioned after each use. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be quickly reset for the next ejection event, enabling repeated use without requiring complex replacement procedures
3Strength
If a steel spring is used for the spring element, then robust design is achieved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite or alternative materials such as elastic bands or rubber bands instead of traditional steel springs. These materials provide sufficient elastic properties and robustness for the application while significantly reducing the weight of the spring element, thus achieving a lightweight yet durable ejection device
4Force
If the elastic band is stretched to exceed the total length of the device, then sufficient ejection force is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band is arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the housing, utilizing spatial dimensions efficiently. The band can be routed through guides or attached at multiple points to achieve the required stretch ratio without adding external components, thus obtaining sufficient ejection force while maintaining a compact and simple device structure
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
Enables reliable and repeated parachute ejection independent of external energy sources, suitable for cost-effective unmanned flying drones, with a lightweight and robust design that ensures safe landing even at lower altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element comprises an elastic band, in particular a rubber band, or is composed of one or more rubber bands
Implementation Method 2
a movable base is arranged within the housing, which base is connected to the housing via at least one spring element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for ejecting a parachute, comprising a housing (2) with an ejection opening (3), wherein the housing (2) is suitable for at least partially accommodating the parachute. In order to enable a robust and repeated ejection of the parachute with a low weight of the device (1), according to the invention a movable base (4) is arranged within the housing (2), which base (4) is connected to the housing (2) via at least one spring element, wherein the base (4) can be releasably fixed in place within the housing (2) using a fixing means (5), wherein the device (1) is configured such that if a parachute is arranged within the housing (2), the base (4) is accelerated by the spring element when the fixing means (5) is released, so that the parachute is ejected through the ejection opening (3) by means of the base (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for ejecting a parachute.