Parachute Suspension Line Elastomeric Inserts for Shock Load Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parachute deployment generates potentially dangerous shock loads that can risk occupant safety and stability by causing suspension line breakage and asymmetric load distribution, leading to instability and increased injury risk.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastomeric inserts within and external to the suspension lines, which are stitched or bonded to absorb and distribute the loads, allowing the inserts to stretch without breaking, thereby reducing peak loads on the occupant and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suspension lines are used without elastomeric inserts, then the parachute structure is simple and reliable, but dangerous shock loads are generated during deployment that can break suspension lines and cause asymmetric load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Elastomeric inserts are pre-installed within the suspension lines to provide cushioning before shock loads occur during parachute deployment. The elastomeric material is positioned in advance to absorb and attenuate the sudden forces generated when the canopy opens, preventing suspension line breakage and reducing shock loads to safe levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric inserts change the mechanical parameters of the suspension lines by introducing a compliant element that can elongate and absorb energy. This parameter change allows the suspension line to transition from a rigid, shock-prone structure to a more compliant system that can withstand deployment shocks while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastomeric inserts are incorporated into suspension lines, then shock loads are attenuated and occupant safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric inserts are nested within the existing suspension line structure, utilizing the internal volume of the suspension lines. This nesting approach allows the elastomeric material to be housed within the hollow core of the suspension lines without requiring external mounting structures or significant modifications to the overall parachute system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric inserts are placed at specific locations within the suspension lines where shock loads are most critical, rather than uniformly throughout the entire suspension system. This localized approach provides shock attenuation where needed most while minimizing the overall complexity and material usage.
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 elastomeric inserts effectively attenuate the loads during parachute deployment, reducing the force exerted on the occupant and preventing suspension line breakage, thus enhancing safety and stability by equalizing the load distribution across the suspension lines.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric insert may be coupled between a first portion of the suspension line and a second portion of the suspension line... the elastomeric insert may include a first segment located within an internal volume of the suspension line
Implementation Method 2
stretching an elastomeric insert coupled between a first portion of the suspension line and a second portion of the suspension line... effectively attenuate the loads during parachute deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A parachute assembly may comprise a canopy and a plurality of suspension lines coupled to the canopy. Each of the suspension lines may include an elastomeric insert coupled between a first portion of the suspension line and a second portion of the suspension line. At least a portion of the elastomer insert may be located within an internal volume of the suspension line.