Parachute Flight Controller Decoupling Load Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute guidance systems are cumbersome and heavy due to the control mechanism being in the load path between the parachute and the payload, limiting the size and weight of payloads that can be efficiently delivered.
Innovation Solution
A flight controller apparatus that decouples the control mechanism from the load path by using a bearing member and support member system, allowing relative movement between the parachute suspension lines, enabling lighter and more compact control systems that can accommodate larger payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control mechanism is integrated into the load path between the parachute and payload, then the control system can effectively steer the parachute, but the flight controller becomes heavy and cumbersome, limiting payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control function from the load-bearing function by introducing a bearing member that decouples the control lines from the main load path. The control mechanism is segmented into a independent subsystem that operates through the bearing member rather than through the payload suspension lines, allowing the flight controller to be lighter while maintaining steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing member acts as an intermediary element between the control lines and the parachute suspension system. It allows the control lines to influence parachute steering without bearing the full payload weight, enabling a lighter flight controller design while maintaining effective control authority through the suspension lines
2Ease of operation
If the control mechanism is in the load path, then direct control of suspension lines is achieved, but the flight controller size and weight increase, reducing payload efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control lines that operate through the bearing member rather than directly through the payload suspension path. This allows the flight controller to be more compact and lighter, improving payload delivery efficiency while maintaining ease of parachute steering control through the separated control mechanism
3Reliability
If a robust control mechanism is used to handle load path forces, then reliable parachute steering is achieved, but the flight controller becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented from the load-bearing structure by introducing the bearing member as a decoupling element. This allows the flight controller to use a more compact and lighter control mechanism that operates through the bearing member rather than requiring a robust structure to handle full load path forces, reducing volume while maintaining steering reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing member serves as an intermediary that transfers control forces from the flight controller to the parachute suspension lines without requiring the flight controller to directly withstand full payload loads. This enables a smaller, lighter flight controller volume while maintaining reliable steering control through the intermediary bearing member
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
This design allows for a more compact and lightweight flight controller, enabling the delivery of heavier payloads by transferring the load through the parachute directly, rather than through the control lines, thus increasing the efficiency of payload delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing member is adapted to enable relative movement, controlled by said flight controller, between said bearing member and a support member for supporting said bearing member connected between first and second suspension lines of a parachute
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a parachute flight controller from a parachute comprises a bearing member, for example a pulley, a load-bearing coupling, for example a harness, connected to the bearing member and including a connector for connecting the coupling to a parachute flight controller. The coupling includes a load-bearing connector for connecting a payload thereto, and the bearing member is adapted to enable relative movement, controlled by the flight controller, between the bearing member and a support member, for example a flexible coupling line or web for supporting the bearing member connected between first and second suspension lines of a parachute. The flight controller may include one or more control lines connected to the support member or suspension lines which can be wound in or out of the flight controller to effect relative movement between the bearing member and the support member and thereby control the direction of the parachute.