Parachute Range Augmenter with Detachable Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parachutes used for jumping have limited lateral range, which is a concern in military applications where longer range is needed without compromising the freefall capability, as gliders are not suitable for freefall scenarios and increase the risk of the jumper being targeted.
Innovation Solution
A detachable propulsion device that attaches to a parachute via a harness, powered by batteries and electric fan motors, which generates thrust during canopy flight to extend the lateral range without interfering with the freefall operation, and can be controlled or pre-programmed for specific distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional parachute system is used, then the jumper can maintain freefall capability and safety, but the lateral range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the range extension function into a separate, detachable propulsion device that can be attached to or removed from the parachute system. This segmentation allows the parachute to maintain its simple, reliable freefall capability while the propulsion device provides additional lateral range when needed, resolving the contradiction between extended range and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion device is designed to be dynamically deployable and stowable, transitioning between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide lateral range extension only when required, maintaining simplicity during freefall while enabling range extension during canopy flight, thus resolving the contradiction between limited lateral range and increased device complexity.
2Length of moving object
If gliders are used to extend lateral range, then longer range is achievable, but the jumper cannot maintain freefall capability and is at higher risk of being targeted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the propulsion function with the parachute system by attaching the propulsion device to the parachute harness, creating a hybrid system that combines the freefall capability of parachutes with the range extension of propulsion devices. This allows jumpers to maintain pure freefall capability when needed while having the option to extend lateral range during canopy flight, resolving the contradiction between lateral range and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion device allows dynamic change in the operational parameters of the jumper system, transitioning between freefall mode (with minimal interference) and canopy flight mode (with propulsion assistance). This parameter flexibility enables the system to achieve extended lateral range without permanently compromising freefall capability or safety, resolving the contradiction between range and reliability.
3Length of moving object
If a propulsion device is attached to the parachute, then lateral range is increased, but the device may interfere with freefall operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the propulsion function from the main parachute structure and places it in a separate, detachable device that can be positioned to minimize interference during freefall. This extraction allows the propulsion device to be present on the jumper without significantly impacting freefall operation, while enabling lateral range extension when deployed during canopy flight, thus resolving the contradiction between extended range and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion device incorporates mechanical movement capability, allowing it to transition between an unengaged position during freefall (minimizing interference) and an engaged position during canopy flight (maximizing propulsion effect). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining ease of freefall operation and achieving extended lateral range through propulsion assistance.
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 propulsion device increases the lateral distance achievable by the jumper during freefall and canopy flight, reducing descent rate and allowing for controlled turns, while minimizing interference during freefall and enabling safe landing by stowing away during landing.
Implementation Method 1
the power source powers the one or more electric fan motors to generate thrust and increase the range
Implementation Method 2
The parachute uses gravity to convert airflow to lift
Implementation Method 3
The parachute uses gravity to convert airflow to lift
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a harness system configured to be attached to a parachute harness of a parachute. The device also includes a propulsion system connected to the harness system, wherein the propulsion system is configured to be off when undeployed and during freefall, and wherein the propulsion system is configured to deploy during canopy flight stage to generate thrust for a parachutist of the parachute. The device further includes a circuitry configured to control power generation by the propulsion system to control the thrust. The device includes a power source configured to power the circuitry and the propulsion system.