Electronic Parachute Release With Redundant Deployment Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current parachute deployment systems in drag racing are time-consuming and lack redundant safety measures, with manual actuation requiring multiple driver actions and offering limited monitoring capabilities for safety features, leading to potential delays and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic parachute deployment system with a control module, solenoid actuator, and remote deployment feature, utilizing Bluetooth, radio frequency, and altimeter circuitry for automated and redundant parachute deployment, including a verification process for secure signal transmission and power management with redundant power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual lever actuation is used for parachute deployment, then the system structure is simple, but the deployment time is excessive and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever actuation system with an electronic control system that uses solenoid actuators to deploy the parachute. The electronic system receives signals from various sensors (altimeter, accelerometer, button press) and automatically actuates the parachute deployment mechanism, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention and reducing deployment time from seconds to milliseconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring vehicle speed, altitude, and acceleration through sensors before deployment is actually needed. The control module is pre-programmed with deployment criteria, and when conditions are met (such as exceeding speed thresholds or detecting deceleration patterns), the system automatically initiates parachute deployment without requiring driver reaction time.
2Reliability
If manual lever actuation is used, then the system is easy to operate, but redundant safety measures are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute deployment system operates autonomously by monitoring its own operational parameters through integrated sensors (altimeter, accelerometer, speed sensors) and automatically determining when deployment is necessary. The control module continuously assesses vehicle conditions and self-activates the deployment sequence without requiring driver judgment or action, ensuring consistent and reliable deployment based on objective criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including altimeter data, accelerometer readings, and speed sensor information that continuously report to the control module. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor vehicle state in real-time and automatically trigger parachute deployment when predefined safety thresholds are exceeded, providing redundant verification through multiple sensor inputs before activation.
3Reliability
If monitoring functionality is added to parachute deployment systems, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it processes sensor data from altimeters, accelerometers, and speed sensors; determines deployment timing based on programmed criteria; actuates the parachute deployment sequence; and provides status feedback to the driver. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated control unit, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (altitude monitoring, acceleration monitoring, speed monitoring) and control functions (deployment decision-making, actuator control, status indication) into a single integrated control module. This consolidation allows the system to provide comprehensive safety monitoring and automated deployment while minimizing the number of separate components and reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 system enables rapid and secure parachute deployment with reduced driver effort, providing redundant activation channels and improved monitoring of safety features, enhancing the safety of drivers and spectators by minimizing stopping distances and deployment delays.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid actuator
Implementation Method 2
altimeter circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic parachute deployment system including an electronic actuator, a control module, a deployment actuator, and a release mechanism. A parachute is positioned on a payload device, such as a racecar, to slow or stop the payload upon receipt of an electronic deployment activation signal. The electronic deployment signal is verified, including determining proper voltage and source. The deployment system includes multiple redundancies including mechanical deployment redundancy, remote deployment redundancy, and power supply redundancy. The control module responsible for monitoring deployment includes indicators and sensors to indicate a status, operation, or mode relative to the operability of the payload device, relative to components of the release mechanism, and relative to the parachute deployment.