Parachute Release Mechanism Reducing Actuating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute separation devices require high actuating forces for release, which can be problematic under high load drag conditions after landing, and there is a need to reduce the opening force while maintaining security and anti-snagging features.
Innovation Solution
A parachute separation device with a link body and base assembly, featuring rotatable lock pins biased by torsion springs, a slide assembly, and lever-like lock pin arms that reduce the actuating force required for release by rotating the lock pins to an angular position, allowing an ejection spring to eject the link body from the base assembly with a force of approximately 15 lbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional Frost release mechanism is used, then the parachute is securely held and resistant to inadvertent release, but the actuating force required for separation is excessively high (35 lbs)
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin arms are designed to rotate dynamically from an initial locked position to a final ejected position. During rotation, the arms transition the lock pins from engaging the locking surfaces to disengaging them, allowing the ejection spring to then fully separate the link body. This dynamic rotation mechanism reduces the peak force required compared to a static release system.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the latch assembly that initiates rotation, the lock pin arms that rotate the lock pins, the ejection spring that provides separation force, and the lock pins themselves that engage/disengage the locking surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to force reduction while maintaining overall security.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating force is reduced to make release easier, then the device becomes easier to operate under high load drag conditions, but the security and anti-snagging features may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin arms are pre-positioned and pre-loaded by the ejection spring before activation. When the latch is actuated, the pre-loaded arms immediately begin rotating the lock pins, converting the stored spring energy into rotational motion. This preliminary positioning and pre-loading eliminate the need for high actuating forces during operation while maintaining secure engagement during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin arms act as intermediary levers between the latch actuation force and the lock pin rotation. By providing mechanical leverage and force transformation, the arms allow a small input force at the latch to produce sufficient torque for lock pin rotation, thereby reducing the overall actuating force requirement while maintaining reliable engagement.
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 solution significantly reduces the actuating force needed for parachute release from 35 lbs to 15 lbs, maintaining the security and anti-snagging features of the Frost release mechanism, ensuring safer and easier operation under high load drag conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An ejection spring engageable against the received link body... causes the slide assembly to engage the arms and rotate the lock pins to an angular position at which the injection spring forces the received link body to eject from the base assembly
Implementation Method 2
Two rotatable lock pins are mounted to the base assembly. The lock pins are rotatably biased... A pair of rotatable lock pins are disposed in the base assembly and rotatably biased and configured to releasably engage the shoulders and secure a received link body
Data Source
AI summary
A parachute separation device is employed to releasably secure a male link body attached to a parachute riser to a female base assembly attached to a harness. The link body has a pair of shoulders which are secured to rotatably biased lock pins. A slide assembly is displaced to rotate a pair of arms which cause the lock pins to rotate to eject the link body from the base assembly. The arms have a concave recess with an offset distal end. The arms are preferably identical but axially offset. The arms are configured to allow the force exerted on the slide assembly required to release the link body to approximately 15 lbs or less.