Parachute Ring Release Assembly With Removable Pin and Retaining Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ring release systems, such as those disclosed in Booth (U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,913) and Auvray (U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,913), suffer from deficiencies including peel loading of stitching under high tension forces, difficulty in routing large diameter cords through tight weave base webbing, and interference during sewing due to the presence of release rings.

Innovation Solution

The proposed ring release system utilizes a configuration where front webbing is stitched to the riser via a retaining ring secured by back webbing on the back side, preventing peel loading, and incorporates a locking cord held close to the base webbing by keeper-loops to distribute tension forces effectively, with removable pins and modular components for ease of installation and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If release rings are directly attached to the base webbing, then the release system is simpler to manufacture, but the stitching is subjected to peel loading under high tension forces which reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A retaining ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the release ring and the base webbing. The retaining ring serves as a mediator that prevents peel loading on the stitching by providing a mechanical constraint that keeps the stitching in shear rather than peel under tension forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a release ring for operational release, a retaining ring for structural support and stitching protection, and keeper-loops for cord retention. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while improving overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If large diameter locking cords are used to secure release rings, then the cords can effectively distribute tension forces, but routing these cords through tight weave base webbing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Keeper-loops are pre-formed and attached to the base webbing before the locking cord is routed. These pre-prepared loops provide ready-made pathways that guide the locking cord through the webbing, eliminating the difficulty of routing large diameter cords through tight weave material during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Keeper-loops serve as intermediary structures that facilitate the routing of locking cords through the base webbing. Instead of forcing the cord directly through the tight weave, the keeper-loops provide a prepared channel that makes installation straightforward while maintaining the strength benefits of large diameter cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If release rings are present during the sewing process, then the rings can be properly positioned for assembly, but they interfere with the sewing operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into components that can be assembled in a logical sequence: first the retaining ring is attached to the base webbing, then the release ring is attached to the retaining ring. This segmentation allows the sewing process to proceed without interference from the release ring, while still achieving proper positioning through the assembly sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is attached to the base webbing before the release ring is attached. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that positions the release ring correctly without the release ring being present during the critical sewing operation on the base webbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If the stitching is allowed to be in peel under tension, then the assembly process is simpler, but the stitching fails under high tension forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring acts as a mechanical intermediary that changes the load path. Instead of allowing tension forces to create peel loading on the stitching, the retaining ring's geometry and attachment method redirect these forces into shear loading on the stitching, which the stitching can withstand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring's curved geometry is designed to interact with the stitching in a way that converts peel forces into shear forces. The curvature and positioning of the retaining ring create a mechanical advantage that ensures the stitching experiences only shear loading under tension, maximizing its strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12365467B2Ring release systems and methods utilizing a removable pin

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 FOX JR ROY L

AI summary

A ring release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. The ring release system may comprise a series of release rings affixed to a riser. At least one release ring comprises a removable pin, permitting installation of the release ring after associated components have been stitched together, improving the reliability and manufacturability of the ring release system.