Parachute Shock Absorber Assembly With Limiter Strap

Solution Overview

Problem

Paratroopers and cargo in tethered tandem bundle jumps experience significant shock forces during parachute deployment and descent, which can be harmful to their health and the parachute system, while unmanned cargo drops also require shock absorption to minimize impact.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber assembly comprising stretchable absorber units and a limiter strap, connected by carabiners, is installed between the paratrooper and cargo to attenuate these forces, with absorber units stretching to absorb tension and the limiter strap preventing rupture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a rigid deceleration device is used, then deceleration force is provided, but the device adds weight to the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration forceVSAvoidweight of deceleration device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rigid deceleration device with a magnetic field-based deceleration system. The magnetic field exerts force on the conductive material in the projectile without physical contact, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while providing the required deceleration force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electromagnetic fields (analogous to fluid dynamics in terms of field interaction) to create a non-contact deceleration mechanism. The magnetic field interacts with the conductive projectile to produce retarding forces, replacing solid mechanical contact systems with field-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Force

If a rigid deceleration device is used, then deceleration force is provided, but the device increases in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration forceVSAvoidsize of deceleration device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rigid deceleration device with a magnetic field-based deceleration system. The magnetic field exerts force on the conductive material in the projectile without physical contact, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while providing the required deceleration force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If a rigid deceleration device is used, then deceleration force is provided, but damage occurs to the projectile and/or target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration forceVSAvoiddamage to projectile and target

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rigid deceleration device with a magnetic field-based deceleration system. The magnetic field exerts force on the conductive material in the projectile without physical contact, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while providing the required deceleration force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the deceleration system and the projectile. This magnetic field intermediary transfers momentum and provides deceleration without direct mechanical contact, preventing damage to both the projectile and target while still achieving the desired deceleration effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 assembly reduces shock forces by up to 20% and prevents absorber unit failure, extending the life of the parachute system and protecting the paratrooper and cargo from harmful jolts.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field is applied to a conductive material in the projectile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4161835B1Gravity force absorber for use in certain parachute and other systems

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ANTONIO ISHMAEL L

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A shock absorber assembly, particularly for attenuating shocks transmitted to a person's body, especially to reduce shock to a paratrooper's body during a tethered cargo tandem jump. Specialized elastic absorber units are disposed between two connectors, such as carabiners, with a connector secured to a respective end of each absorber unit. Each absorber unit has a rupture length corresponding to its length when it is stretched to its maximum immediately before rupturing under tensile loading. A limiter strap also is secured between the connectors, with a connector on each end of the limiter strap. The limiter strap prevents the absorber units from breaking by preventing their stretch to their breaking point. A flap or bands are provided for temporarily maintaining the limiter strap folded in a compact bale until needed. In use, the complete shock absorber assembly is deployed between a cargo tether and a cargo harness.