Parachute Suspension Line Shock Attenuation Using Crushable Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parachute deployment generates potentially dangerous shock loads that can injure occupants and cause suspension line breakage, leading to instability and increased injury risk due to asymmetric load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A shock load attenuation device using crushable materials within compartments surrounding suspension lines, allowing loops to slide and mechanically act on the crushable material to absorb energy and reduce forces exerted on the occupant, comprising compartments, retainers, and a separator to manage forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional parachute deployment is used, then the parachute can slow and stabilize the occupant, but dangerous shock loads are generated that can injure occupants and cause suspension line breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating crushable material within compartments surrounding the suspension lines before deployment. This pre-positioned energy-absorbing structure is designed to deform and absorb shock loads during parachute opening, preventing direct transmission of dangerous forces to the suspension lines and occupant. The crushable material acts as a protective buffer that activates automatically when shock loads occur.
2Device complexity
If shock loads are not attenuated, then the parachute structure remains simple, but asymmetric load distribution reduces stability and increases injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shock attenuation function into multiple independent compartments, each surrounding individual suspension lines. This modular approach allows each line to be protected independently, ensuring symmetric load distribution across all suspension lines. The segmented compartment structure maintains overall parachute simplicity while providing targeted protection to each suspension line, preventing asymmetric failure modes.
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 device effectively attenuates shock loads by reducing absorbed energy, thereby decreasing the force exerted on the occupant and preventing suspension line breakage, enhancing stability and safety during parachute deployment.
Implementation Method 1
crushing the crushable material
Implementation Method 2
absorb energy and reduce forces exerted on the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A shock load attenuation device is provided. The shock load attenuation device includes a crushable material; a first compartment in the crushable material surrounding a first line; and a second compartment in the crushable material surrounding a second line. In response to the first line being acted upon by a first force and the second line being acted upon by a second force, a first loop in the first line is configured to slide along the second line and a first loop in the second line is configured to slide along the first line, crushing the crushable material.