Parachute Slider Reefing for Controlled Cluster Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute systems, particularly for large or clustered parachutes, struggle with controlling the inflation process to prevent sudden shock and structural failure, as they often result in uneven inflation and aerodynamic interference.
Innovation Solution
A parachute assembly with a slider canopy and slider suspension lines, coupled to slider rings, which controls the opening and inflation of the parachute by sliding along the suspension lines and risers, using vents for airflow management and radially shaped reinforcement webbings to maintain a circular opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single large parachute is used to deliver larger and heavier payloads, then the payload capacity is improved, but the inflation control and structural reliability deteriorate due to difficult shape maintenance and random inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large parachute system into multiple smaller parachutes arranged in a cluster configuration. Each parachute in the cluster has its own suspension lines and canopy structure, allowing independent inflation control while collectively supporting the payload. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling better inflation control through distributed architecture rather than relying on a single large canopy that is difficult to control.
2Reliability
If clustered parachutes are used to improve inflation control, then the inflation reliability is improved, but the aerodynamic interference and synchronization difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces reefing devices as intermediary components that mediate the inflation process between the atmosphere and the parachute canopies. These reefing devices control the initial inflation stage by restricting airflow to the canopies until proper inflation is achieved, thereby preventing aerodynamic interference between clustered parachutes and ensuring synchronized opening. The reefing devices act as intermediaries that manage the harmful aerodynamic effects during the critical inflation phase.
3Force
If conventional reefing systems with reefing rings and cutters are used, then the inflation shock is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and operational reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex reefing line cutter mechanism from the conventional reefing system. Instead of using a cutter that severs the reefing line, the design employs reefing devices that automatically release or are jettisoned after serving their inflation control purpose. This extraction of the cutter component simplifies manufacturing by removing a complex mechanical subsystem while maintaining the shock reduction benefit through the reefing devices' controlled inflation management.
4Force
If reefing lines are used to prevent full opening, then the inflation shock is reduced, but the device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static reefing line system into a dynamic reefing device system that actively manages inflation. The reefing devices are designed to move and adjust during the inflation process, transitioning from a restrained state that limits canopy opening to an expanded state that allows full inflation. This dynamic approach reduces device complexity by using movable, adaptive components rather than complex mechanical restraint systems with multiple moving parts.
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 effectively controls the inflation process, reducing shock and preventing structural failure by maintaining a controlled opening and airflow, ensuring synchronized inflation of clustered parachutes.
Implementation Method 1
The slider canopy may include a plurality of vents to allow airflow into the main canopy mouth
Implementation Method 2
a fabric disc coupled to an interior surface of the slider canopy, wherein at least one of the plurality of radially extending reinforcement webbings terminates at the fabric disc
Data Source
AI summary
A parachute assembly having inflation controlling characteristics can include a primary parachute, primary parachute suspension lines coupled to the primary parachute and extending downward therefrom toward a load, and a reefing system. The reefing system can include a slider canopy configured to control opening of the primary parachute. The slider canopy is slidingly coupled to the primary suspension lines. The slider canopy can be slidingly coupled to the primary suspension lines by a slider ring. The slider ring can be configured to receive a plurality of primary suspension lines that converge together at a convergence point. In this manner, the slider ring can slide down the primary suspension lines, over the convergence point, and below the bottom ends of the primary suspension lines.