Parachute Slider Reefing for Controlled High-Speed Inflation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute systems, particularly large and clustered parachutes, face issues with unpredictable and uncontrolled inflation, leading to structural failures and excessive shock during deployment, especially with high-speed openings.
Innovation Solution
A parachute assembly featuring a slider canopy with slider suspension lines and rings that control the opening by sliding along primary suspension lines, using a reefing system to manage inflation, allowing for controlled airflow and venting to shape the canopy initially and prevent excessive inflation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a large parachute canopy is used to deliver heavier payloads, then the payload capacity increases, but the inflation control and structural reliability deteriorate due to unpredictable inflation and excessive shock
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute system is segmented into multiple independent parachute units (e.g., 2-4 parachutes) rather than using a single large canopy. Each parachute in the cluster has its own suspension lines and canopy structure, allowing independent inflation control. This segmentation enables better management of inflation forces and improves overall system reliability by distributing the payload weight across multiple controlled units.
Solution Approach 2:
The reefing system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the reefing line length can be varied to control the inflation rate. The system transitions from a static canopy structure to a dynamically adjustable one, where the reefing line acts as a controllable constraint that can be released at predetermined points during inflation to manage shock and control the inflation process.
2Loss of time
If the parachute canopy opens rapidly at high speeds, then the deployment time decreases, but the shock and structural overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reefing line is pre-configured with predetermined cut points or release mechanisms positioned at specific heights during descent. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as the parachute inflates, the reefing line will be severed at the appropriate moment to allow full canopy expansion, automatically controlling the inflation rate without requiring active intervention during the critical inflation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation process is divided into periodic stages: initial rapid inflation constrained by the reefing line, followed by controlled release at predetermined intervals. The reefing line acts as a temporary constraint that is periodically released, creating a staged inflation sequence that manages shock while maintaining reasonable deployment time.
3Weight of moving object
If clustered parachutes are used to deliver large payloads, then the payload capacity and deployment control improve, but the canopies do not open simultaneously causing structural overloads
Solution Approach 1:
All parachutes in the cluster are pre-packaged and deployed simultaneously from the aircraft, with reefing lines of equal length pre-configured on each parachute. This preliminary synchronization ensures that all canopies begin inflation at the same time and under similar conditions, reducing the likelihood of one canopy significantly outpacing others during the critical initial inflation phase.
4Device complexity
If conventional reefing systems with reefing rings and cutters are used, then the inflation control is provided, but the system complexity and reliability issues persist due to random inflation and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter from reefing line material strength to length-based control. By making the reefing line length the controlling factor rather than relying on material failure properties, the system achieves more predictable and reliable inflation control. The predetermined cut points or release mechanisms provide deterministic behavior based on geometric parameters rather than material variability.
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 provides controlled inflation, reducing shock and preventing structural failure by maintaining a predetermined opening size and shape, ensuring consistent and reliable deployment.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for controlled airflow and venting to shape the canopy initially and prevent excessive inflation forces
Implementation Method 2
the reefing device is initially positioned adjacent the open end of the canopy to retard the opening of the canopy of the parachute so as to prevent or avoid the shock associated with rapid filling of the canopy with air
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. A plurality of slider suspension lines extend from the slider canopy whereby the slider canopy is slidingly coupled to the primary suspension lines. Each slider suspension line can be slidingly coupled to the primary suspension lines by a slider ring. Each 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.