Parachute Tow Release System with Line Constrainer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parachute deployment systems face challenges in quickly extracting parachutes at low altitude and low speed conditions, leading to unpredictable deployment and potential altitude loss due to recoil caused by self-propelled projectiles, which can result in hazards and interference with canopy inflation.
Innovation Solution
A parachute deployment system that utilizes a tow and release line configuration with a line constrainer to control extension damping, allowing for controlled parachute extraction and separation from the rocket with minimal recoil, by shifting the load path from the tow line to a release line, enabling smooth disengagement and quick inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a self-propelled projectile is used to quickly extract the parachute, then extraction speed is improved, but recoil and unpredictable deployment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extraction function into two separate components: a tow line that provides controlled extraction and a release line that enables clean separation. This segmentation allows the parachute to be extracted at high speed while eliminating the recoil problems associated with self-propelled projectiles, as the controlled load transfer between lines ensures predictable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The release line acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tow line and the parachute canopy. It mediates the load transfer during extraction and separation, allowing the system to achieve both high extraction speed and controlled, predictable deployment by managing the forces involved in the separation process.
2Length of moving object
If the self-propelled projectile is released at full extension, then separation is achieved, but altitude loss occurs due to recoil
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the release line and configuring the load transfer mechanism before extraction begins. This allows the parachute to be extracted to full extension smoothly, and the release line is already in place to manage the separation forces, preventing altitude loss from recoil while achieving complete line extension.
3Length of moving object
If extra line length is retained after parachute extraction, then the self-propelled projectile can be released, but the line constricts or interferes with canopy inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The release line is specifically designed to be extracted or paid out in a controlled manner during parachute deployment. This extraction of the release line from its stowed position allows it to manage the separation process without interfering with the canopy inflation, as the line is systematically deployed rather than remaining as excess length that could constrict the canopy.
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 reduces parachute recoil, ensuring safe and efficient deployment at low altitudes, preventing altitude loss and ensuring the parachute inflates quickly and predictably, even in low-speed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
canopy extraction controlled by drag surface
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a parachute deployment system includes a parachute coupled to a release via a first load path. The first path includes crown lines. The release is adapted to attach the parachute to a rocket via the crown lines, and disengage the parachute from the rocket if a load shifts from the first path to a second path. The system also includes a line constrainer between the release and the parachute. The crown lines pass through the line constrainer, and the line constrainer is adapted to restrict an extent to which the crown lines are able to extend away from a longitudinal axis. An example release includes a back plate configured to couple a tow line to crown lines and a soft pin. The pin is adapted to separate from the back plate in response to tensioning of the release line, causing the parachute to disengage.