Parachute Trap System for Rapid Reserve Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current reserve parachute deployment systems require significant time and altitude loss after cut-away of a malfunctioned main parachute, as they initially connect the main parachute to the reserve system, introducing structural complexity and failure risks if the main parachute does not deploy correctly.
Innovation Solution
A trap system that initially decouples the main parachute from the reserve parachute system, using the main parachute as a deployment anchor only when necessary, with a trap line and RSL lanyard configuration that allows the main parachute to deploy the reserve parachute efficiently by pulling the reserve ripcord and deploying the reserve pilot chute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main parachute is initially connected to the reserve parachute system to enable deployment, then the reserve parachute can be deployed using the main parachute as an anchor, but the system structure becomes complex and failure risk increases if the main parachute does not deploy correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the main parachute system, the reserve parachute system, and a decoupling mechanism (trap system). The trap line and trap assembly create a temporary connection that automatically releases when needed, allowing the reserve parachute to be deployed independently without permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the main parachute and reserve parachute system is extracted as a separate, removable component (the trap line assembly). This allows the reserve parachute to be initially connected for deployment purposes, then easily separated to simplify the overall system structure and eliminate ongoing complexity.
2Speed
If the main parachute is connected to the reserve system initially, then deployment can be initiated, but significant time and altitude loss occurs after cut-away of a malfunctioned main parachute
Solution Approach 1:
The trap line is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned during normal operation, with the trap assembly ready to release. When the main parachute malfunctions and is cut away, the trap line is already in place to immediately deploy the reserve parachute without requiring additional time for system reconfiguration or connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap system allows the reserve parachute deployment to rush through the cut-away transition phase by maintaining pre-established connections. The trap line remains taut and ready during the brief moment of main parachute cut-away, enabling the reserve parachute to deploy almost immediately without the typical time loss associated with reconfiguring the deployment system.
3Productivity
If the main parachute is used as a deployment anchor, then the reserve parachute can be deployed efficiently, but failure risk increases if the main parachute does not deploy correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The trap line assembly acts as an intermediary between the main parachute and reserve parachute systems. It provides a controlled, temporary connection that enables efficient deployment when the main parachute is functional, but can be easily released if malfunction detected, thus mediating between deployment efficiency and safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap line connection is designed to be discarded (released) if the main parachute fails to deploy correctly. The trap assembly allows for quick release of the connection, enabling the system to abandon the faulty main parachute anchor and proceed with alternative deployment methods, thereby recovering from the failure condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A trap system is presented for deployment of a reserve parachute. The trap system includes a trap line with a first end coupled to a main parachute and a trap attached to a surface of the container. The trap includes an outer perimeter to removably hold the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle. A kit is also presented for converting a parachute container into an improved parachute container to deploy a reserve parachute. The kit includes an attachment to be secured to a surface of the parachute container. The attachment includes a trap line with a first end configured to be coupled to the first end of the RSL lanyard, and a trap secured to a region of the attachment, with an outer perimeter to removably hold a second end of the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle.