Parafoil Canopy Bleed Air Actuator with Mesh Vent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial payload delivery systems, such as ram canopy parachute systems, face challenges in achieving accurate glide slope control and landing due to tangled or damaged control lines, leading to canopy distortion and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A meshed venting system with in-canopy actuators that control upper surface canopy spoilers by opening and closing vents to regulate ram air, using a mesh member to prevent canopy deformation and a control module for actuator communication, allowing for consistent alteration of forces and moments for flight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control lines are used to alter the shape of the parafoil, then flight control capability is achieved, but the control lines become tangled or damaged resulting in loss of control and landing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from the external control lines and relocates it inside the parafoil canopy by embedding actuators within the canopy structure. This eliminates the external control lines that become tangled or damaged, while maintaining the ability to alter canopy shape for flight control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators are nested within the parafoil canopy structure, with the control mechanism embedded inside the canopy rather than externally mounted. This nesting approach protects the control mechanism from external damage and eliminates the need for external control lines.
2Quantity of substance
If vents are opened to release ram air for glide slope control, then bleed air amount is increased, but the canopy may deform or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing a mesh member specifically over the vent aperture rather than the entire canopy. This localized intervention allows the vent to open and release bleed air for glide slope control while the mesh maintains the structural integrity and shape stability of the canopy in the critical vent region.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh member acts as an intermediary element between the vent opening and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between releasing bleed air and maintaining canopy shape by allowing air passage while providing structural support to prevent canopy deformation or collapse.
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
Improves glide slope control and landing accuracy by managing bleed air without compromising aerodynamic efficiency, reducing the risk of canopy collapse and control line issues.
Implementation Method 1
A mesh member is placed on top of the canopy to cover the vents and allow for deformation of the fabric below the mesh member, without deforming the shape of the canopy
Implementation Method 2
The released ram air is called bleed air. Opening and closing the vents by actuation alters the amount of bleed air and changes the forces and moments acting on the parafoil in a consistent manner such that it can be used for flight control
Implementation Method 3
A meshed venting system with in-canopy actuators that control upper surface canopy spoilers by opening and closing vents to regulate ram air
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described to control the flight path of a parafoil. The physical control mechanism is a series of actuators embedded within the parafoil canopy that open a series of meshed venting systems in the upper surface of the parafoil canopy. Opening and closing the meshed venting system changes the forces and moments acting on the parafoil canopy in a consistent manner such that it can be used for flight control. The meshed venting system includes an internal sealing flap and a mesh member.