Paraglider Flight State Sensor System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paragliding training methods rely heavily on visual and radio contact, making it difficult for instructors to assess the flight state of student pilots, especially in exceptional situations or when pilots misjudge rare events.

Innovation Solution

A flight state system comprising a sensor arrangement to measure distances between canopy ends and the load, combined with an evaluation unit that uses these measurements to ascertain and predict the flight state, potentially incorporating AI-based methods for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual contact and radio connection are used to monitor flight situation, then communication between instructor and student pilot is maintained, but measurement precision of flight state parameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight state informationVSAvoidflight state assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual monitoring and radio communication with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors mounted on the paraglider canopy and load automatically measure flight parameters such as distance between canopy ends, canopy deformation, and load position, eliminating the need for instructor visual inspection and radio communication to assess flight state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The paraglider system performs self-monitoring of its own flight state through integrated sensors that automatically detect and transmit flight parameters. The evaluation unit processes this self-generated data to assess flight conditions, allowing the system to independently provide accurate flight state information without requiring external human observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If sensor arrangement with multiple measurements is implemented, then flight state assessment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight state assessment accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: sensors mounted on the canopy, sensors mounted on the load, and a central evaluation unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific measurement functions independently, making the overall system easier to implement and maintain while achieving comprehensive flight state monitoring through coordinated data from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250074604A1Ascertaining a flight state, and controlling a paraglider

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 ATLASAERO GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a flight state system (20) for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50′) which comprises a canopy (51) with two canopy ends (52) and which carries a load (53) during intended use. Thereby, the flight state system comprises a sensor arrangement (S1, S2, S3) for ascertaining a first distance (d1) between the canopy ends (52) and/or at least a second distance (d2, d3) between a canopy end (52) and the load (53). Furthermore, the flight state system comprises an evaluation unit (37) which ascertains the flight state using the first distance (d1) and/or the second distances (d2, d3). The invention further relates to an evaluation system and/or control system (40), a paraglider (50, 50′) and a method for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50′).