Paramotor Swing Arm Spherical Bearing Lateral Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paramotor swing arms lack flexibility, allowing movement only in the vertical plane, and are not adjustable to accommodate different pilot sizes, engine configurations, or external conditions, while existing hoops are not durable enough to provide adequate protection during flight.
Innovation Solution
A fully articulable swing arm assembly with spherical bearings and limiting disks that allow movement in both vertical and lateral directions, and an adjustable swing arm system with arm pegs and locking pins for customizable mounting, combined with a hoop tensioner system using a tension cable and threaded tensioner for increased rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If swing arms are designed to pivot only in the vertical plane, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flexibility and adaptability during flight are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spherical bearing mechanism that enables the swing arm to move from a single vertical plane of motion to three-dimensional multi-axis motion. This adds lateral and diagonal movement dimensions while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between movement flexibility and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm system transitions from a fixed pivot point to a dynamic spherical bearing connection that allows adaptive movement in multiple directions. This dynamic capability enables the swing arm to respond to various flight conditions while the limiting disks provide controlled constraints, balancing flexibility and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If swing arms are mounted at a fixed lateral position, then the mounting structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate different pilot sizes, engine configurations, or flying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate adjustable components including the arm peg, limiting disks, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to accommodate different pilot sizes and engine configurations while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed lateral position to an adjustable dynamic configuration. The arm peg can be repositioned laterally and secured at different positions using the locking pin and notch mechanism, enabling adaptation to various flying conditions without complicating the overall mounting structure.
3Weight of moving object
If hoops are constructed of lightweight material to reduce overall weight, then the paramotor system weight is reduced, but the hoop durability and rigidity are insufficient for adequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction for the hoop system, combining lightweight materials with strategic reinforcement elements. The hoop incorporates tension cables and supporting struts that provide enhanced strength and rigidity while maintaining overall light weight, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and protective durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoop system includes pre-installed tension cables and reinforcement structures that provide beforehand cushioning and support. These elements are integrated into the lightweight hoop construction to prevent failure during takeoffs and landings, ensuring adequate protection without sacrificing weight efficiency.
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 solution provides enhanced control and safety during flight by allowing greater weight shift sensitivity and customizable movement, while the hoop tensioner system ensures adequate protection and durability, allowing the paramotor to accommodate various pilot sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The swing arm includes two opposing faces and a bearing hole portion including a through hole extending between the two opposing faces, with the spherical bearing located within the bearing hole portion
Implementation Method 2
a hoop tensioner system using a tension cable and threaded tensioner for increased rigidity
Data Source
AI summary
A fully articulable and adjustable swing arm assembly for a paramotor. The assembly includes a swing arm, a spherical bearing, an arm peg, and a pair of limiting disks. The arm peg extends through a central opening of the spherical bearing, and the pair of limiting disks are located proximate to the spherical bearing. The inner faces of the pair of limiting disks include a taper such that a clearance is formed between each of the opposing faces of the swing arm and a corresponding inner face of one of the limiting disks, permitting the swing arm to move in both a vertical and lateral direction. A lateral position of the swing arm assembly with respect to a frame of the paramotor is adjustable by sliding the arm peg into or out from an arm peg receiving block, which is then secured with a locking pin.