Adjustable Payload Mounting Arms for Balanced Powered Paraglider Flight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight systems, such as powered paragliders, lack effective methods for mounting payloads that do not disrupt the pilot's ergonomics, balance, and field of view, and often require cumbersome and inefficient attachment methods that hinder mobility and visibility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for mounting payloads using two arms and members that attach to a flight system, allowing for adjustable positioning and balance, with attachment interfaces that distribute the payload's weight and maintain stability during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the payload is attached to the pilot's chest or back using harness, then the payload can be carried, but the pilot's ergonomics deteriorate and mobility is hindered during launch
Solution Approach 1:
The payload attachment system is segmented into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can be separately adjusted and positioned. Each arm can be independently configured to optimize both payload support and pilot mobility, resolving the contradiction between carrying capacity and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The payload is positioned in a three-dimensional space away from the pilot's body using extendable arms, transitioning from direct body attachment to spatial distribution. This allows the payload to be supported without interfering with the pilot's ground mobility and launch ergonomics
2Reliability
If the payload is positioned in front of the pilot, then propeller intake and aerodynamics are maintained, but the pilot's field of view is obstructed and fore/aft balance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are configured with adjustable lengths and angles, allowing the payload position to be dynamically optimized. The system can adapt the payload positioning to maintain proper fore/aft balance and clear pilot visibility while preserving propeller intake alignment and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system allows changing key parameters such as payload distance from pilot, horizontal and vertical positioning, and arm angles. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains reliable propeller intake and aerodynamics while improving pilot field of view and balance
3Device complexity
If the payload is attached close to the propeller, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of propeller strike increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the attachment system have different functions: the arms provide extended reach to position the payload safely away from the propeller, while the attachment interfaces maintain secure connection. This local differentiation allows simple overall design while eliminating propeller strike risk through strategic positioning
4Device complexity
If the payload position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust for different payload sizes and flight conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arms incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow the payload position to be modified based on payload size, weight, and flight conditions. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility without significantly increasing device complexity, as the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the arm structure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for mounting a payload to a flight system. The apparatus includes a first arm, a second arm, a first member, a second member, and at least four attachment interfaces, attached to at least the payload and the flight system.