Reconfigurable Inflatable Decelerator With Drop-Stitch Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic decelerators, such as inflatable structures, lack control over deceleration and have limited geometric variations, making them inefficient for various fluid environments and applications, particularly in spacecraft atmospheric entry where adaptability and control are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The development of a reconfigurable, modular, and scalable inflatable deceleration apparatus using drop-stitch technical textiles that can be stowed densely for transportation, adapted to multiple configurations, and deployed to provide a customizable deceleration surface area with asymmetric profiles for tailored lift-to-drag ratios, allowing for greater control and efficiency in deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional inflatable structures are used as decelerators, then the structure can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the geometric variations are limited and control over deceleration is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerator is divided into multiple inflatable portions that can be independently configured. Each portion can be inflated to different degrees and shapes, allowing geometric variations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The segmentation enables modular assembly and diverse configurations for different deceleration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable portions transition from a static, fixed-geometry structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. By controlling the inflation state of each portion, the decelerator can adapt its geometry and deceleration characteristics in real-time, providing both manufacturing simplicity and geometric versatility.
2Device complexity
If a passive decelerator like a pillow form is used, then the structure is simple with no internal structure, but control over deceleration is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerator is segmented into multiple independently controllable inflatable portions. This segmentation allows active control of deceleration by adjusting the inflation state of individual portions, while maintaining overall structural simplicity comparable to traditional pillow forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable portions can be inflated or deflated in response to operational requirements, providing self-adjusting deceleration control. The system serves itself by adapting its configuration based on mission needs without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If inflatable structures are made densely packed for transportation, then the stowed volume is reduced, but the deployment and inflation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable portions are designed to nest within each other or within a compact container during stowed configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes stowed volume while allowing straightforward sequential inflation during deployment, reducing the complexity of the inflation system.
4Force
If traditional aerodynamic decelerators are used, then the deceleration force is sufficient, but adaptability to multiple fluid environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerator uses dynamically adjustable inflatable portions that can change their configuration based on the fluid environment. By adjusting the inflation state and geometry of different portions, the system maintains effective deceleration force across various fluid densities and flow conditions, providing adaptability to multiple environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters such as surface area, shape, and volume of the inflatable portions to adapt to different fluid environments. By varying these parameters, the decelerator maintains optimal performance across different atmospheric conditions, fluid densities, and velocity ranges.
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 apparatus provides enhanced control over deceleration, adaptability to diverse fluid environments, and increased structural efficiency, enabling efficient deceleration in a wide range of applications from atmospheric entry to fluid flow resistance, with improved mass and performance optimization.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable portion may be inflated with fluid so as to be expanded and resilient when configured in the deployed configuration
Implementation Method 2
aerodynamic decelerators configured to retard, or slow, the motion, or velocity, of a body relative to a fluid reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for deceleration of a body may include a plurality of inflatable portions. The plurality of inflatable portions may be coupled together such that, when inflated, the plurality of inflatable portions defines a deceleration structure configured to decelerate the body. Each inflatable portion may include a first wall element, a second wall element opposite the first wall element, and a plurality of stitch members extending between and coupled to each of the first wall element and the second wall element.