Aerial Rescue Package Launch Tube Deployment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current rescue packages are costly and limited in their delivery capabilities, unable to be used by various aircraft types and platforms, particularly the P-3 Orion, P8-A, and P-8I, and lack flexibility to provide assistance to individuals or small groups in need.

Innovation Solution

A rescue package arrangement featuring a container with a main parachute, drogue chute, and decelerator chute, along with a delay mechanism, designed for launch from a moving platform, allowing for the delivery of essential items like life rafts and survival supplies, adaptable for use in different environments and aircraft types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional rescue packages like ASRK are used, then delivery capability to large groups is improved, but cost increases significantly and adaptability to different aircraft types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue capacity for large groupsVSAvoidcompatibility with different aircraft types
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue system is divided into modular components: multiple identical rescue packages can be deployed simultaneously from different aircraft, each package being a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions that can be launched from various platform types including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and ships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rescue package design achieves universality through standardized container dimensions and launch tube compatibility, enabling the same package type to be deployed from multiple aircraft types (P-3 Orion, P8-A, P-8I, helicopters) and maritime platforms without modification, replacing the need for aircraft-specific rescue systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized rescue packages are designed for specific aircraft, then delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidpackage configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue packages are designed as disposable, pre-configured units that are launched and then discarded after delivery, eliminating the need for complex recovery systems. Each package contains all necessary survival equipment for immediate deployment to survivors, with no requirement for retrieval or reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability through parameter standardization: packages are designed with specific dimensional parameters that fit standardized launch tubes, and the launch mechanism uses standardized pneumatic or spring-based ejection systems that can be integrated into different aircraft types without customizing each package

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If rescue packages are delivered from high-speed aircraft, then delivery speed is improved, but shock effect on the load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidshock effect during launch
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The package incorporates shock-absorbing materials and cushioning elements positioned around fragile components such as life rafts, medical supplies, and electronic equipment. The container structure includes energy-absorbing features that mitigate the impact of high-speed launch and subsequent parachute deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

A decelerator parachute is deployed immediately upon launch to act as an intermediary that gradually reduces the package's velocity from the high initial speed generated by aircraft motion. This staged deceleration prevents sudden shock loads while maintaining the benefits of high-speed delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables cost-effective, flexible, and efficient delivery of rescue equipment to multiple individuals or small groups, expanding the range of aircraft that can utilize the system and reducing the cost per unit, while ensuring safe and accurate targeting.

Implementation Method 1

a main parachute located within the container; a drogue chute within the container deployed after deployment of the container from the moving platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParachute: Parachute

Implementation Method 2

a decelerator chute connected to the container and located within the container and arranged to deploy with or after the drogue chute is deployed; wherein the decelerator chute assists the stabilisation of the container during at least a portion of the flight of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3126217B1Aerial deployable rescue package
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
  • EP3126217B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3126217B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3126217B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A rescue package arrangement for launching from a moving platform such as an aircraft includes a container body externally sized and shaped to be launched from a moving platform using a launch tube and contains a main parachute located within the container; a drogue chute associated with the container deployed after deployment from the moving platform and connected to the main parachute by a drogue chute tether; a decelerator chute connected to the container and arranged to deploy with or after the drogue chute is deployed, and a delay mechanism arranged to delay deployment of the main parachute for a period of time after the drogue chute is deployed from the container. The container is adapted to contain a payload including at least one item for life support, and wherein the decelerator chute assists the stabilisation of the container during at least a portion of the flight of the container.