Retractable Parachute Ripcord with Elastic Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parachute ripcords made of steel are expensive to manufacture and inspect, prone to hard pulls due to friction, can cause accidental deployment, and are uncomfortable for wearers, leading to safety issues and fatalities.
Innovation Solution
Replacing steel cables with non-metallic flexible lines like Spectra, incorporating an elasticized center section and a releasable stainless steel pin, which reduces friction, eliminates external slack, and allows for easier inspection and manufacturing, enhancing user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel cable is used for ripcord, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost and inspection cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive steel cable with a more economical synthetic line construction that achieves sufficient strength for single-use parachute deployment. The synthetic line with plastic coating provides adequate durability for the critical function without requiring the high strength margins of steel, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining safety for the intended single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction with synthetic fiber core and plastic coating, combining the tensile strength of synthetic fibers with the protective and low-friction properties of plastic. This composite approach replaces homogeneous steel cable with a multi-material solution that optimizes performance for the specific application while reducing cost.
2Reliability
If steel cable is used for ripcord, then reliability is improved, but inspection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators such as colored segments, bands, or patterns along the synthetic line to indicate its condition, length, and integrity. These visual features make it easy to inspect the line for damage, proper installation, and sufficient length without requiring specialized equipment, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving inspection capability compared to steel cable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If steel housing is used to protect ripcord, then protection is improved, but friction increases causing hard pulls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the steel housing entirely, extracting the protective function and replacing it with a lightweight plastic conduit or channel that is integrated into the parachute harness. This eliminates the high friction interface between steel cable and steel housing, reducing pull force while providing sufficient protection through the alternative material and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steel housing system with a plastic conduit system that provides protection through different mechanisms - likely through integration with the harness structure and use of abrasion-resistant plastic materials. This substitution eliminates the friction problem inherent in steel-on-steel contact while maintaining protective function.
4Reliability
If extra ripcord cable is added to prevent accidental pulling, then safety is improved, but snagging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible plastic coating or sheath around the synthetic line that is smooth and streamlined, reducing the likelihood of snagging on surrounding equipment or clothing. This flexible protective layer maintains the line's flexibility while presenting a low-profile surface that minimizes snagging risk compared to exposed steel cable or rigid housing.
5Duration of action of stationary object
If steel cable is used, then durability is improved, but friction with housing increases causing hard pulls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that the ripcord is a single-use component designed for durability only until deployment occurs. The synthetic line with plastic coating provides sufficient durability for the critical moment of deployment without requiring the extended durability of steel cable. The reduced friction of the plastic construction compensates for the shorter service life, achieving adequate durability while eliminating hard pulls.
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 significantly reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies inspection, minimizes accidental deployments, and enhances user comfort while providing a safer and more reliable ripcord system.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticized center section may be elastic shock cord inserted into the hollow center of the non-metallic flexible line sewn at the 'stretch mode' of the elastic shock cord and allowed to return to 'relaxed mode' and compress the slack in the line in a 'scrunch'
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture, a retractable safety ripcord device for use with a reserve parachute; the device uses a non-metallic flexible line between a first end with handle, a second end with a loop and at least one rubber shock cord integrated into the line. Also used is a single handle and reserve pin releasably attached via the loop wherein the pin separates from the loop after activation.