Multi-Ring Release Assembly Using Motion Lanyards Against Loop Lock-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

The multi-ring release mechanism in parachute systems experiences delays in disengagement due to loop lock up, leading to higher loads that can cause damage to the restraint system.

Innovation Solution

A ring release system is introduced, featuring a first ring connected to a first webbing, a second ring connected to the first webbing, and a third ring connected to a second webbing. The system includes a release pin assembly and motion lanyards that displace the grommet and rings, facilitating earlier disengagement and reducing loads on the mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the multi-ring release mechanism is designed to hold high static loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the disengagement speed deteriorates due to loop lock up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoiddisengagement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The release pin is pulled in advance to initiate the disengagement sequence before the main parachute pack is lifted. This preliminary action triggers the motion lanyards to move the grommet and rings, ensuring the mechanism begins disengaging while still supporting the static load, thus preventing loop lock up and maintaining both load-bearing capacity and disengagement speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Motion lanyards are introduced as intermediary elements that connect the release pin to the grommet and rings. When the release pin is pulled, the motion lanyards transmit the force to move the grommet and rings, facilitating smooth disengagement without direct manipulation of the rings themselves. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling controlled, rapid disengagement while maintaining load-bearing integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the release pin is pulled to initiate disengagement, then the release function is activated, but loop lock up occurs causing delay in complete disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease function activationVSAvoiddisengagement delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Motion lanyards serve as intermediary components that translate the release pin's movement into coordinated motion of the grommet and rings. The lanyards ensure that when the release pin is pulled, the grommet moves first, which then facilitates smooth ring disengagement, preventing loop lock up and eliminating disengagement delays while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion lanyards are pre-configured to move the grommet immediately when the release pin is pulled, creating a preliminary action that prevents loop lock up before it can occur. This preliminary movement of the grommet sets up the geometry for smooth subsequent ring disengagement, eliminating delays while keeping the release function simple to activate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the grommet remains in the closure loop during release, then the structural integrity is maintained, but loop lock up occurs preventing smooth disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddisengagement smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motion lanyard is configured to move the grommet out of the closure loop as a preliminary action immediately when the release pin is pulled. This preliminary movement maintains structural integrity during the transition by controlling the grommet's motion, while simultaneously preventing loop lock up and ensuring smooth disengagement of the rings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The motion lanyard acts as an intermediary that controls the grommet's movement from the closure loop. By mediating this movement, the system maintains structural integrity during the transition while preventing the grommet from causing loop lock up, thus achieving both structural stability and smooth disengagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4516676A1Multi-ring release load reduction method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4516676A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4516676A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4516676A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Ring releases systems and methods to disengage ring systems are disclosed. The ring release systems and the methods to disengage ring systems employ devices that provides for lowering the loads experienced by multi-ring mechanisms and thus mitigate potential hardware damage.