Riser Release Flaring System for Parafoil Descent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for landing flight vehicles like parafoils face challenges in safely and efficiently reducing landing speeds to minimize payload damage, especially at high altitudes.
Innovation Solution
The riser release system, which includes control lines, riser lines, and a release control device, allows for controlled flaring of the parafoil canopy by releasing riser lines to increase the downward load on control lines, thereby slowing the descent rate. This system can be triggered by altitude or ground sensors and uses mechanisms like friction devices, constant force springs, or rip stitching to manage the release rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the parafoil canopy is used for descent without additional flaring mechanisms, then the system structure remains simple, but the landing speed cannot be sufficiently reduced to protect sensitive payloads
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the line assembly into multiple segments: control lines connected to the canopy and riser lines connected to the payload. The riser lines are made releasably connected, allowing them to be released during descent to enable flaring. This segmentation allows the flaring function to be added without redesigning the entire line system, thus reducing structural complexity while achieving speed reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser lines are pre-configured to be releasably connected to the payload, and the release mechanism is pre-positioned. When flaring is needed, the riser lines can be quickly released without requiring complex real-time control systems. This preliminary preparation enables rapid flaring action to reduce landing speed while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
2Speed
If riser lines are released to enable flaring, then the descent rate can be reduced, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism for the riser lines is designed to be automatically triggered by the descent system's own operations. When the parafoil canopy is deployed or when specific descent conditions are met, the riser lines automatically release without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. This self-service approach enables descent rate reduction while minimizing control mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the control system and the riser lines. This intermediary component simplifies the control mechanism by providing a straightforward trigger-based release system rather than requiring complex active control. The release mechanism mediates between the simple control input and the complex action of releasing multiple lines, enabling descent rate reduction with minimal added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the payload is directly attached to control lines, then the system is simpler, but the payload cannot be effectively separated to enable flaring
Solution Approach 1:
The line connection system is segmented into two distinct parts: control lines that remain permanently connected to the canopy for steering and control, and riser lines that are releasably connected to the payload for flaring. This segmentation allows the payload to be effectively separated from the control lines during descent, enabling flaring capability while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaring function is extracted as a separate subsystem using riser lines that can be independently released from the main control line system. This extraction allows the payload to be separated from the control lines when flaring is needed, providing ease of operation for the flaring maneuver without requiring the entire line connection system to be complex. The riser lines can be quickly detached and retrieved, enabling repeated flaring operations.
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 riser release system effectively reduces the descent and forward speed of flight vehicles, enabling safer and more controlled landings by minimizing payload impact, particularly suitable for high-altitude operations.
Implementation Method 1
The release of the second ends of the one or more riser lines allows the payload to drop away from the riser lines and increases a downward load from the payload on the one or more control lines
Implementation Method 2
A length of the friction line located between the first and second ends is configured to wrap against the holder. Release of the one or more riser lines may cause the friction line to at least partially slide through the holder and payout from the friction device at a controlled rate due to friction between the friction line and the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A riser release system controllably lands a descending flight vehicle having a parafoil or canopy. The system has control lines and riser lines attached to the parafoil or canopy. The other end of the riser lines are attached to an upper portion of a release structure; a lower portion of the release structure is connected to the payload; and a coupling mechanisms releasably couples the upper and lower portions. When the upper and lower portions are decoupled, a distance control device controls and limits the distance of separation between the two portions, and a rate control device controls the rate of separation. Separation causes the riser lines to increase the distance between the payload and canopy, further causing the canopy to flare and decrease the rate of descent of the flight vehicle.