Separable Kite Sail for Low-Tension Emergency Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kite systems face challenges in safely and reliably landing when normal operation is impossible due to control system failures or tether issues, leading to high tensile forces that can cause tether rupture and loss of flight height.
Innovation Solution
The kite is designed with a separable sail surface into first and second kite parts, allowing a connection to be intentionally separated to change the aerodynamic state, reducing tensile force and enabling a controlled descent as a parachute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the kite maintains normal operation with high tensile force on the tether, then the kite can exert sufficient force for power generation, but the tether may rupture or the control system may fail during emergency landing
Solution Approach 1:
The kite's sail surface is divided into first and second kite parts that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the kite to transition from a high-lift configuration (when connected) to a parachute-like configuration (when separated), enabling safe emergency landing while maintaining normal power generation operation through controlled separation of the kite parts
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first and second kite parts is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to remain connected during normal operation for optimal aerodynamic performance and power generation, and to be separated when emergency landing is required. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt between high-force normal operation and safe landing modes
2Force
If the connection in the sail surface is separated to reduce tensile force, then the kite can fall to the ground with reduced load, but the aerodynamic state changes abruptly which may cause tether to jump off pulleys
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the first and second kite parts is triggered by a trigger element that activates in advance when emergency landing conditions are detected. This preliminary action allows the kite to transition to a lower-lift configuration before the full impact force is applied, gradually reducing tensile force on the tether rather than causing an abrupt load reduction that would make the tether jump off pulleys
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the kite structure. It detects emergency conditions and initiates the separation process in a controlled manner, mediating the transition from normal high-force operation to emergency landing mode while preventing abrupt load changes that would disrupt tether control
3Reliability
If a catch device is used to bridge the rupture point of the tether, then the tether can be secured, but some flight height is lost due to the distance required to absorb high forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a catch device to secure a ruptured tether, the invention segments the kite structure itself into separable first and second parts. This allows the kite to主动 reduce its own lift and create a controlled descent, eliminating the need for a catch device and preserving flight height while ensuring safety during emergency landing
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
This method ensures a safe and controlled landing by reducing tension forces on the tether, preventing abrupt load reductions and allowing the kite to be reeled in, even in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The kite can be moved by suitable adaptation of the aerodynamic properties along flight paths which are oriented essentially at right angles to the tether and in this way exert a tensile force on the tether
Implementation Method 2
After the connection has been separated, an aerodynamic state is assumed in which the lift force exerted by the kite is no longer sufficient to keep the kite system in the air. The kite and the control pod connected thereto fall to the ground, the kite acting as a parachute
Data Source
AI summary
Method for landing a kite system (23), in which the kite system (23) comprises a kite (14) and a control pod (25). The kite (14) is held on the control pod (25) via a line system (24). The control pod (25) is held during normal operation of the kite system (23) via a tether (15) on a ground-based attachment point (16, 44). A sail surface of the kite (14) is spanned by a first kite part (40) and a second kite part (41). A connection (36) which exists in the sail surface between the first kite part (40) and the second kite part (41) is separated such that the kite (14) assumes a different aerodynamic state and falls to the ground with the control pod (25). The invention also relates to a kite system.