Spring Launch Mechanism with Electric Fuse for Parachute Deployment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for launching objects from flying apparatuses, such as parachutes, face challenges including the complexity and high cost of mechanical systems and the regulatory hurdles and safety concerns associated with explosive CO2 charge detonation, particularly for non-professional users.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a compression spring loaded in a container within a flying apparatus, where an electric circuit and fixing device allow for remote or automatic release of the spring to launch objects by converting electrical energy into heat, causing the fixing device to break and releasing the spring's propulsive force, enabling simple, reliable, and cost-effective deployment of objects like parachutes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical launching apparatus is used to deploy the parachute, then the parachute can be launched reliably, but the device complexity and purchase price increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparachute deployment reliabilityVSAvoidlaunching apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical launching apparatus with a simple spring-based mechanism. The spring is compressed and held by a fuse that breaks when ignited, allowing the spring to push the parachute out. This substitution of mechanical complexity with a chemical ignition system resolves the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the complex mechanical launching apparatus and replaces it with essential components only: a spring, a container, and a fuse. By taking out unnecessary mechanical elements and keeping only the core functional components, the system achieves reliable parachute deployment with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a CO2 charge detonation method is used to launch the parachute, then the parachute can be launched quickly and reliably, but safety concerns and regulatory hurdles increase for non-professional users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparachute launch reliabilityVSAvoidsafety risks and regulatory issues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a disposable fuse instead of a reusable or regulated explosive charge. The fuse is a simple, inexpensive, and legally unrestricted component that burns quickly to trigger the spring mechanism. This replaces the CO2 charge with a safe, non-regulated alternative that achieves the same functional result without the safety and regulatory problems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy release mechanism from high-pressure CO2 gas expansion to controlled combustion of a fuse. This parameter change in the energy release method maintains the reliability of quick parachute deployment while eliminating the safety hazards and regulatory restrictions associated with pressurized gas charges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a simple spring mechanism is used to launch the parachute, then the device complexity is reduced, but additional components like a container and fixing device are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunching system simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spring, container, and fixing device into a single integrated assembly. The spring is positioned inside the container and fixed at one end, with the parachute attached to the other end. This merging of components into a unified structure reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining the necessary number of parts for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a simple, low-cost, and reliable means to launch objects from flying apparatuses, avoiding the complexities and regulatory issues of existing technologies, ensuring safe and efficient deployment of objects like parachutes to prevent damage or injury.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring with the help of a fixing device and to arrange a folded parachute to the container as an extension of the compression spring. When the need to launch the parachute appears the fixing device is detached from the spring and the spring force of the released spring pushes the parachute out from the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

An electric circuit has been created, that comprises the said current cables, locking members, fixing device and power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3206950B1A method and an apparatus to shoot an object from a flying apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SKYCAT OY
  • EP3206950B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3206950B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The object of this invention is a method to shoot an object from a flying apparatus. Into an flying apparatus, into certain part of it, like a container (2) that consists at least of a bottom (3) and a shell (4) a spring (6) will be placed, like a push spring that has been loaded in a tense state and that is locked in this position using a fixing organ (8, 8c) and further there will be put as an extension of the spring an object (1) to be shot out from the flying apparatus. The fixing organ (8, 8c) is thread, metal cord, bar, strip, rope, line, or some combination of these and its tension strength (T) is greater that the tension load of the push force (F) to the mentioned fixing organ. The tension strength (T) of the fixing organ (8,8c) is weakened to be less than the mentioned tension load by heating, burning, or melting the mentioned fixing organ by electric energy when the fixing organ (8, 8c) breaks, the spring (6) expands into the direction of the object (1) and the push force (F) pushes the object out of the container (2) and off the flying apparatus. The apparatus that is used in the present method is also an object of the invention.