Steerable Parachute With High-Cant Drive for Wind Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned parachutes lack guidance systems that effectively steer them towards a ground target, especially in changing wind conditions, and existing steering systems are bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A steerable parachute with a high cant drive system, utilizing a coaxial or planetary gear drive mechanism to control guy wires, enabling precise steering through a controller that adjusts the canopy's inclination based on real-time GPS data and predictive algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a parallel axis motor system is used for steering the parachute, then the steering function can be provided, but the device footprint increases and payload capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering control functions into a single motor system with opposed output shafts that control multiple guy wires, eliminating the need for separate parallel axis motors and reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor system with opposed output shafts serves multiple functions by controlling multiple guy wires simultaneously, allowing one motor to perform what would traditionally require multiple motors, thus reducing footprint while maintaining steering functionality
2Ease of operation
If a parallel axis motor system is used for steering the parachute, then the steering function can be provided, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steering control functions into a single motor system where one motor controls multiple guy wires through opposed output shafts, simplifying the coordination requirements compared to managing multiple separate motors and their interactions
3Productivity
If conventional drive systems are used for the parachute, then the basic descent function is achieved, but the responsiveness to steering corrections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic drive system with opposed output shafts that can rapidly adjust the tension in multiple guy wires simultaneously, enabling quick and responsive steering corrections during descent compared to conventional static or single-axis drive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The opposed output shafts are pre-configured to allow simultaneous control of multiple guy wires, enabling predictive and proactive steering adjustments before the parachute reaches critical positions, thereby improving overall responsiveness
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 system allows for accurate and responsive steering of the parachute to a target, overcoming wind interference and reducing payload constraints, with improved control and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor 15, the at least one motor having opposed output shafts with a first shaft joined to a first guy wire and a second shaft joined to a second guy wire, whereby rotation of the output shafts shortens the first guy wire and/or lengthens the second guy wire
Implementation Method 2
the planetary gear 48 drive system 14 provides the high cant benefit that a command from the controller 16 has high gear multiplication/reduction values as needed to immediately and accurately correct a course towards a target TX during descent
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable parachute for carrying a payload towards a target. The parachute has a canopy for drag during descent connects to a basket by variable length variable length guy wires. A high cant drive system shortens or lengthens the guy wires to effect the cant of the canopy and thereby steer the parachute. The drive system is at least one of a coaxial opposed dual shaft system or a planetary gear system. This drive system provides the benefit of immediate and accurate course correction of the parachute during descent.