US20070018051A1 - Parachute steering system - Google Patents
Parachute steering system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070018051A1 US20070018051A1 US11/209,075 US20907505A US2007018051A1 US 20070018051 A1 US20070018051 A1 US 20070018051A1 US 20907505 A US20907505 A US 20907505A US 2007018051 A1 US2007018051 A1 US 2007018051A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- parachute
- platforms
- steering system
- load
- platform
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004807 localization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D17/00—Parachutes
- B64D17/22—Load suspension
- B64D17/34—Load suspension adapted to control direction or rate of descent
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a parachute steering system which has been specially conceived for its installation in unmanned parachutes, that is, those intended for dropping guided loads.
- the current systems of parachute guidance usually employ radio-control or satellite localization (GPS) devices as the system header, as well as a number of electric actuators to pull on the control lines by winding the same onto their corresponding spool.
- GPS satellite localization
- a parachute steering system of the type utilized to carry out the dropping of loads, to land them on a predetermined target.
- the parachute steering system comprises upper and lower platforms articulatingly joined to each other.
- the upper platform has a device for fastening a parachute
- the lower platform has a device for anchoring the load.
- An actuator system interconnects the platforms and allows parallelism, inclination and relative positioning in general between the platforms to be regulated, displacing a center of gravity of a combination of the load and the parachute.
- a system allowing a variation of relative positions of the platforms, such as an articulated coupling between the platforms.
- the parachute steering system which the invention discloses resolves the problem outlined above in a fully satisfactory manner, by providing a mechanism which does not act on the length of the lines, but rather displaces the center of gravity of the load with respect to the parachute, avoiding the use of the aforesaid spools and employing actuators of more reduced dimensions.
- the steering system which is disclosed is constituted on the basis of an upper platform, to which the parachute is fastened, and a lower platform, equipped with measures for securing the load, so that both platforms are connected to each other through the use of an articulated coupling, or of any type which allows the variation of their relative position.
- the articulated coupling permits, through the use of any kind of actuator system connected to both platforms and with a configuration significantly smaller than that of the conventional guidance devices, the possibility to control the relative angular position between the two platforms, both in their transversal and their longitudinal plane.
- transversal axis of rotation between the two platforms need not be centered, since an off-centered position of the same reduces the necessary force of the actuator to move the plaftforms.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front-elevational view of a parachute steering system implemented in accordance with the object of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front-elevational view of the steering system of FIG. 1 mounted in a parachute, and coupled to its corresponding load;
- FIG. 3 is a similar view to that of FIG. 2 , in which one can observe how through the use of the relative angular displacement between platforms with respect to a longitudinal tilting axis, it is possible to displace the center of gravity of the combination and to make the load turn;
- FIG. 4 is a side-elevational view of the steering system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view similar to that of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 6 and 7 are views similar to FIG. 5 , wherein it is seen how through the use of relative angular displacement between platforms relative to an axis of transversal tilting, it is possible to reduce or increase a forward speed of the load;
- FIG. 8 is a front-elevational view of a second example of practical embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged front-elevational views respectively showing the platforms in parallel and non-parallel positions as controlled by an actuator system.
- FIG. 1 it is seen how the parachute steering system which the invention discloses is incorporated based on an upper platform 1 and a lower platform 2 coupled in articulated fashion through any device 3 for articulation, such as a hinge joint.
- Both platforms 1 and 2 have a similar geometry which in this example of a practical embodiment is realized in a square-based pyramidal geometry, facing each other and joined in articulated fashion by one of their vertexes, but which could have any other geometry which facilitates the angular displacement between the same, without it affecting the basic nature of the invention.
- the upper platform 1 incorporates a device 4 - 4 ′ for securing a parachute 5 , shown in FIG. 2 , to the same, which can be realized in a pair of plates integral with the platform, disposed lengthwise, that is, in the forward direction of the load-parachute combination, on individual side edges of the platform.
- the plates 4 - 4 ′ are provided with corresponding orifices 6 thereof, shown in FIG. 4 , for anchoring the parachute 5 .
- the lower platform 2 incorporates a device 8 for the securing of a load 9 , which can be realized as lugs mounted on each of the vertexes of the platform 2 .
- the device 8 allows the load 9 mounted on a platform 11 to be secured through the use of retaining bands 10 .
- the load is equipped with a damping element 12 which absorbs the energy of impact produced in landing, all of which can be observed in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the steering system will incorporate any kind of actuator system, such as a piston and cylinder system 14 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , so that by one end 15 it is joined to one of the platforms and by the other end 16 to the complementary platform. This allows the angular displacement of the platform 1 with respect to the platform 2 , both in a transversal plane and a longitudinal plane, through the use of the actuation of the actuators and due to the hinge element 3 .
- actuator system such as a piston and cylinder system 14 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10
- FIG. 8 a second example of a practical embodiment of the invention has been represented, in which a steering system guidance is shown, constituted by an upper platform 1 ′ equipped with a device 4 - 4 ′ for fastening the parachute, and a lower platform 2 ′ equipped with a device 8 for securing the load.
- the platforms are joined to each other through the use of any kind of articulation system 13 , which allows relative tilting with less force, due to the proximity of the line which joins the device 4 with the device 4 ′ and the articulation element 13 , thereby decreasing the necessary coupling.
- the steering system could be fitted with a single transversal axle, with its corresponding actuator system, which would allow only the speed of the combination to be controlled.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a parachute steering system which has been specially conceived for its installation in unmanned parachutes, that is, those intended for dropping guided loads.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- The current systems of parachute guidance usually employ radio-control or satellite localization (GPS) devices as the system header, as well as a number of electric actuators to pull on the control lines by winding the same onto their corresponding spool.
- The problem with that type of system is that if a control line is wound over itself on the spool of the actuator, a problem automatically arises of the impossibility of releasing the control, which can cause loss of the load.
- In addition, in that case, and even with recovery of the device, the preparation for the following drop is complicated by having to dismantle the spool.
- It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a parachute steering system, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which has a robust structure, is substantially simpler than the guidance systems existing up to now and is much more reliable in operation.
- With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a parachute steering system, of the type utilized to carry out the dropping of loads, to land them on a predetermined target. The parachute steering system comprises upper and lower platforms articulatingly joined to each other. The upper platform has a device for fastening a parachute, and the lower platform has a device for anchoring the load. An actuator system interconnects the platforms and allows parallelism, inclination and relative positioning in general between the platforms to be regulated, displacing a center of gravity of a combination of the load and the parachute.
- In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, there is provided a system allowing a variation of relative positions of the platforms, such as an articulated coupling between the platforms.
- The parachute steering system which the invention discloses resolves the problem outlined above in a fully satisfactory manner, by providing a mechanism which does not act on the length of the lines, but rather displaces the center of gravity of the load with respect to the parachute, avoiding the use of the aforesaid spools and employing actuators of more reduced dimensions.
- To this end, and in specific terms, the steering system which is disclosed is constituted on the basis of an upper platform, to which the parachute is fastened, and a lower platform, equipped with measures for securing the load, so that both platforms are connected to each other through the use of an articulated coupling, or of any type which allows the variation of their relative position.
- The articulated coupling permits, through the use of any kind of actuator system connected to both platforms and with a configuration significantly smaller than that of the conventional guidance devices, the possibility to control the relative angular position between the two platforms, both in their transversal and their longitudinal plane.
- In this way, through the use of the relative angular displacement between the platforms, with respect to an imaginary axis of rotation parallel to the trajectory of the load-parachute combination, on one hand it is possible to displace the center of gravity of the combination, toward one side or another, producing such asymmetries in the parachute that as a consequence a turn is produced in the trajectory of the same, it being possible to control the radius of curvature of the turn as a function of the relative inclination between the two platforms.
- On the other hand, when carrying out a relative angular displacement between the upper platform and the lower platform with respect to an imaginary axis transverse to the forward trajectory of the parachute, the displacements of the center of gravity of the aforementioned combination cause displacements in the relative position of the parachute with respect to the load which signify an increase or decrease in the forward speed of the combination, in terms of the angular displacement being positive or negative.
- It is pointed out that the transversal axis of rotation between the two platforms need not be centered, since an off-centered position of the same reduces the necessary force of the actuator to move the plaftforms.
- Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
- Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a parachute steering system, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
- The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front-elevational view of a parachute steering system implemented in accordance with the object of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front-elevational view of the steering system ofFIG. 1 mounted in a parachute, and coupled to its corresponding load; -
FIG. 3 is a similar view to that ofFIG. 2 , in which one can observe how through the use of the relative angular displacement between platforms with respect to a longitudinal tilting axis, it is possible to displace the center of gravity of the combination and to make the load turn; -
FIG. 4 is a side-elevational view of the steering system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view similar to that ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 6 and 7 are views similar toFIG. 5 , wherein it is seen how through the use of relative angular displacement between platforms relative to an axis of transversal tilting, it is possible to reduce or increase a forward speed of the load; -
FIG. 8 is a front-elevational view of a second example of practical embodiment of the invention; and -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged front-elevational views respectively showing the platforms in parallel and non-parallel positions as controlled by an actuator system. - Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to
FIG. 1 thereof, it is seen how the parachute steering system which the invention discloses is incorporated based on anupper platform 1 and alower platform 2 coupled in articulated fashion through any device 3 for articulation, such as a hinge joint. - Both
platforms - The
upper platform 1 incorporates a device 4-4′ for securing aparachute 5, shown inFIG. 2 , to the same, which can be realized in a pair of plates integral with the platform, disposed lengthwise, that is, in the forward direction of the load-parachute combination, on individual side edges of the platform. The plates 4-4′ are provided withcorresponding orifices 6 thereof, shown inFIG. 4 , for anchoring theparachute 5. - In addition, the
lower platform 2 incorporates adevice 8 for the securing of aload 9, which can be realized as lugs mounted on each of the vertexes of theplatform 2. Thedevice 8 allows theload 9 mounted on aplatform 11 to be secured through the use ofretaining bands 10. The load is equipped with adamping element 12 which absorbs the energy of impact produced in landing, all of which can be observed inFIGS. 2 and 3 . - The steering system will incorporate any kind of actuator system, such as a piston and cylinder system 14 shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , so that by one end 15 it is joined to one of the platforms and by the other end 16 to the complementary platform. This allows the angular displacement of theplatform 1 with respect to theplatform 2, both in a transversal plane and a longitudinal plane, through the use of the actuation of the actuators and due to the hinge element 3. - As has been mentioned above, upon varying the relative position between
platforms FIG. 10 , the center of gravity of the parachute-load combination is displaced, which causes a distribution of tensions inlines 7 of theparachute 5 to bemodified. It is possible to control the distribution of tensions through the above-mentioned actuator system 14 to carry out turns, as well as to reduce or raise the speed of the combination. - More specifically, and as one can see in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , whileplatforms platform 1 is angularly displaced in the counter-clockwise direction with respect to theplatform 2, and in accordance with a longitudinal axis of rotation, the displacement produces a displacement of the center of gravity of the combination to the left. That is realized in a greater distribution of tensions in the lines connected to theplate 4, diminishing the tension in the lines fastened to theplate 4′, which causes asymmetry in theparachute 5 which makes it change its trajectory to a curved trajectory, the radius of rotation of which will be determined by the relative inclination between the twoplatforms - In addition, as one can observe in
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, if the actuator system 14 displaces theplatform 1 angularly in the counter-clockwise direction with respect to theplatform 2, and in accordance with a transversal axis of rotation, the displacement causes a displacement of the center of gravity of the combination backwards, which affects the distribution of the tensions in each of the lines fastened to the plates 4-4′, which signifies a variation in the relative positioning between the parachute and the air stream impinging thereon, reducing the speed of the combination (FIG. 6 ). However, if a displacement takes place in the clockwise direction between theplatforms FIG. 7 ). - In
FIG. 8 , a second example of a practical embodiment of the invention has been represented, in which a steering system guidance is shown, constituted by anupper platform 1′ equipped with a device 4-4′ for fastening the parachute, and alower platform 2′ equipped with adevice 8 for securing the load. The platforms are joined to each other through the use of any kind ofarticulation system 13, which allows relative tilting with less force, due to the proximity of the line which joins thedevice 4 with thedevice 4′ and thearticulation element 13, thereby decreasing the necessary coupling. - In addition, the steering system could be fitted with a single transversal axle, with its corresponding actuator system, which would allow only the speed of the combination to be controlled.
Claims (5)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP05380148.6 | 2005-07-04 | ||
EP05380148A EP1741627B1 (en) | 2005-07-04 | 2005-07-04 | Parachute steering system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070018051A1 true US20070018051A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
US7172159B1 US7172159B1 (en) | 2007-02-06 |
Family
ID=35355675
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/209,075 Active US7172159B1 (en) | 2005-07-04 | 2005-08-22 | Parachute steering system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7172159B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1741627B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE409159T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005009943D1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120305713A1 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-12-06 | Aerial Delivery Solutions, LLC | Ram air parachute variable trim platform |
US20130193272A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2013-08-01 | Roy L. Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
WO2020039435A1 (en) | 2018-08-24 | 2020-02-27 | Moshe Levy | System for automatic adjustment of the c.g (center of gravity) point in a powered parachute and flexible wing aerial vehicle |
EP3854939A1 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2021-07-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Accommodating body, buffering material, method for manufacturing buffering material, and buffering material manufacturing apparatus |
GB2568897B (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2022-03-09 | Animal Dynamics Ltd | A canopy control system |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102658867A (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2012-09-12 | 付文军 | Parachute landing method for airborne troop and novel parachute |
CN113879544A (en) * | 2021-10-20 | 2022-01-04 | 华中科技大学 | Device and method for fixing umbrella bag |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4865274A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1989-09-12 | United Technologies Corporation | Passive control assembly for gliding device |
US5080305A (en) * | 1990-04-16 | 1992-01-14 | Stencel Fred B | Low-altitude retro-rocket load landing system with wind drift counteraction |
US5899415A (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 1999-05-04 | Conway; Robert | Personnel guided aerial delivery device |
US20040169111A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-09-02 | Horst Christof | Control unit for controlling paragliders, unlatching apparatus for triggering a flaring maneuver to be conducted by a load-bearing paraglider system, and a paraglider system |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19960332C1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2001-02-15 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Control drive system for load para glider has paravane with trailing edges for maneuvering, control lines, spool for control lines, gearbox and brake between control lines and payload unit |
US6631872B1 (en) * | 2002-05-15 | 2003-10-14 | Roy A. Haggard | Parachute trajectory control |
-
2005
- 2005-07-04 AT AT05380148T patent/ATE409159T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-07-04 DE DE602005009943T patent/DE602005009943D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-07-04 EP EP05380148A patent/EP1741627B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-08-22 US US11/209,075 patent/US7172159B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4865274A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1989-09-12 | United Technologies Corporation | Passive control assembly for gliding device |
US5080305A (en) * | 1990-04-16 | 1992-01-14 | Stencel Fred B | Low-altitude retro-rocket load landing system with wind drift counteraction |
US5899415A (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 1999-05-04 | Conway; Robert | Personnel guided aerial delivery device |
US20040169111A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-09-02 | Horst Christof | Control unit for controlling paragliders, unlatching apparatus for triggering a flaring maneuver to be conducted by a load-bearing paraglider system, and a paraglider system |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120305713A1 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-12-06 | Aerial Delivery Solutions, LLC | Ram air parachute variable trim platform |
US20130193272A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2013-08-01 | Roy L. Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
US8864080B2 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2014-10-21 | Roy L Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
GB2568897B (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2022-03-09 | Animal Dynamics Ltd | A canopy control system |
US11286045B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2022-03-29 | Animal Dynamics Limited | Canopy control system |
EP3717350B1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2024-04-03 | Animal Dynamics Limited | A canopy control system |
WO2020039435A1 (en) | 2018-08-24 | 2020-02-27 | Moshe Levy | System for automatic adjustment of the c.g (center of gravity) point in a powered parachute and flexible wing aerial vehicle |
EP3854939A1 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2021-07-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Accommodating body, buffering material, method for manufacturing buffering material, and buffering material manufacturing apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE602005009943D1 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
EP1741627A1 (en) | 2007-01-10 |
ATE409159T1 (en) | 2008-10-15 |
EP1741627B1 (en) | 2008-09-24 |
US7172159B1 (en) | 2007-02-06 |
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