Pneumatic parachute deployment system

A pneumatic parachute deployment system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a pneumatic parachute deployment system as disclosed herein includes a bladder configured to control a parachute's expansion in at least one dimension, and an inflation mechanism configured to inflate the bladder. The bladder is inflated when the parachute is deployed, and in various embodiments may be used to speed deployment of the parachute and/or restrict the parachute to opening at least initially only to a limited extent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many aviation applications there is a need for a recovery system that is adaptable to various flight conditions. Weight limitations may constrict an aircraft to a single parachute. A mechanism may be required to adapt the parachute to differing conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A pneumatic parachute deployment system is disclosed. The system comprises a bladder configured to control a parachute's expansion in at least one dimension and an inflation mechanism configured to inflate the bladder. The bladder may be configured to fill with air upon parachute deployment and control a radius of an opening of the parachute. The bladder may be positioned within or near the opening of a parachute. The bladder may push the opening of the parachute wider as the bladder inflates.

The bladder may be a pneumatic bladder that quickly fills with air when triggered. The bladder may be a tube shape. One or more bladders may be used. In some embodiments, a parachute comprises a large, main opening at its base and a smaller opening atop the parachute. The bladder may be positioned inside or below a canopy of the parachute near the main opening of the parachute. In a packed state, the parachute's canopy material may be held together tightly. The bladder may push out sections of the canopy that are near the main opening of the parachute, causing the parachute to open quickly. A pneumatic parachute deployment system may be used to hasten parachute deployment by causing the parachute to fill with air in a short period of time. The system may be used to slow parachute deployment by securing the pneumatic bladder to the parachute. The bladder may restrain the parachute from inflating past a predetermined threshold. The system may perform actions based on flight conditions.

FIG. 1Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a parachute before pneumatic bladder deployment. In some embodiments, as a parachute is deployed, it is pulled upwards away from an aircraft. For example, the parachute may be deployed using a rocket that is attached atop the parachute. The parachute may be released while the aircraft is falling, causing the parachute to be pulled upwards. Upon initial deployment, the parachute may be an oblong shape.

In the example shown, parachute100is pulled taut or mostly taut along its vertical axis. Parachute100may show a parachute during initial stages of deployment. The parachute as shown is not filled with air. Parachute100as shown has an opening at its base, where tethers are attached. In a standard parachute deployment system, air may enter the parachute from the opening until the parachute is filled. The opening may gradually widen as air enters.

FIG. 1Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of parachute deployment using a pneumatic parachute deployment system. In the example shown, three pneumatic bladders are deployed. Pneumatic bladders108,102, and106extrude from attachment104. Attachment104may be positioned in parachute100's center. The pneumatic bladders may push edges of the parachute's canopy out and away from the parachute's center. As shown, the pneumatic bladders are folded or bunched at ends of the bladders that are touching the canopy. The pneumatic bladders may be in the process of expanding. The bladders may be inflated from the ends of the bladders adjacent to attachment104. Attachment104may comprise a mechanism that causes the bladders to inflate. The attachment may be secured to an aircraft. The pneumatic bladders may be triggered to deploy simultaneously with the parachute. A timing device may be used to trigger the pneumatic bladders after a predetermined elapsed time period following release of the parachute.

FIG. 1Cis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a parachute using a pneumatic parachute deployment system after pneumatic bladders have been deployed. In the example shown, pneumatic bladders108,102, and106are fully expanded. They have pushed the edges of parachute100's opening. Parachute100is fully filled with air. In some embodiments, multiple pneumatic bladders are used. The bladders may inflate radially from a center point of the parachute opening. In some embodiments, a continuous bladder is used that passes through the center point of the parachute opening.

FIG. 2Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system. The example shows a pneumatic parachute deployment system in a packed state. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder202is shown in a packed position. The bladder may be comprised of a fabric or a light, flexible material. The bladder may be folded into itself multiple times. Bladder202may be designed to expand both to the left and to the right.

In some embodiments, a gas generator is used to fill the pneumatic bladder. In the example shown, gas generator204is positioned below bladder202. An airbag charge may be used. An electrical impulse may be provided to the gas generator in the event the pneumatic parachute deployment system is triggered. The electrical impulse may ignite an element inside the gas generator that causes it to rapidly produce gas. A fan (e.g. electric ducted fan), hybrid gas generator, compressed air, or any other appropriate mechanism may be used. A hybrid gas generator comprising both an airbag charge and compressed air may be used.

Packed parachute200may be stored above or around pneumatic bladder202. In the example shown, packed parachute200is attached to pneumatic bladder202via tethers206and208. The tethers may attach to the canopy of the parachute. The parachute may be packed with its opening around packed bladder202with excess fabric folded or coiled tightly. Pneumatic bladder202and gas generator204may be enclosed in a container that is separates when the bladder is deployed. The container may explode off or be detached. The bladder and gas generator may be enclosed in a fiberglass pack that pops off or breaks when the pneumatic bladder inflates.

FIG. 2Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system after deployment. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder202has expanded from a packed state to an inflated state. The bladder as shown has expanded to the left and to the right, pushing two sides of the parachute apart and widening the parachute opening. The pneumatic bladder may take less than a second or around 0.06 seconds to fully deploy. In some embodiments, ends of the bladder are open. In some embodiments, ends of the bladder are closed. Pressure from air generated may cause the bladder to explode after it reaches its maximum capacity. In the event the bladder explodes, the bladder may still first reach its maximum fill and push open the parachute's opening.

In the example shown, tethers206and208hang below the canopy of parachute200. Pneumatic tube202may push directly on fabric of the canopy. The tethers may be attached to reinforced patches on the parachute.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a collapsed pneumatic bladder. In some embodiments, a pneumatic bladder may collapse or fold in on itself when it is filled with air. A collapsed pneumatic bladder may not be effective in shortening a parachute's deploy time. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder300is bent. Instead of extending straight in one direction, it is folded. A pneumatic bladder of a pneumatic parachute deployment system may be configured to extrude correctly in one direction. The bladder may be divided into sections that are inflated consecutively.

FIG. 4Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a packed pneumatic bladder. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder400is folded into itself. The bladder may comprise a sleeve of fabric. A first end of the sleeve may be pulled inside out and folded over until the end of the sleeve is lined up with or close to a second end of the sleeve. The first end may then be folded over another time such that the end of the sleeve is lined up with an initial point of inversion of the first end. The pneumatic bladder may be folded over on itself multiple times. Sections of the folds may be secured with a semi-permanent fixture. The fixture may comprise a stitch, an adhesive, a snap button, or any appropriate fixture. The semi-permanent fixture may come undone when exposed to an amount of force exceeding a predetermined threshold. Multiple sections of the bladder may be secured with fixtures of differing strengths. The fixtures may be configured such that the bladder unfolds one section at a time.

In the example shown, pneumatic bladder300is secured with stitching. In the example shown, two outermost folds of the bladder are secured with stiches402and408. Stiches402and408may be of equal strength. Two inner folds of the bladder are secured with stiches404and406. Stiches404and406may be of equal strength. Stiches404and406may be stronger or more secure than stiches402and408. Bladder400may be designed to be inflated from the left. The pneumatic bladder may be tapered. One end of the bladder may be smaller than the other. The bladder may be configured to be inflated from the end with a larger opening.

As the bladder is inflated from the left, the air may first break stiches402and408and inflate a leftmost section of the bladder. Air entering the bladder may then proceed to break stiches404and406. As the bladder inflates, consecutive fixtures may be severed. In some embodiments, the bladder is inflated with a flow of air that increases in speed. Weaker fixtures may be broken before stronger fixtures.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic bladder during deployment. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder400is in the process of being inflated from its left end. Stiches on outer folds of the bladder have come undone, releasing a section of the bladder. The bladder is inflated on its left half. Stiches404and406are intact, holding a fold in the bladder's right half. The bladder may be designed to inflate from its left to its right.

FIG. 4Cis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic bladder after deployment. In the example shown, all stiches in the bladder have been broken. Bladder400is fully inflated. A right end of the bladder may exert a force on a canopy of a parachute. As shown, circular markings are made on bladder400, illustrating how the bladder unfolds.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a packed pneumatic bladder. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder is folded over itself multiple times. Stiches502and508secure outer folds of the bladder. Stiches504and506secure inner folds of the bladder. In the example shown, stiches502and508may be stronger than stiches504and506. Each fold in the bladder may be secured with a singular fixture. For example, stich504and506may comprise one continuous stitch. The bladder may be designed to be inflated gradually from its rightmost end to its leftmost end.

FIG. 5Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic bladder during deployment. In the example shown, stiches504and506have come undone. The bladder may be inflated from its left side. The bladder may be inflating section by section beginning with its far end. Stiches502and508secure a fold near the bladder's left end. The force exerted from air that is being blown into the bladder's left end may be strong enough to break stiches504and506but not strong enough to break stiches502and508.

FIG. 5Cis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic bladder after deployment. In the example shown, pneumatic bladder500is fully inflated. The pneumatic bladder may be configured to inflate without bending or collapsing. As shown, circular markings are made on bladder500, illustrating how the bladder unfolds.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an aircraft comprising a pneumatic parachute deployment system. In the example shown, a pneumatic parachute deployment system is used to recover aircraft608. Aircraft608has an extrusion610atop the aircraft. The pneumatic system is attached atop the extrusion610. An aircraft that comprises a pneumatic parachute deployment system may be shaped to have a mounting spot for the pneumatic parachute. The mounting spot may be isolated from a main body of the aircraft. Pneumatic bladders may be attached to the aircraft. They may be mounted away from parts of the aircraft that may snag or rip the bladders. In the example shown, pneumatic bladders602,604, and606push an opening of parachute600wider. The pneumatic bladders are attached to a common point on the aircraft. The parachute may be released from atop aircraft608and the pneumatic bladders may be deployed simultaneously. The pneumatic bladders may then detach from the parachute canopy, allowing the parachute to move further from the aircraft. The parachute may be attached to the aircraft via a bridle.

In some embodiments, the pneumatic parachute deployment system may be detached from the aircraft. The parachute may deploy with the pneumatic parachute deployment system in tow, including an airbag charge or other inflation device. The pneumatic parachute deployment system may trigger after the parachute is a considerable distance above the aircraft. The pneumatic parachute deployment system may be attached to the aircraft in order to limit a distance the aircraft falls before the parachute is inflated. The system may be attached to the aircraft in the event the system's weight in relation to wing loading causes the aircraft to be unstable when detached.

FIG. 7Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system after deployment. In some embodiments, a pneumatic bladder of the pneumatic parachute deployment system exerts a force on a tether of the parachute. The pneumatic bladder may push tethers of the parachute far apart from each other, causing a main opening of the parachute to widen. Groups of tethers may be attached to ends of one or more pneumatic bladders. In the example shown, parachute700is pushing open via multiple pneumatic bladders. Pneumatic bladder704pushes on group of tethers702. In some embodiments, the bladders are temporarily attached to the tethers.

FIG. 7Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system after deployment. The example shows a transparent view of parachute700, exposing the pneumatic bladders deployed. Pneumatic bladder706is crossed over pneumatic bladder704. The bladders may be perpendicular. In some embodiments, bladders are positioned with bladder ends equidistant around a center of the parachute. Multiple separate bladders may be used. Each bladder may comprise a separate inflation device. One large connected shape may be used. For example, the bladders may expand in a cross shape and share one inflation point.

In the example shown, pneumatic bladder706has four tethers attached to either end of the bladder. Pneumatic bladder704also has four tethers attached to either end. Parachute700's tethers may be distributed evenly across the bladder ends.

A parachute's tethers may be divided into multiple groupings. Tethers in a same grouping of tethers may be attached to each other. After tethers in the grouping of tethers intersect, they may be woven into one conjoined tether. In some embodiments, a flat surface may be attached at or near a point where tethers in a grouping of tethers are attached. A pneumatic bladder may be attached to the surface or an object attached to the parachute or exert a force on the surface.

FIG. 8Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system after deployment. In the example shown, aircraft800has deployed parachute804. Dome-like portion807of the parachute is inflated. Pneumatic tubes808,810,812, and814have deployed and pushed open the parachute canopy, causing portion807to inflate. The tubes as shown are attached away from a main opening of the parachute. In various embodiments, a pneumatic tube is attached to a parachute using a strap, metal grommet, rope, stich, bolt, or any other appropriate mechanism. As shown, the parachute's canopy excluding portion807billows up and around portion807. The rest of the canopy may be inverted, crumpled, or not filled with air. Tethers802and806attach parachute802to aircraft800. The tethers may attach to a bridle on the aircraft or be attached at structurally secure points on the aircraft's frame.

A parachute's expansion may be exponential. Accelerating beginning stages of the parachute's inflation may be critical. Using a pneumatic parachute deployment system to throw open a parachute near a top of the parachute may allow the parachute to fill quickly. The pneumatic tubes may be held in the position shown inFIG. 8Auntil the aircraft falls at a low speed. Releasing parachute804all at once may cause the canopy to rip or be compromised due to large loads. The pneumatic tubes may be attached or detached via mechanical or electrical means. The pneumatic tubes may be released via a pin puller, an explosive bolt, a primer cord, a severing device, or any appropriate mechanism. The tubes may be attached via tethers that are later cut or burned.

FIG. 8Bis a diagram illustrating a parachute of a pneumatic parachute deployment system. Parachute804is shown from an overhead view. Dome portion807may be inflated. Portion807may be caused by pneumatic tubes808,810,812, and814. Tethers may be attached at point816and corresponding points around an edge of parachute804. The points may surround a main opening of the parachute.

FIG. 9Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system constraining a parachute. In the example shown, aircraft908has deployed parachute900. Parachute900has been deployed using a pneumatic parachute deployment system. In the example shown, pneumatic bladders902,904, and906have pushed the opening in parachute900wide open. The parachute is attached to the aircraft via tethers that may have slack. The tethers may be loose because the parachute is held close to the aircraft. In some embodiments, a pneumatic bladder is attached to the parachute. The pneumatic bladder may be attached to a canopy, tether, or an object that is secured to the parachute.

In some embodiments, the pneumatic parachute deployment system is used to cause a parachute to deploy quickly by widening the parachute's opening. The system may operate based on conditions. For example, in the event the aircraft is falling at a high speed, the system may not deploy a pneumatic bladder. The aircraft's speed may cause the parachute to open quickly already. In the event the aircraft is falling at a slow speed, the one or more pneumatic bladders may be deployed to shorten an amount of time until the parachute is fully filled.

In some embodiments, the bladders are attached to the parachute and constrain the parachute. The pneumatic bladders may be used to slow down filling of the parachute when it is deployed at high speeds. Limiting a size of the opening of the parachute may decrease a likelihood of the parachute ripping. Limiting the size of the opening may decrease a load experienced by the parachute. The one or more bladders may hold the parachute's opening in towards a center of the parachute, preventing the parachute's opening from widening. The one or more bladders may inflate slowly, causing the parachute to fill with air at a slower rate than it would otherwise. The pneumatic parachute deployment system may comprise detachable pneumatic bladders that are by default attached to the parachute. The system may control whether the bladders are attached or detached and inflated or not inflated. The system may comprise sensors or communicate with external sensors to determine flight conditions. The external sensors may be located on the aircraft.

FIG. 9Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic parachute deployment system releasing a parachute. In the example shown, pneumatic bladders902,904, and906have detached from parachute900. In some embodiments, the system comprises a timer. The bladders may detach following a predetermined delay from bladder deployment or parachute deployment. Parachute900has fully filled with air. The parachute is attached to aircraft908via riser910. The tethers and riser of the parachute are pulled taut. Parachute900is released from its prior position as shown inFIG. 9Aand is positioned further above aircraft908. Pneumatic bladders902,904, and906may have open ends and deflate soon after they are extruded.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of pneumatic parachute deployment system control process. In1000, pneumatic bladders are fired. Firing the pneumatic bladders may comprise triggering a process that causes a production of gas. The pneumatic bladders are caused to inflate. In1002, it is determined whether high speed conditions are present. Condition information may be detected via sensors. In the event high speed conditions are present, in1004the system pauses. The pneumatic bladders may be attached to the parachute and constrain the parachute by default. The pneumatic bladders may constrain the parachute to have an opening with a diameter limited by a length of a pneumatic bladder.

In1006, it is determined whether low speed conditions are present. In the event low speed conditions are not present, the process returns to1002. At high or intermediate speeds, the parachute may remain constrained. In the event low speed conditions are present, in1008the pneumatic bladders are released. Releasing the bladders may allow the parachute to inflate fully. At low speeds, the parachute may experience low risks of being compromised via rips or tears. Employing a pneumatic parachute deployment system that is condition-based may allow the aircraft to carry only one parachute on board as opposed to multiple parachutes suited for different conditions. Carrying one parachute may allow the aircraft to fulfil weight limitations or be more aerodynamic. A condition-based system may increase chances of aircraft recovery or limit damages.

In some embodiments, all speeds may be classified as either high or low. In the event high speed conditions are determined to be present in1002, the process may proceed to releasing pneumatic tubes in1008. In the event high speed conditions are determined to be absent in1002, the process may proceed to pause in1004and return to1002. In some embodiments, the aircraft will either be traveling at a high altitude and a high speed or at a low altitude and a low speed.

The pneumatic parachute deployment system may comprise one or more processors. It may comprise a computer memory or storage device. In some embodiments, instructions for controlling components of the deployment system are provided by a processor. Instructions may be stored in the computer memory. In some embodiments, the pneumatic parachute deployment system is fully mechanical. The system may comprise switches or any other appropriate apparatus.