Large scale parafoil apparatus with an energy attenuator for controlling initial deployment
US6220547A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D17/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A large scale parafoil apparatus which makes use of an energy attenuator positioned between the initially deployed drogue parachute and the parafoil for controlling the initial stages of deployment thereof and significantly reducing rebound to enhance the deployment of the parafoil canopy in an orderly manner with the suspension lines thereof extending from the canopy to the load retained therebelow being maintained under continual tension during canopy deployment for enhancing rapid and full deployment thereof. The energy attenuating device is a ripstitch modulator having preferably multiple ripstitch sections for gradually decreasing the force resistant to separating the drogue from the parafoil and ultimately completely separating to allow full deployment of the parafoil canopy. The parafoil canopy defines a plurality of air cells with one main air cell being deployed in the lateral central location thereof. This main air cell is preferably reinforced with additional structural members and is the preferably the only cell directly attached to the drogue parachute through the energy attenuation device for enhancing deployment of the parafoil canopy. A bridle configuration can be i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.