Method and apparatus for stiffener reinforcement of a ram air parachute canopy
US6726150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D17/025
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reinforcing the nose of a deployable, ram air parachute. Stiffeners, formed of a super-elastic alloy, are attached to the ribs of the parachute canopy at the nose. The stiffeners can be easily crushed for packing of the parachute and return to their original shape upon deployment. The stiffeners are maintained in a desired shape through heat treatment or through attachment points to the rib. The stiffeners are light and add no pack volume as they are fashioned from small diameter wire into substantially ring shaped springs. The reinforcement of the nose prevents airfoil deformation due to head wind and greatly improves the efficiency of the ram air parachute.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.