Riser release flaring system for parafoils
US9868537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D17/80
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A riser release system controllably lands a descending flight vehicle having a parafoil or canopy. The system has control lines and riser lines attached to the parafoil or canopy. The other end of the riser lines are attached to an upper portion of a release structure; a lower portion of the release structure is connected to the payload; and a coupling mechanisms releasably couples the upper and lower portions. When the upper and lower portions are decoupled, a distance control device controls and limits the distance of separation between the two portions, and a rate control device controls the rate of separation. Separation causes the riser lines to increase the distance between the payload and canopy, further causing the canopy to flare and decrease the rate of descent of the flight vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.