US 11,780,595 B1 · System, method, and apparatus for controlled descent

Abstract

A parachute structure includes two canopies. A primary canopy has a central air vent. The primary canopy is attached to an object by primary suspension lines for reducing the velocity of descent of the object. A secondary canopy captures air that exits from the central air vent of the primary canopy. The secondary canopy is attached to the object by control lines. Control of the direction and rate of descent of the parachute is accomplished by adjusting the length of the control lines by way of actuators to alter the distance between the secondary canopy and the primary canopy. Symmetrical changes in the length of suspension lines alter the velocity of descent of the object while asymmetric change steer of the object. In some embodiments, liquid jets ejected from the object increase deceleration and change direction and exterior air bags are deployed to cushion the object from damage.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A parachute for controlling descent of an object, the parachute comprising:

a primary canopy made from a sheet of a first material having a primary canopy air vent centrally located in the sheet of the first material;
a plurality of primary lines, first end of each of the plurality of primary lines affixed to an edge of the primary canopy and a second end of each of the plurality of primary lines affixed to the object;
a secondary canopy made from a sheet of a second material, the secondary canopy positioned above the primary canopy air vent;
a plurality of actuators;
and
a plurality of control lines, a first end of each of the plurality of control lines affixed to an edge of the secondary canopy and a second end of each of the plurality of control lines passing through the primary canopy is connected to the object by one of the plurality of actuators such that activation of any one of the plurality of actuators shortens or lengthens an associated control line for providing steering of the parachute.

3 more elements

A parachute for controlling descent of a disabled aircraft, the parachute comprising:

a primary canopy made from a sheet of a first material having a primary canopy air vent centrally located in the sheet of the first material;
a plurality of primary lines, first end of each of the plurality of primary lines affixed to an edge of the primary canopy and a second end of each of the plurality of primary lines affixed to the disabled aircraft by attachment points affixed to structural members of the disabled aircraft;
a secondary canopy made from a sheet of a second material, the secondary canopy positioned above the primary canopy air vent;
and
a plurality of control lines, a first end of each of the plurality of control lines affixed to an edge of the secondary canopy and a second end of each of the plurality of control lines passing through the primary canopy is connected to the disabled aircraft by one actuator of a plurality of actuators, each actuator anchored to the structural members of the disabled aircraft such that activation of each actuator shortens or lengthens an associated control line.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System, method, and apparatus for controlled descent

Life of this patent

System, method, and apparatus for controlled descent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14