Magnetic braking system for descending payloads

A method for controlling a descent of a payload using a magnetic braking system, comprising:

• providing a plurality of conductive bands, each conductive band of the plurality of conductive bands comprising a non-ferromagnetic metal;
• providing at least one lanyard, the at least one lanyard comprising:
• a collar at a first end, the collar comprising a plurality of magnet assemblies and configured to attach to a descending structure;
• and
• a connector at a second end configured to attach to the payload;
• affixing the plurality of conductive bands at a plurality of discrete positions along an exterior of the descending structure;
• and
• attaching the collar to the descending structure and the connector to the payload to connect the payload to the descending structure,
• wherein when the payload descends along the descending structure, the plurality of conductive bands interacts with the plurality of magnet assemblies to generate eddy currents, and
• wherein the eddy currents oppose a magnetic field of the plurality of magnet assemblies, providing a braking force to decelerate the descent of the payload.

A magnetic braking system for controlling a descent of a payload, comprising:

• a plurality of conductive bands configured to be circumferentially affixed to an exterior of a fast rope and configured to be distributed longitudinally along the fast rope;
• and
• a lanyard configured to connect the payload to the fast rope, the lanyard comprising:
• a collar at a first end of the lanyard, the collar configured to attach to the fast rope,
• wherein the collar comprises a plurality of magnet assemblies configured to generate eddy currents within the plurality of conductive bands as the collar translates along the fast rope,
• wherein the eddy currents oppose a magnetic field of each magnet assembly of the plurality of magnet assemblies, providing a braking force for decelerating the payload,
• wherein each magnet assembly of the plurality of magnet assemblies is formed as a linear Halbach array comprising a strong side magnetic field oriented towards the plurality of conductive bands;
• and
• a connector at a second end of the lanyard, the connector configured to attach to the payload.