초록 ▼

A parachute has its suspension lines divided into groups, each group connected to the load through a linear actuator. During descent of the parachute, foreshortening of an actuator or of any group of adjacent actuators causes the parachute trajectory to move in the direction of the foreshortened act

A parachute has its suspension lines divided into groups, each group connected to the load through a linear actuator. During descent of the parachute, foreshortening of an actuator or of any group of adjacent actuators causes the parachute trajectory to move in the direction of the foreshortened actuator. Multiple parachutes connected to a single load, with each parachute being connected to the load through an actuator, can similarly have their trajectory controlled. The trajectory of the parachute can also be changed by a system of normally foreshortened actuators which lengthen by actuation. Simultaneous, rapid shortening of all actuators just before ground impact can be used to reduce the descent velocity at ground impact.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A trajectory-controlling system for a descending parachute, comprising:a canopy and suspension lines leading to a payload, said suspension lines being spaced around the periphery of said canopy, said payload having a supporting harness, said periphery being divided into t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A trajectory-controlling system for a descending parachute, comprising:a canopy and suspension lines leading to a payload, said suspension lines being spaced around the periphery of said canopy, said payload having a supporting harness, said periphery being divided into three or more equal arc segments, said suspension lines being divided into a number of groups equal to the number of said segments, each said group comprising all of the suspension lines with upper attachments within a particular segment of said periphery, the lower ends of said lines in each said group being fastened together at a connector;a payload and a payload harness, said payload harness having upper and lower ends, said lower ends of said harness connecting to said payload;multiple linear actuators, said actuators normally-long and shortened by actuation, one such actuator for each said group of suspension lines, each said actuator having an upper and a lower end, said upper and lower end of each said actuator having connection means, each said upper end being connected to one said suspension line group, each said lower end being connected to said upper ends of said payload harness;guidance means and actuator power means, said guidance means directing said actuator power means selectively to said linear actuators;said linear actuators shortening the distance between said upper and said lower ends when powered, said shortening pulling downward on the associated said group connector and causing one side of said canopy to be held lower than the remainder of said canopy and resulting in horizontal motion of said parachute system, said horizontal motion being used by said guidance control means to control the trajectory of said parachute system.