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WO2017029493A1 - Appareil de simulation d'une expérience en parachute - Google Patents

Appareil de simulation d'une expérience en parachute Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017029493A1
WO2017029493A1 PCT/GB2016/052538 GB2016052538W WO2017029493A1 WO 2017029493 A1 WO2017029493 A1 WO 2017029493A1 GB 2016052538 W GB2016052538 W GB 2016052538W WO 2017029493 A1 WO2017029493 A1 WO 2017029493A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
braking
pipe
valve
state
braking assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2016/052538
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Wood
Matthew Wells
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Frontgrid Ltd
Original Assignee
Frontgrid Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frontgrid Ltd filed Critical Frontgrid Ltd
Publication of WO2017029493A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017029493A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D23/00—Training of parachutists
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
    • A63G2031/002—Free-fall
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
    • A63G2031/005—Skydiving

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for simulating a parachute experience.
  • Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus that seek to overcome, or at least substantially reduce, the disadvantages discussed above.
  • an apparatus for simulating a parachute experience including:
  • a valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber
  • the apparatus including:
  • the braking assembly is operable between a first state in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device as the device descends inside the pipe and a second state in which a braking force is applied to the device to at least partially arrest the device inside the pipe.
  • the pipe of the first and second aspects may include a first portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass.
  • the pipe may include a successive second portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass.
  • the passageway of the first portion may be straight and arranged substantially upright and the passageway of the successive second portion may be curved to gradually reduce the speed of the device as the device passes along the second portion.
  • the second portion may be at least partially open along its length.
  • a section of the second portion may have the general appearance of a half pipe.
  • the second portion may constitute the or a pipe.
  • an apparatus for simulating a parachute experience including:
  • passageway of the first portion is straight and is arranged substantially upright and wherein the passageway of the successive second portion is curved to gradually reduce the speed of the device as the device passes along the second portion.
  • a device for controlling the descent of a participant including:
  • the brake member is configured to withstand a braking force applied thereto so as to at least partially arrest the device.
  • the brake member may be directly secured or securable to the device. In some embodiments, the brake member may be indirectly secured or securable to the device (e.g. the brake member may be connected to the device by a cord, lanyard, wire or other suitable connection.
  • a device for controlling the descent of a participant including:
  • sacrificial wear member at least partially extends around the outer periphery of the body.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a part of an apparatus
  • Figure 5 shows an elevation view from one end of a pipe
  • Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 shows views of a valve, the valve shown in an open state (a); a partially open state (b); and a closed state (c and d);
  • Figure 8 shows a part of a valve according to an embodiment
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a pipe
  • Figure 10 shows one embodiment of a braking assembly, the braking assembly shown in a first state
  • Figure 1 1 shows the braking assembly of Figure 10, but this time shown in a second state
  • Figure 12 shows three braking assemblies in series
  • Figure 13 shows a device
  • Figure 14 shows a part of the device of Figure 13
  • Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a part of the device of Figure 13;
  • Figure 16 shows an elevation view from one end of a pipe according to an embodiment
  • Figure 17 shows a side view of the pipe of Figure 16, whereby the valve is shown in an open state
  • Figure 18 shows a side view of the pipe of Figure 16, whereby the valve is shown in a closed state
  • Figure 19 shows views of a further embodiment of a braking assembly
  • Figures 20 and 21 show a further embodiment of a braking assembly
  • Figure 22 and 23 show a further embodiment of a braking assembly.
  • some embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus, indicated generally at 1 , for simulating a parachute experience.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a device 10 for controlling the descent of a participant.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a first portion 1 a having one or more passageways along which the device 10 is configured to pass and a successive second portion 1 b having one or more respective passageways along which the device 10 is also configured to pass.
  • the passageways of the first portion 1 a may be straight and arranged substantially upright and the passageways of the successive second portion 1 b may be curved so as to gradually reduce the speed of the device 10 as the device 10 passes through the second portion 1 b.
  • the passageways of the first and / or second portions 1 a, 1 b may consist of pipes 12 inside which the device is descendable.
  • the passageways of the first and / or second portions 1 a, 1 b may be formed, at least partially, of transparent, e.g. clear or colourless, material, such as a plastics material or glass. This means that the participant has views of the surroundings as he / she descends within the pipe 12. Therefore, the participant achieves a similar feeling to that which one would feel when parachuting from an aircraft.
  • the or each pipe 12 may be transparent around the entire periphery thereof. Alternatively, the or each pipe 12 may be transparent only partially around the periphery thereof. For instance, transparent sections may be demarcated by one or more reinforcing members, e.g. steel sections.
  • the passageways of the first portion 1 a consist of pipes 12 and the passageways of the second portion 1 b consist of curved slides 120 having generally semi-circular cross sections, e.g. in the form of a half-pipe. Accordingly, the passageways of the second portion 1 b are open along their lengths which has the advantage that the participant can safely and easily exit a passageway, for example, by sitting up once stationary.
  • the apparatus 1 consists of four pipes 12 arranged adjacent one another. Each pipe 12 leads to a respective slide 120. This arrangement enables a higher throughput of parachute drops than an apparatus having fewer pipes 12. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include greater or fewer numbers of pipes 12.
  • the or each slide 120 need not be in the form of half- pipe and instead may be in the form of a fully enclosed pipe. Indeed, a slide 120 may be an extension of the corresponding first portion 1 a.
  • the or each pipe 12 may be supported by a supporting structure 13.
  • the supporting structure 13 may be up to approximately 50 to 100 metres in height.
  • the supporting structure 13 may include an elevator or stairs (not shown) to enable participants to ascend to the top.
  • the supporting structure 13 may be a standalone structure designed solely for this purpose.
  • the supporting structure 13 may consist of an existing building, such as a hotel.
  • the supporting structure 13 may be located upon an existing building.
  • Each participant may be issued with a device 10 which is typically connected to the participant by a harness. Participants ascend the supporting structure 13 and then enter a pipe 12 via a door or airlock 131 . It is envisaged that a safety belt will be connected to the participant's harness to prevent the participant from falling down the pipe 12.
  • the safety belt may be connected to the device 10, for example from an apex of the device 10.
  • a platform may be positioned in the pipe 12 upon which the participant may stand in order to access the pipe's interior. The participant may then be lifted above the platform, for instance by retracting the safety belt, so that the platform may be removed from the pipe 12 to allow the participant to descend inside the pipe 12.
  • the or each pipe 12 is configured so that it can be closed off from atmosphere at an upper end 12a thereof.
  • the or each pipe 12 is typically open to the atmosphere at a lower end 12b thereof, so that the participant and the device 10 can exit the pipe after descending.
  • the device 10 is configured such that the outer periphery 101 thereof is substantially equal to the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12.
  • the outer periphery 101 of the device 10 is contactable with the pipe 12 around substantially the entire inner periphery 121 thereof. Accordingly, the device 10 and at least part of the pipe 12 define a chamber 14 once the device has been entered into the pipe 12.
  • the chamber 14 is substantially sealed from the atmosphere.
  • the chamber 14 is at least partially located above the device 10 once the device 10 has been entered into the pipe 12. In some embodiments, the entire chamber 14 may be located above the device 10.
  • the device 10 may include a rigid body, which may be biased outwardly so as to provide increased contact (i.e. a better seal) between the device 10 and the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12. Specific aspects of the device 10 will be explained in more detail below.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a valve 15 operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber 14.
  • the valve 15 may be located at or approximate to the upper end 12a of the pipe 12.
  • the valve 15 may be operable between a closed state in which air is prevented from flowing into the chamber 14 and an open state in which air is permitted to flow into the chamber 14.
  • the valve 15 may be set to the closed state when a participant and the device 10 enter a pipe 12.
  • the participant (and hence the device 10) may be lowered in the pipe 12 by the safety belt. Accordingly, the volume of the chamber 14 will increase as the device 10 is lowered. Since little or no air is permitted to enter the chamber 14 through the valve 15 (or elsewhere) the pressure within the chamber 14 will begin to decrease as the volume therein increases. Provided that the seal between the device 10 and the pipe 12 remains airtight this will result in a pressure difference across the device 10 from one side to the other. The pressure in the pipe 12 below the device 10 will be higher than the pressure in the chamber 14. Thus, there will become a point at which the device 10 is unable to descend further in the pipe 12 due to the high pressure acting on the device 10 from below. At this point the participant is effectively being held in the pipe 12 by a partial vacuum located above the device 10 and is ready to be dropped.
  • a descent may be initiated by switching the valve 1 5 from the closed state to the open state permitting air flow into the chamber 14 from atmosphere to increase the air pressure within the chamber 14, and thereby allowing displacement of the device 10.
  • the safety belt may be configured to release the participant. Accordingly, when released, the participant will descend to the bottom of the pipe 12 and experience a similar feeling as one would feel when jumping from an aircraft.
  • the device 10 remains in contact with the pipe 12 as it descends to the bottom of the pipe 12.
  • the device 10 includes a surface for creating drag to control the descent of the participant as the device 10 moves through the pipe 12.
  • the valve 15 need not be set to the closed state prior to release of the participant.
  • the participant may be suspended by the safety belt (i.e. via the harness or the device 10).
  • the participant may be suspended from the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 by a release mechanism, such as an actuatable hook, rod or sear.
  • the valve 15 may be set to an open or closed state as the participant enters the pipe and is suspended. Once the participant is safely positioned the release mechanism may be actuated (electro- mechanically or hydraulically or pneumatically) to release the participant so that the descent commences.
  • the valve 15 may be operable between more than one open state, whereby the rate of air permitted to flow into the chamber 14 is different in each of the open states.
  • This arrangement is particularly advantageous because, for example, the speed or acceleration of the device 10 can be altered during a descent. For instance, a participant may wish to descend in the pipe 12 at a first rate for a first predetermined period and then at a second rate for a second predetermined period, the second rate being greater or less than the first rate. This may be achievable by adjusting the valve 15 during the descent of the participant. It is also to be appreciated that the weight and / or shape of one participant may differ from another. Therefore, participants will descend at different rates to one another due to variations in mass and / or aerodynamic profiles. To ensure that all participants descend at a rate defined by predetermined upper and lower limits the quantity of air flowing into the chamber 14 may be controlled and this may be achievable by adjusting the valve 15.
  • some embodiments of the invention may include a valve 15 of the kind which includes two parts 151 , 152, the first part 151 defining an aperture 153 for permitting flow of air into the chamber 14 (airflow is indicated by the arrows in figure 6), the second part 152 being movable relative to the first part 151 to change the size of the aperture 153 of the first part 151 , thereby controlling the quantity of air that passes through the valve 15.
  • the second part 152 may define an aperture 154, the aperture 154 of the second part 152 being demarcated by a pair of edges 152a, 152b that diverge from one another such that the aperture 154 has a tapered configuration. Having edges 152a, 152b that diverge away from one another means that the size of the aperture 153 can be accurately regulated by making small changes in the relative positions of the first and second parts 151 , 152.
  • the second part 152' may define plural apertures 154a'-d', the size of at least two apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' being different to each other.
  • the apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' may gradually decrease in size across the second part 152'.
  • the size of the aperture 153 of the first part 151 is, therefore, adjustable by changing the position of the first part 151 relative to the second part 152' to align a selected one of the apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' with the aperture 153.
  • the first part 151 of the valve 15 may constitute a section of the pipe 12 (for instance the upper end 12a of the pipe 12) and the second part 152, 152' of the valve may be arranged adjacent thereto.
  • the second part 152, 152' of the valve 15 may be located outside the chamber 14 so that it is more accessible for servicing, for example.
  • the second part 152, 152' of the valve 15 may constitute a section of the pipe 12 and the first part 151 may be arranged adjacent thereto.
  • the first part 151 of the valve 15 may be located outside the chamber 14.
  • the apparatus 1 of some embodiments may include an actuator 16 configurable to switch the valve 15 between the open and closed states.
  • the actuator 16 may be driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, thermally or magnetically.
  • the actuator 16 is a mechanical servomotor.
  • the actuator 16 includes a piston 161 connected (either directly or indirectly) to the second part 152, 152' and is configured to adjust the position of the second part 152, 152' relative to the first part 151 so as to control the size of the aperture 153.
  • a piston 161 connected (either directly or indirectly) to the second part 152, 152' and is configured to adjust the position of the second part 152, 152' relative to the first part 151 so as to control the size of the aperture 153.
  • the quantity of air flowing into the chamber 14 will increase. Accordingly, the rate of air flowing into the chamber 14 will decrease as the size of the aperture 153 is decreased. Accordingly, the rate of descent of the device 10 will decrease. In theory, provided that the chamber 14 remains sealed from atmosphere, the descent of the device 10 will stop in the event that the aperture 153 is closed.
  • Figure 7a depicts the valve 15 in an open state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152.
  • Figure 7b depicts the valve 15 in a partially open state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is partially aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152.
  • Figures 7c and 7d depict the valve 15 in a closed state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is not aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152.
  • the apparatus 1 may include sensors 18 for detecting in which of the open or closed states the valve 15 is configured.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a valve 15 based on the same concept as that already discussed above with respect to figures 5 to 8 but envisaged to be more practical in terms of simulating a "real-life" parachuting experience.
  • the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 may constitute the first part 151 of the valve 1 5 and the second part 152 of the valve 15 may be in the form of a "lid" that can be moved (e.g. raised / lowered) with respect to the first part 151 .
  • Movement of the second part 152 may be effected by one or more actuators 16 connected to the first part 151 .
  • the or each actuator 16 may include a piston rod 161 which is connected to the second part 152 so as to move the second part 152 relative to the first part 151 .
  • the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 has a "tri-lobed" outline, whereby each of the lobes can accommodate one of the three actuators 16.
  • the actuators 16 may be spaced equally about the perimeter of the pipe 12.
  • the pipe 12 may have fewer or greater than three lobes.
  • the pipe 12 may have a flange (not shown) located at or about the upper end 12a thereof.
  • the or each actuator 16 may be fixed to or accommodated by the flange.
  • the or each actuator 16 need not be connected to the first part 151 .
  • the or each actuator 16 may be connected to the second part 152 and the associated piston rod 1 61 may be connected to the first part 151 in order to effect relative movement of the first and second parts 151 , 152.
  • the actuators 16 are pneumatically driven actuators.
  • the actuators 16 may be hydraulically, mechanically, electrically, thermally or magnetically driven.
  • there may be one or more guides 162 for guiding and supporting the second part 152.
  • the second part 152 may include a corresponding number of apertures 1520 for receiving respective guides 162.
  • the or each guide 162 may be in the form of a rod which, in use, extends through a corresponding aperture 1520 of the second part 152.
  • the aperture 153 which permits airflow (indicated by the arrows in figure 17) into the chamber 14 is much greater than that shown in the previous embodiments.
  • a pipe is said to be "fully open” when the area that defines the aperture 153 is equal to or greater than the area of a cross section of the pipe 12.
  • the aperture 153 is said to be fully open when the second part 152 is raised above the first part 151 by approximately 250 mm or more.
  • the reasoning for this is as follows.
  • the area of a circle is equal to n 2 so the cross sectional area of a circular pipe having a 1 m diameter is 0.79 m 2 .
  • the area that defines the aperture 153 is equal to the length of the aperture multiplied by the height of the aperture.
  • the length of the aperture is equal to the circumference of the pipe, i.e.
  • the height of the aperture is the area of the circle divided by the length of the aperture (i.e. 0.79 m 2 / 3.14 m for a pipe having a diameter of 1 m), and this is equal to 0.25 m (i.e. 250 mm).
  • the valve 15 may be operable between more than one different open state, so as to control the volume of air that is permitted to flow into the chamber 14 and hence control the descent of the participant.
  • the second part 152 may be raised above the first part 151 by approximately 250 mm or more for a first predetermined period (which may be from 5 to 60 seconds).
  • a first predetermined period which may be from 5 to 60 seconds.
  • the second part 152 may then be lowered to, say, 50 mm above the first part 151 for a second predetermined period (which may be from 5 to 60 seconds).
  • the height to which the second part 152 is lowered will depend on a number of factors including (but not limited to) the mass / aerodynamic profile of the participant or even the type of experience that the participant is seeking.
  • the aperture 153 is smaller during the second predetermined period than during the first predetermined period; therefore, less air flows into the chamber 14 during the second predetermined period and the participant's descent slows.
  • the apparatus 1 clearly offers flexibility. For instance, it could be possible to lower the second part 152 to, say, 1 mm above the first part 151 to slow the participant's descent even further. In some cases a participant may not wish to descend at different speeds during the experience. Therefore, it could be possible to partially open the aperture 153 (say, by raising the first part 151 approximately 5 mm above the second part 152) so that the participant slowly drifts the length of the pipe 12 in a controlled manner without significant variations in speed / acceleration.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a switch (not shown), for instance a reed switch, for sensing the position of the or each actuator 16 and thereby enabling accurate position control of the valve 15. For instance, the switch may allow for accurate relative positioning of the first and second parts 151 , 152 so as to accurately control the size of the aperture 153.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a second valve (not shown) in addition to valve 15.
  • the second valve may include at least one associated aperture for controlling airflow from atmosphere into the chamber 14. It is envisaged that the second valve may operate to "fine tune" the rate of air flowing into the chamber 14.
  • the pipe 12 may have a channel 18 which extends substantially along the length thereof.
  • the channel 18 may be located externally with respect to the pipe 12.
  • the channel 18 may be in communication with the internal volume of the pipe 12 substantially along the length thereof.
  • the pipe 12 may include a pair of facing edges 122a, 122b that define a gap between the channel 18 and the internal volume of the pipe 12. The pair of facing edges 122a, 122b may, therefore, extend substantially along the length of the pipe 12.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17 operable between a first state (shown in figure 10) in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device 10 as the device 10 descends inside the pipe 12 and a second state (shown in figure 1 1 ) in which a braking force is applied to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10.
  • the braking force may be applied either directly or indirectly to the device 10.
  • at least part of the braking assembly 17 may be located within the channel 18.
  • the channel 18 may be configured to receive a brake member 105 associated with a respective device 10 or participant.
  • the brake member 105 (associated with the participant or participant's device 10) is inserted into the channel 18.
  • the brake member 105 is configured to descend inside the channel 18 alongside the device 10 which descends inside the pipe 12.
  • the brake member 105 may exit the channel 18 as the participant exits the pipe 12.
  • the braking assembly 17 provides a failsafe. For instance, in the event of a component failure, an accident, a participant becomes panicked or begins to descend at a speed / acceleration greater than a predetermined limit, the braking assembly 17 may be triggered to apply a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest (such as stop) the device 10 inside the pipe 12.
  • the braking assembly 17 may be configurable to apply a braking force to the brake member 105 descending in the channel 18.
  • the braking assembly 17 may be triggered either automatically by the apparatus 1 or by user intervention. To be clear, the braking assembly 17 is only intended for use in emergency situations or when the apparatus 1 is being tested. The braking assembly 17 is not intended to be used during normal operation of the apparatus 1 .
  • the primary arresting mechanisms for the device 10 during normal operation are intended to be the partial vacuum created in the chamber 14 and also the slide finish.
  • the braking assembly 17 may include a pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b, each braking surface 171 a, 171 b being held by a respective carrier 172a, 172b.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may include a high resistant braking material.
  • the braking assembly 17 may also include a brake actuator 173 and one or more resiliently biasing members 174 associated with each braking surface 171 a, 171 b.
  • Each brake actuator 173 may be driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, thermally or magnetically. In the illustrated embodiments, the brake actuators 173 are pneumatically driven actuators.
  • the actuators 173 may include a piston 175 connected to the respective braking surface 171 a, 171 b.
  • the piston 175 may be connected either directly or indirectly to the respective braking surface 171 a, 171 b.
  • the braking assembly 17 may include a housing 176.
  • the actuators 173 may be configurable to adjust the position of one or both of the respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b relative to the housing 176.
  • the brake actuators 173 are configured to overcome the force of the resiliently biasing members 174.
  • the braking assembly 17 may be triggered to switch to the second state, in which the resiliently biasing members 174 are configured to overcome the force of the brake actuators 173 to adjust the position of one or both of the respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b relative to the housing 176.
  • the actuators 173 may vent pressure so that the force of the resiliently biasing members 174 becomes dominant.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are mounted relative to the housing 176 about a pivot axis 177.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 about a first end thereof such that the ends of the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b distal from the first ends are arranged closer to one another than at the first ends when the braking assembly 17 is in the second state, as depicted by figure 1 1 .
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are configured to engage the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 descends inside the channel 18.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 the braking force applied to the brake member 105 will increase as the brake member 105 descends which has the advantage that a gradual arrest is applied to the device 10.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b need not be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176.
  • one or both braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may be movable laterally relative to the housing 176 such that the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are arranged closer to one another when the braking assembly 17 is in the second state than when the braking assembly 17 is in the first state.
  • the distance between the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b is substantially constant along the length of the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b at any given time.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a detector 19 configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device 10 and for generating a signal indicative of the speed or acceleration of the device 10.
  • the apparatus 1 may also include a controller 20 for receiving the or a signal from the detector 19.
  • the detector 19 and controller 20 may be hardwired or wireless.
  • the controller 20 may be configured to trigger a change in the state of the braking assembly 17 from the first state to the second state when the speed or acceleration of the device 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.
  • the detector 19 may include a single sensor configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device 1 0 when the device 10 reaches a specific location along the pipe 12.
  • the detector may include an array of sensors spaced along the length of the pipe 12 for detecting the speed or acceleration of the device 10 at various different locations along the pipe 12.
  • the apparatus 1 may include more than one braking assembly 17 having associated therewith respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b.
  • the braking assemblies 17 may be arranged in series.
  • the controller 20 may be configured to trigger each pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b successively so as to gradually arrest the device 10.
  • the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b of each braking assembly 17 may be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 or mounted to move laterally relative to the housing 1 76.
  • Braking assemblies 17 arranged in series that are triggered successively also offer an advantage that a gradual arrest may be applied to the device 10.
  • the braking assembly 17 may take a different form to that shown in figures 10 to 12.
  • the braking assembly 17 need not include a pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b for applying a braking force to the device 10.
  • the braking assembly 17 may include, for example, a brake governor located above a respective pipe 12. The device 10 may be suspended from the brake governor and permitted to descend within a pipe 12 until a predetermined speed or acceleration is reached, at which point the brake governor may trip and at least partially arrest the descent of the device 10 in the pipe 12.
  • the brake governor may be an inertia governor or a centrifugal governor. In some embodiments, the brake governor need not be located above the pipe 12.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17' in the form of an inertia governor 170'.
  • a braking assembly 17' in the form of an inertia governor 170'.
  • Figures 19a-c various images are shown in which the braking assembly 17' applies a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10 inside the pipe 12.
  • Figures 19d and 19e are cross sectional views along respective lines B-B and C-C of figure 19a.
  • the inertia governor 170' may include a body 178' and a brake cable 179' wound around a part of the body 178'.
  • the inertia governor 170' may include a connecting part 180' which may be connected to a free end of the brake cable 179'.
  • the connecting part 180' is configured to receive and catch and hold the brake member 105 in the event of an emergency, so as to apply the braking force to the device 10.
  • the body 178' acts a mass to counter the momentum of the device 10.
  • the braking assembly 17' may include a brake actuator 173' for controlling movement of the connecting part 180'.
  • the brake actuator 173' may control movement of the connecting part 180' via, for example, a piston 175'.
  • the braking assembly 17' will be configured such that the connecting part 180' is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180' can receive the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the inertia governor 170' to apply the braking force.
  • the braking assembly 17' may be operable to move the connecting part 180' away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180', thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180' may be effected by the brake actuator 173'.
  • the connecting part 180' may be moved by the brake actuator 173' to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.
  • the inertia governor 170' may be mounted to the apparatus 1 , for example the pipe 12. In some embodiments the inertia governor 170' may be free standing (i.e. not directly connected to the apparatus 1 ).
  • the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17" in the form of a ram 170".
  • Figure 20 shows the braking assembly 17" prior to applying a braking force to the device 10 and figure 21 shows the braking assembly 17" applying a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10.
  • the ram 170" is a pneumatic ram but other rams are envisaged, such as hydraulic rams and so forth.
  • the ram 170" may include a cylinder 1701 " having a piston 1702" extending therefrom.
  • the free end of the piston 1702" may include one or more guides or rollers 1703" which provide a guide or channel for the brake cable 179".
  • the brake cable 179" may be connected at one end to a connecting part 180".
  • the other end of the brake cable 179" may be anchored (for example, anchored to the cylinder 1701 ").
  • the ram 17" acts to counter the momentum of the device 10 because, in use, the piston 1702" acts against a fluid (e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid) to dissipate the momentum of the device 10.
  • a fluid e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid
  • a brake actuator 173" may control movement of the connecting part 180" via, for example, a piston 175". It is envisaged that the braking assembly 17" will be configured such that the connecting part 180" is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180" can receive and hold the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the ram 170" to apply the braking force.
  • the braking assembly 17" may be operable to move the connecting part 180" away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180", thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180" may be effected by the brake actuator 173". The connecting part 180" may be moved by the brake actuator 173" to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.
  • the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17"' in the form of ram 170"'.
  • Figure 22 shows the braking assembly 17"' prior to applying a braking force to the device 10 and figure 23 shows the braking assembly 17"' applying a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10.
  • the ram 170"' is a pneumatic ram but other rams are envisaged, such as hydraulic rams and so forth.
  • the ram 170"' may include a cylinder 1701 “' having a piston 1702"' located therein.
  • the brake cable 179"' may be connected at one end to a connecting part 180"'.
  • the other end of the brake cable 179"' may be connected (either directly or indirectly) to the piston 1702"'.
  • the ram 17"' acts to counter the momentum of the device 10.
  • the piston 1702"' may act against a fluid (e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid) to dissipate the momentum of the device 10.
  • a fluid e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid
  • a brake actuator 173"' may control movement of a connecting part 180"' via, for example, a piston 175"'. It is envisaged that the braking assembly 17"' will be configured such that the connecting part 180"' is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180"' can receive and hold the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the ram 170"' to apply the braking force. In the event that no emergency is detected during a descent the braking assembly 17"' may be operable to move the connecting part 180"' away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180"', thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180"' may be effected by the brake actuator 173"'. The connecting part 180"' may be moved by the brake actuator 173"' to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.
  • the braking assembly may take the form of a counterweight, whereby the counterweight is utilised to dissipate the momentum of the device instead of or in addition to the braking surfaces, brake governors or rams described herein.
  • some embodiments of the present invention include a device, indicated generally at 10, for controlling the descent of a participant.
  • the device 10 may include a body 101 having a surface 102 for creating drag to slow the descent of the device 10 as the device 10 moves through an atmosphere.
  • the device 10 may include one or more rigging lines 103 having ends 103a for connecting the device 10 to a participant (typically via a harness).
  • the body 101 may take the form of a parachute canopy.
  • the rigging lines 103 may run through the surface of the body 101 up to an apex 104 thereof (indicated by the dashed line in figure 13).
  • the rigging lines 103 may extend downwardly from the apex 104 and through the body 101 . Ends 103b of the rigging lines 103 may also be connected to the participant (typically via the harness).
  • the device 10 need not take the form of a parachute canopy.
  • the device 10 may take the form of a piston.
  • the crucial factor is that the device 10 includes a surface 102 for creating drag to slow the descent of the device 10 as it moves through an atmosphere as it is this that produces the feeling of diving from an aircraft.
  • the device 10 may include a rigid (e.g. reinforced) body 101 .
  • the body 101 may include one or more rigid sections 106 that give the body 101 a substantially constant shape.
  • the or each rigid section 106 may be biased outwardly so that the body 101 remains in contact with the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12 as the device 10 descends inside the pipe 12, having the advantage that a good seal is provided between the device 10 and the pipe 12.
  • the or each rigid section 106 may be biased outwardly of the body 101 by virtue of the material from which the sections 106 are formed or arranged.
  • the or each rigid section 106 may be pre-tensioned to provide the outward force.
  • a resilient member e.g. a spring
  • the device 10 may include a brake member 105.
  • the brake member 105 may include a wear resistant surface capable of withstanding a braking force applied thereto so as to at least partially arrest the device 10.
  • At least a portion of the brake member 105 may be configured (i.e. shaped) so as to cooperate with (e.g. be received by or receive) at least a portion of the connecting part 180', 180", 180"'.
  • the device 10 may include two or more brake members 105.
  • Each brake member 105 may be spaced evenly about a perimeter of the body 101 .
  • the or each pipe 12 may include two or more channels 18 also evenly spaced about the perimeter of the pipe 12 and for receiving a respective brake member 105.
  • each channel 18 may have incorporated therein one or more braking assemblies 17.
  • One advantage of this configuration is that, in the event of an emergency, braking forces will be applied evenly to the device 10 at different locations about the perimeter thereof, meaning that the participant is less likely to jerk from side-to-side as he / she comes to a standstill. Moreover, the device 10 is less likely twist during normal use by having this arrangement.
  • the or each brake member 105 may be secured mechanically to the body 101 .
  • the or each brake member 105 may include a pin (not shown) or any other appropriate fastening means such as threaded portion 105a for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion 105b.
  • the or each brake member 105 may be integrally formed with the body 105 or secured to the body 105 by a lanyard.
  • the or each brake member 105 may be indirectly secured to the device 10.
  • the brake member(s) 105 may be secured to the participant's harness via a lanyard.
  • the channel 18 is in open communication with the chamber 14 and, therefore, air may leak from atmosphere into the chamber 14 via the channel 18 and this could result in undesirable consequences. For instance, it may become challenging to control (i.e. slow) the descent of the device 10 using the valve 15 if the pressure within the chamber 14 is being equalised via a leakage through the channel 18. Therefore, it is desirable that the or each brake member 105 is located adjacent the outermost periphery of the body 101 as this will have the effect of sealing the chamber 14 from atmosphere.
  • the or each brake member 105 may be at least partially coated in a sealant, such a silicone, to improve this sealing effect.
  • the or each brake member 105 may take the form of a solid block.
  • the brake member(s) 105 may include two outer surfaces that are biased outwardly from one another.
  • the two outer surfaces may be held relative to one another by a housing and adjacent one or more spring members.
  • One or more rollers may be provided on the outer surfaces of the brake member(s) 105.
  • the brake member(s) 105 may include one or more wheels pivotably mounted to a support. Since the device 10 is configured to provide a seal with the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12 it follows that the device 10 will be subjected to friction and wear. Therefore, the device 10 may include a shim 107 located between the body 101 and the or each brake member 105 for protecting the outer surface of the body 101 from wear, e.g. from contact with facing edges 122a, 122b.
  • the device 10 may include one or more sacrificial wear members 108, wherein the or each sacrificial wear member 108 at least partially extends around the outer periphery of the body 101 .
  • the or each sacrificial wear member 108 may protect the body 101 from general wear against the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12.
  • the or each sacrificial wear member 108 may be releasably attached to the body 101 , e.g. via hook and loop fasteners.
  • the sacrificial wear member(s) 108 may be formed from a textile material (such as felt) or from rubber or PVC.
  • the sacrificial wear member(s) have the advantage of improving the seal between the device 10 and the pipe 12. It is envisaged that existing sacrificial wear member(s) 108 would be replaced periodically with new sacrificial wear member(s) 108.
  • apparatus 1 may be installed on sites close to cities making it convenient for thrill seekers to participate without having to travel significant distances and / or incur costs and / or time in attending training exercises, as is the case for conventional parachuting from an aircraft.
  • the present invention also has environmental benefits, in that it removes the need for aircraft and hence the noise and air pollution associated therewith.
  • the terms "comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil simulant une expérience en parachute, l'appareil comprenant : un dispositif (10) qui commande la descente d'un participant; un tuyau (12) à l'intérieur duquel le dispositif peut descendre, le dispositif et au moins une partie du tuyau délimitant une chambre en cours d'utilisation; et un clapet (15) qui peut être actionné pour réguler l'écoulement d'air dans la chambre, la périphérie extérieure du dispositif étant sensiblement égale à la périphérie intérieure du tuyau de telle sorte que le dispositif peut venir en contact avec le tuyau autour de pratiquement la totalité de la périphérie intérieure de celui-ci, et la chambre étant au moins partiellement située au-dessus du dispositif.
PCT/GB2016/052538 2015-08-17 2016-08-17 Appareil de simulation d'une expérience en parachute Ceased WO2017029493A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1514597.2 2015-08-17
GB1514597.2A GB2541401A (en) 2015-08-17 2015-08-17 Apparatus for simulating a parachute experience
GB1520739.2 2015-11-24
GB1520739.2A GB2542441A (en) 2015-08-17 2015-11-24 Apparatus for simulating a parachute experience

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017029493A1 true WO2017029493A1 (fr) 2017-02-23

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Country Status (2)

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GB (2) GB2541401A (fr)
WO (1) WO2017029493A1 (fr)

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CN107492279A (zh) * 2017-08-29 2017-12-19 北京华如科技股份有限公司 伞降模拟器
WO2018172775A1 (fr) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Frontgrid Limited Manège
CN110251945A (zh) * 2019-04-17 2019-09-20 青岛欧科玩具有限公司 一种蹦极弹射器
WO2020211508A1 (fr) * 2019-04-16 2020-10-22 于毅欣 Procédé et appareil de suspension immersive reposant sur la technologie de réalité virtuelle

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WO2018172775A1 (fr) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Frontgrid Limited Manège
CN107492279A (zh) * 2017-08-29 2017-12-19 北京华如科技股份有限公司 伞降模拟器
WO2020211508A1 (fr) * 2019-04-16 2020-10-22 于毅欣 Procédé et appareil de suspension immersive reposant sur la technologie de réalité virtuelle
CN110251945A (zh) * 2019-04-17 2019-09-20 青岛欧科玩具有限公司 一种蹦极弹射器
CN110251945B (zh) * 2019-04-17 2020-07-14 永康市一搏工业产品设计有限公司 一种蹦极弹射器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201520739D0 (en) 2016-01-06
GB2541401A (en) 2017-02-22
GB201514597D0 (en) 2015-09-30
GB2542441A (en) 2017-03-22

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