INFLATION-CONTROLLED PARACHUTE

摘要

An inflation-controlled parachute comprises an extended flexible structure (10) for providing an aerodynamic drag-producing surface, and an inflation-control line (20) for controlling the rate at which the flexible structure (10) unfolds from a stowed configuration to an inflated configuration. One end of the inflation-control line (20) is secured to the flexible structure (10), and the remainder of the inflation-control line (20) is threaded through positioning rings (22) attached to the flexible structure (10) so that one segment of the inflation-control line (20) overlies another segment thereof in frictional engagement therewith. Frictional engagement of the two segments of the inflation-control line (20) occurs as the flexible structure (10) inflates, thereby controlling the rate of inflation of the flexible structure (10).