Nitinol Based Emergency Parachute Automatic Actuation Device (AAD)

The use of Nitinol wire as the activating mechanism for an emergency parachute Automatic Actuation Device (AAD) is envisioned to address the shortfalls of the systems currently employed. The use of a ballistic charge to automatically open a parachute increases the operating costs of such systems. These ballistic charges require maintenance every 2 to 3 years. They also require 100% replacement if activated inadvertently. The need exists to develop an AAD which does not require any servicing for at least ten years, and which can be reset in the field if inadvertently activated. The use of Nitinol is envisioned to accomplish such goals. Nitinol is a shape memory alloy composed of Nickel and Titanium which when heated can contract 5% of its length and withstand large tensile forces. The Nitinol can be heated by running a current through it and pulling the pin out of the closing loop which holds the bag inside the container, thus opening the chute. When the flow of current is stopped, the Nitinol wire returns to its original shape or length.