BACKGROUND
Unmanned balloons with sensor payloads, often called heliotropes, are utilized to collect a variety of ecological and geographical information through incorporating a payload with specific sensors and systems for desired data collection. Due to their unmanned nature, accessories for controlling the payload after takeoff are critical for safe and efficient flights. Specifically, the apparatus that connects the payload reel-down system to the aircraft, the swivel mechanism, is a critical component, to prevent built-up twist in the line triggering downstream rotational forces on payload. Initially, fishing’ swivels were used to decrease unwanted forces. Industry professionals know ‘fishing’ swivels are not efficient enough to fully address the problem for sensitive payloads.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Oklahoma State engineers have enhanced unmanned payload stability with a swivel-housing design. The design improves data accuracy and reliability of balloon flight and unmanned tethered sensor data. The balloon swivel design includes swivel housing, washer, thrust bearing, and eyebolt mechanism. Together they decrease the sensor spin, tether twisting, and tangling without undue weight and complexity. The eyebolt connection to the payload, rotates freely without transmitting rotational torque to the upper line connected to the aircraft and which can lengthen or shorten until precise environmental conditions are met by the reel-down sensor in which case the line length is adjusted. The assembly decreases noise and unwanted force on and around the payload sensor which commonly interferes with data accuracy.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
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