Loop release and emergency pack opening system for base rigs?

[vesatoro 0]

A loop release and emergency pack opening system for base rigs?

As seen in many accidents, pilot chutes and bridles do not always function to open the container and pull out the packjob as they should. The reasons vary. The pilot chute can be lost by a poor throw, it can be stuffed inside it's pouch, it can be trapped by ones boots, bodyparts, equipment or it can entangle with itself or with the bridle as seen in some accidents.
Then sometimes they just refuse to inflate properly. In the worst case the PC or the bridle may be left unconnected by poor rigging.

I have been playing with a thought about an loop release system, that would release the pin tension and consequently give the deployment system more chances to open the packjob even with a low PC pull force. The same system would also open the packjob in a "no PC situation".

The system would consist of a soft/hard handle in a main lift web as in a skydiving harness, one/two "yellow" or steel cables leading to the underside of
the loop holding flaps (top, bottom or both) routed inside hard housings and cloth shells and two ended or circular loops for the pack closing pins. That way the closing loops could be released from underside, regardles of the situation with the pins on the bridle in a case of an emergency (PC in tow and so on). When pulled, the pin tension would relieve thus giving the PC more chances to do it's job, and also to open the whole packjob for direct airflow to assist even a partial deployment during a "no PC malfunction".

This system could also incorporated with a compressed spring with a kicker plate inside the backpad that would throw the packjob out to airstream and open the container even more.

Of course this kind of a system adds to the system complexity, but it might also be worth it if engineered properly. I myself do not have skills for that. I may have had too much time or too few jumps during few months to think things like this, but I would still be
pleased to hear any input you may have in mind :)

Vesa

"Fear is the path to the Dark side"
(Master Yoda)

[434 2]

I did send a mail to BR, CR and Vertigo last year about the same issue! I know Tod from BR have worked on the system, and also Marty did look at it to! I have no information how far they have come to develop a system like that. Would like to hear an update how close they are to add it like an option!

I did also ask for a intergreated back protection plate, like you have in a extreme ski/snowboard sack. Anyone else who think this would be an good idea?

[TomAiello 26]

I've heard that Marty is working on that kind of system. I'm not sure what stage it's in, though.

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[Faber 0]

Quote

I did also ask for a intergreated back protection plate, like you have in a extreme ski/snowboard sack. Anyone else who think this would be an good idea?

i deafently would considder a harness whith Protection plate if such would be availble.. thats for sure

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[434 2]

I found this Loop release system interesting for wing suit flyers! Wing suits have increased the possibility for a pilot chute delay, and pilot chute error! And I did really hope there where some more jumpers, who would like to put their thoughts in to this thread!

Flying a wingsuit at 25m vertical speed sec, pull your pilot chute at 150m, after one sec you should know if something is happening on your back, if not you have time to pull the handle, and open the container with your loop release system. The airflow and shaking from side to side will throw your pack job out, and hopefully open before impact. If you just had a pilot chute delay, the movement of going for the handle, would help the pilot chute in to the air, and pull the packjob out. If you have a pilot chute error, it would maybe save your life having a loop release system.

When it comes to a back protection plate for saving your back, it should not be to much work for the designers, to implant one in the back of the rig. The protection plates is already out in the marked, intergreated in the extreme ski/paraglider sacks. Some few thougts about the design, should be long enough to protect the lower part of back, attached to the leg straps, and of course flexibility for full movement! I am going to buy myself a safety jacket, but that is something I do not will bring along for my big wall long hikes.

Would like to hear some thoughts from other jumpers, maybe the manufacturers would listening, put some efforts in to it, and make some new safety options for us.