[JoeF]

An "Almost-TPHG" Logbook Note

This morning, after warming up my muscles in bed, I promptly got dressed, grabbed the 17-pound "almost-TPHG" frame pack (just exactly 6 feet, so not quite under 5 feet), and set out for a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood.

In the cool morning darkness, I explored several ways to carry the frame pack without wheels while navigating one of my local hills:

Shoulder Cross Carry: Streetlight shadows cast an almost meditative image, evoking memories of Good Friday’s Cross.
Rear-Hip Crosswise: This position made it easy to bend and clean up debris along the way.
Pointing Forward on Left Hip or Right Hip: Both offered stable carrying with slightly different weight distribution.
Frontal Carry with Shirt Support: Surprisingly effective for short stretches.
One-Handed Side Hip Carry: Works well on either side for balance.
Upright, Arm-Snugged: Conveniently leaves the dominant hand free for other tasks.

It was a productive start to the day, with a bit of experimentation and a nod to both practicality and reflection.

P.S.: Backstrapping has not yet been prepared—only freehand carrying modes have been explored so far.
P.P.S.: Two small strap-on-frame pack axles will provide road ease; simply tether the frame set as a low-set trailing wagon when appropriate.
================================================================================================
================================================================================================

[JoeF]

The Tiny Packed Hang Glider (TPHG) design movement shares an ethos with minimalist luggage packers: achieving functionality and utility within the tightest possible constraints. While TPHG designers aim to pack a fully functional glider into a bus-friendly 4-foot bag, minimalist packers master the art of traveling light without sacrificing comfort or adaptability. By studying their strategies, TPHG designers can unlock innovative ways to refine packing methods, enhance durability, and optimize functionality.

Lessons from Minimalist Luggage Packers for TPHG Designers

• Prioritize Multi-Purpose Elements
  Minimalist travelers swear by versatile items that serve multiple functions—a scarf that doubles as a blanket or a jacket that converts to a pillow. Similarly, TPHG designs can integrate multi-functional components. For example, spar couplers might double as rigging anchors, or socks could incorporate storage pouches for accessories when disassembled.
  
• Invest in High-Quality, Lightweight Materials
  Minimalist packers understand the value of ultralight yet durable materials. For TPHGs, advanced materials like carbon fiber, Dyneema, and ultra-thin membranes can reduce weight without compromising performance. Techniques like using collapsible or telescopic spars align with this principle.
  
• Develop a Systematic Packing Order
  A well-ordered packing strategy ensures compactness and accessibility. TPHG parts—like spar segments and rigging—can be nested or bundled systematically to maximize space and minimize wear, much like how minimalist packers tightly roll clothing and stack items strategically.
  
• Leverage Modular and Collapsible Designs
  Modular packing systems, like packing cubes, allow for easy organization and adaptability. Translating this to TPHGs, modularity can facilitate repairs and replacements in the field. Nested spar segments or swappable sail configurations align perfectly with this idea.
  
• Emphasize Accessibility and Ease of Assembly
  Minimalist packers often ensure frequently needed items are easily accessible. TPHG designs can benefit from similar thinking, ensuring critical components like safety rigging or tools are accessible without unpacking the entire system. Thoughtfully placed access panels or external compartments in the packed state might enhance usability.
  
• Minimize Redundancy Without Sacrificing Safety
  Effective minimalists streamline their gear without neglecting essentials. TPHG designers must adopt a similar mindset, ensuring redundancy only where it enhances safety (e.g., key load-bearing areas or emergency rigging) while paring down extraneous elements.
  
• Test and Iterate for Real-World Scenarios
  Minimalists refine their packing lists through trial and error. TPHG designers can similarly adopt iterative prototyping, conducting real-world tests to ensure the glider packs efficiently, withstands transportation, and reassembles quickly.

A Shared Vision of Elegance and Efficiency
Minimalist luggage packers embody the philosophy of doing more with less—a guiding principle that resonates deeply with the TPHG movement. By incorporating these strategies, TPHG designers can advance toward their goal of creating ultralight, compact, and reliable gliders that integrate seamlessly into urban lifestyles.

[JoeF]

Following my careful prompting:

1. Compactness Through Segmentation and Molting
- Animal Example: Arthropods (e.g., crabs, insects) shed and regrow exoskeletons to accommodate growth while maintaining structural integrity.
- Mechanism: Segmented exoskeletons are compact and can be disassembled (during molting) and reassembled as the animal grows.
- Application in TPHG:
- Segmented Spars: Borrowing this concept, telescoping spar segments that "nest" like the sections of an arthropod's exoskeleton during its cyclic molt can allow compact packing.
- Couplers as Joints: Mimicking joint strength in exoskeletons can stabilize the spar assembly while maintaining lightweight properties.
- Measure: Using lightweight materials like carbon fiber with modular couplers that add no more than 10% to the total weight while ensuring a smooth nesting transition.

2. Strength and Lightweight Design
- Animal Example: Beetles, particularly their elytra (hardened forewings), offer lightweight yet highly durable protection.
- Mechanism: Exoskeletons use a mix of chitin and proteins structured in micro-layers for strength and flexibility.
- Application in TPHG:
- Layered Materials: Carbon fiber and Dyneema-inspired composites layered with alternating orientations to replicate the strength of chitin fibers.
- Measure: Optimizing spar thickness to achieve a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to insect exoskeletons (~10 times stronger than steel by weight).

3. Flexibility and Dynamic Adaptation
- Animal Example: Cicadas and dragonflies exhibit exoskeleton features that allow them to flex during flight for improved aerodynamics and maneuverability.
- Mechanism: Hinges and membranes between rigid segments enable movement without compromising structural integrity.
- Application in TPHG:
- Flexible Hinges: Incorporate flexible, high-durability joints in compression sticks or spars to enable controlled deformation for tuning camber and washout.
- Measure: Use advanced materials like silicone-coated fabrics at the hinges for low-friction movement under load while maintaining shape memory.

4. Self-Repair and Maintenance
- Animal Example: Lobsters can regenerate claws, while exoskeleton repairs occur naturally over time.
- Mechanism: Use of biological "patches" and integration of repair mechanisms into the organism’s lifecycle.
- Application in TPHG:
- Repairable Components: Modular spar and sail components with replaceable parts or self-healing polymer coatings to reduce maintenance burdens.
- Measure: Develop a self-healing composite material that can repair micro-cracks, adding only ~2-3% to the weight of a spar segment.

5. Compact Folding and Stowage
- Animal Example: Insects like earwigs and ladybugs fold their wings efficiently under their exoskeletons.
- Mechanism: Intricate folding patterns with elastic structures allow high area-to-volume ratios.
- Application in TPHG:
- Folding Mechanisms for Sails: Design sails that mimic these folding patterns for compact stowage within wing socks.
- Measure: Achieve a packing efficiency of at least 80%, with packed sail volumes under 5% of the deployed area.

6. Aerodynamic Efficiency
- Animal Example: Butterflies and moths use their exoskeleton and wing structures to minimize drag and optimize lift.
- Mechanism: Micro-textures and curves reduce turbulence and drag.
- Application in TPHG:
- Surface Textures on Spars: Adding micro-textures or coatings to spars to improve airflow and reduce drag.
- Measure: Reduce drag coefficients by 10-15% through textured designs.

7. Strength from Microarchitecture
- Animal Example: Sea urchins have spines with intricate internal microstructures, offering high strength without excess material.
- Mechanism: Foam-like, lattice architectures provide strength and impact resistance.
- Application in TPHG:
- Lattice-Structured Spars: Explore 3D-printed or hollow lattice spar segments to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
- Measure: Reduce material usage by up to 50% while retaining 90% of the strength.

Further:

1. Tapered Spars for Weight Efficiency
- Dragonfly Inspiration: The exoskeleton molts progressively reduce bulk as the nymph matures, reflecting the importance of material efficiency.
- Application in TPHG:
- Design spars with tapered diameters to distribute material where it is most needed, reducing weight without compromising strength.
- Use telescopic segments that taper at the ends for efficient nesting and compact packing.
- Example: A spar with an outer diameter tapering from 20 mm to 10 mm, optimized for flight loads.

2. Telescopic Spar Segments for Compact Packing
- Dragonfly Inspiration: Molting stages highlight the efficiency of segmented, size-adjustable growth.
- Application in TPHG:
- Use telescopic spars with tapered child segments that nest within mother segments.
- Minimize gaps at joins by designing each segment with tapered outer and inner diameters to maintain snug fitting.
- Example: Spar segments ranging from 30 cm to 100 cm when extended, reducing to 25 cm when nested.

3. Aerodynamic Tapering for Wing Structures
- Dragonfly Inspiration: The tapered exoskeleton transitions to aerodynamic, lightweight wings during maturation.
- Application in TPHG:
- Tapered wing spars can help achieve a smooth aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and improving lift.
- Incorporate tapering into compression ribs to distribute loads evenly along the wing.
- Example: Wing spars tapering from 15 mm at the root to 5 mm at the tip for optimized load distribution.

4. Strength and Flexibility Through Layering
- Dragonfly Inspiration: Layers of the exoskeleton adapt to growth while retaining strength and flexibility.
- Application in TPHG:
- Layer tapered segments with progressively stiffer materials toward the base and more flexible materials toward the tips.
- Achieve a balance of flexibility and rigidity that mimics the dragonfly's wing structure.
- Example: Carbon fiber layering with thicker laminates at the base tapering to thinner laminates at the tip.

5. Modular Design for Easy Replacement
- Dragonfly Inspiration: Each molted exoskeleton acts as a modular stage in the growth process.
- Application in TPHG:
- Use tapered, telescopic parts that can be easily replaced or upgraded.
- Simplify repair processes with interchangeable tapered segments.
- Example: Spar sections pre-molded to specific taper dimensions that can be swapped out in minutes.

6. Dynamic Adaptability in Flight
- Dragonfly Inspiration: Flexible exoskeleton features help nymphs adapt to water currents and dragonflies to air turbulence.
- Application in TPHG:
- Use telescopic, tapered spars with adjustable compression points to fine-tune wing camber and lift during flight.
- Example: Adjustable couplers with taper-matching grooves to allow quick length modifications in spars.

7. Enhanced Aesthetic and Functional Design
- Dragonfly Inspiration: The tapered, segmented exoskeleton transitions into beautiful and functional wing structures.
- Application in TPHG:
- Incorporate tapered spars and ribs to enhance the sleek appearance of the glider while maintaining functionality.
- Example: A TPHG with visibly tapered spars and streamlined wings, blending efficiency and aesthetics.

[JoeF]

TPHGandStigmas001.jpg (47.43 KiB) Viewed 532 times

Stigma May Be a Gliding Aid

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterostigma
And:

1. What is the Pterostigma?
- The pterostigma is a small, pigmented area found on the leading edge of the dragonfly's wings, usually near the tip.
- It is slightly heavier than the surrounding wing membrane and composed of specialized cells.

2. Function of the Pterostigma
a. Reduces Wing Vibration
- The added mass at the wingtip helps reduce unwanted oscillations or "buzzing" during flight.
- It prevents fluttering of the wing edges at high speeds, stabilizing the wing's performance.

b. Improves Aerodynamic Efficiency
- By damping vibrations, the pterostigma allows smoother and more controlled airflow over the wing.
- This contributes to energy-efficient flight, particularly during gliding or hovering.

c. Enhances Maneuverability
- The pterostigma helps the dragonfly achieve greater precision in its flight mechanics, aiding in sudden turns and hovering.

3. Relevance to Engineering and TPHG
a. Vibration Dampening in Spars
- Inspired by the pterostigma, small weighted patches or components could be added to TPHG wing spars to reduce oscillations during flight.
- Example: A weighted ring near the spar tips to counteract bending vibrations.

b. Enhanced Tip Design for Wings
- Incorporate small aerodynamic features, such as mass-adjusted tips, to improve stability and control.
- Example: Tapered or weighted spar caps at the wingtip.

c. Improved Wing Resonance Control
- Using materials or structures with strategically placed mass could mimic the pterostigma's effect.
- Example: A small mass damper integrated into the wing sock at critical positions.

4. Measures and Examples
- Dragonfly Wing: The pterostigma typically weighs about 0.1-0.2 milligrams.
- TPHG Application: A proportional scale-up for glider wings could involve adding a mass of 10-20 grams at wingtip areas.
- Structural elements could use high-density materials like tungsten or lead in minimal quantities.

Ever be cautious of errors in AI productions or human productions.

[JoeF]

TPHGfromAllThatIsOrCouldBe.png (4.05 KiB) Viewed 503 times

From All to Flight

From the cosmic vastness, unmeasured, untamed,
To the spark of an idea, bold and unnamed.
All that is, all that could be,
Flows through the funnel of ingenuity.

Stars whisper their ancient lore,
Particles hum of what's in store.
Each element, each force, each line,
Folds into a future, sleek and fine.

The winds lend their secrets, the skies their embrace,
Dreamers reshape what the Earth cannot trace.
Through design’s crucible, boundless and free,
Emerges a hang glider, a dreamer's marquee.

Compact as a thought, yet mighty in flight,
It carries the hopes of the day and the night.
Through its tiny frame, the infinite flows,
A testament to where ambition goes.

So let the All cascade and inspire,
Fueling the wings of human desire.
A TPHG rises, the stars align,
The universe smiles at this grand design

I prompted further and it complied:

A Flight Born of All

From all that is or could yet be,
Flows down to a vision—compact, free.
The stars, the atoms, the winds that call,
Pour through the funnel to shape it all.

A hang glider, born of a boundless plan,
To fold the sky into the reach of man.
Nestled neat for the urban ride,
A marvel of flight that we carry inside.

The city hums with its restless beat,
Buses roll down crowded streets.
But here’s no bulk, no clamor, no weight—
The TPHG rides compact and straight.

Polite to the world, its footprint slim,
Yet wide in the dreams it holds within.
It opens to skies from a 4-foot-pack span,
A whisper of freedom in a working man.

So let all that is, and all that’s dreamed,
Flow through this craft, as the heavens gleam.
A hang glider, small, yet endless in scope,
Urban and vast—a triumph of hope.

=================================================
Let us not be caged in by the AI's note of "4-ft", as solutions may pack shorter or longer.
May every corner of the Universe send rays of invention and design to the TPHG release.
Different from AI's production in "A whisper of freedom in a working man." I would
have include "or woman": ""A whisper of freedom in a working man or woman.""
=================================================

[JoeF]

The Concept of "Tiny" in the Tiny-Packed Hang Glider (TPHG) Design Movement
The goal of "tiny" in the TPHG design movement is to minimize various attributes of the hang glider’s components and logistics while retaining a pleasant-sized, high-performance glider. Below is a structured breakdown of "tiny" categories, with definitions and elaborations for each.

• Tiny Mass
  Definition: Reducing the overall weight of the hang glider, both packed and assembled.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Easier transportation, reduced physical strain, and compliance with urban transit weight limits.
  • Design Considerations:
    Lightweight materials like carbon fiber or advanced composites.
    Optimized structural design to balance strength and weight.
    Elimination of unnecessary hardware or excess material.
  
  
• Tiny Weight
  Definition: Emphasis on distributed loads and ease of handling during setup, packing, and flight.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Easier handling for solo pilots, especially on uneven terrain.
  • Design Considerations:
    Lightweight components such as telescopic spars.
    Balanced weight distribution for convenient carrying.
  
  
• Tiny Cost
  Definition: Lowering the financial investment required to own and maintain the glider.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Increased accessibility for new and budget-conscious hobbyists.
  • Design Considerations:
    Modular components to replace individual parts.
    Cost-effective manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.
    Use of affordable yet durable materials.
  
  
• Tiny Pack Length
  Definition: Minimizing the longest dimension of the packed glider for transport.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Compatibility with urban transit and compact vehicles.
  • Design Considerations:
    Telescopic spars or modular nesting segments.
    Flexible wing fabric for tight folding.
  
  
• Tiny Pack Volume
  Definition: Reducing the overall cubic volume of the packed glider.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Easy storage in small spaces.
  • Design Considerations:
    Compact folding mechanisms for sails.
    Efficient nesting of spars and hardware.
  
  
• Tiny Logistics
  Definition: Simplifying transportation, assembly, and repair processes.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Faster and easier operations with minimal effort.
  • Design Considerations:
    Tool-free assembly mechanisms.
    Intuitive part labeling for quick setup.
    Easily replaceable components.
  
  
• Tiny Environmental Impact
  Definition: Reducing the ecological footprint of materials and processes.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Eco-friendlier ownership and manufacturing.
  • Design Considerations:
    Use of recyclable or biodegradable materials.
    Minimizing waste during production.
  
  
• Tiny Setup Time
  Definition: Minimizing the time needed to assemble the glider.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Faster transition from transport to flight.
  • Design Considerations:
    Pre-assembled subunits with snap-together parts.
    Color-coded or labeled components.
  
  
• Tiny Maintenance Needs
  Definition: Designing for low-maintenance components and easy repairs.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Increased durability and reduced repair costs.
  • Design Considerations:
    Modular and easily replaceable parts.
    Durable materials resistant to wear.
  
  
• Tiny Risk
  Definition: Reducing risks during transportation, assembly, and flight.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Improved safety and confidence for pilots.
  • Design Considerations:
    Rigorous safety testing and redundancy in components.
    User-friendly assembly instructions.
  
  
• Tiny Impact on Pilot Fitness
  Definition: Minimizing physical effort during transportation and assembly.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Accessibility for pilots of all fitness levels.
  • Design Considerations:
    Ergonomic and lightweight components.
    Balanced design for easy carrying.
  
  
• Tiny Learning Curve
  Definition: Designing for simple assembly, operation, and flight control.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Greater appeal to beginners.
  • Design Considerations:
    Step-by-step assembly guides.
    Stable and forgiving flight characteristics.
  
  
• Tiny Storage Requirements
  Definition: Reducing space needed to store the glider when not in use.
  Details:
  
  
  
  • Key Benefits: Convenience for pilots in urban areas.
  • Design Considerations:
    Foldable components and compact nesting.
    Storage cases designed for closets or car trunks.

Summary
Balancing these "tiny" categories ensures a lightweight, compact, user-friendly hang glider that fits seamlessly into the pilot’s lifestyle while maintaining performance, safety, and the joy of flight. Each "tiny" aspect contributes to an efficient and pleasant experience.

Tiny Hang Glider ... may obtain fresh meanings ... THG
Some further notes are linked: https://chatgpt.com/share/675da494-b3f0-8002-b3ee-dbdce4edb45dhttps://chatgpt.com/share/675da494-b3f0-8002-b3ee-dbdce4edb45d. The notes there have some errors; we will be developing those notes soon directly in this discussion thread at USHawks.org forum

[JoeF]

https://chatgpt.com/share/675e3b0d-4090-8002-97ce-8fd230b4b2e3
The above link approaches a method that has some severe challenges. The method begins an exploration of possible uses of finger trap or handcuffs in THG (tiny hang gliders---tiny in some parameters, but not tiny in basic needed sail area).

A towing sock is one format for the device. The device well grabs an extant cable.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_finger_trap

I prompted ChatGPT to give 10 uses of the device: https://chatgpt.com/share/675e4446-87a0-8002-b220-9d51aba9c2ad

Though the device category might not serve in one way, perhaps it might find uses in some aspects of hang gliding.


Perhaps a using packing a TPHG:
Storage Compaction
Purpose: Keep spars or other packed components tightly bundled during transport.
How it works: A large version of the finger trap encases the spar bundle, contracting to hold the parts securely together.

================================================

[JoeF]

Development note comparing two coupling methods for joining spar segments:

The splinting cladded method of using two half tubes offers a clear advantage in terms of packing efficiency and global spar length. By using the half-tube system to add length, you can reduce the spar segment length while maintaining the desired overall spar length, which makes it a strong contender for designs like the TPHG, where minimizing packed volume is crucial. The 14 inch long or 20 inch long or 24 inch long half tubes used in splinting give 6 inch or 12 inch or 16 inch global-spar increase, allowing shorter main spar segments. 4, +1, 4, +1, 4 = 14, e.g.

Meanwhile, the Joe Cups system, while quick and easy to use, compromises global spar length by consuming some length through the insertion depth, requiring longer spar segments and potentially making the overall packed glider longer.

So, in terms of transportation efficiency and global spar length, the splinting cladded method has a distinct advantage.
Both method are affected less by sand than very snug telescoping joining scenes.
========================================================================================================
ChatGPT massaged the above to give:

**Development Note Comparing Two Coupling Methods for Joining Spar Segments:**

The **splinting cladded method** using two half tubes offers a significant advantage in terms of **packing efficiency** and **global spar length**. By incorporating the half-tube system, which adds length to the spar connection, you can **reduce the length of the individual spar segments** while still achieving the desired **global spar length**. This allows for **shorter main spar segments**, which is particularly beneficial for designs like the **TPHG**, where minimizing the packed volume is essential. The use of **14-inch, 20-inch, or 24-inch half tubes** can result in a **6-inch, 12-inch, or 16-inch increase** in the global spar length, providing more flexibility in how the spar segments are dimensioned.

This method not only **optimizes storage and transport efficiency** by reducing the length of individual spar segments but also maintains the **desired spar length** for the wing, maximizing the overall sail area. The **half-tube cladding** system also helps mitigate the effects of **sand** or grit that could otherwise interfere with very snug telescoping joints, offering **greater resilience** in harsh conditions.

In contrast, the **Joe Cups system**, while offering a **simple, quick assembly**, compromises the global spar length. This happens because the **Joe Cups system consumes some length** through its insertion depth, effectively **shortening the overall spar length**. As a result, the need for **longer spar segments** to compensate for the insertion depth could lead to an overall **larger packed size** for the glider, reducing packing efficiency. However, Joe Cups still provide an effective solution for many scenarios and are **less affected by sand** compared to a tightly telescoped join, though they don't fully address the space-saving challenges presented by a TPHG design.

### Conclusion:
In terms of **transportation efficiency** and **global spar length**, the **splinting cladded method** holds a **clear advantage** over Joe Cups. By allowing for shorter spar segments while increasing the global spar length, it provides more **compact packing** and a **better use of space** in transportation, making it an ideal solution for designs where minimizing the packed volume is crucial. Both methods have the advantage of being less susceptible to issues caused by sand than traditional telescoping joins, but the splinting cladded method's ability to increase spar length while reducing segment size gives it the edge in designs like the TPHG.

If each cladding coupler adds 1 foot to the overall spar length, and you're using two 20-inch cladding couplers, then the total contribution from the couplers will be 2 feet, not 1 foot. Let's correct the calculation and the prose accordingly:

Corrected Breakdown:
Three 4-foot spar segments:
4 ft + 4 ft + 4 ft = 12 feet.

Two 20-inch cladding couplers:
Each coupler contributes 1 foot, so the total from the two couplers will be:
1 foot + 1 foot = 2 feet.

Thus, the total global spar length becomes:

12 feet (spar segments) + 2 feet (from the cladding couplers) = 14 feet of global spar length.
This aligns with your goal of achieving 14 feet of spar length while maintaining the 4-foot tote length.

Corrected Prose:
In this configuration, using three 4-foot spar segments (totaling 12 feet) and two 20-inch cladding couplers (each contributing 1 foot) adds a total of 2 feet to the spar length. This results in the required 14 feet of global spar length, while still maintaining the compact 4-foot tote length for transport.

[JoeF]

Two posts up on this thread had at its end a link effort that did not work. Here is a correction:
Tiny Hang Glider ... may obtain fresh meanings ... THG
Some further notes are linked: https://chatgpt.com/share/675da494-b3f0-8002-b3ee-dbdce4edb45d

[JoeF]

How much air is remaining inside
the packs used to transport one's tpHG ?

Could something of the flight-session gear or materials be placed in some of the air cavities?
If some of the air remaining is removed, would the pack become more tiny?

Does the sail pack flat or is there entrained air from sail wrinkles and folds?