[Bob Kuczewski]

ChatGPT reminds me of a good fortune teller. They both listen very carefully to the questions and frame answers that hit all the points but without saying anything that pins them down.

I'm certainly not an expert on ChatGPT itself, but I've heard it called a "large language model" which implies that it can make very good sounding sentences without really offering any insight into the answer. But that will change over time, and at some point it will dwarf our human knowledge.

[JoeF]

The ChatGPT 3.5 fortune teller responded to my prompt:

Joe Faust teased the following prompt to the fortune teller following the note by Bob:
Please describe three novel ideas about airframed hang gliders that pack politely and handily (total weight of packs at 30 pounds or less) on city buses.

ChatGPT responded as follows:
Certainly! Here are three novel ideas for airframed hang gliders that are designed to pack politely and handily on city buses while keeping the total weight of packs at 30 pounds or less:

Modular Folding Hang Glider:
Create a modular hang glider system that can be easily disassembled and folded into compact units. Each major component, such as the wings, frame, and harness, could have a quick-release mechanism for easy separation. When disassembled, these components can fit into specially designed backpack-style carrying cases with padded compartments. The entire glider, including the backpack, should weigh no more than 30 pounds. Users can simply board the city bus with their compact glider, stow it in the overhead compartment, and assemble it at their destination for a quick and convenient flying experience.

Inflatable Airframed Hang Glider:
Design an airframed hang glider with inflatable components that allow for easy deflation and compact storage. The mainframe of the glider could be made from lightweight, high-strength materials and incorporate inflatable chambers within the structure. Users would carry a compact air pump to quickly inflate the hang glider at their desired launch site. When deflated, the glider and associated gear should fit into a lightweight backpack, meeting the 30-pound weight limit. The inflatable design not only makes it compact for bus transport but also provides added safety by reducing the risk of structural damage during transport.

Telescopic Wing Hang Glider:
Develop a hang glider with telescopic wings that can retract for compact storage and transportation. The wings would be constructed from lightweight materials with telescopic sections that can be extended for flight and retracted for transport. The telescopic mechanism should be easy to operate and secure in both extended and retracted positions. The glider's frame and harness would also be designed to fold neatly, allowing the entire package to fit within a compact backpack weighing 30 pounds or less. This design would make it convenient for hang gliders to carry their equipment on city buses without taking up much space.

These innovative ideas aim to make hang gliding more accessible in urban areas by addressing the challenges of portability and ease of transportation on city buses. Each concept offers a unique approach to creating airframed hang gliders that are both user-friendly and space-efficient for urban adventurers.

-------------------------- I taunted the complex of ChatGPT 3.5 further:

Joe pushed more:
Do you have more novel ways while adding that the maximum length of toted gear is to be 5 ft or less?

ChatGPT bounced back to say:
Certainly! Adding the constraint that the maximum length of toted gear is 5 feet or less presents an additional challenge. Here are three novel ideas for airframed hang gliders that pack politely and handily on city buses while adhering to this length limitation:

Accordion-Style Folding Hang Glider:
Design a hang glider with an accordion-style folding wing mechanism. The wings would consist of multiple hinged sections that fold inward, reducing the overall length of the glider when not in use. The frame, harness, and other components should also be designed for easy folding and compact packing. The user can fold the glider into a compact shape that fits within a 5-foot-long carrying case. This design ensures that the glider remains highly portable and can be conveniently transported on city buses.

Segmented Wing Hang Glider with Magnetic Locks:
Create a hang glider with segmented wings that can be detached and secured using strong magnetic locks. The wings would consist of several segments, each with a magnetic attachment point. When not in use, the glider can be disassembled into its wing segments, which can be arranged side by side and locked together using the magnetic locks. The frame and harness should also be designed for compact storage. This segmented design allows the entire glider, when packed, to fit within a 5-foot-long case, making it bus-friendly while staying within the 30-pound weight limit.

Collapsible Tubular Frame Hang Glider:
Develop a hang glider with a collapsible tubular frame that can be extended or collapsed like a telescope. The mainframe of the glider would be made up of interlocking tubular sections that slide into each other for storage. The wings, similarly, would have a foldable or collapsible design. The user can easily extend the frame and wings when they reach their flying location, and when done, collapse them into a compact form that fits within a 5-foot-long carrying case. This collapsible design prioritizes both length and weight constraints for city bus transport.

These novel ideas take into account the added challenge of limiting the maximum length of toted gear to 5 feet or less, ensuring that the hang glider remains highly portable and bus-friendly while still adhering to the 30-pound weight limit.

-----------------------------
Pressing further in the same AI conversation:

Joe presses deeper:
Ease some pack stress, consider having the pilot tote his or her harness by simply wearing the harness and not carried as luggage. And give any further novel means on the same bent; thanks.

ChatGPT digs in for a bit of a surprise, perhaps:

Certainly, having the pilot wear the harness during transportation can significantly reduce pack stress and make the hang glider even more convenient for city bus travel. Here are some further novel ideas in line with this concept:

Wearable Harness with Integrated Storage:
Develop a hang glider harness that doubles as a wearable backpack. This harness would have built-in storage compartments or pockets where the pilot can stow smaller items, such as the control bar, gloves, helmet, or flight instruments. The harness would be designed for comfort during transit and could be worn while seated on the bus, eliminating the need for a separate backpack. The remaining components of the hang glider, such as the frame and wings, could be designed to pack compactly within a 5-foot carrying case, adhering to the length constraint.

Rollable Wing Design:
Create a hang glider with wings that are constructed in a rollable fashion. These wings could be made from flexible materials that can be rolled up tightly when not in use. The pilot would wear the harness during transportation, and the rolled-up wings could be attached to the harness, resembling a large cylindrical backpack. When the pilot reaches their destination, they unroll the wings and assemble the glider. This design ensures that the harness and wings are worn and carried together, eliminating the need for a separate backpack.

Exoskeleton Hang Glider:
Design a hang glider with an exoskeleton frame that the pilot can wear like a suit. The frame would be collapsible and foldable, allowing the pilot to wear it comfortably during transit. The wings could be stored in a specialized backpack that attaches securely to the exoskeleton frame. This way, the pilot can simply wear the hang glider, including the frame and harness, during bus travel, and the folded wings can be packed within the 5-foot carrying case.

These ideas focus on integrating the hang glider components with the pilot's attire and exploring innovative ways to ensure that the pilot carries the harness while eliminating the need for a separate backpack, thereby reducing pack stress and making city bus travel with a hang glider even more convenient.

[JoeF]

Explore a soft-stay-line rigging method:
A stay line anchoring at a spar and at a queen post may have a permanent anchoring at one of those points while having a disassembling arrangement at the other anchor point. So, in some designs a Larks Head may be at the disassembling end while a line-lengthen lock or tensioner could be combined in the line affair. A thread tag could be hand sewn into the Spectra line (if such is used) to mark the tip of the present Larks Head knot. The thread tag can be moved to address historic creep in the line or to address firm adjustments to the rigging for various reasons. Address safety concerns: wear, creep, age, UV damage, abrasion, ... Test for slippage with safety margins on forces.
=======================
I let ChatGPT 3.5 look at the above remarks of mine. Chat GPT 3.5 responded to such prompt with the following notes:


Your approach of using a permanent anchoring arrangement at one end of the stay line and a disassembling arrangement at the other end, while incorporating features like Larks Head knots, line-lengthening locks or tensioners, and thread tags for marking and adjustment, demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of safety and flexibility in your hang glider rigging. Here are some additional points to address safety concerns and ensure the reliability of your rigging:

Material Inspection: Regularly inspect the Spectra lines (or any other materials you use) for signs of wear, UV damage, abrasion, or any visible damage. Replace any lines showing signs of degradation to maintain safety.

Historic Creep: Keep a record of adjustments made to address line creep over time. As you mentioned, using a thread tag to mark the tip of the present Larks Head knot is a practical way to track these adjustments. Make adjustments as needed to maintain proper tension.

Safety Margins: Ensure that all components, including line locks, tensioners, and anchor points, are designed with safety margins that exceed the expected forces encountered during hang glider flight. This extra margin helps ensure the integrity of the rigging under varying conditions.

Regular Testing: Periodically conduct strength tests on your rigging components, including the Larks Head knots, line locks, and tensioners, to verify their performance and reliability. This testing should be done under controlled conditions and with a safety factor to account for unexpected loads.

Abrasion Protection: Consider using protective sleeves or covers where the lines may come into contact with other components or surfaces. This can help mitigate abrasion and extend the lifespan of your lines.

UV Protection: Store your hang glider in a way that minimizes UV exposure to the rigging components. UV radiation can degrade materials over time, so protection from direct sunlight can help prolong their lifespan.

Regular Maintenance: Develop a routine maintenance schedule for your hang glider, including thorough inspections of the rigging components. This proactive approach can help identify and address potential issues before they become safety hazards.

Expert Consultation: When in doubt or if you encounter any unusual wear or issues with your rigging, consult with experienced hang glider pilots, instructors, or manufacturers. They can offer valuable guidance and expertise.

By addressing these safety concerns, conducting regular inspections, and keeping meticulous records of adjustments, you can help ensure the safety and reliability of your hang glider rigging. Safety should always be the top priority when participating in hang gliding or any other aviation activities.
====== end of the ChatGPT 3.5 response to the shown prompt

Strength loss from using knots in Spectra line or Dyneema line is a core concern that needs to be addressed.

[dhmartens]

I need to aknowledge Moyes "We have also developed a unique low-friction ball bearing tip. This improves the glider's renowned easy handling by allowing the wing tip to rotate freely"
https://www.moyes.com.au/products/hang- ... escription

[JoeF]

The Moyes Malibu "short pack" is more than twice as long as the present topic focus, but perhaps some things can be learned from the assembly demonstration from that "short" (not tiny) pack:

[dhmartens]

History has been deleted but in 1900 era if a car encountered a horse on a road you had to disassemble the car and hide it off the road in a bush until the horse passed and then reassemble it and continue on.
This link is the closest I can find.
The hang glider short pack is completly unacceptable and manufactuerers should be ashamed. One option is to use the US Treasury Dept to wipe them out if they don't develope a telescopic hang glider.
Its not exactly ethical but it is poetic justice.


This is how the Treasury Dept would destroy the hang gliding industry for not developing a 5 foot hang glider.

Destroy all domestic hang glider manufacturers and only use China.
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ ... 3c77PLybDE

[JoeF]

Prediction: When the light is seen including light on effective safe conservative tiny-packed hang gliders, then there will be commercial developments producing kin offers.
--------------------------------
We are just on an evolving path that will be including some tiny-packed busable choices for HGs. Just when the fresh branch of hang gliding will be noticable is up for anyone's estimating. No rush. But whatever time I have left on Earth will be spent some on the movement to nurture such branch of hang gliding; I am honing my assets and works to feed the growth of that branch. Others may be doing similarly; they are welcome to share their steps in this topic thread, no matter the point on Earth where they live.

Gradually the options within topic will be multitude.


===================================
Filler:

[dhmartens]

Well, High taxes and high cost of doing business has already driven all manufactureres except Northwing overseas.
Every time a Chinese company starts to manufacture hang gliders the employees use the gliders to flee China and seek freedom.
In 2014 I constructed a crude telescopic hang glider prototype using a dollar store TV rabbit ear antenna.

I guess I'll pick up where I left off.

[JoeF]

Good input, dhmartens!
Good to see your earlier telescopic experiment, Doug! As antennas, there is a similar use in window-washing telescopic carbon-fiber poles of multiple parts. Note: the clamps begin to weigh significantly; earlier in topic discussion I disclosed some "Joe Sock" solutions to hold the compression of telescopic sections; the Joe Sock resists shortening of a telescopic assembly when the macro beam is in compression, as will occur in many HG designs using telescopic macro beams or spars; the Joe Sock does not use any shear pinning or clamping; the Joe Sock mostly is in tension as it resists the assembly's compression; the upper edge of the Joe Sock device is in compression; a Joe Sock may be made in many ways; one Joe Sock means is a webbing with two ends overfolded and sewn, perhaps also cemented; the Joe Sock main body fills the gap between two telescoping tube sections. The gap between the the outside and inside tube sections is filled with a Joe Sock; wobble is not wanted in the overlap region. The Joe Sock direction aims for lower weight, less space, lower cost, low wobble, low side projections. The Joe Socks separate fully from the collapsed telescopic spar and pack with low-volume packing, perhaps even worn or pocketed; but don't lose them! Tag for positions as sizes differ when gaps differ.

Just how far one might go to us COTS antenna telescopic poles or window-washing telescopic poles or fishing telescopic poles is yet unknown. Raw tubing sections may also be had to form custom-sized telescopic spars. Treatment of the end edges may become important to avoid fraying, damage, splintering.

Again, the extra parts and clamps may not be needed for HG design use: (the Joe Sock avoids the "damage" from repeated clamping from clamps)

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Ship push poles


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When some satisfactory designs show for politely busable handy 30-lb or less conservative-use hang gliders, plans could be sent to most parts of the world via the Internet.
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Optimizing the precise design of the involved tube sections for the tiny-pack HGs will be an engineering feat.
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filler:

and another filler:

[Bob Kuczewski]

Nice e find Doug.

https://www.gigaparts.com/premium-50-fo ... -mast.html

Mast_50ft.png (106.75 KiB) Viewed 520 times