[Semper Fidelis]

TPHG 4.6 - HELLO WORLD

20241011-TPHG-USHWKS.jpg (78.6 KiB) Viewed 1202 times

Semper Fidelis

[JoeF]

[JoeF]

Humans can get to the Moon. Fusion progress: even has been met. Every which kind of aircraft zooms through the sky. Structures of proteins are now predicted almost as rapidly as lightning. Yet humans have not yet a politely busable tiny packed air-framed hang glider!

It's incredible how far human innovation has taken us, from space travel to breakthroughs in energy and biology. Yet, the elegantly simple idea of a truly portable hang glider—one that could be neatly packed and transported via public transport, like buses—remains a challenge that hasn’t been fully cracked. Your pursuit of a Tiny Packed Hang Glider (TPHG) is part of that cutting-edge, yet underrated, frontier of design. Achieving an air-framed hang glider that balances strength, compactness, and ease of assembly is a fascinating challenge, blending aerospace principles with the practicality of urban mobility.

Progress in compacting structural materials, such as carbon fiber telescopic spars, lightweight crosslines, and innovative folding techniques for sails, seems tantalizingly close. Perhaps, as these materials and designs mature, the dream of easily packing a high-performing glider into a bus-friendly size will be realized. Until then, pioneers like you are pushing the envelope!

[JoeF]

ChatGPT AI receiving my detail prompts about nesting eight (8) CF tubes and the challenge of protecting tube ends when assembling the TPHG and facing flight forces:

Here is the recent response formatted in BBC code for the USHawks forum:

Got it! Since the tubes will not be assembled in a continuous line, and only alternating tubes in the nest will be joined using Joe Cups, the protection needs to be integrated into the Joe Cup design itself, without altering the nesting functionality.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Joe Cup can be designed to protect the ends of the carbon fiber (CF) tubes while ensuring wobble resistance during assembly and flight:

1. Joe Cup with Internal Lip
Internal Protective Lip: The Joe Cup can be designed with an internal lip or ridge that sits just inside the CF tube's open end. This lip will prevent the tube from sliding too far into the Joe Cup and protect the tube’s edge from impacts or wear. The lip can also aid in aligning the tube, minimizing wobble by providing a snug fit.

2. Reinforced Insert for Wobble Resistance
Protective Insert: Inside the Joe Cup, an insert made of a durable yet flexible material (such as silicone or rubber) can cushion the tube’s end, offering both protection and wobble resistance. This insert will help absorb any vibrations or movements during flight, while also protecting the delicate tube edge from damage.

3. Split-Sleeve Design
Split-Sleeve Interface: The Joe Cup can have a slightly flexible split-sleeve design inside, allowing it to grip the outer diameter of the tube securely. When the tube slides into the cup, the sleeve will hold it firmly while protecting the end and walls from abrasion. The split design ensures wobble-resistance and keeps the tube stable.

4. Tapered Joe Cup Fit
Tapered Interior: The interior of the Joe Cup could be slightly tapered to allow a tighter fit as the tube is inserted. This taper would guide the tube into place and create a snug joint, helping to stabilize the assembly and prevent wobbling. The taper will also act as a protector for the tube’s end.

5. Wobble-Resist Locking Grooves
Locking Grooves or Ridges: Integrating shallow grooves or ridges inside the Joe Cup can provide a more stable and wobble-resistant fit for the CF tubes. These grooves can match the outer surface of the tube at specific intervals, locking the tube in place without putting too much pressure on the tube ends, while providing some cushioning.

6. Joe Cup with Shock-Absorbing Material
Rubber or Foam Liners: Adding a thin rubber or foam liner inside the Joe Cup will help absorb any shocks or vibrations during flight and protect the tube ends. The liner can also slightly compress to grip the tube more securely, enhancing wobble-resistance while still being easy to remove.

7. Reinforced Joe Cup Edge Protection
Extended Cup Flange: The outer end of the Joe Cup could have a slightly extended flange or overhang that protects the exposed tube edges from impact. This flange can be designed to overlap the tube end without extending too far, ensuring the tube edges are shielded from external forces.

---

These modifications to the Joe Cup would serve dual purposes: offering protection to the sensitive ends of the carbon fiber tubes while reducing wobble during assembly. They would be integrated into the connection points and ensure that the assembly remains stable, without interfering with the ability to nest the tubes during transport.

[Semper Fidelis]

For asian food lovers, here is the NEM, result of the packaging of the TPHG 4.6

TPHG 4.6 PACKED - NEXT MAKING THE BAG FOR IT

20241015- TPHG-USHAWKS-PACKED.jpg (79.5 KiB) Viewed 910 times

In centimeters, it is 138cm (it will be 140cm with the bag)

Joe, you should have your public transportation freepass ready !

Semper Fidelis

[Bob Kuczewski]

... here is the NEM, result of the packaging of the TPHG 4.6
   :
TPHG 4.6 PACKED

Is that really the whole hang glider?   

[JoeF]

I needed a little help from ChatGPT:

Ah, that additional sentence helps! Given the reference to "asian food lovers," it seems likely that "NEM" is a playful reference to *nem*, a type of Vietnamese spring roll (also known as *nems* in France and other European countries).

It sounds like the person is humorously comparing the neatly packed TPHG to a tightly wrapped spring roll. In this context, "NEM" probably isn't a technical term at all, but rather a lighthearted metaphor for the compact, rolled-up form of the TPHG after it's been packed down. The "4.6" likely refers to the model or specific dimensions of this packed glider.

So, "here is the NEM" would mean "here is the neatly packed, compact result" of the TPHG!

ChatGPT had some fun with my detail prompt on the "nem" matter ...and more:

**The Spring Roll Soars**

In the kitchen of winds where the thermals rise,
A *spring roll* is born under endless skies.
Neatly packed, tight and ready to go,
Just like the TPHG we love to stow.

Rolled up smooth, new and ready for frying—
No, wait a moment! It's ready for **flying**!
A leap from the ground, with a pilot's keen flair,
This *spring roll* isn't cooking—it's springing through air!

Tiny packed glider, snug in its shell,
With telescoped spars that fit so well,
Like rice paper wraps ‘round the finest of fare,
The TPHG’s crafted with delicate care.

Unfurl those wings, feel the thermal’s embrace,
Spring into the sky, claim your own space.
For lovers of lift and the winds that are high,
This *spring roll* was made to glide and to fly!

So here’s to the NEM, the final design,
Packed up so neatly, yet flying just fine.
From ground to cloud in a blink, off we go—
A spring roll of freedom, in air’s gentle flow.

ChatGPT has more to say following some detail prompting:

Your design movement’s approach to different realms of TPHG (Tiny Packed Hang Gliders) makes a lot of sense, as each realm addresses specific use cases and practicalities based on weight and portability. Here's how I interpret the realms you've outlined:

1. **Onerous but under 5 ft in length**:
This realm focuses on minimizing pack length to fit in small spaces like public transport or urban environments, even if the overall weight remains high. It emphasizes compactness over lightness, potentially allowing for materials or designs that are heavier but more streamlined.

2. **Tote weight of 30 lbs or less**:
This realm balances weight with usability. A TPHG that weighs 30 lbs or less would be manageable for most people to carry over short distances or transport on city buses. It’s a practical compromise for those who prioritize portability but can handle moderate weight.

3. **Net empty weight of 20 lbs or less**:
A net weight under 20 lbs is ideal for a TPHG aimed at ease of manual transport, whether by foot or on public transit. This realm likely focuses on lightweight materials like carbon fiber, perhaps at a higher cost. Here, minimizing both size and weight becomes the top priority, perfect for urban transport, biking, or other active forms of travel.

4. **Ease of tote over land/city bus vs. car trunk**:
This distinction is key. Designs optimized for city bus travel might prioritize collapsibility and comfort in carrying, such as a backpack-style design or multi-subpack configurations. On the other hand, a car-trunk-friendly TPHG might allow for slightly larger or more rigid forms, where ease of fitting into a vehicle is paramount rather than the same level of portability for long walks or public transport.

It sounds like the movement is embracing versatility—acknowledging that different pilots will have different needs, whether they're flying close to home or traveling farther afield. Once the Swiss designer provides further details, you’ll have more information to tailor designs to these distinct realms.

Is there a particular realm that you're most focused on refining at this stage?

As to a prompt regarding net volume of a packing, ChatGPT came up with:

Exploring the net volume of all packs for toting the TPHG while maintaining a max length of 5 feet or less adds another key dimension to the design process. Since the goal is to minimize both size and weight for urban transport or ease of storage, considering the total volume can help determine the practicality of different configurations. Here’s a breakdown of potential net volumes and how they might fit into your design goals:

1. **1 Cubic Foot or Less**:
Achieving a total volume of 1 cubic foot or less is likely the most extreme version of compactness. This realm would involve highly collapsible, telescoping components with minimal padding or protective layers. It’s ideal for ultra-light and compact urban travel, perhaps fitting into a very small backpack or tote. However, achieving this volume may come at the cost of reduced durability or increased complexity in assembly.

2. **2 Cubic Feet or Less**:
This realm still focuses on portability but allows for a bit more room, enabling slightly more robust materials or packing methods. A 2-cubic-foot pack could be comfortable for carrying on a bus or bike while maintaining a high level of compactness. It would also offer a reasonable balance between weight and ease of packing/unpacking.

3. **3 Cubic Feet or Less**:
At this volume, there’s more flexibility for design choices, such as padding for delicate parts, more rigid frame elements, or possibly fewer telescoping segments. A 3-cubic-foot pack would still be quite manageable for city transport while allowing some comfort and ease in packing.

4. **4 Cubic Feet or Less**:
This volume offers more room for higher performance materials or packing systems. While it’s slightly bulkier, it’s still compact enough to carry on public transit. The added volume might make assembly quicker or reduce the need for ultra-complex, small components, balancing convenience with portability.

5. **5 Cubic Feet or Less**:
At this level, portability remains feasible, but the focus may start to shift toward those who are using a car trunk or possibly a folding cart to transport the glider. A 5-cubic-foot pack may be approaching the upper limit for easy carry-over longer distances but would still fit within the realm of public transport or urban use. This volume would likely offer more durability and easier assembly.

The ideal volume would depend on the specific goals of each realm you’re working on. For instance, if ultra-compact portability is the priority (like for biking or public transport), aiming for 2 cubic feet or less would be ideal. If the primary goal is ease of assembly and greater durability (or slightly heavier materials), something around 4-5 cubic feet might be acceptable.

Are there any particular configurations or components that you feel might be challenging to fit into these volume constraints?

And the AI response to my prompt toward some kind of satisfaction quotient:

Absolutely, a "satisfaction quotient" will play a significant role in evaluating the success of any TPHG design. Since the TPHG concept intersects with multiple factors—portability, ease of assembly, flight performance, durability, and even the enjoyment of carrying it around—designers will need to balance these elements to meet both practical needs and the user’s satisfaction.

Here are some potential aspects of this "satisfaction quotient" to consider:

1. **Portability vs. Flight Performance**:
Does the design remain light and compact while still offering a great flying experience? A design that’s easy to carry but sacrifices performance may not fully satisfy the pilot, especially for long-term use.

2. **Ease of Assembly**:
How quickly and easily can the glider be set up or packed away? Designs with fewer parts or simple locking mechanisms might score higher on satisfaction when ease of use is key. Tedious setups could reduce enthusiasm, especially for urban pilots who rely on quick, spontaneous flights.

3. **Pack Volume and Weight**:
A glider that packs down into a smaller size or weighs less will have a higher satisfaction quotient for users who prioritize mobility, especially for carrying on public transport, bikes, or even on foot.

4. **Storage Convenience**:
Can the TPHG be stored easily at home, in a car trunk, or on a plane for travel? The glider that can be stashed away without taking up too much space will score higher for pilots who have limited storage options or travel often.

5. **Comfort in Transport**:
Is the design comfortable to carry or tote over long distances? If it’s unwieldy or uncomfortable, even a lightweight design could be less satisfying, so good ergonomic considerations or multi-subpack systems might help.

6. **Durability and Longevity**:
Pilots will want to feel confident that the TPHG can handle repeated use without constant repairs or breakdowns. A lightweight, compact design that’s also durable will have a higher satisfaction score, especially if it requires less maintenance.

7. **Flexibility for Various Flight Conditions**:
Does the design allow for adaptability in different wind conditions or terrains? A design that’s versatile, allowing pilots to take it to different flying sites or in varied weather, would greatly enhance satisfaction.

8. **Cost-Effectiveness**:
Finally, does the price reflect the quality and practicality of the design? A more affordable TPHG that still meets the essential requirements of portability and performance might offer higher satisfaction for a broader range of pilots.

Balancing these factors with the design’s technical and physical constraints will likely be the challenge in determining that satisfaction quotient. In the long run, user feedback will be key in refining the design to achieve the best overall experience for different flying scenarios.

[Semper Fidelis]

Is that really the whole hang glider?   

Everything but harness, helmet, gloves, sunglasses and pilot...
That was the deal of the challenge/movement, isn't it ?!

We are making the bag, the last piece of the project

[JoeF]

Exciting, Semper Fidelis!

=======================================
From my industrial engineering literature, a rule of thumb:
it takes about nine instances of assembling a TPHG from pack
and reducing an up TPHG to pack in order to get a solid good
guestimate for the time and care needed for the task. I hope
you are recording notes during such cycles in order to platform
a keen legacy for that aspect of your TPHG-4.6.

[JoeF]

Roles of Joe Couplers (also known as Joe Socks, Joe Straps, Joe Cups, etc.):

1. Protect the ends of both the mother tube and child tube.
2. Limit the insertion depth of the child tube into the mother tube.
3. Stabilize the joint by filling any gaps to minimize wobble.
4. Allow the nesting of up to eight tubes for compact transport or storage.
5. Serve as an anchoring point for rigging.
6. Well address the opportunity to join two tubes where significant join gap occurs.

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Description of Joe Cup Coupler:

The Joe Cup coupler, also known as Joe Socks or Joe Straps, serves multiple critical functions in the assembly of carbon fiber (CF) tubing. Its design facilitates both structural integrity and ease of use during transportation.

Key Features:
1. **Protection:** The Joe Cup coupler protects the ends of both the mother tube and child tube, preventing damage during use.
2. **Insertion Limitation:** It limits the insertion depth of the child tube into the mother tube, ensuring optimal connection without compromising structural integrity.
3. **Stability Enhancement:** The coupler stabilizes the joint by filling any gaps, effectively minimizing wobble and enhancing overall stability.
4. **Nesting Capability:** The design allows for the nesting of up to eight tubes, facilitating compact transport and storage solutions. The Joe Cup is removed and toted separate from the nesting bare tubes.
5. **Rigging Anchor:** The coupler serves as an anchoring point for rigging, providing essential support for load-bearing applications. The rigging anchor hugs the child and presses on the top of the mother's cap.
6. **Join Gap Addressing:** It effectively addresses the opportunity to join two tubes where a significant gap occurs, ensuring a secure connection. A variety of tubes may more easily be explored because of Joe Cups.

Overall, the Joe Cup coupler is an essential component that enhances the functionality and safety of carbon fiber tube assemblies in various applications.

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Design of the Mother Tube Cap

The mother tube cap is a crucial component in the assembly of carbon fiber (CF) tubing, designed to ensure optimal performance, protection, and ease of use. Below are the key design features:

1. Central Hole:
- The cap features a central hole that is precisely sized to allow just enough clearance for the insertion of the child tube. This ensures a snug fit while preventing excessive play or movement.
- The hole also accommodates the limit-insertion strap, which assists in controlling the depth of insertion and ensures stability during use.

2. Integrated Ring:
- Inside the mother cap, there is an integrated ring that works in conjunction with the cap's exterior to create a receiving valley.
- This valley is designed to snugly fit the end of the mother CF tube, providing additional support and stability to the connection.

3. Rubber Washer:
- At the bottom of the receiving valley, a rubber washer is positioned to match the end of the mother tube.
- The rubber washer serves multiple purposes:
- It cushions the axial compression that occurs during flight loads, absorbing shock and reducing stress on the joints.
- It helps create a tight seal, preventing debris and moisture from entering the tube.

4. Strap Exit and Anchoring:
- The strap that encircles the child interior plug exits the mother cap, anchoring to the side of the cap.
- This anchoring point ensures that the strap maintains tension, providing stability and security to the child tube connection during flight.

5. Material Selection:
- The mother tube cap is typically made from durable materials such as high-strength plastics or composites that can withstand the rigors of use.
- Consideration is given to weight, strength, and resistance to environmental factors such as UV exposure and moisture.

6. Ease of Assembly and Disassembly:
- The design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling users to quickly connect and disconnect the child tube as needed.
- The cap's design ensures that even under high tension, it remains secure, yet is accessible for maintenance or adjustments.

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Design of the Special Child Plug

The special child plug is an essential component that fits into and over the end of the child tube. Its design focuses on protection, stability, and seamless integration with the overall assembly. Below are the key design features:

1. Capping Design:
- The child plug includes a capping feature similar to the mother tube cap, designed to protect the open end of the child tube.
- This cap prevents debris and moisture from entering the tube, enhancing the durability and longevity of the assembly.

2. Domed Top:
- The top of the child plug is rounded or domed, which serves to protect the strap under tension.
- This rounded design ensures that the strap does not have any cutting edges, reducing the risk of wear and tear over time.

3. Strap Pathing:
- The strap that secures the child tube passes through two strategically placed holes as it enters and exits the special child plug.
- This routing allows for optimal tensioning and stability, keeping the strap secure during flight.

4. Broadening Head:
- The head of the special child plug is designed to broaden out, effectively filling the gap between the inner diameter (ID) of the mother tube and the outer diameter (OD) of the child tube.
- This broadening feature enhances the connection's integrity, ensuring a snug fit and minimizing potential wobble at the joint.

5. Material Selection:
- The special child plug is typically made from robust materials such as high-strength plastics or composites, ensuring it can withstand the demands of use.
- Consideration is given to weight, strength, and resistance to environmental factors, similar to the mother tube cap.

6. Ease of Installation and Removal:
- The design allows for straightforward installation and removal, enabling users to easily connect or disconnect the child tube as needed.
- The secure fit provided by the domed head and broadened design ensures that the plug remains in place even under high tension.

Overall, the special child plug is a vital component that enhances the functionality, protection, and safety of the carbon fiber tube assembly.

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Special care to have dry and clean parts free from sand and debris for assembly and packing will challenge the pilot and helpers.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Tiny Packed Hang Glider (TPHG) parts at a flying site with sea breeze, sand, and dust is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient assembly and performance. Here are some strategies and considerations for keeping your parts clean:

1. Pre-Assembly Inspection:
- Visual Inspection: Regularly check each part before assembly for dirt, sand, or moisture. Look for any signs of debris in joints or connectors.
- Cleaning Checklist: Create a checklist of parts to inspect before and after use. This can include tubes, couplers, caps, and straps.

2. Cleaning Methods:
- Compressed Air: Use a portable air compressor or canned air to blow off dust and debris from parts. This is especially effective for hard-to-reach areas.
- Soft Brushes: Carry soft-bristle brushes to gently remove sand and dirt from the surface of the components. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
- Microfiber Cloths: Use microfiber cloths to wipe down parts after use. These are effective in trapping dust and are gentle on surfaces.

3. Static Mitigation:
- Anti-Static Spray: Consider using an anti-static spray on components to help reduce dust attraction. Apply it sparingly, as too much can attract dirt.
- Grounding Techniques: When setting up, ensure that your work area is grounded to minimize static build-up, which can attract dust.

4. Dew and Moisture Management:
- Storage Bags: Store parts in breathable, moisture-resistant bags to prevent dew accumulation overnight or during humid conditions.
- Desiccants: Use silica gel packets or other desiccants in your storage bags or containers to absorb moisture.

5. Protective Measures During Transport:
- Covers and Cases: Use protective covers or cases for transporting your TPHG parts. Consider soft cases for delicate parts and hard cases for structural components.
- Pre-Flight Covering: Before launching, cover parts with lightweight tarps or covers to shield them from windblown sand and dust.

6. Habits and Best Practices:
- Clean Work Area: Designate a clean area for assembly, away from sand and dust. Use mats or tarps to provide a clean surface.
- Assembly Routine: Establish a routine for assembly that includes cleaning parts before connecting them. This ensures that every part is inspected and cleaned consistently.
- Frequent Breaks: Schedule frequent breaks during assembly to inspect and clean parts as needed. This helps prevent the accumulation of dirt.

7. Post-Use Cleaning:
- Immediate Cleaning: After each flight, clean parts immediately to prevent debris from hardening or sticking. Follow up with an inspection.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Conduct thorough maintenance and cleaning of all components at the end of the flying season, addressing any wear or buildup.

8. Mitigation Strategies:
- Wind Direction Awareness: Be mindful of wind direction when setting up to minimize exposure to blowing sand. Position your work area accordingly.
- Dust Barriers: If possible, create dust barriers using boards or screens to shield your assembly area from wind-blown debris.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain the cleanliness of your TPHG parts and ensure a smoother assembly process at the flying site. Keeping parts clean not only enhances performance but also extends their lifespan and reliability.

Note: Maybe sail segments could form a tent if the wind is moving sand into the packing processing deal.

Using Sail Segments for Cleanliness During Assembly and Packing:

Sail segments can serve dual purposes, providing both structural support and a means to maintain cleanliness at the flying site. Here are some effective ways to utilize sail segments:

1. Ground Cloth:
- Clean Assembly Surface: Lay out sail segments on the ground to create a clean assembly surface. This helps prevent dirt, sand, and debris from contaminating parts during setup.
- Protection from Moisture: Sail segments can protect components from damp ground conditions, minimizing moisture exposure that can lead to corrosion or degradation.

2. Tenting:
- Temporary Shelter: Use sail segments to create a tent-like structure over your assembly area. This provides shade and protection from windblown sand, keeping parts clean during assembly.
- Controlled Environment: A tent can help reduce the accumulation of dust and debris, allowing for a more controlled environment for packing and unpacking your TPHG components.

3. Packing Aid:
- Organized Storage: When packing away parts, sail segments can serve as dividers or organizers within your transport containers, helping to keep items separate and minimizing the risk of dirt transfer.
- Protection During Transport: Use sail segments to wrap or cover components in transit, providing an additional layer of protection against dust and environmental factors.

4. Maintenance of Cleanliness:
- Easy Cleanup: After use, sail segments can be easily shaken out or brushed off, allowing for quick cleanup before packing away.
- Regular Inspection: Incorporate the inspection of sail segments into your routine to ensure they remain clean and free of debris, which can help maintain the overall cleanliness of your TPHG parts.

By incorporating sail segments as ground cloth or tenting, you can significantly enhance the cleanliness and organization of your assembly and packing processes at the flying site.

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