A Synchronized Wireless Transmitter System for Parachute Strain Data Acquisition

The project aims to develop a compact wireless data acquisition system (DAS) for gathering parachute strain data, featuring synchronized measurement channels and centralized data storage. This system will address the limitations of current wireless DAS platforms, which are not suitable for flight parachute instrumentation. Funding will be used to adapt Bloomy's existing soldier-borne wireless power monitoring sensor platform to meet the requirements for parachute applications, including the implementation of Wi-Fi for long-range data transfer, improved packing pressure withstand, and increased channel density. Additional focus areas for the funding include environmental testing, technical studies, and component selection. These innovations will bridge the TRL gaps of current wireless DAS platforms, which are not appropriate for flight parachute instrumentation. Innovations include pressure packing withstand of up to 45 lb/ft³, rapid data transmission and storage across distances of at least 30 meters, synchronized wake-up to 20 outer nodes, and channel density per node of up to 10 sensors. Target markets for this technology are diverse. The primary markets include parachute systems, soldier systems, UAVs/UGVs, energy storage systems, and microgrids. The parachute systems market encompasses space agencies, the military, and parachute manufacturers. The soldier systems market consists of the US Department of Defense and NATO forces. The UAV and UGV markets feature both military and commercial applications, along with research organizations. Additionally, this technology can be applied to energy storage systems, microgrids, and other industrial applications. This project strategically leverages Bloomy's existing eSoldier platform, enhancing its capabilities and creating opportunities in markets beyond soldier and space equipment.

The innovation directly addresses NASA’s need to acquire in-flight data from sensors installed on a parachute canopy. Miniaturized, lightweight ‘outer’ nodes with a plug-and-play sensor interface and robust wireless transmission enable reliable collection of dynamic, in-flight strain data. This data will provide valuable engineering insights into parachute dynamics, facilitating improved model validation and more robust designs of parachute systems used in any NASA mission involving entry, descent, and landing (EDL) on Earth or Mars. The data acquisition system can be easily adapted to other sensor types, including alternative strain sensors, acceleration, pressure, temperature, and electrical power. This flexibility broadens the potential utility of a wireless data acquisition system with relatively unobtrusive wireless sensor nodes across all NASA Mission Directorates involved in the design, development, and testing of advanced systems. Some specific examples include: · Inflatable decelerators · Solar sails · Thermal protection systems · Autonomous, electric-powered aircraft · Advanced aircraft and spacecraft structures · Lunar vehicles · Spacesuits The unique capabilities of the proposed system can deliver significant value in the design and development of almost any engineered structure or system where traditional wired data acquisition systems are problematic or impossible due to size, weight, sensor cabling, or challenging environmental conditions. Generally, the system will be particularly compelling for capturing in-flight or field data. However, the wireless architecture will also be attractive for ground tests and wind tunnel experiments, where the removal of sensor wiring provides a major advantage. First, non-NASA entities involved in designing, developing, and testing parachutes present an immediate opportunity for the proposed system. This includes other space agencies, commercial space companies, military developers of cargo airdrop systems, and commercial manufacturers of skydiving parachutes. Furthermore, the proposed system has a wide range of applicability due to its fundamental ability to unobtrusively capture both static and dynamic distributed sensor data. The potential market opportunity for a robust, miniaturized wireless data acquisition system extends well beyond parachutes. By integrating the system with other sensors, it can function as a general-purpose tool for collecting valuable distributed measurement data of various types while in operation. For example, Bloomy is currently supplying the eSoldier power monitoring system to capture electrical power usage from soldier-borne devices during field exercises, utilizing both distributed wired and wireless sensors. This innovation will significantly improve the effectiveness and capabilities of this system and will be more easily adapted to other distributed power monitoring applications. Therefore, alongside the NASA and parachute applications, this system will serve as a valuable engineering tool for capturing structural, mechanical, thermal, or electrical power data in challenging situations where sensor wiring is problematic and minimal size and weight are highly preferred. Key applications for this capability include: • Soldier-worn equipment (communications, enhanced vision, navigation, weaponry) • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), military and commercial • Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), military and commercial • Energy storage systems (ESS) • Microgrids • Robotics, industrial machinery, heavy machinery

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.