Methods and mechanisms for balloon launching
View Patent ↗A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.
1. A method comprising:
receiving, from at least one wind sensor, wind data associated with an external environment outside a shell structure, wherein the wind data comprises information indicative of a wind direction and a wind velocity of wind in the external environment;
moving the shell structure based on the received wind data;
opening the shell structure such that a balloon positioned substantially within the shell structure is exposed to the external environment; and
launching the balloon.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the balloon comprises an envelope in an inflated state, wherein the envelope is substantially filled with a lighter-than-air gas.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein moving the shell structure comprises causing a vehicle to move the shell structure.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the vehicle comprises a forklift, a truck, a car, or a ship.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shell structure comprises an anchor configured to couple the balloon to the shell structure via a tether, and wherein launching the balloon comprises disconnecting the tether.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shell structure comprises a plurality of shell structure portions, wherein causing the shell structure to open comprises the shell structure portions to open substantially similar to a clamshell.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein opening the shell structure is performed in response to receiving information indicative of a zero-wind condition.
8. A system comprising:
a shell structure;
a movement element coupled to the shell structure; and
a control system configured to:
receive, from at least one wind sensor, wind data associated with an external environment outside the shell structure, wherein the wind data comprises information indicative of a wind direction and a wind velocity of wind in the external environment;
determine, based on the received wind data, a movement vector;
cause the movement element to move based on the movement vector;
cause the shell structure to open; and
launch a balloon from within the shell structure.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the movement element comprises a forklift, a truck, a car, or a ship.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the shell structure comprises a fire-retardant material.
11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the balloon comprises an envelope in an inflated state, wherein the envelope is filled with a lighter-than-air gas.
12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the shell structure comprises at least two shell portions, wherein the at least two shell portions are configured to initially enclose the balloon and to substantially open before launching the balloon.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the shell structure comprises an actuation device coupled to the at least two shell portions and wherein the actuation device is configured to open and close the at least two shell portions.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the actuation device comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
15. The system of claim 8 , wherein the movement element comprises a forklift, a truck, a car, or a ship.
16. The system of claim 8 , wherein the shell structure further comprises an anchor and wherein the shell structure is further configured to be coupled to the balloon via the anchor and a tether.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform functions comprising:
receiving, from at least one wind sensor, wind data associated with an external environment outside a shell structure, wherein the wind data comprises information indicative of a wind direction and a wind velocity of wind in the external environment;
causing the shell structure to move based on the received wind data;
causing the shell structure to open such that a balloon positioned substantially within the shell structure is exposed to the external environment; and
causing the balloon to launch from within the shell structure.
18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein causing the shell structure to open is performed in response to receiving information indicative of a zero-wind condition.
19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein causing the shell structure to move comprises causing a vehicle to move the shell structure.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the shell structure comprises an anchor configured to couple the balloon to the shell structure via a tether, and wherein launching the balloon comprises causing the tether to disconnect from the balloon.