Paulus began experimenting with parachute designs, seeking to improve upon existing models. She identified the need for a more compact and reliable parachute that could be easily deployed and packed, leading to her invention of the collapsible parachute.

Katharina Paulus successfully invented the first collapsible parachute. This innovative design allowed for easier packing and deployment, making parachuting safer and more accessible. While exact patent details are often debated, her contribution to the design is undisputed.