High altitude balloon launching method and composite high altitude balloon

Abstract

The application provides a high altitude balloon launching method and a composite high altitude balloon. The high altitude balloon launching method comprises the following steps: putting the high altitude balloon into a windproof air bag, and connecting the high altitude balloon, a cable and a gondola in sequence; arranging winch pull ropes on the periphery of the windproof air bag, and arranging cutters on the winch pull ropes respectively; filling air into the windproof air bag and filling helium into the high altitude balloon, and controlling the pressure difference between the windproof air bag and the high altitude balloon within a preset pressure difference range after the filling is completed; releasing the windproof air bag and synchronously releasing the winch pull ropes; cutting the winch pull ropes by using the cutters when the distance between the gondola and the ground is greater than a first safety height; and detaching the windproof air bag to make the windproof air bag separate from the high altitude balloon when the distance between the gondola and the ground is greater than a second safety height. The high altitude balloon launching method and the composite high altitude balloon provided by the application aim to solve the problem that the wind resistance of the high altitude balloon is weak and the high altitude balloon is easy to be damaged in the launching process in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerostat technology, and particularly to a method for launching high-altitude balloons and a composite high-altitude balloon. Background Technology

[0002] Modern high-altitude balloons are a type of high-altitude transport vehicle developed with the advancement of space science. As unpowered aircraft flying at stratosphere altitudes (20-50 km), high-altitude balloons possess unique advantages over other aircraft, including high flight altitude, strong payload capacity, and low cost. Common launch methods for high-altitude balloons include static launch, vertical launch, dynamic launch, and soft launch. High-altitude balloons are made of very thin polyethylene film, resulting in weak load-bearing capacity. They are easily damaged during ground inflation and launch. To ensure launch safety, the aforementioned launch methods typically require ground wind speeds of less than 3 m / s during inflation and launch. This requirement significantly limits the launch window for high-altitude balloons, thus restricting their widespread application. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a method for launching high-altitude balloons and a composite high-altitude balloon, aiming to solve the problems of weak wind resistance and easy damage of high-altitude balloons during launch in traditional technologies.

[0004] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a method for launching high-altitude balloons, comprising:

[0005] The high-altitude balloon is loaded into a windproof airbag and then connected in sequence to the high-altitude balloon, cable, and pod.

[0006] Winch ropes are installed around the windproof airbag, and cutters are installed on each winch rope.

[0007] First, inflate the windproof airbag with air, and at the same time, inflate some helium into the high-altitude balloon. When there is enough helium to make the bubble stand up, stop inflating the helium and continue to inflate the windproof airbag with air to form the windproof airbag. Then, inflate the high-altitude balloon with helium while controlling the air expulsion from the windproof airbag. Control the pressure difference between the windproof airbag and the high-altitude balloon within the preset pressure difference range until inflation is complete.

[0008] Release the windproof airbags and simultaneously release the winch rope;

[0009] Once the pod is above the ground at a height greater than the first safe height, use a cutter to cut the winch rope.

[0010] Once the gondola is above the ground at a distance greater than the second safe height, remove the windproof airbags to allow them to detach from the high-altitude balloon.

[0011] According to a method for launching high-altitude balloons provided by the present invention, the windproof airbag has an airtight zipper, the airtight zipper is connected to an airtight pull rope, and disassembling the windproof airbag includes using the airtight pull rope to open the airtight zipper.

[0012] According to a method for launching a high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, the end of the windproof airbag has a drawstring, the drawstring is equipped with a cutter, the end of the high-altitude balloon is equipped with a waist drum binding block, the drawstring is tied to the waist drum binding block, the cable and the gondola are sequentially connected to the waist drum binding block; disassembling the windproof airbag includes cutting the drawstring with the cutter.

[0013] According to a method for launching a high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, the top of the high-altitude balloon has a first inflation port, the top of the windproof airbag has a second inflation port corresponding to the first inflation port, and an electromagnet is provided at the second inflation port, the electromagnet being used to attract the first inflation port and the second inflation port.

[0014] The process of filling a high-altitude balloon with helium includes: using an electromagnet to attract the first filling port and the second filling port, and filling the first filling port with helium.

[0015] The present invention also provides a composite high-altitude balloon, using the high-altitude balloon launching method described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite high-altitude balloon comprises:

[0016] A high-altitude balloon, wherein a first inflation port is provided at the upper end of the high-altitude balloon, and a cable and a pod are connected in sequence at the lower end of the high-altitude balloon;

[0017] A windproof airbag, detachably mounted on the outer periphery of the high-altitude balloon, has a second inflation port at its upper end. An electromagnet is located at the second inflation port, and the electromagnet attracts the first inflation port when energized, causing the first inflation port to align with the second inflation port.

[0018] The winch rope is connected at one end to the periphery of the windproof airbag and at the other end to the ground. A cutter is installed on the winch rope.

[0019] According to the present invention, a composite high-altitude balloon has a drawstring at the end of the windproof airbag, a cutter is provided on the drawstring, a waist drum binding block is provided at the end of the high-altitude balloon, the drawstring is tied to the waist drum binding block, and the cable and the gondola are sequentially connected to the waist drum binding block.

[0020] According to a composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, the windproof airbag has an airtight zipper, and the airtight zipper is connected to an airtight pull rope.

[0021] According to a composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, the windproof airbag is provided with a plurality of loops on its periphery, and each of the loops is used to connect to the winch rope.

[0022] According to a composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, a differential pressure sensor is provided inside the windproof airbag, and the differential pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure difference between the windproof airbag and the high-altitude balloon.

[0023] According to a composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention, an inflation port is provided on one side of the windproof airbag, and an inflation fan is provided at the inflation port.

[0024] The high-altitude balloon launching method provided by this invention allows the windproof airbag to be connected to the ground via a winch rope for secure restraint. The windproof airbag is filled with air and remains in a shaped state during inflation and high-altitude balloon launching, resulting in a low wind resistance coefficient and strong wind resistance, thus ensuring the safety of the internal high-altitude balloon. Furthermore, the windproof airbag can be reused multiple times, reducing costs and significantly improving the success rate, safety, and efficiency of high-altitude balloon launching. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the high-altitude balloon launching method provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth structure of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth structure of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a sixth structural schematic diagram of the composite high-altitude balloon provided by the present invention.

[0033] Reference numerals: 100: Composite high-altitude balloon; 110: High-altitude balloon; 111: First inflation port; 112: Cable knot; 113: pod; 114: Waist drum binding block; 120: Windproof airbag; 121: Second inflation port; 122: Closing rope; 123: Airtight zipper; 124: Airtight pull rope; 125: Pull loop; 126: Inflation port; 127: Inflation fan; 128: Inflation pipe; 130: Winch pull rope. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] The following is combined Figures 1-7 The invention describes the high-altitude balloon launching method and the composite high-altitude balloon 100 provided by the present invention.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 To address the problems of weak wind resistance and susceptibility to damage during launch of high-altitude balloons in traditional technologies, this invention provides a method for launching high-altitude balloons, comprising:

[0041] S100. The high-altitude balloon is loaded into the windproof airbag and then connected to the high-altitude balloon, cable and pod in sequence.

[0042] S200: Winch ropes are installed around the windproof airbag, and cutters are installed on each winch rope.

[0043] S300: First, inflate the windproof airbag with air, and at the same time, inflate some helium into the high-altitude balloon. When there is enough helium to make the bubble stand up, stop inflating the helium and continue to inflate the windproof airbag with air to form the windproof airbag. Then, inflate the high-altitude balloon with helium while controlling the air to be expelled from the windproof airbag. Control the pressure difference between the windproof airbag and the high-altitude balloon within the preset pressure difference range until inflation is complete.

[0044] S400: Release the windproof airbag and simultaneously release the winch rope;

[0045] S500: When the distance between the pod and the ground is greater than the first safe height, use a cutter to cut the winch rope.

[0046] S600: Once the pod is more than the second safe height above the ground, remove the windproof airbags to allow them to detach from the high-altitude balloon.

[0047] Please refer to the corresponding information. Figures 2-7In the technical solution provided by this invention, the windproof airbag 120 is detachable and larger in volume than the high-altitude balloon 110. When neither is inflated, the high-altitude balloon 110 can be inserted into the windproof airbag 120 so that it can be protected by the windproof airbag 120 during deployment. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a high-altitude balloon 110 installed on a windproof airbag 120.

[0048] A winch rope 130 is provided around the windproof airbag 120. One end of the winch rope 130 is connected to the windproof airbag 120, and the other end is connected to the ground. During the ascent of the windproof airbag 120, the winch can rotate to release the rope, allowing the windproof airbag 120 to continue to rise while one end is fixed. The fixation of the winch rope 130 can improve the stability of the windproof airbag 120 and better protect the high-altitude balloon 110 inside.

[0049] After the winch rope 130 is installed, the inflation process can begin. It is important to note that after inflation, the pressure difference between the windproof airbag 120 and the high-altitude balloon 110 must be maintained within the preset pressure difference range. The preset pressure difference can be adjusted according to the wind force, generally between 50-150 Pa. A larger pressure difference is needed when the wind is strong, and a smaller pressure difference can be selected when the wind is weak. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the windproof airbag 120 and the high-altitude balloon 110 after they have been fully inflated. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the windproof airbag 120 and the high-altitude balloon 110 after they have risen.

[0050] When the windproof airbag 120 rises to the first safe height, the winch rope 130 can be cut with a cutter to release the windproof airbag 120 from the ground. The first safe height is approximately 1-3 meters. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the windproof airbag 120 is cut and the winch pull rope 130 is pulled.

[0051] Once the windproof airbag 120 ascends to the second safe height, the high-altitude balloon 110 remains stable. At this point, the windproof airbag 120 can be disassembled to complete the deployment of the high-altitude balloon 110. The second safe height is approximately 1-2 meters longer than the uninflated portion of the balloon. It should be noted that the high-altitude balloon includes both inflated and uninflated sections. As the windproof airbag 120 continues to ascend, the uninflated portion will fully deploy and pull the pod. The second safe height is determined by the length of the uninflated portion of the high-altitude balloon, and generally requires an additional 1-2 meters of ascent after the uninflated portion has fully deployed. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the disassembly of the windproof airbag 120 and its complete detachment from the high-altitude balloon 110. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7The diagram shows the structure of the windproof airbag 120 that detaches from the high-altitude balloon 110. The windproof airbag 120 can also be recycled for reuse.

[0052] Specifically, the windproof airbag 120 has an airtight zipper 123, to which an airtight pull rope 124 is connected. Disassembling the windproof airbag 120 involves using the airtight pull rope 124 to open the airtight zipper 123. It should be noted that when deploying the high-altitude balloon 110, the airtight zipper 123 can be opened to place the high-altitude balloon 110 into the windproof airbag 120. The airtight zipper 123 can be arranged around the circumference of the windproof airbag 120. Thus, when disassembling the windproof airbag 120, the airtight pull rope 124 can be pulled around the windproof airbag 120 to open the airtight zipper 123. This configuration allows the airtight zipper 123 to be easily detached from the surface of the high-altitude balloon 110. In an alternative embodiment, the airtight zipper 123 can also be arranged along the axial direction of the windproof airbag 120. When disassembling the windproof airbag 120, the airtight zipper 123 can be easily opened by simply pulling the airtight pull rope 124 downwards. However, although this arrangement makes it easier to open the airtight zipper 123, it is not conducive to the detachment of the windproof airbag 120. Therefore, a pull rope can be provided at the top of the windproof airbag 120 to detach the windproof airbag 120 from the high-altitude balloon 110.

[0053] Furthermore, to facilitate the disassembly of the windproof airbag 120, the bottom of the windproof airbag 120 has an opening with a drawstring 122 at the opening. A cutter is attached to the drawstring 122. A waist drum binding block 114 is located at the end of the high-altitude balloon 110. The drawstring 122 is tied to the waist drum binding block 114 to secure the bottom of the windproof airbag 120 to the high-altitude balloon 110. The cable 112 and the pod 113 are sequentially connected to the waist drum binding block 114 to maintain the stability of the connection. When disassembling the windproof airbag 120, the drawstring 122 needs to be cut with the cutter to completely release the windproof airbag 120.

[0054] To facilitate inflation of the high-altitude balloon 110, the top of the high-altitude balloon 110 has a first inflation port 111, and the top of the windproof airbag 120 has a second inflation port 121 corresponding to the first inflation port 111. An electromagnet is provided at the second inflation port 121, and an iron ring can be provided on the edge of the first inflation port 111. When the electromagnet is energized, it can attract the iron ring, thereby making the first inflation port 111 and the second inflation port 121 overlap and adhere. When filling the high-altitude balloon 110 with helium, the electromagnet is first energized, and the electromagnet attracts the first inflation port 111 and the second inflation port 121. The valves of the second inflation port 121 and the first inflation port 111 are opened, and helium is filled into the first inflation port 111 through the inflation tube 128 provided on the second inflation port 121. After inflation is completed, the first inflation port 111 and the second inflation port 121 are closed, and the inflation tube 128 remains on the second inflation port 121. It should be noted that an inflation port 126 and an inflation fan 127 are also provided on the side of the windproof airbag 120 for inflating the windproof airbag 120.

[0055] The present invention also provides a composite high-altitude balloon 100. Using the above-mentioned high-altitude balloon launching method, the composite high-altitude balloon 100 includes: a high-altitude balloon 110, with a first inflation port 111 at the upper end of the high-altitude balloon 110, and a cable 112 and a gondola 113 connected sequentially at the lower end of the high-altitude balloon 110; a windproof airbag 120, which covers the outer periphery of the high-altitude balloon 110 and is detachably configured, with a second inflation port 121 at the upper end of the windproof airbag 120, and an electromagnet provided at the second inflation port 121, which is used to attract the first inflation port 111 when energized, so that the first inflation port 111 and the second inflation port 121 are in contact; and a winch rope 130, one end of which is connected to the periphery of the windproof airbag 120 and the other end is connected to the ground, and a cutter is provided on the winch rope 130.

[0056] Furthermore, the end of the windproof airbag 120 has a drawstring 122, on which a cutter is provided. The end of the high-altitude balloon 110 has a waist drum binding block 114. The drawstring 122 is tied to the waist drum binding block 114. The cable 112 and the pod 113 are sequentially connected to the waist drum binding block 114 to ensure the stability of the connection. The windproof airbag 120 has an airtight zipper 123, which is connected to an airtight pull rope 124. The airtight zipper 123 can be arranged along the circumference of the windproof airbag 120 or along the axial direction of the windproof airbag 120. The number can be set to one or more, and the present invention does not limit this. The periphery of the windproof airbag 120 is also provided with multiple pull loops 125, each of which is used to connect to the winch pull rope 130.

[0057] Furthermore, the windproof airbag 120 is equipped with a differential pressure sensor, which is used to measure the pressure difference between the windproof airbag 120 and the high-altitude balloon 110. An inflation port 126 is provided on one side of the windproof airbag 120, and an inflation fan 127 is provided at the inflation port 126 for inflating the windproof airbag 120.

[0058] The high-altitude balloon launching method and composite high-altitude balloon 100 provided by this invention include a windproof airbag 120 that can be connected to the ground via a winch rope 130 for secure restraint. The windproof airbag 120 is filled with air and remains in a formed state during inflation and high-altitude balloon 110 launching, resulting in a low wind resistance coefficient and strong wind resistance, ensuring the safety of the internal high-altitude balloon 110. Furthermore, the windproof airbag 120 can be reused multiple times, reducing costs and significantly improving the success rate, safety, and efficiency of high-altitude balloon 110 launching.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for launching high-altitude balloons, characterized in that, include: The high-altitude balloon is loaded into a windproof airbag and then connected in sequence to the high-altitude balloon, cable, and pod. Winch ropes are installed around the windproof airbag, and cutters are installed on each winch rope. First, inflate the windproof airbag with air, and at the same time, inflate some helium into the high-altitude balloon. When there is enough helium to make the bubble stand up, stop inflating the helium and continue to inflate the windproof airbag with air to form the windproof airbag. Then, inflate the high-altitude balloon with helium while controlling the air expulsion from the windproof airbag. Control the pressure difference between the windproof airbag and the high-altitude balloon within the preset pressure difference range until inflation is complete. Release the windproof airbags and simultaneously release the winch rope; Once the pod is above the ground at a height greater than the first safe height, use a cutter to cut the winch rope. Once the gondola is above the ground at a distance greater than the second safe height, remove the windproof airbags to allow them to detach from the high-altitude balloon.

2. The high-altitude balloon launching method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The windproof airbag has an airtight zipper, and the airtight zipper is connected to an airtight pull cord. Disassembling the windproof airbag includes using the airtight pull cord to open the airtight zipper.

3. The high-altitude balloon launching method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The windproof airbag has a drawstring at its end, and a cutter is provided on the drawstring. The high-altitude balloon has a waist drum binding block at its end. The drawstring is tied to the waist drum binding block. The cable and the gondola are connected to the waist drum binding block in sequence. Disassembling the windproof airbag includes cutting the drawstring with the cutter.

4. The high-altitude balloon launching method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the high-altitude balloon has a first inflation port, and the top of the windproof airbag has a second inflation port corresponding to the first inflation port. An electromagnet is provided at the second inflation port, and the electromagnet is used to attract the first inflation port and the second inflation port. The process of filling a high-altitude balloon with helium includes: using an electromagnet to attract the first filling port and the second filling port, and filling the first filling port with helium.

5. A composite high-altitude balloon, using the high-altitude balloon launching method as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The composite high-altitude balloon includes: A high-altitude balloon, wherein a first inflation port is provided at the upper end of the high-altitude balloon, and a cable and a pod are connected in sequence at the lower end of the high-altitude balloon; A windproof airbag, detachably mounted on the outer periphery of the high-altitude balloon, has a second inflation port at its upper end. An electromagnet is located at the second inflation port, and the electromagnet attracts the first inflation port when energized, causing the first inflation port to align with the second inflation port. The winch rope is connected at one end to the periphery of the windproof airbag and at the other end to the ground. A cutter is installed on the winch rope.

6. The composite high-altitude balloon according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windproof airbag has a drawstring at its end, and a cutter is provided on the drawstring. The high-altitude balloon has a waist drum binding block at its end. The drawstring is tied to the waist drum binding block. The cable and the gondola are connected to the waist drum binding block in sequence.

7. The composite high-altitude balloon according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windproof airbag has an airtight zipper, and the airtight zipper is connected to an airtight pull cord.

8. The composite high-altitude balloon according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windproof airbag has multiple loops around its periphery, each of which is used to connect to the winch rope.

9. The composite high-altitude balloon according to claim 5, characterized in that, The windproof airbag is equipped with a differential pressure sensor, which is used to measure the pressure difference between the windproof airbag and the high-altitude balloon.

10. The composite high-altitude balloon according to claim 5, characterized in that, An inflation port is provided on one side of the windproof airbag, and an inflation fan is provided at the inflation port.

Images