Modular aircraft with multi-stage flexible buffer structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure. It relates to the field of aircraft fuselage structure design technology and includes: a topology-optimized flat panel main frame; a cage-like fully enclosed frame, the main body of which is a rod-shaped structure, fitted onto the outside of the topology-optimized flat panel main frame; the modular segments of the cage-like fully enclosed frame and the cage-like fully enclosed frame are connected to each other and to the topology-optimized flat panel main frame via the multi-level flexible buffer structure, which is configured as a four-level progressive protection system; and a quick-disassembly assembly, which is a rod-shaped structure adapted to the cage-like fully enclosed frame. This modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure possesses multi-level flexible protection, high modularity, quick disassembly adaptability to rod-shaped structures, and achieves a balance between rigidity and flexibility in the cage structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft fuselage structure design technology, and more specifically to a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the fuselages of drones and other aircraft are mostly rigid designs or single / double-layer buffer structures. During a collision, the impact energy cannot be effectively dissipated, easily leading to fuselage deformation, damage to core components, high maintenance costs, and high scrap rates. Furthermore, existing fuselages have low modularity; partial damage to the cage-like structure requires complete replacement, resulting in low maintenance efficiency. Existing quick-release components are too bulky to fit the installation space of the cage's rod-like structure, making cage disassembly and assembly cumbersome and requiring specialized tools, unsuitable for convenient maintenance scenarios such as outdoor or high-altitude environments.

[0003] Furthermore, traditional fuselage frames often do not employ topology optimization or non-flat designs, resulting in redundant materials and heavy weight, which affects the equipment's endurance and maneuverability. The flexible connectors of the cage are mostly made of a single rubber material, which lacks rigidity. When stationary, it is difficult to ensure that the overall shape of the cage, which is a rod-shaped structure, is regular and prone to deformation. Meanwhile, rigid connectors cannot achieve flexible energy absorption during impact, making it difficult to meet both shape preservation and cushioning requirements. Existing quick-release structures can only achieve quick release of single parts, resulting in insufficient modular convenience.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a modular aircraft with multi-level flexible protection, high modularity, quick disassembly adaptability to rod-shaped structures, and a cage that combines rigidity and flexibility with a multi-level flexible buffer structure is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure, which aims to solve one of the problems in the above-mentioned background technology, and has multi-level flexible protection, high modularity, quick disassembly adaptability to rod-shaped structure, and can achieve both rigidity and flexibility of the cage.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure includes: Topology-optimized flat panel main frame; A cage-like fully enclosed frame, the main body of which is a rod-shaped structure, is fitted on the outside of the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton. The modular segment units of the cage-like fully enclosed frame and the cage-like fully enclosed frame and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton are connected by a multi-level flexible buffer structure, which is set as a four-level progressive protection system. A quick-release assembly, wherein the quick-release assembly is configured as a rod-shaped structure adapted to the cage-like fully enclosed frame.

[0007] Furthermore, the cage-like fully enclosed frame is made of carbon fiber or glass fiber composite material. The cage-like fully enclosed frame is hollow cage-like and is divided into multiple modular segment units. The multiple modular segment units are spliced ​​together by rubber-like cage-like flexible connectors and quick-disassembly components.

[0008] Furthermore, the main frame of the topology-optimized flat plate is set as a plate-shaped frame designed based on the SIMP topology optimization algorithm, and the material of the main frame of the topology-optimized flat plate is high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material.

[0009] Furthermore, the four-level progressive protection system of the multi-level flexible buffer structure includes a polyurethane flexible layer, a rubber cage-like flexible connector, a buffer connector, and a silicone rubber component disposed on one side. The polyurethane flexible layer wraps around the outside of the cage-like fully enclosed frame. The rubber cage-like flexible connector connects each modular segment unit of the cage-like fully enclosed frame. The buffer connector is disposed between the topology-optimized flat plate main frame and the cage-like fully enclosed frame. The buffer connector has a buffer cavity inside. The silicone rubber component is laid inside the topology-optimized flat plate main frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly includes a miniature quick-release lock, which is configured as a press-type or rotary miniature structure, and the miniature quick-release lock is adapted to the installation space of the cage-type fully enclosed frame rod structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the shape, size, and distribution of the hollow holes in the main skeleton of the topology-optimized flat plate are determined by stress simulation. A modular mounting cavity is provided in the middle of the main skeleton of the topology-optimized flat plate, and the silicone rubber component is laid on the inner wall of the modular mounting cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the modular segmented unit includes a front segment, a rear segment, a left segment, a right segment, an upper segment, and a lower segment. Each modular segmented unit is provided with an independent connection interface, which is adapted to the quick-release component.

[0013] Furthermore, the buffer connector is correspondingly provided with the quick-release assembly, and the buffer connector is evenly distributed between the cage-like full-wrap frame and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton.

[0014] Furthermore, the aircraft is a drone, a small aircraft, or a confined space operation equipment, suitable for scenarios where the main body has a rod-like structure and the space for disassembly and assembly is limited, including enclosed indoor spaces, building gaps, and pipeline corridors.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure, the beneficial effects of which are: 1) A four-level progressive protection system with a multi-level flexible buffer structure provides excellent protection, absorbs energy step by step, greatly improves impact resistance, and extends equipment life; 2) The cage-like fully enclosed frame, combined with rubber-like flexible cage connectors, maintains shape at rest and absorbs energy upon impact, solving the problem that traditional cages cannot balance shape and cushioning. It is especially suitable for aircraft cages with a rod-shaped main body. 3) Adapts to rod-shaped quick-release structure, the quick-release components are compact and lock reliably, solving the problem of cumbersome disassembly and assembly of aircraft cages that require special tools, and is suitable for convenient maintenance scenarios such as outdoor and high-altitude environments; 4) High degree of modularity: The cage-like fully enclosed frame is divided into multiple modular segment units and buffer connectors, which can be independently disassembled and replaced. Local damage does not require overall replacement, which greatly reduces the maintenance cost of the aircraft. 5) The dual quick-release design is convenient and efficient, allowing for rapid disassembly of the cage itself and separation of the cage from the main frame, facilitating the inspection and maintenance of core components and improving maintenance efficiency. 6) The topology-optimized flat panel main frame balances lightweight and high strength. It uses high-strength aluminum alloy / carbon fiber composite materials to eliminate material redundancy, significantly reduce the weight of the fuselage, and improve the aircraft's endurance and maneuverability. 7) The structure is reasonably designed and highly stable, making it suitable for various complex operating scenarios such as enclosed indoor spaces, building gaps, and pipeline corridors. It is also suitable for drones, small aircraft, and equipment for operating in confined spaces. It has significant novelty and creativity and broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present 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 only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main skeleton of the topology-optimized flat plate provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cage rods provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the quick-disassembly component provided by the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the modular segmented cage-type fully enclosed frame provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rubber cage flexible connector provided by the present invention.

[0018] Among them: 1 is a cage-type fully enclosed frame; 2 is a rubber cage-type flexible connector; 3 is a topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton; 4 is a quick-disassembly component; 5 is a polyurethane flexible layer; 6 is a modular installation cavity; 7 is a silicone rubber component; 8 is a module installation component on the cage; 9 is a cage rod; 10 is the upper quick-disassembly component; 11 is the lower quick-disassembly component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] See Figure 1-6 This invention discloses a modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure, comprising: Topology-optimized flat panel main frame 3; The cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 has a rod-shaped structure as its main body. Specifically, the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 is shaped like a regular hexahedron, a sphere, or an ellipsoid, and is composed of several rods forming a hollow cage that completely encloses the core components of the aircraft. The cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 is fitted onto the outside of the topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3. The modular segments of the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 and the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 and the topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3 are connected by a multi-level flexible buffer structure, which is set as a four-level progressive protection system. Quick disassembly component 4 is a rod-shaped structure adapted to the cage-type full-wrap frame 1; it is compact, has reliable locking, and achieves dual quick disassembly, namely quick disassembly of the cage-type full-wrap frame 1 itself and quick disassembly between the cage-type full-wrap frame 1 and the core component of the machine body.

[0021] In this embodiment, the cage-type fully enclosed frame 1 is made of carbon fiber or glass fiber composite material. The cage-type fully enclosed frame 1 is hollow cage-shaped and is divided into multiple modular segment units. The multiple modular segment units are spliced ​​together by rubber-like cage-type flexible connectors 2 and quick-disassembly components 4, and can be disassembled and replaced individually without the need for overall disassembly and assembly.

[0022] In this embodiment, the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3 is set as a plate-shaped skeleton designed based on the SIMP topology optimization algorithm. The material of the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3 is high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material. With the goal of maximizing lightweight and strength, a mechanically optimal flat plate hollow structure is formed. "The topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3 is plate-shaped in general, but the material in low-stress areas is removed by the topology optimization algorithm to form a grid-like or honeycomb hollow structure."

[0023] In this embodiment, the four-level progressive protection system of the multi-level flexible buffer structure includes a polyurethane flexible layer 5, a rubber cage-like flexible connector 2, a buffer connector, and a silicone rubber component 7, all disposed on one side. The polyurethane flexible layer 5 wraps around the outside of the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1. The rubber cage-like flexible connector 2 connects each modular segment unit of the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1. The buffer connector is disposed between the topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3 and the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1. The buffer connector has a buffer cavity inside. The silicone rubber component 7 is laid inside the topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3. The polyurethane flexible layer 5 absorbs the initial impact. The rubber cage-like flexible connector 2 ensures the overall shape of the cage-like fully enclosed frame 1 is regular when stationary. When impacted, it can undergo flexible deformation and absorb impact energy. The buffer connector has a buffer cavity inside to dissipate impact energy. The silicone rubber component 7 is used to protect the core components. The flexible connector 2 of the rubber cage is made of polyurethane elastomer or natural rubber with a Shore A hardness of 60-80. Its geometry is designed with a thin wall in the middle and thickened ends, or with metal spring steel plates embedded inside. In a static state, the connector provides sufficient tensile and compressive stiffness to maintain the overall shape of the cage. In a dynamic collision, it absorbs impact energy through its own elastic deformation, and the deformation can reach 30% of the original size without plastic failure.

[0024] In this embodiment, the quick-release component 4 includes a miniature quick-release lock. The miniature quick-release lock is configured as a press-type or rotary miniature structure. The miniature quick-release lock is adapted to the installation space of the rod-shaped structure of the cage-type full-enclosed frame 1. The miniature quick-release lock is small in size and compact in structure. It can realize the segmented splicing and disassembly of the cage body and the connection and disassembly of the cage-type full-enclosed frame 1 and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3 without tools. After locking, it fits against the surface of the cage body rod 9 of the cage-type full-enclosed frame 1 without occupying extra space.

[0025] In this embodiment, the shape, size and distribution of the hollow holes in the topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3 are determined by stress simulation. The topology-optimized flat plate main frame 3 is provided with a modular mounting cavity 6 in the middle. The silicone rubber parts 7 are laid on the inner wall of the modular mounting cavity 6. The holes in the key stress areas are small in diameter and densely distributed, while the holes in the non-stress areas are large in diameter and sparsely distributed.

[0026] In this embodiment, the modular segmented unit includes a front segment, a rear segment, a left segment, a right segment, an upper segment, and a lower segment. Each modular segmented unit is provided with an independent connection interface, which is adapted to the quick-release assembly 4 and can be disassembled and replaced individually.

[0027] In this embodiment, the buffer connectors and quick-release components 4 are correspondingly arranged. The buffer connectors are evenly distributed between the cage-type full-wrap frame 1 and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3, and can be independently disassembled and replaced.

[0028] In this embodiment, the aircraft is a drone, a small aircraft, or a confined space operation equipment, suitable for scenarios where the main body has a rod-like structure and the space for disassembly and assembly is limited, including indoor enclosed spaces, building gaps, and pipeline corridors.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the modular segmented unit is specifically composed of cage rods 9. The quick-release assembly is specifically set as an upper quick-release assembly 10 and a lower quick-release assembly 11, which are pre-installed on the ends of the cage rods 9 and the connection interface of the modular segmented unit, respectively. The upper quick-release assembly 10 is provided with elastic claws or steel balls, and the lower quick-release assembly 11 is provided with an annular locking groove. By pressing or rotating the unlocking sleeve of the upper quick-release assembly 10, the claws or steel balls can be moved radially to achieve quick connection and separation. The outer diameter of the entire assembly is not greater than the diameter of the cage rods 9, and it is completely embedded inside the cage rods 9 without adding extra volume.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the six modular segmented units of the modular segmented unit are independent of each other. Adjacent units are connected by rubber cage flexible connectors 2. Each rubber cage flexible connector 2 is embedded at both ends into the connection interface at the end of the adjacent unit and is locked by quick disassembly components 4. This design allows any unit to be replaced individually if it is damaged, without disassembling the entire cage.

[0031] It also includes a cage-mounted module mounting component 8, which is snapped onto the cage-type fully enclosed frame 1 to achieve modular installation of various lightweight loads.

[0032] During a collision, the four-level flexible buffer works in sequence: the first layer, a polyurethane flexible layer 5, absorbs the initial impact; the second layer, a rubber cage-like flexible connector 2, absorbs and disperses the impact energy through its own flexible deformation, while ensuring the integrity of its own structure and maintaining the basic shape of the cage, which is a rod-shaped structure; the third layer, a buffer connector, dissipates most of the impact; and the fourth layer, a silicone rubber component 7, buffers and reduces vibration, protecting the core components. In a static state, the second layer of rubber cage flexible connector 2 provides rigidity, ensuring that the overall shape of the cage is regular and avoiding deformation; During maintenance, for the cage rod 9 structure, pressing or rotating the miniature quick-release lock can quickly disassemble the modular segmented unit or separate the cage-type fully enclosed frame 1 from the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton 3. The entire process is tool-free, highly efficient, and adaptable to the disassembly and assembly needs of the cage rod 9.

[0033] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0034] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure, characterized in that, include: Topology-optimized flat panel main frame; A cage-like fully enclosed frame, the main body of which is a rod-shaped structure, is fitted on the outside of the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton. The modular segment units of the cage-like fully enclosed frame and the cage-like fully enclosed frame and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton are connected by a multi-level flexible buffer structure, which is set as a four-level progressive protection system. A quick-release assembly, wherein the quick-release assembly is configured as a rod-shaped structure adapted to the cage-like fully enclosed frame.

2. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage-like fully enclosed frame is made of carbon fiber or glass fiber composite material. The cage-like fully enclosed frame is hollow cage-like and is divided into multiple modular segment units. The multiple modular segment units are spliced ​​together by rubber-like flexible cage connectors and quick-disassembly components.

3. The modular aircraft having a multi-stage flexible buffer structure of claim 1, wherein, The main frame of the topology-optimized flat plate is set as a plate-shaped frame designed based on the SIMP topology optimization algorithm, and the material of the main frame of the topology-optimized flat plate is high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material.

4. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The four-level progressive protection system of the multi-level flexible buffer structure includes a polyurethane flexible layer, a rubber cage-like flexible connector, a buffer connector, and a silicone rubber component, all disposed on one side. The polyurethane flexible layer wraps around the outside of the cage-like fully enclosed frame. The rubber cage-like flexible connector connects each modular segment unit of the cage-like fully enclosed frame. The buffer connector is disposed between the topology-optimized flat plate main frame and the cage-like fully enclosed frame, and the buffer connector has a buffer cavity inside. The silicone rubber component is laid inside the topology-optimized flat plate main frame.

5. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly includes a miniature quick-release lock, which is configured as a press-type or rotary miniature structure, and the miniature quick-release lock is adapted to the installation space of the cage-type fully enclosed frame rod structure.

6. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape, size, and distribution of the hollow holes in the main skeleton of the topology-optimized flat plate are determined by stress simulation. A modular mounting cavity is provided in the middle of the main skeleton of the topology-optimized flat plate, and the silicone rubber component is laid on the inner wall of the modular mounting cavity.

7. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The modular segmented unit includes a front segment, a rear segment, a left segment, a right segment, an upper segment, and a lower segment. Each modular segmented unit is provided with an independent connection interface, which is adapted to the quick-release component.

8. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buffer connector is correspondingly provided with the quick disassembly component, and the buffer connector is evenly distributed between the cage-like full-wrap frame and the topology-optimized flat plate main skeleton.

9. A modular aircraft with a multi-level flexible buffer structure according to claims 1-8, characterized in that, The aircraft is a drone, a small aircraft, or a confined space operation equipment, suitable for scenarios where the main body has a rod-like structure and the space for disassembly and assembly is limited, including enclosed indoor spaces, building gaps, and pipeline corridors.

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