A folding wing cruise vehicle mounting and releasing device and a releasing method

Through the design of components such as control devices and hatch control servos, the folding-wing loitering pod is able to safely separate and unfold from the carrier platform, solving the problems of aerodynamic interference and pyrotechnic safety, and achieving safe and efficient multiple reuses.

CN115991295BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21GENERAL ENG RES INST CHINA ACAD OF ENG PHYSICS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GENERAL ENG RES INST CHINA ACAD OF ENG PHYSICS
Filing Date
2023-03-03
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing folding-wing loitering rovers' launch devices may cause aerodynamic interference with the launch platform when the folding wings are released and deployed, resulting in insufficient launch safety. Furthermore, the pyrotechnics commonly used in these devices are unsafe and cannot be reused.

Method used

A folding-wing loitering pod mounting and deployment device was designed. The release length of the tow rope and the fixing rope is controlled by the control device to ensure the safe separation of the loitering pod from the carrier platform. The hatch control servo and torsion spring hinges are used to achieve reliable locking and rapid opening of the hatch. Combined with the load-bearing frame and the buffer pad, the device provides limit and buffering, and the guide frame guides the pod to achieve safe deployment.

Benefits of technology

It improves safety during deployment, reduces aerodynamic interference, ensures the device is safe and reliable, can be reused multiple times, requires no pyrotechnics, and is low in cost.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of folding wing cruise vehicle mounting and launching device and launching method, device is by launching barrel, force frame, hanging point, separation ring, control device, buffer pad, torsion spring hinge, guide frame, hatch control steering gear, hatch and mounting rack composition;The mounting and launching device reduces the aerodynamic interference between the folding wing cruise vehicle launching process and carrying platform, greatly improves the launching safety.And the mounting and launching device has no pyrotechnics and deceleration parachute, simple mechanism, safe, reliable, low cost, can be reused repeatedly;At the same time, its working process is given, and the launching device is opened, the folding wing cruise vehicle is separated from the launching barrel, the separation ring is unlocked, the separation ring is separated from the cruise vehicle, the cruise vehicle folding wing is unlocked and unfolded, the cruise vehicle enters the flight state, the separation ring is recycled, and the hatch is closed. The launching separation process completes the launching of the cruise vehicle.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a folding-wing loitering drone mounting and deployment device and deployment method. Background Technology

[0002] A folding-wing loitering drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) whose wings can be folded and stowed. It is typically launched from a ground-based launch tube, but can also be deployed remotely from transport aircraft, large UAVs, or other platforms. After launch from the launch tube or deployment from the platform, the folding-wing loitering drone's wings unfold and lock, allowing it to fly normally. It typically carries a reconnaissance pod for long-range target reconnaissance. When carrying a warhead or other destructive payload, it can launch real-time suicide attacks on detected targets. It can also carry various payloads such as jammers, decoys, and magnetic detectors, depending on mission requirements.

[0003] When a folding-wing loitering pod is deployed via a transport aircraft, large drone, or other platform, all wings must be folded and stowed before deployment. After deployment, the loitering pod must first be safely separated from the transport platform. Once the safe separation is complete, the wing constraints of the loitering pod must be released and the wing surfaces of the loitering pod must be deployed and locked.

[0004] Existing loitering rovers' mounting and deployment devices have the following drawbacks:

[0005] 1. The loitering pod cannot guarantee that a safe distance has been achieved between it and the launch platform when the restraints on the folding wings are released and the folding wings are deployed. Aerodynamic interference may occur between the loitering pod and the launch platform during the deployment process, resulting in insufficient deployment safety.

[0006] 2. The launch and deployment devices of loitering drones generally use pyrotechnics for activation, which is relatively unsafe and cannot be recycled and reused.

[0007] This payload delivery device controls the separation distance between the folding-wing loitering pod and the carrier platform. Once the loitering pod reaches a safe relative distance from the platform, the restraint on the folding wings is released, and the folding wings unfold, initiating loitering flight. This device reduces aerodynamic interference between the loitering pod and the carrier platform during delivery, significantly improving delivery safety. Furthermore, this device is free of pyrotechnics and deceleration parachutes, featuring a simple, safe, reliable, and low-cost mechanism that can be reused multiple times. Its operational process is also described. Therefore, there is a need to develop a folding-wing loitering pod payload delivery device and method to address the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to design a folding-wing loitering vehicle mounting and deployment device and deployment method to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:

[0010] A folding-wing loitering pod mounting and deployment device includes:

[0011] The delivery tube is formed into a hollow cylindrical structure, including a hollow semi-cylindrical body and two 1 / 4 hollow cylindrical hatches; the outer side of the two hatches is connected to the lower outer sides of the body through multiple torsion spring hinges; the upper end of the delivery tube is connected to the transport platform through a connecting structure.

[0012] A hatch control servo motor is used to control the opening and closing of the two hatches; the hatch control servo motor is used to connect the lower ends of the two hatches.

[0013] Control device; The control device includes a traction rope and at least two fixed ropes, the upper ends of which are connected to the main body of the control device.

[0014] Separation ring; the lower part of the separation ring is placed on the inner side of the lower end of the two hatches; the separation ring includes two half rings and a pin locking mechanism; the folding wing loitering aircraft is placed between the two half rings forming a ring; the upper ends of the two half rings are connected by the pin locking mechanism, the upper end of the pin of the pin locking mechanism is connected to the lower end of the towing rope, and the lower ends of at least two fixing ropes are respectively connected to the two half rings.

[0015] Specifically, the folding-wing loitering pod's mounting and deployment device also includes a pylon, with multiple attachment points on the upper surface of the tube body. The lower end of the pylon is connected to the multiple attachment points, and the upper end of the pylon is connected to the transport platform.

[0016] Preferably, both the front and rear ends of the dispensing tube are hemispherical.

[0017] Preferably, the folding-wing loitering vehicle mounting and launching device further includes two load-bearing frames. The two load-bearing frames are arranged on the inner side of the launching tube along the length direction of the launching tube. The load-bearing frames include a semi-circular ring frame and a quarter-circular ring frame. The semi-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the tube body, and the quarter-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the hatch. The two ends of the semi-circular ring frame are respectively hinged to one end of the two quarter-circular ring frames. The front and rear limiting modules on the folding-wing loitering vehicle are placed between the two load-bearing frames.

[0018] Preferably, buffer pads for axial limiting and buffering of the loitering device are provided on the inner sides of both ends of the cylinder.

[0019] Furthermore, a guide frame for vertical movement of the folding-wing loitering device is provided on the inner side of the tube, with the two sides of the folding-wing loitering device positioned between the guide frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the main body of the control device includes a rope winder, and the upper ends of the traction rope and the fixing rope are connected to the rope winder.

[0021] A method for deploying a folding-wing loitering rovers' mounting and deployment device includes the following steps:

[0022] S1. Set the release length of the traction rope through the control device;

[0023] S2. The hatch control servo unlocks the connection at the lower end of the two hatches, and the two hatches open to the sides under the action of the torsion spring hinges.

[0024] S3. The separation ring carrying the folding-wing loitering aircraft moves downward along the guide frame under its own gravity and detaches from the release tube;

[0025] S4. When the traction rope is taut, the traction rope pulls out the pin in the pin locking mechanism, and the two half rings of the separation ring open under the action of the fixing rope, releasing the folding wing loitering drone.

[0026] S5. Using the rope reel of the control device, wind up the traction rope and the fixing rope to pull the separation ring back into the delivery cylinder and close the hatch.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. By controlling the settings of the traction rope and the fixing rope, the safe separation distance between the loitering vehicle and the carrier platform can be controlled. When the safe separation distance is reached, the separation ring is released from the constraint of the missile wings, which reduces the aerodynamic interference between the loitering vehicle and the carrier platform during deployment and improves deployment safety.

[0029] 2. The release tube uses a hatch control servo to unlock the hatch, ensuring reliable locking and synchronous unlocking of the hatch; and multiple sets of torsion spring hinges provide elasticity to ensure quick and reliable opening of the hatch after unlocking.

[0030] 3. The load-bearing frame inside the release tube can not only bear the main weight of the loitering pod, but also limit the folding-wing loitering pod in the lateral and longitudinal directions. The buffer pads set at the head and tail of the release tube can limit and buffer the folding-wing loitering pod in the axial direction.

[0031] 4. A guide frame is installed inside the release tube to guide the loitering drone during detachment and prevent the wings from rotating left or right, which would interfere with the release and separation process.

[0032] 5. After the loitering vehicle is deployed and separated, the separation ring is recovered, which reduces the aerodynamic drag of the carrier platform, improves safety, and the deployment device can be reused multiple times.

[0033] 6. The entire mounting and launching device has no pyrotechnics or deceleration parachutes, and the mechanism is simple, safe, reliable, and low in cost. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting and deployment device;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view of the device being mounted on the launcher.

[0036] Figure 3 Diagram showing the hatch with the launch device mounted;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the separation ring structure;

[0038] In the diagram: 1-Deployment tube, 2-Folding wing loitering vehicle, 3-Support frame, 4-Hanging point, 5-Separation ring, 51-Half ring, 52-Pin locking mechanism, 53-Pin, 54-Fixing rope, 55-Torsion rope, 6-Control device, 7-Buffer pad, 8-Torsion spring hinge, 9-Guide frame, 10-Door control servo, 11-Door, 12-Hanging rack. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to 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 this invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a folding-wing loitering pod mounting and deployment device includes:

[0047] The delivery cylinder 1 is formed into a hollow cylindrical structure, including a hollow semi-cylindrical body and two 1 / 4 hollow cylindrical hatches 11; the outer side of the two hatches 11 is connected to the lower outer sides of the cylinder body through multiple torsion spring hinges 8 (the elasticity provided by the torsion spring hinges 8 ensures that the two hatches 11 can be opened quickly and reliably); the upper end of the delivery cylinder 1 is connected to the transport platform through a connecting structure.

[0048] A door control servo motor 10 is used to control the opening and closing of the two hatches 11; the door control servo motor 10 is used to connect to the lower end of the two hatches 11.

[0049] Control device 6; The control device 6 includes a traction rope 55 and two fixing ropes 54, the upper ends of the traction rope 55 and the fixing ropes 54 are connected to the main body of the control device 6.

[0050] Separation ring 5; the lower part of separation ring 5 is placed on the inner side of the lower end of the two hatches 11; separation ring 5 includes two half rings 51 and a pin locking mechanism 52; folding wing loitering 2 is placed between the two half rings 51 forming a ring; the upper ends of the two half rings 51 are connected by the pin locking mechanism 52, the upper end of the pin 53 of the pin locking mechanism 52 is connected to the lower end of the towing rope 55, and the lower ends of at least two fixing ropes 54 are respectively connected to the two half rings 51.

[0051] In this embodiment, the folding wings of the loitering drone are locked by the separation ring 5. After the separation ring 5 is unlocked, the left and right halves of the ring 51 automatically pop open to release the lock on the folding wings and separate from them. The structure is simple and reliable.

[0052] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the folding-wing loitering drone 2 mounting and deployment device also includes a pylon 12. Four attachment points 4 are provided on the upper surface of the tube body. The lower end of the pylon 12 is connected to the four attachment points 4, and the upper end of the pylon 12 is connected to the transport platform.

[0053] like Figure 1-3 As shown, both the front and rear ends of the dispensing cylinder 1 are hemispherical.

[0054] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the folding-wing loitering pod 2's launch device also includes two load-bearing frames 3. These frames 3 are arranged along the length of the launch tube 1 on its inner side. Each load-bearing frame 3 includes a semi-circular ring frame and a quarter-circular ring frame. The semi-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the tube body, and the quarter-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the hatch 11. The two ends of the semi-circular ring frame are hinged to one end of each of the two quarter-circular ring frames. The front and rear limiting modules on the folding-wing loitering pod 2 are positioned between the two load-bearing frames 3. The load-bearing frames 3 serve as connectors within the launch tube 1, linking the upper and lower tube bodies, and are the main load-bearing components within the launch tube 1. The load-bearing frames 3 also provide lateral and longitudinal limiting for the folding-wing loitering pod 2.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, buffer pads 7 are provided on the inner sides of both ends of the cylinder for axial limiting and buffering of the loitering vehicle.

[0056] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, a guide frame 9 for vertical movement of the folding-wing loitering 2 is provided on the inner side of the cylinder, and the two sides of the folding-wing loitering 2 are placed between the guide frames 9.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control device 6 includes a rope reel, with the upper ends of the traction rope 55 and the fixing rope 54 connected to the rope reel. The control device 6 controls the separation distance between the loitering drone and the carrier platform by controlling the length of the traction rope 55, ensuring a relatively safe distance. The operation involves retracting and extending the rope reel. After the folding-wing loitering drone 2 is released, the traction rope 55 and the fixing rope 54 can be retracted by the rope reel, thereby pulling the separation ring 5 back into the delivery cylinder 1. This reduces the aerodynamic drag of the carrier platform, improves safety, and allows the delivery device to be reused multiple times.

[0058] In some embodiments, the body of the delivery tube 1 is made of glass fiber material with wave-transmitting function, which is lightweight and facilitates satellite positioning and wireless communication with the ground for the folding wing loitering drone 2 before delivery.

[0059] A method for deploying a folding-wing loitering rovers' mounting and deployment device includes the following steps:

[0060] S1. Set the release length of the traction rope 55 through the control device 6;

[0061] S2. The hatch control servo 10 unlocks the connection at the lower end of the two hatches 11, and the two hatches 11 open to the sides under the action of the torsion spring hinge 8.

[0062] S3. The separation ring 5 carrying the folding-wing loitering 2 moves downward along the guide frame 9 under its own gravity and separates from the release tube 1.

[0063] S4. When the traction rope 55 is taut, the traction rope 55 pulls out the pin 53 in the pin locking mechanism 52, and the two half rings 51 of the separation ring 5 open under the action of the fixing rope 54, releasing the folding wing loitering device 2; the folding wing is unlocked and unfolded, and the loitering device enters the flight state.

[0064] S5. By using the rope reel of the control device 6 to reel in the traction rope 55 and the fixing rope 54, the separation ring 5 is pulled back into the delivery cylinder 1, and the hatch is closed.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding wing hang glider launching device, characterized by, include: Dispensing tube; The delivery tube is formed into a hollow cylindrical structure, which includes a hollow semi-cylindrical body and two 1 / 4 hollow cylindrical hatches; The outer sides of the two hatches are connected to the lower outer sides of the cylinder body via multiple torsion spring hinges; the upper end of the delivery cylinder is connected to the transport platform via a connecting structure. A hatch control servo motor is used to control the opening and closing of the two hatches; the hatch control servo motor is used to connect the lower ends of the two hatches. Control device; The control device includes a traction rope and at least two fixed ropes, the upper ends of which are connected to the main body of the control device. Separation ring; the lower part of the separation ring is located on the inner side of the lower end of the two hatches; the separation ring includes two half rings and a pin locking mechanism; the folding-wing loitering device is placed between the two half rings forming a ring; the upper ends of the two half rings are connected by the pin locking mechanism, the upper end of the pin of the pin locking mechanism is connected to the lower end of the towing rope, and the lower ends of at least two fixing ropes are respectively connected to the two half rings; a guide frame for vertical movement of the folding-wing loitering device is provided on the inner side of the cylinder, and the two sides of the folding-wing loitering device are placed between the guide frames.

2. The folding-wing hang glider launching device according to claim 1, wherein The folding-wing loitering pod's mounting and deployment device also includes a pylon. Multiple attachment points are provided on the upper surface of the tube. The lower end of the pylon is connected to the multiple attachment points, and the upper end of the pylon is connected to the transport platform.

3. The folding-wing hang glider launching device according to claim 1, wherein Both ends of the dispensing tube are hemispherical.

4. The folding-wing hang glider launching device of claim 1, wherein The folding-wing loitering vehicle's mounting and deployment device also includes two load-bearing frames. The two load-bearing frames are arranged along the length of the deployment tube on the inner side of the deployment tube. The load-bearing frames include a semi-circular ring frame and a quarter-circular ring frame. The semi-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the tube body, and the quarter-circular ring frame is fixedly installed on the inner side of the hatch. The two ends of the semi-circular ring frame are respectively hinged to one end of the two quarter-circular ring frames. The front and rear limiting modules on the folding-wing loitering vehicle are placed between the two load-bearing frames.

5. The folding-wing hang glider launching device of claim 1, wherein Both ends of the tube are equipped with buffer pads on the inner sides for axial limiting and buffering of the loitering vehicle.

6. The folding-wing hang glider launching device of claim 1, wherein The main body of the control device includes a rope winder, and the upper ends of the traction rope and the fixing rope are connected to the rope winder.

7. The method of claim 1-6, wherein, Includes the following steps: S1. Set the release length of the traction rope through the control device; S2. The hatch control servo unlocks the connection at the lower end of the two hatches, and the two hatches open to the sides under the action of the torsion spring hinges. S3. The separation ring carrying the folding-wing loitering aircraft moves downward along the guide frame under its own gravity and detaches from the release tube; S4. When the traction rope is taut, the traction rope pulls out the pin in the pin locking mechanism, and the two half rings of the separation ring open under the action of the fixing rope, releasing the folding wing loitering drone. S5. Using the rope reel of the control device, wind up the traction rope and the fixing rope to pull the separation ring back into the delivery cylinder and close the hatch.

Citation Information

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