Lightweight wing sail for unmanned sailboats and method for processing thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of unmanned sailboat manufacturing, in particular to a lightweight wing sail of an unmanned sailboat and a processing method thereof. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat comprises a carbon fiber wing sail shell and a metal framework. The metal framework is arranged at the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell. The carbon fiber wing sail shell comprises a carbon fiber wing sail shell side piece A and a carbon fiber wing sail shell side piece B. A plurality of hand holes are arranged on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side piece B. The carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal framework are arranged, and the metal framework is arranged at the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell. The upper part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell can be supported by the structure of the carbon fiber wing sail shell itself. The metal framework does not need to penetrate from top to bottom in the carbon fiber wing sail shell. The weight of the entire wing sail can be greatly reduced, the gravity center of the wing sail is lowered, the overall gravity center of the unmanned sailboat is lowered, the rolling stability and the anti-overturning ability of the unmanned sailboat are effectively ensured, and the installation structure is simple and easy to process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned sailboat manufacturing, specifically a lightweight wing sail for an unmanned sailboat and its processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned sailboats are a new type of long-endurance marine robot that converts wind energy directly into propulsion through sails and obtains electricity through solar panels, achieving energy self-sufficiency and enabling long-term sailing.

[0003] Rigid wing sails are a new type of sail suitable for unmanned sailboats. Their shape and structure are similar to an airplane wing. They can rotate in a controlled manner around the wing sail axis to maintain the optimal angle of attack and provide the best propulsion for unmanned sailboats.

[0004] The lightweight design of the wingsail has a crucial impact on the performance of unmanned sailboats. Perched high on the hull, the wingsail's weight and center of gravity directly affect the overall weight and center of gravity of the unmanned sailboat, thus influencing its roll stability. For example, for wingsails of equal weight, a lower center of gravity results in a lower overall center of gravity for the unmanned sailboat, leading to better roll stability and greater resistance to capsizing. Similarly, a lighter wingsail results in better roll stability. Therefore, manufacturing a lightweight wingsail is essential for improving the roll stability and capsizing resistance of unmanned sailboats. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a lightweight wing sail for unmanned sailboats and its processing method.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat includes a carbon fiber wing sail shell and a metal frame, wherein the metal frame is disposed in the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell;

[0008] The carbon fiber wing sail shell includes carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B. The carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B are respectively fixed to the metal frame. The carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B has a number of hand holes for mold assembly and filling polyurethane foam material into the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

[0009] The metal frame includes a wing sail base, a column, a bottom rib, a top rib, and several middle ribs. The lower part of the column is connected to the upper part of the wing sail base, and the lower part of the wing sail base is connected to the sail driving device. The bottom rib is fitted onto the column and fixedly connected to the column and the wing sail base. The bottom rib is located at the lower part of the column. The top rib and each of the middle ribs are respectively fitted onto the column and fixedly connected to the column. The top rib is located at the upper part of the column. Each of the middle ribs is located sequentially on the column between the bottom rib and the top rib.

[0010] Supporting cross plates are provided on the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A and the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B, corresponding to the bottom rib, top rib and each middle rib of the metal frame.

[0011] The front part of the bottom rib, the front part of the top rib, and the front part of each of the middle ribs are respectively fixed to the column by set screws, support rib fixing seats, and front support ribs. The rear part of the bottom rib, the rear part of the top rib, and the rear part of each of the middle ribs are respectively fixed to the column by set screws, support rib fixing seats, and rear support ribs.

[0012] A pole fixing seat is provided on the rear part of the bottom rib, the rear part of the top rib, and the rear part of each middle rib. A pole is fixed between the pole fixing seat on the bottom rib and the pole fixing seat on the top rib. The axial center line of the pole is parallel to the axial center line of the column. The pole passes through the pole fixing seat on each middle rib and is fixedly connected to the pole fixing seat on each middle rib.

[0013] The wing sail base is divided into a lower cylindrical part and an upper cylindrical part connected together from bottom to top. The lower cylindrical part is provided with a lower flange on its outer circumference and an internal spline is provided inside the lower end of the lower cylindrical part. The upper cylindrical part is provided with an upper flange on its outer circumference and the upper flange is connected to the bottom rib plate by a set screw.

[0014] The column is hollow inside and has a circular inner wall cross-section. The outer circumferential surface of the column has a hexagonal cross-section. The upper end of the upper cylindrical part is inserted into the lower end of the column. The lower end of the column has several welding grooves for welding with the upper cylindrical part. The bottom rib, top rib, and each middle rib have through holes that match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the column.

[0015] The outer surface of the entire metal skeleton is subjected to hard anodizing treatment.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a lightweight wing sail suitable for the aforementioned unmanned sailboat includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Fabricating the carbon fiber wing sail shell;

[0018] Step 2: Construct the metal frame;

[0019] The order of steps one and two is not important, and step three should be performed after steps one and two are completed.

[0020] Step 3: Assemble the completed carbon fiber wing sail shell with the metal frame using a single mold.

[0021] Step 4: After the carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame are assembled together, polyurethane foam material is filled into the carbon fiber wing sail shell through the hand hole on side plate B of the carbon fiber wing sail shell to fill the cavity inside the carbon fiber wing sail shell. At the same time, the gap between the metal frame and the carbon fiber wing sail shell is filled. After filling, the hand hole is sealed with carbon fiber cloth and resin and then polished.

[0022] Step 5: Paint the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

[0023] The specific process for the overall molding and assembly of the carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame in step three includes: First, attaching the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A to the metal frame, and fixing the support cross plate on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A to the bottom rib, top rib and each middle rib of the metal frame with set screws. At the same time, applying marine structural adhesive to the positions between the support cross plate on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A and the bottom rib, top rib and each middle rib for bonding. After that, attaching the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B with a hand hole to the metal frame, and inserting hands and tools into the carbon fiber wing sail shell through the hand hole, and fixing the support cross plate on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B to the bottom rib, top rib and each middle rib of the metal frame with set screws.

[0024] Before proceeding to step five after completing step four, thoroughly sand the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, then apply putty to the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, and then proceed to step five, which involves painting the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

[0025] The advantages and positive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] This invention comprises a carbon fiber wing sail shell and a metal frame, with the metal frame positioned in the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell. The upper part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell can be supported by the structure of the carbon fiber wing sail shell itself. The carbon fiber wing sail shell does not require a metal frame running from top to bottom inside, which can greatly reduce the weight of the entire wing sail, lower the center of gravity of the wing sail, and thus lower the overall center of gravity of the unmanned sailboat. This effectively ensures the roll stability and anti-capsulation ability of the unmanned sailboat. Moreover, the installation structure is simple and easy to process. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall disassembled structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side piece A after it is bonded to the metal frame according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the processing method of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the metal skeleton of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the metal skeleton of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pole fixing base of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wing sail base of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the column of the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 101 is side panel A of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, 102 is side panel B of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, 103 is a hand hole, and 104 is a support cross plate;

[0037] 2 is the metal frame, 201 is the wing sail base, 2011 is the lower cylindrical part, 2012 is the upper cylindrical part, 2013 is the lower flange, 2014 is the internal spline, 2015 is the upper flange, 202 is the column, 2021 is the welding groove, 203 is the bottom rib, 204 is the top rib, 205 is the middle rib, 206 is the front support rib, 207 is the rear support rib, 208 is the support rib fixing seat, 209 is the column fixing seat, and 210 is the column. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0039] Lightweight wing sails for unmanned sailboats, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment includes a carbon fiber sail hull and a metal frame 2, with the metal frame 2 located in the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber sail hull. In this embodiment, the metal frame 2 is made of aluminum alloy, with its outer surface treated with hard anodizing to resist seawater corrosion. The metal frame 2 supports the carbon fiber sail hull and transfers the wind load acting on it to the hull. In this embodiment, the upper part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber sail hull is not supported by the metal frame 2; the strength support is provided by the structure of the carbon fiber sail hull itself. Since a top-to-bottom-through metal frame is not required inside the carbon fiber sail hull, the overall weight of the sail can be significantly reduced.

[0040] The carbon fiber wing sail shell includes carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A 101 and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B 102. Carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A 101 and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B 102 are respectively fixed to the metal frame 2. The carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B 102 is provided with a number of hand holes 103 for mold assembly and filling polyurethane foam material into the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 5-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the metal frame 2 includes a sail base 201, a column 202, a bottom rib 203, a top rib 204, and several middle ribs 205. The lower part of the column 202 is connected to the upper part of the sail base 201, and the lower part of the sail base 201 is connected to the drive shaft of the sail driving device. The bottom rib 203 is fitted onto the column 202 and fixedly connected to the column 202 and the sail base 201. The bottom rib 203 is located at the lower part of the column 202. The top rib 204 and each middle rib 205 are respectively fitted onto the column 202 and fixedly connected to the column 202. The top rib 204 is located at the upper part of the column 202, and each middle rib 205 is located sequentially on the column 202 between the bottom rib 203 and the top rib 204.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, support cross plates 104 are provided on the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A 101 and the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B 102, corresponding to the bottom rib 203, top rib 204, and each middle rib 205 of the metal frame 2. The support cross plates 104 are fixed to the corresponding ribs in the metal frame by set screws and adhesive bonding. In this embodiment, there is one middle rib 205 and three support cross plates 104.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, the front parts of the bottom rib 203, the top rib 204, and the front parts of each middle rib 205 are fixed to the column 202 via set screws, support rib fixing seats 208, and front support ribs 206, respectively. The rear parts of the bottom rib 203, the top rib 204, and the rear parts of each middle rib 205 are fixed to the column 202 via set screws, support rib fixing seats 208, and rear support ribs 207, respectively. This makes the overall structure more stable and facilitates installation. In this embodiment, the length of the support rib fixing seat 208 can be selected according to installation requirements.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, upright fixing seats 209 are provided on the rear parts of the bottom rib 203, the top rib 204, and each middle rib 205. Uprights 210 are fixed between the upright fixing seats 209 on the bottom rib 203 and the upright fixing seats 209 on the top rib 204. The axial center line of the upright 210 is parallel to the axial center line of the column 202. The upright 210 passes through the upright fixing seats 209 on each middle rib 205 and is fixedly connected to the upright fixing seats 209 on each middle rib 205. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the outer periphery of the upright 210 is hexagonal, and the structure of the upright fixing seat 209 is as follows... Figure 7 As shown, it can be connected to the bottom rib 203 or the top rib 204 via screws and a flange structure. In this embodiment, the side wall of the upright fixing seat 209 has a light hole, and the corresponding upright 210 also has a light hole, allowing the set screw to pass through the light hole and then be tightened with a nut. The upright 210 facilitates the positioning and installation of the bottom rib 203 and the middle rib 205, and also makes the overall structure more stable.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the wing sail base 201 is divided into a lower cylindrical part 2011 and an upper cylindrical part 2012 connected together from bottom to top. A lower flange 2013 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical part 2011, and an internal spline 2014 for connecting to the drive shaft of the sail driving device is provided inside the lower end of the lower cylindrical part 2011. An upper flange 2015 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper cylindrical part 2012, and the upper flange 2015 is connected to the bottom rib plate 203 by set screws. The column 202 is hollow inside with a circular inner wall cross-section, and its outer circumferential surface has a hexagonal cross-section. The upper end of the upper cylindrical part 2012 is inserted into the lower end of the column 202, and the lower end face of the column 202 abuts against the upper flange 2015. Several welding grooves 2021 for welding to the upper cylindrical part 2012 are provided at the lower end of the column 202. The column 202 and the outer circumferential surface of the upper cylindrical part 2012 of the wing sail base 201 are welded together by welding in the welding groove 2021 at the lower end of the column 202. The cross-sectional shape of the outer circumferential surface of the column 202 is hexagonal. The bottom rib 203, top rib 204 and middle rib 205 are all provided with through holes that match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the column 202. This ensures that the bottom rib 203, top rib 204 and middle rib 205 will not wobble when fitted onto the column 202, making installation convenient and reliable.

[0046] The above-mentioned lightweight wing sail fabrication method for unmanned sailboats is described in the following basic process: Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0047] Step 1: Fabrication of the carbon fiber wing sail shell. In this embodiment, both the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel A 101 and the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel B 102 are processed using a mold vacuum method. The existing processing technology is relatively mature, so it will not be described in detail.

[0048] Step 2: Constructing the metal frame 2. First, construct the various structural components of the aforementioned metal frame 2, then assemble and connect them.

[0049] The order of steps one and two is not important, and step three should be performed only after steps one and two are completed.

[0050] Step 3: Assemble the completed carbon fiber wing sail shell and metal frame 2 together. The specific process for assembling the carbon fiber wing sail shell and metal frame 2 in Step 3 includes: First, attach the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel A 101 to the metal frame 2, and then use set screws to fix the support cross plate 104 on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel A 101 to the bottom rib 203, top rib 204, and each middle rib 205 of the metal frame 2. Simultaneously, apply marine structural adhesive to the positions between the support cross plate 104 on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel A 101 and the bottom rib 203, top rib 204, and each middle rib 205 for bonding. Next, attach the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel B 102, which has a handhole 103, to the metal frame, and use the handhole 103 to insert hands and tools into the carbon fiber wing sail shell. Then, use set screws to secure the carbon fiber wing sail shell side panel B... The supporting horizontal plate 104 on 102 is fixedly connected to the bottom rib plate 203, top rib plate 204 and each middle rib plate 205 of the metal frame 2 respectively.

[0051] Step 4: After the carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame 2 are assembled together, polyurethane foam material is filled into the carbon fiber wing sail shell through the hand hole 103 on the side plate B 102 of the carbon fiber wing sail shell to fill the cavity inside the carbon fiber wing sail shell. At the same time, the gap between the metal frame 2 and the carbon fiber wing sail shell is filled to prevent the sail surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell from collapsing under wind load. After filling, the hand hole 103 is sealed with carbon fiber cloth and resin and then polished.

[0052] Step 5: Paint the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell. Before proceeding to Step 5 after Step 4, thoroughly sand the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, then apply putty to the outer surface. This will ensure a good painting effect.

Claims

1. A lightweight wing sail for unmanned sailboats, characterized by: It includes a carbon fiber wing sail shell and a metal frame (2), wherein the metal frame (2) is disposed in the lower part of the inner cavity of the carbon fiber wing sail shell; The carbon fiber wing sail shell includes carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102). The carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) and carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102) are respectively fixed to the metal frame (2). The carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102) is provided with a plurality of hand holes (103) for mold assembly and filling polyurethane foam material into the carbon fiber wing sail shell. The metal frame (2) includes a sail base (201), a column (202), a bottom rib (203), a top rib (204), and several middle ribs (205). The lower part of the column (202) is connected to the upper part of the sail base (201), and the lower part of the sail base (201) is connected to the sail driving device. The bottom rib (203) is fitted onto the column (202) and is connected to both the column (202) and the sail base (201). The bottom rib (203) is located at the lower part of the column (202), the top rib (204) and each of the middle ribs (205) are respectively sleeved on the column (202) and fixedly connected to the column (202), the top rib (204) is located at the upper part of the column (202), and each of the middle ribs (205) is respectively located on the column (202) between the bottom rib (203) and the top rib (204); Supporting cross plates (104) are provided on the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) and the inner wall of the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102) at the corresponding positions of the bottom rib (203), top rib (204) and each middle rib (205) of the metal frame (2).

2. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front part of the bottom rib (203), the front part of the top rib (204), and the front part of each of the middle ribs (205) are respectively fixed to the column (202) by set screws, support rib fixing seats (208) and front support ribs (206). The rear part of the bottom rib (203), the rear part of the top rib (204), and the rear part of each of the middle ribs (205) are respectively fixed to the column (202) by set screws, support rib fixing seats (208) and rear support ribs (207).

3. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pole fixing seat (209) is provided on the rear part of the bottom rib (203), the rear part of the top rib (204), and the rear part of each middle rib (205). A pole (210) is fixed between the pole fixing seat (209) on the bottom rib (203) and the pole fixing seat (209) on the top rib (204). The axial center line of the pole (210) is parallel to the axial center line of the column (202). The pole (210) passes through the pole fixing seat (209) on each middle rib (205) and is fixedly connected to the pole fixing seat (209) on each middle rib (205).

4. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wing sail base (201) is divided into a lower cylindrical part (2011) and an upper cylindrical part (2012) connected together from bottom to top. The lower cylindrical part (2011) has a lower flange (2013) on its outer circumferential surface. The lower end of the lower cylindrical part (2011) has an internal spline (2014) inside. The upper cylindrical part (2012) has an upper flange (2015) on its outer circumferential surface. The upper flange (2015) is connected to the bottom rib plate (203) by a set screw.

5. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat according to claim 4, characterized in that: The column (202) is hollow inside and has a circular inner wall cross-section. The outer circumferential surface of the column (202) has a hexagonal cross-section. The upper end of the upper cylindrical part (2012) is inserted into the lower end of the column (202). The lower end of the column (202) has several welding grooves (2021) for welding with the upper cylindrical part (2012). The bottom rib (203), top rib (204) and each middle rib (205) have through holes that match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the column (202).

6. The lightweight wing sail of the unmanned sailboat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the metal skeleton (2) is subjected to hard anodizing treatment.

7. A method for processing a lightweight wing sail suitable for any one of claims 1 to 6 of an unmanned sailboat, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1: Fabricating the carbon fiber wing sail shell; Step 2: Making the metal frame (2); The order of steps one and two is not important, and step three should be performed after steps one and two are completed. Step 3: Assemble the completed carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame (2) into a single mold; Step 4: After the carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame (2) are assembled together, polyurethane foam material is filled into the carbon fiber wing sail shell through the hand hole (103) on the side plate B (102) of the carbon fiber wing sail shell to fill the cavity inside the carbon fiber wing sail shell. At the same time, the gap between the metal frame (2) and the carbon fiber wing sail shell is filled. After filling, the hand hole (103) is sealed with carbon fiber cloth and resin and then polished. Step 5: Paint the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

8. The method for processing the lightweight wing sail of an unmanned sailboat according to claim 7, characterized in that: The specific process of assembling the carbon fiber wing sail shell and the metal frame (2) in step three includes: first, attaching the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) to the metal frame (2), and then fixing the support cross plate (104) on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) to the bottom rib plate (203), top rib plate (204) and each middle rib plate (205) of the metal frame (2) respectively with set screws. At the same time, the support cross plate (104) on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate A (101) and the bottom rib plate (203) are connected. Marine structural adhesive is applied to the positions between the top rib (204) and each middle rib (205) for bonding; then, the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102) with hand holes (103) is attached to the metal frame, and hands and working tools are inserted into the carbon fiber wing sail shell through the hand holes (103). The support cross plate (104) on the carbon fiber wing sail shell side plate B (102) is fixedly connected to the bottom rib (203), top rib (204) and each middle rib (205) of the metal frame (2) by set screws.

9. The method for processing the lightweight wing sail of an unmanned sailboat according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before proceeding to step five after completing step four, thoroughly sand the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, then apply putty to the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell, and then proceed to step five, which involves painting the outer surface of the carbon fiber wing sail shell.

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