An automatic air-dropping and deploying device for an underwater glider

Abstract

The present invention discloses an underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device, belonging to the technical field of ocean exploration, which includes a carrier frame, a towing mechanism and an automatic locking mechanism; the towing mechanism is installed on the carrier frame, and the towing mechanism forms a clamp structure for clamping the underwater glider in a horizontal state, and a deployment opening for opening the clamp structure is arranged at the lower part of the towing mechanism; the automatic locking mechanism is installed on the carrier frame, and the automatic locking mechanism is provided with a locking execution component for preventing the deployment opening from opening and a driver, and the driver is used for driving the locking execution component to move and disengage from the locking position for preventing the clamp structure from opening. The underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device realizes stable mounting and automatic detachment through a clever structural design, has simple operation, and ensures efficient, stable and low-energy long-distance deployment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of ocean exploration, and particularly relates to an automatic aerial deployment device for an underwater glider. Background Art

[0002] The ocean accounts for up to 71% of the Earth's surface. The ocean not only has rich biological and mineral resources, but also serves as a natural national defense barrier for coastal countries. Therefore, developing and managing the ocean has become an important strategy for many countries. With the development of computer science and industrial technology, ocean observation tools have also undergone a revolutionary change. The successful development of unmanned mobile observation platforms such as remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and autonomous underwater gliders (AUGs) has greatly reduced the cost of ocean exploration and enabled ocean observation to enter the three-dimensional era.

[0003] Among them, the underwater glider has great application value and prospects in the fields of ocean environment research and resource exploration due to its advantages such as low manufacturing cost, reusability, low power consumption, long range, and low noise. In addition to the traditional deployment mode based on research ships, a new mode of aerial deployment based on aircraft has emerged, which has stronger mobility and a wider deployment range.

[0004] Therefore, it is crucial to design and develop an aerial deployment device suitable for aircraft platforms to airdrop underwater gliders. This device is necessary and significant in many aspects. First of all, it enables ocean observation to achieve more three-dimensional coverage, observing the ocean environment from different heights and angles, and providing richer data support for scientific research. Secondly, this device can significantly reduce the cost of ocean observation and improve sustainability, enabling more countries and institutions to participate in ocean science research and resource exploration.

[0005] In addition, the aerial deployment device carried by the aircraft platform will expand the application fields of underwater gliders. It is not only valuable in ocean science and resource exploration, but also can be applied to multiple fields such as ocean ecological monitoring, climate change observation, and ocean disaster warning. Its efficient deployment mode enables the observation platform to cover a wider sea area and adapt to the complex and changeable ocean environment.

[0006] Most importantly, this device also has important significance in the field of national defense and security. It can be used for tasks such as underwater intelligence collection, sea area monitoring, and submarine detection, enhancing the ocean monitoring and defense capabilities of coastal countries.

[0007] In summary, the design and development of an aerial deployment device for underwater gliders carried by an aircraft platform has far-reaching significance for promoting marine science, supporting resource exploration, and enhancing national security. This will lead a new development direction in the field of ocean observation, drive technological innovation, and provide solid support for the development of coastal countries. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aiming at the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an automatic aerial deployment device for underwater gliders that meets the current requirements of underwater gliders carried by an aircraft platform and aerial deployment.

[0009] The present invention is implemented as follows. An automatic aerial deployment device for underwater gliders, characterized in that: it includes a carrier frame, a towing mechanism, and an automatic locking mechanism; the towing mechanism is installed on the carrier frame, the towing mechanism forms a clamp structure for clamping the underwater glider in a horizontal state, and a deployment opening for opening the clamp structure is provided at the lower part of the towing mechanism; the automatic locking mechanism is installed on the carrier frame, the automatic locking mechanism is provided with a locking execution component for preventing the opening of the deployment opening and a driver, and the driver is used to drive the locking execution component to move and disengage from the locking position for preventing the opening of the clamp structure.

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the towing mechanism includes clamping arms symmetrically installed on both sides of the carrier frame, the two clamping arms form the clamp structure, the upper part of the clamping arm is installed on the carrier frame through a rotating shaft with a horizontal axis, a hook support part for towing the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the clamping arm, the deployment opening is formed between the two hook support parts, and the clamping arm rotates around the rotating shaft to open the deployment opening.

[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, the locking execution component is a locking slider installed on the carrier frame, the locking slider is installed on the carrier frame through a slide rail, the driver is connected to the locking slider and drives the locking slider to move; a locking position for preventing the opening of the deployment opening in the closed state is provided on the moving path of the locking slider.

[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, the underwater glider is supported above the hook support part, and the pressure of the underwater glider on the hook support part has a component force for causing the clamping arm to rotate outward around the rotating shaft.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, shaft brackets are respectively provided at both ends of the side part of the carrier frame, both ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fitted to the shaft brackets, the rotating shaft is connected to the hook support parts arranged at axial intervals, and the rotating shaft is connected to the shoulder combined with the locking slider.

[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the slide rail is installed on the upper part of the carrier and extends along the axis of the rotating shaft, and the locking slider is mounted on the slide rail and is blocked on the inner side of the shoulder in the locking position.

[0015] In the above technical solution, preferably, both ends of the carrier are provided with a pressing mechanism, and the pressing mechanism includes a pressing component for applying downward pressure to the underwater glider.

[0016] In the above technical solution, preferably, the pressing mechanism includes a sliding sleeve and a pressing rod mounted on the sliding sleeve and moving vertically, the pressing rod is the pressing component, and the sliding sleeve is equipped with a spring that applies downward elastic force to the pressing rod.

[0017] In the above technical solution, preferably, a positioning component combined with the underwater glider and used to limit the hanging state of the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the carrier.

[0018] In the above technical solution, preferably, the supporting mechanism is provided with a supporting positioning portion for positioning the underwater glider.

[0019] The automatic airdrop deployment device adapted to this aircraft platform has obvious advantages in structural design, providing a reliable solution for the safe and stable deployment of underwater gliders. The advantages of this device are reflected in the following aspects:

[0020] First, the device achieves reliable mounting of underwater gliders through ingenious structural design. The device ensures that the glider is mounted stably and its attitude remains horizontal and forward, thus providing favorable conditions for the glider's initial speed in the air. This design helps ensure that the glider can quickly gain forward momentum after being launched, improving its working efficiency.

[0021] Secondly, the structure of the airdrop deployment device is relatively simple, and the deployment execution component adopts a card-blocking design. When the underwater glider is freed from the card-blocking restriction, its own gravity will separate it from the device, realizing automatic deployment. This simple and effective mechanism not only ensures the reliability of the device, but also reduces energy consumption. This is particularly important for long-distance delivery of aircraft platforms, which helps to improve the success rate and stability of deployment.

[0022] In addition, the airdrop deployment device is not only exquisite in design, but also very simple in operation. This simplicity helps to reduce the possibility of operating errors, thereby reducing the failure rate of the device. The characteristics of simple operation and low failure rate enable the device to achieve the deployment task of underwater gliders more stably and reliably in practical applications.

[0023] Generally speaking, the underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device provides an efficient and stable solution for the deployment of underwater gliders on aircraft platforms through its ingenious mounting design and automatic detachment mechanism. This has positive significance for fields such as ocean observation, resource exploration, and national security, and is expected to promote the technological development and application expansion in related fields. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the device;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the towing mechanism in the device;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic locking mechanism in the device;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the lower part of the carrier frame in the device;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the top pressing mechanism in the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following further details the present invention in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0030] To meet the current requirements for the underwater glider to be carried by an aircraft platform and airdropped, the present invention particularly provides an underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device. This underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device realizes stable mounting and automatic detachment through a clever structural design, is easy to operate, and ensures efficient, stable, and low-energy long-distance deployment. To further illustrate the structure of the present invention, the following is a detailed description in conjunction with the drawings:

[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 , an underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device, comprising a carrier frame 1, a towing mechanism 2, and an automatic locking mechanism 3.

[0032] The carrier frame is the main body of the device for loading the underwater glider, and it is installed on the lower part of the aircraft platform in a detachable manner. In this embodiment, specifically, the carrier frame is connected to the connection plate 4, and the connection plate is used to connect the aircraft platform and the carrier frame.

[0033] The towing mechanism is a component combination that forms a clamping and mounting for the underwater glider and can be detached from the underwater glider to achieve deployment. The towing mechanism is installed on the carrier frame. The towing mechanism forms a clamp structure for clamping the underwater glider in a horizontal state, and a deployment opening for opening the clamp structure is provided at the lower part of the towing mechanism. In this embodiment, the clamp structure refers to an outer circumferential clamping of the cylindrical underwater glider, so that the underwater glider is mounted below the aircraft platform in a horizontal posture, and the deployment opening is an opening that can be opened and closed below the clamp structure. When the deployment opening is in a closed state, the underwater glider is stably mounted inside the clamp structure. After the deployment opening is opened, the underwater glider falls to achieve deployment.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2 , in this embodiment, specifically, the towing mechanism includes clamping arms 2-1 symmetrically installed on both sides of the carrier frame. The clamping arms are in a C-shaped structure. The two clamping arms form a clamp structure, forming an encircling structure with a lower opening for clamping and supporting the underwater glider. The upper part of the clamping arm is installed on the carrier frame through a rotating shaft 2-2 with a horizontal axis. The clamping arm can rotate around the rotating shaft to realize the opening and closing of the lower deployment opening. A hook support part 2-11 for towing the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the clamping arm. A deployment opening is formed between the two hook support parts. The clamping arm rotates around the rotating shaft to open the deployment opening. The hook support part is the structural part in the clamping arm that directly supports the bottom of the underwater glider. The underwater glider is supported above the hook support part, and the inner side of the hook support part is integrally inclined in a slope shape towards the deployment opening. The pressure of the underwater glider on the hook support part has a component force that causes the clamping arm to rotate outward around the rotating shaft. This design is to realize that when the clamping arm is in a state of contacting the flipping limit, under the action of its own gravity, the underwater glider can open the deployment opening and fall to achieve automatic deployment.

[0035] Furthermore, shaft brackets 1-1 are respectively provided at both ends of the side part of the carrier frame. The shaft brackets are provided with coaxial shaft holes. Both ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fitted into the shaft holes of the shaft brackets through aligning bearings. The aligning bearings are used to ensure the normal opening of the clamping arm, so that the clamping arm can be opened by its own gravity and the gravity of the underwater glider in an unobstructed state. In the stable flight state of the aircraft platform, the axis of the rotating shaft is horizontal. The rotating shaft is connected to the hook support parts arranged at axial intervals, and the rotating shaft is connected to the shoulder 2-12 combined with the locking slider. Specifically, three hook support parts are axially arranged at intervals on the rotating shaft, and a shoulder is formed by extending above the middle hook support part. The shoulder forms a swing rod component for driving the rotation of the rotating shaft. During the opening process of the deployment opening, the upper end of the shoulder swings inward.

[0036] The towing mechanism is provided with a supporting and positioning part for positioning the underwater glider. A positioning component 1-2 for combining with the underwater glider and limiting the hanging state of the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the carrier frame. Specifically, the upper part of the hook support part is designed as an arc-shaped groove adapted to the outer wall of the underwater glider, so that the underwater glider can be stably supported thereon. Please refer toFigure 4 The positioning component is connected to the carrier frame by bolts and is used in cooperation with the positioning pins at the top of the underwater glider. Three holes are designed on the positioning component for axially positioning the underwater glider to prevent it from moving in the axial direction, which is beneficial to improving the safety when the aircraft platform transports and deploys the underwater glider. Polyurethane cushions are provided at the contact positions between the clamping arms and the fuselage of the underwater glider for shock absorption and increasing friction, which is beneficial to clamping and fixing the underwater glider and improving the safety and stability during deployment.

[0037] The automatic locking mechanism is a combination of components with automatic control action functions used to trigger the state change of the towing mechanism. The automatic locking mechanism is installed on the carrier frame, specifically in the middle of the carrier frame and above the towing mechanism. The automatic locking mechanism is provided with a locking execution component that prevents the deployment opening from being opened and a driver. The driver is used to drive the locking execution component to move and disengage from the locking position that prevents the clamping hoop structure from being opened. That is, in the state where the locking execution component is in the locking position, it forms a structural component that prevents the shoulders of the clamping arms from retracting, so as to keep the deployment opening in the closed state. After the locking execution component is driven by the driver to move out of the locking position, the shoulders of the clamping arms contact and block, and the underwater glider can fall and deploy by virtue of its own gravity. In this embodiment, specifically, the locking execution component is a locking slider 3-1 installed on the carrier frame, and the locking slider is installed on the carrier frame through a slide rail. The slide rail is installed on the upper part of the carrier frame and extends along the axis of the rotating shaft, and the driver is connected to the locking slider and drives the locking slider to move.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, specifically, a pair of buckles are formed on the left and right sides of the locking slider of the automatic locking mechanism, and it also includes a limiting member 3-2 and a bearing seat 3-3. The driver is an electric cylinder 3-4. The bearing seat is fixed on the carrier frame by bolts, and the sliding member is connected to the bearing seat fixed on the carrier frame through the shaft at its front end and a sliding bearing, and the shaft slides axially under the assembly action of the sliding bearing. The tail of the sliding member is connected to the piston rod of the electric cylinder by bolts. The limiting member is fixed on the carrier frame by bolts and has a chute forming a slide rail. The locking slider is assembled in the limiting member and is connected to the sliding member.

[0039] When the electric cylinder works, it drives the sliding member and the locking slider to have an axial displacement in the chute of the limiting member. By controlling the axial movement of the piston rod of the electric cylinder, the axial movement of the buckle can be driven. After the buckle disengages from the clamping arm, the clamping arm can be opened, and the underwater glider fixed in the clamping arm is immediately released.

[0040] At both ends of the carrier frame, a pressing mechanism 5 is provided. The pressing mechanism is an auxiliary mechanism for the deployment of the underwater glider, which can apply an active downward pressure to the underwater glider to further ensure the reliable deployment of the underwater glider at the accurate position. Specifically, the pressing mechanism includes a pressing component that applies a downward pressure to the underwater glider.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the pressing mechanism includes a sliding sleeve and a pressing rod 5-2 that is fitted in the sliding sleeve 5-1 and moves vertically. The pressing rod is a pressing component, and the sliding sleeve is installed with a spring that applies a downward elastic force to the pressing rod. That is, brackets are respectively installed at the front and rear end portions of the carrier frame. The sliding sleeve is fixedly installed on the brackets, and the pressing rod is a cylindrical rod fitted in the sliding sleeve. An elastic force in the axial downward direction is applied to the pressing rod inside the sliding sleeve, so that the pressing rod forms an elastic component with a tendency to move downward. A limit screw or a limit flange portion for restricting the axial movement of the pressing rod is installed on the pressing rod. In the state where the underwater glider is clamped, the lower ends of the pressing rods in the pressing mechanisms on both sides of the carrier frame apply a downward pressing force to the front and rear end portions of the underwater glider. A fork-shaped pressing block 5-3 is installed at the lower end portion of the pressing rod. Polyurethane soft cushion layers are provided at the contact positions between the pressing block and the fuselage of the underwater glider, which play a role in shock absorption and increasing friction. This mechanism helps it to quickly separate from the fuselage and ensure the normal opening of the parachute ropes.

[0042] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater glider automatic airdrop deployment device, characterized in that Comprising: A carrier frame; A towing mechanism, which is installed on the carrier frame. The towing mechanism forms a clamp structure for clamping an underwater glider in a horizontal state, and a deployment opening for opening the clamp structure is provided at the lower part of the towing mechanism; An automatic locking mechanism, which is installed on the carrier frame. The automatic locking mechanism is provided with a locking execution component and a driver for preventing the deployment opening from opening. The driver is used to drive the locking execution component to move and disengage from the locking position that prevents the clamp structure from opening; At both ends of the carrier frame, a pressing mechanism is provided. The pressing mechanism includes a pressing component that applies a downward pressure to the underwater glider.

2. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The towing mechanism includes clamping arms symmetrically installed on both sides of the carrier frame. The two clamping arms form the clamp structure. The upper part of the clamping arm is installed on the carrier frame through a rotating shaft with a horizontal axis. A hook support part for towing the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the clamping arm. The deployment opening is formed between the two hook support parts. The clamping arm rotates around the rotating shaft to open the deployment opening.

3. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking execution component is a locking slider installed on the carrier frame. The locking slider is installed on the carrier frame through a slide rail. The driver is connected to the locking slider and drives the locking slider to move; A locking position for preventing the deployment opening in a closed state from opening is provided on the moving path of the locking slider.

4. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 3, wherein: The underwater glider is supported above the hook support part, and the pressure of the underwater glider on the hook support part has a component force that causes the clamping arm to rotate outward around the rotating shaft.

5. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Shaft brackets are respectively provided at both ends of the side part of the carrier frame. Both ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fitted into the shaft brackets. The rotating shaft is connected to the hook support parts arranged at axial intervals, and the rotating shaft is connected to a shoulder combined with the locking slider.

6. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The slide rail is installed on the upper part of the carrier frame and extends along the axis of the rotating shaft. The locking slider is fitted into the slide rail and is blocked inside the shoulder in the locking position state.

7. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing mechanism includes a sliding sleeve and a pressing rod fitted in the sliding sleeve and moving vertically. The pressing rod is the pressing component, and the sliding sleeve is installed with a spring that applies a downward elastic force to the pressing rod.

8. The underwater glider automatic airdrop and deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning component for limiting the hanging state of the underwater glider in combination with the underwater glider is provided at the lower part of the carrier frame.

9. The automatic airdrop and deployment device for underwater gliders according to claim 8, wherein: The towing mechanism is provided with a supporting and positioning part for positioning the underwater glider.

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