Energy storage and buffer integrated device for unmanned aerial vehicle swarm launching

By designing an integrated energy storage and buffer device, which integrates a pressure-bearing device, a two-position two-way valve, and a high-pressure gas interface, the problems of large size, heavy weight, and high leakage risk of UAV gas ejection systems have been solved, realizing efficient and reliable gas ejection for UAV swarm launch.

CN117326117BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-24BEIJING INST OF SPECIALIZED MACHINERY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311222671.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-21
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing UAV gas ejection systems are large, heavy, complex in structure, have low integration, high risk of leakage, and high maintenance costs, making it difficult to meet the needs of UAV swarm launches.

Method used

Design an integrated energy storage and buffer device, including a pressure-bearing device, a two-position two-way valve, a high-pressure gas interface, and a pressure sensor, to achieve efficient integration of a gas ejection system. By integrating the two-position two-way valve with the pressure-bearing device, the pipeline is simplified, the leakage points are reduced, and the system reliability is improved.

Benefits of technology

It achieves miniaturization and weight reduction of the gas ejection system, reduces leakage risk and maintenance costs, improves system integration and operational reliability, and is suitable for drone swarm launch.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to the field of aerospace technology, in particular to an energy storage and buffering integrated device for swarm launching of unmanned planes, which comprises a pressure bearing device, a plurality of two-position two-way valves, a high-pressure gas interface and a pressure sensor, the inner cavity of the pressure bearing device is used for containing high-pressure gas, the two-position two-way valves, the high-pressure gas interface and the pressure sensor are all connected to the pressure bearing device, the two-position two-way valves, the high-pressure gas interface and the pressure sensor are all in communication with the inner cavity of the pressure bearing device, the high-pressure gas interface is used for connecting a high-pressure gas source, and the two-position two-way valves are used for connecting launching cabins of unmanned planes to be launched. The application has a smaller volume and lighter weight, only one set of pressure storage devices can realize the functions of gas launching and buffering before launching of the unmanned planes and can launch multiple times of unmanned planes.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to an integrated energy storage and buffer device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Background Technology

[0002] Currently, gas ejection remains an important method for launching drones, with its primary power source being a limited amount of high-pressure gas stored in cylinders. When a drone needs to be launched, the high-pressure gas passes through buffer devices, control valves, and pipelines to provide a certain gas pressure, enabling the drone to launch at a specific speed. Existing gas ejection systems mainly suffer from the following problems:

[0003] 1) Due to the increasing demand for UAV launches, existing gas ejection systems require dedicated buffer devices for each launch. Long and complex pipelines are needed between the UAVs, buffer devices, control components, and power sources, resulting in large size and weight, complex structure, and low integration. 2) During operation, the gas ejection system controls high-pressure gas by opening and closing various valves. However, each independent component requires pipeline connections, and these connections increase the possibility of leakage, leading to a very high risk of leakage for the entire system. With limited high-pressure gas, the system's reliability faces significant challenges. 3) Each launch's buffer device requires a pressure sensor for pre-launch pressure detection. As the number of launches increases, the number of buffer devices and sensors required also increases. High-pressure, high-frequency, and long-term operation makes it difficult to guarantee reliability, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0004] The aforementioned problems will become even more pronounced in future UAV swarm launch requirements, significantly limiting the application of traditional UAV gas ejection systems. Therefore, breaking through the existing operating modes of UAV gas ejection systems, simplifying them, further improving their integration and reliability, and reducing potential leakage points during operation are of great significance for the development and practical application of UAV swarm launch methods and gas ejection systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an integrated energy storage and buffer device for drone swarm launch that is smaller in size and lighter in weight, and can realize the gas ejection and pre-ejection buffering functions of drones and launch multiple drones with only one pressure storage device.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention relates to an integrated energy storage and buffer device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising a pressure-bearing device, multiple two-position two-way valves, a high-pressure gas interface, and a pressure sensor. The inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device is used to contain high-pressure gas. The two-position two-way valves, the high-pressure gas interface, and the pressure sensor are all connected to the pressure-bearing device. The two-position two-way valves, the high-pressure gas interface, and the pressure sensor are all in communication with the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device. The high-pressure gas interface is used to connect to a high-pressure gas source, and the two-position two-way valves are used to connect to the launch compartment of the UAV to be launched.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes multiple straight connectors. The side wall of the pressure-bearing device is provided with multiple through holes, and each through hole is provided with a straight connector. Each two-position two-way valve is connected to a straight connector.

[0009] Furthermore, the through hole is provided with reverse threads.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure-bearing device is a hollow cylinder.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner wall of the pressure-bearing device has a rounded transition between its side surface and the two bottom surfaces.

[0012] Furthermore, the high-pressure gas interface is located on one of the bottom surfaces of the pressure-bearing device, and the two-position two-way valve is connected to the side of the pressure-bearing device.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing device is provided between the straight connector and the wall of the through hole, and between the two-position two-way valve and the straight connector.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the energy storage and buffering integrated device of the present invention for drone swarm launch has at least the following characteristics:

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention relates to an integrated energy storage and buffering device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It comprises a pressure-bearing device, multiple two-position two-way valves, a high-pressure gas interface, and a pressure sensor. All components—the two-position two-way valves, high-pressure gas interface, and pressure sensor—are connected to the pressure-bearing device, resulting in high integration. The integrated design of the two-position two-way valves and the pressure-bearing device achieves efficient integration of the gas ejection system, simplifying system configuration. Compared to traditional gas ejection systems, it is smaller and lighter, requiring only one pressure storage device to launch multiple UAVs. Furthermore, a single device can perform both gas ejection and pre-ejection buffering functions for the UAVs, minimizing leakage points and simplifying piping, significantly reducing pressure loss during operation. This makes the gas ejection system more efficient and energy-saving. The control method during ejection is simple and easy to implement, facilitating use and maintenance.

[0017] The energy storage and buffering integrated device for drone swarm launch will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the integrated energy storage and buffer device for drone swarm launch according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of the integrated energy storage and buffer device for drone swarm launch according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this invention relates to an integrated energy storage and buffer device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It includes a pressure-bearing device 01, multiple two-position two-way valves 02, a high-pressure gas interface 03, and a pressure sensor 04. The pressure-bearing device 01 is a hollow, enclosed body. Its inner cavity is used to contain high-pressure gas. The two-position two-way valves 02, high-pressure gas interface 03, and pressure sensor 04 are all connected to the pressure-bearing device 01 and communicate with its inner cavity. The high-pressure gas interface 03 is used to connect to a high-pressure gas source, allowing for repeated charging and discharging operations. During charging, the interface should open unobstructed; when the external gas source is cut off, the high-pressure gas interface 03 should be reliably sealed. The two-position two-way valves 02 are used to connect to the launch compartment of the UAV to be launched. The pressure sensor 04 is used to monitor and provide feedback on the gas pressure within the pressure-bearing device 01 in real time. When the gas pressure reaches the required pressure or when pressure fluctuations occur during operation, the pressure value can be collected in real time and displayed on a host computer. The two-position two-way valve 02 has two working positions: left and right. When the valve is not energized, it operates in the right position, sealing both its inlet and outlet to reliably seal the high-pressure gas within the pressure-bearing device 01. When the valve is energized, it operates in the left position, connecting its inlet and outlet, allowing the high-pressure gas in the pressure-bearing device 01 to flow unimpeded into the launch bay of the UAV. Specifically, the two-position two-way valve 02 can be a two-position two-way solenoid valve, a two-position two-way ball valve, or other valves capable of controlling the gas flow.

[0021] After the energy storage and buffering integrated device for UAV swarm launch is assembled, a certain pressure of gas is injected into the pressure-bearing device 01. If the gas pressure does not drop significantly within a certain period of time, its reliable sealing performance can be verified. When the pressure-bearing device 01 needs to be inflated, external high-pressure gas is injected into the pressure-bearing device 01 through the high-pressure gas interface 03. As the launch operation proceeds, the pressure inside the pressure-bearing device 01 decreases, and high-pressure gas needs to be continuously injected into the pressure-bearing device 01 through the high-pressure gas interface 03. The pressure-bearing device 01 needs to store a certain amount of high-pressure gas during the operation. When the pressure-bearing device 01 is full, the pressure can be judged by the feedback of the pressure sensor 04 to determine whether the pressure is stable. If the gas pressure is stable and the launch operation is not performed, the external gas source can be cut off, and the high-pressure gas interface 03 will be closed accordingly, thus sealing and storing the high-pressure gas in the pressure-bearing device 01.

[0022] When a drone needs to be launched, the two-position two-way valve 02 is energized, and the high-pressure gas in the pressure-bearing device 01 is released to the launch chamber of the drone as the two-position two-way valve 02 opens, propelling the drone to launch. When the pressure in the pressure-bearing device 01 is insufficient, an external gas source needs to be connected, and high-pressure gas re-enters the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device 01 through the high-pressure gas interface 03 to replenish the gas until the pressure stabilizes.

[0023] This invention relates to an integrated energy storage and buffer device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It comprises a pressure-bearing device 01, multiple two-position two-way valves 02, a high-pressure gas interface 03, and a pressure sensor 04. All components—the two-position two-way valves 02, the high-pressure gas interface 03, and the pressure sensor 04—are connected to the pressure-bearing device 01, resulting in a high degree of integration. The integrated design of the two-position two-way valves 02 and the pressure-bearing device 01 achieves efficient integration of the gas ejection system, simplifying system configuration. Compared to traditional gas ejection systems, it is smaller and lighter, allowing for multiple launches with only one pressure storage device. The drone has fewer leakage points and simpler piping, which greatly reduces the pressure loss during operation, making the gas ejection system more efficient and energy-saving. The control method during ejection is simple and easy to implement, and it is convenient to use and maintain. At the same time, since the pressure-bearing device 01 is equipped with a high-pressure gas interface 03, the pressure-bearing device 01 has a large internal space. The high-pressure gas can enter the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device 01 through the high-pressure gas interface 03 to complete the buffering, and make the gas replenishment rate of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device 01 greater than the gas consumption rate, reducing the gas pressure fluctuation in the inner cavity and ensuring that the drone can be ejected smoothly.

[0024] Optionally, the integrated energy storage and buffer device for UAV swarm launch of the present invention further includes multiple straight-through connectors 05. Multiple through holes are provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing device 01, and a straight-through connector 05 is provided on each through hole. Each two-position two-way valve 02 is connected to a straight-through connector 05. Because the side wall of the pressure-bearing device 01 has through holes, and the straight-through connectors 05 are provided on the through holes, and the two-position two-way valves 02 are installed on the straight-through connectors 05, installation is more convenient.

[0025] Specifically, sealing devices are provided between the straight connector 05 and the wall of the through hole, and between the two-position two-way valve 02 and the straight connector 05, to ensure that the high-pressure gas in the pressure-bearing device 01 is transmitted to the two-position two-way valve 02 without leakage.

[0026] Optionally, the through holes are provided with reverse threads. Due to the dense arrangement of through holes on the pressure-bearing device 01, reverse threads are provided on the through holes to prevent mutual interference during the installation of the two-position two-way valve 02. During assembly, first fix the pressure-bearing device 01 and confirm the installation direction of the two-position two-way valve 02. Then, simply rotate the straight connector 05 to achieve a reliable connection between the pressure-bearing device 01, the straight connector 05, and the two-position two-way valve 02. The installation is convenient and quick.

[0027] Optionally, the pressure-bearing device 01 is a hollow cylinder.

[0028] Optionally, the inner wall of the pressure-bearing device 01 has a circular arc transition between its side surface and the two bottom surfaces. When the air pressure inside the pressure-bearing device 01 fluctuates, the circular arc transition of the inner wall and the large internal space will actively absorb the fluctuation, realizing the air pressure buffering function when the high-pressure gas fluctuates, ensuring that a stable high-pressure gas can be output and the high-pressure gas flow rate is constant, so that the UAV can be launched smoothly.

[0029] Optionally, the high-pressure gas interface 03 is located on one bottom surface of the pressure-bearing device 1, and the two-position two-way valve 02 is connected to the side of the pressure-bearing device 01 to facilitate connection to the high-pressure gas source through the high-pressure gas interface 03.

[0030] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated energy storage and buffer device for swarm launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, The device includes a pressure-bearing device (01), multiple two-position two-way valves (02), and a high-pressure gas interface (03). The inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device (01) is used to contain high-pressure gas. The two-position two-way valves (02) and the high-pressure gas interface (03) are all connected to the pressure-bearing device (01) and communicate with the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing device (01). The high-pressure gas interface (03) is used to connect to a high-pressure gas source, and the two-position two-way valves (02) are used to connect to... The launch cabin for receiving and launching UAVs also includes a pressure sensor (04), which is connected to the pressure-bearing device (01). The pressure sensor (04) is used to measure the gas pressure inside the pressure-bearing device (01). It also includes multiple straight connectors (05). Multiple through holes are provided on the side wall of the pressure-bearing device (01), and each through hole is provided with a straight connector (05). Each two-position two-way valve (02) is connected to a straight connector (05).

2. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for drone swarm launch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole is provided with reverse threads.

3. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for drone swarm launch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure-bearing device (01) is a hollow cylinder.

4. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for UAV swarm launch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the pressure-bearing device (01) has a circular arc transition between the side surface and the two bottom surfaces.

5. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for UAV swarm launch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The high-pressure gas interface (03) is located on one bottom surface of the pressure-bearing device (01), and the two-position two-way valve (02) is connected to the side of the pressure-bearing device (01).

6. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for UAV swarm launch according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing device is provided between the straight connector (05) and the wall of the through hole.

7. The integrated energy storage and buffer device for UAV swarm launch according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing device is provided between the two-position two-way valve (02) and the straight connector (05).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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