A new type of folded column tethered balloon suitable for lifting a tower

Abstract

The application discloses a novel folding column-shaped tethered balloon suitable for hoisting a tower, and the tethered balloon comprises a carbon fiber frame ring, a folding framework, an outer coating fabric, a load belt, edge sealing glue, an inner air bag, a secondary air bag, an air port, a central shaft and a spherical gyroscope; the outer coating fabric comprises a first outer coating fabric and a second outer coating fabric; the load belt comprises a first load belt and a second load belt; the carbon fiber frame ring is connected with the folding framework, the top surface of the carbon fiber frame ring is provided with the first outer coating fabric, the top surface of the first outer coating fabric is provided with the first load belt, the outer surface of the first outer coating fabric is sealed with the edge sealing glue, the inner air bag is arranged at the bottom of the first outer coating fabric, and the central shaft, the spherical gyroscope and the secondary air bag are arranged in the inner air bag; the problems that a power transmission tower construction demand under different terrains and environmental conditions cannot be met, especially in mountainous areas where large hoisting equipment cannot be used, are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tethered balloons, and in particular to a novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers. Background Technology

[0002] A tethered balloon is a balloon that is tethered to a ground winch using a cable, allowing control over its altitude in the atmosphere. It ascends to an altitude below 2 km and is primarily used for atmospheric boundary layer exploration. A tethered balloon is an aerostat that gains buoyancy from the buoyant gas inside its bladder and is secured by a cable. By utilizing the tether cable, aerodynamic lift, and residual buoyancy, it can maintain a fixed altitude and stay aloft for extended periods within a specific area of ​​the air.

[0003] To ensure good stability, balloons are sometimes streamlined and placed horizontally in the air. They are filled with hydrogen or helium. Balloons can carry recording instruments, radio telemetry instruments, or instruments that can transmit information via cables; they can also be used to conduct gradient observations at several predetermined altitudes. Large balloons made of polyester film can carry instruments weighing tens of kilograms. In addition to meteorological elements such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind, they are used to observe ozone and monitor air pollution, continuously measuring their changes over a period of time (several hours to tens of hours). However, they are difficult to operate in strong winds and are not suitable for long-term continuous observation.

[0004] Compared with other high- and low-altitude aircraft, tethered balloons have the advantages of long loiter time (continuous loiter time is several days to a month), strong weather resistance, simple and flexible deployment, and low cost and maintenance.

[0005] A gyroscope is a mechanical device whose main component is a rotor that rotates at an extremely high angular velocity around its axis of rotation. The rotor is mounted in a support. An inner ring frame is added to the central axis of the rotor, allowing the gyroscope to move freely around two planar axes. Then, an outer ring frame is added outside the inner ring frame. This gyroscope has two balancing rings and can move freely around three planar axes, making it a complete space gyroscope.

[0006] Technical solution of existing technology 1

[0007] In foreign countries, helicopters are often used for lifting towers in mountainous areas. High-strength cables are used from below the helicopter via fixed connection points to lift the tower.

[0008] Disadvantages of existing technology 1

[0009] The operating costs are very high, with high rental fees and fuel consumption for heavy-duty helicopters, averaging over 400,000 RMB per tower erection. Each tower erection can only use one heavy-duty helicopter for lifting, and the lifting point position is not easy to change. Furthermore, it is impossible to provide diverse lifting solutions for towers of different weights and shapes. The mountainous terrain is complex, requiring heavy-duty helicopters to have a large open area for take-off and landing. Cutting down trees in the mountains to meet construction conditions does not conform to the advanced concept of environmentally friendly construction. Heavy-duty helicopters cannot maintain tower erection work for extended periods, reducing the efficiency of continuous construction.

[0010] Technical solution of existing technology 2

[0011] The spherical tethered balloon is the most common shape used for tethered balloons, and it can also carry some large monitoring equipment.

[0012] Disadvantages of existing technology 2

[0013] When carrying heavy objects in an airflow, tethered balloons do not maintain good stability and are easily affected by airflow during lifting, thus affecting construction. Secondly, tethered balloons do not have a horizontal load band and cannot obtain stable unidirectional lift by ascending the balloon, making them unsuitable for lifting work. Furthermore, tethered balloons still occupy a large volume when deflated, making them inconvenient to transport by large trucks, and multiple balloons are difficult to move. Summary of the Invention

[0014] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting and erecting power transmission towers, solving the problem of not being able to meet the construction needs of power transmission towers under different terrain and environmental conditions, especially in mountainous areas where large lifting equipment cannot be used.

[0015] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0016] A novel foldable cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers. The tethered balloon includes a carbon fiber frame ring, a folded skeleton, an external coated fabric, a load belt, edge sealing, an internal airbag, a secondary airbag, an air inlet, a central shaft, and a spherical gyroscope.

[0017] The external coating fabric includes a first external coating fabric and a second external coating fabric;

[0018] The load band includes a first load band and a second load band;

[0019] A carbon fiber frame ring connects to a folded skeleton. A first external coating fabric is provided on the top surface of the carbon fiber frame ring. A first load band is provided on the top surface of the first external coating fabric. The outer surface of the first external coating fabric is sealed with edge sealant to connect the internal airbag. The internal airbag is located at the bottom of the first external coating fabric. A central axis, a spherical gyroscope, and a secondary airbag are located inside the internal airbag. A sensor is located inside the central axis. The spherical gyroscope is connected to the sensor inside the central axis. A second external coating fabric is provided at the bottom of the internal airbag. A load band is provided at the bottom of the second external coating fabric. An air vent is provided on the bottom surface of the second external coating fabric.

[0020] Preferably, the gas inlet is used for independent filling and release of hydrogen or helium.

[0021] Preferably, the spherical gyroscope includes an outer shaft and a housing connection, an outer shaft, an inner and outer shaft connection, a housing, and an inner shaft; the housing, the inner shaft, and the outer shaft are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection, the outer shaft and the inner and outer shaft connection are connected by the outer shaft and the housing connection, the housing and the outer shaft are connected by the outer shaft and the housing connection, and the inner shaft and the outer shaft are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection.

[0022] Preferably, the central shaft connects the whole, and the central shaft has thick walls and is hollow, with the sensor installed inside.

[0023] Preferably, the auxiliary airbag is used to ensure the stability of the tethered balloon during construction and use after the balloon is fully inflated.

[0024] Preferably, the spherical gyroscope is used to monitor the force balance of the tethered balloon during the lifting process, and the sensor controls the winch system to maintain the stable force direction of the tethered balloon, so as to carry out a smooth lifting.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention on the novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon for lifting towers are as follows:

[0026] 1. Compared with other high and low altitude aircraft, the tethered balloon has the advantages of long loiter time, continuous loiter time of several days to one month, strong weather resistance, simple and flexible deployment, and low cost and maintenance cost.

[0027] 2. The long-term air-holding capability of this invention is highly economical, allowing for continuous operation for at least several days after each inflation, thus reducing the average daily cost per tower. Furthermore, it ensures continuous operation, significantly improving the efficiency of tower erection projects.

[0028] 3. This invention has strong weather resistance, and the tethered balloon can be used for construction even in relatively severe weather conditions, which can improve safety while ensuring project progress.

[0029] 4. This invention is simple and flexible to deploy, and its foldable form can compress its volume, allowing it to carry more tethered balloons in a single transport.

[0030] 5. Individual small tethered balloons are easier to mass-produce, have lower operating costs, shorter inflation and deflation times, and are also easier to transport.

[0031] 6. Tethered balloons are easy to transport. Foldable cylindrical tethered balloons are easier to transport;

[0032] 7. This invention has strong adaptability. It is suitable for the construction of power transmission towers under different terrain and environmental conditions, and has strong adaptability and flexibility. In mountainous areas with high wind speeds, the new type of foldable tethered balloon can maintain a consistent lift direction through its embedded gyroscope, ensuring the smooth progress of the construction.

[0033] 8. This invention is highly economical, with low manufacturing and maintenance costs, and can be reused.

[0034] 9. This invention has high construction efficiency and long hang time, enabling long-term operation.

[0035] 10. This invention has high safety and strong weather resistance, and the tethered balloon can be used for construction even in relatively severe weather conditions, which can improve safety while ensuring project progress.

[0036] 11. This invention is environmentally friendly. While maintaining the same lift (i.e., the original volume), it reduces the lateral width and increases the longitudinal height, eliminating the need to cut down too many trees to create a larger construction area. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the tethered balloon before folding according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the spherical gyroscope of the present invention.

[0040] Reference numerals: 1-Carbon fiber frame ring, 2-Folded skeleton, 3-Outer coated fabric, 4-Load belt, 5-Edge sealing, 6-Internal airbag, 7-Secondary airbag, 8-Air vent, 9-Central axis, 10-Spherical gyroscope, 3-1-First external coated fabric, 3-2-Second external coated fabric, 4-1-First load belt, 4-2-Second load belt, 11-Connection between outer shaft and shell, 12-Outer shaft, 13-Connection between inner and outer shaft, 14-Shell, 15-Inner shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers is described. The tethered balloon includes a carbon fiber frame ring 1, a folding skeleton 2, an outer coated fabric 3, a load belt 4, an edge sealant 5, an internal airbag 6, a secondary airbag 7, an air inlet 8, a central shaft 9, and a spherical gyroscope 10.

[0044] The outer coated fabric 3 includes a first outer coated fabric 3-1 and a second outer coated fabric 3-2;

[0045] Load band 4 includes a first load band 4-1 and a second load band 4-2;

[0046] A carbon fiber frame ring 1 is connected to a folded skeleton 2. A first external coating fabric 3-1 is provided on the top surface of the carbon fiber frame ring 1. A first load band 4-1 is provided on the top surface of the first external coating fabric 3-1. The outer surface of the first external coating fabric 3-1 is sealed with edge sealant 5 to connect to the internal airbag 6. The internal airbag 6 is located at the bottom of the first external coating fabric 3-1. A central shaft 9, a spherical gyroscope 10, and a secondary airbag 7 are located inside the internal airbag 6. A sensor is located inside the central shaft 9. The spherical gyroscope 10 is connected to the sensor inside the central shaft 9. A second external coating fabric 3-2 is provided at the bottom of the internal airbag 6. A second load band 4-2 is provided at the bottom of the second external coating fabric 3-2. An air vent 8 is provided on the bottom surface of the second external coating fabric 3-2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the gas port 8 is used for independent filling and releasing of hydrogen or helium.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the spherical gyroscope 10 of this embodiment includes an outer shaft and housing connection 11, an outer shaft 12, an inner and outer shaft connection 13, a housing 14, and an inner shaft 15; the housing 14, the inner shaft 15, and the outer shaft 12 are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection 13, the outer shaft 12 and the inner and outer shaft connection 13 are connected by the outer shaft and housing connection 11, the housing 14 and the outer shaft 12 are connected by the outer shaft and housing connection 11, and the inner shaft 15 and the outer shaft 12 are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection 13.

[0049] The central shaft 9 of this implementation scheme connects the whole, and the central shaft has a thick wall and is hollow, with the sensor installed inside.

[0050] The auxiliary airbag 7 in this implementation plan is used to ensure the stability of the balloon during construction and use after the tethered balloon is fully inflated.

[0051] The spherical gyroscope 10 in this embodiment is used to monitor the force balance of the tethered balloon during the lifting process, and to control the winch system through the sensor to maintain the stable force direction of the tethered balloon and carry out a smooth lifting.

[0052] When implemented, this invention relates to a novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting and erecting power transmission towers. It provides a novel tethered balloon that is efficient, safe, lightweight, simple in structure, and reusable for lifting power transmission towers, in order to meet the construction needs of power transmission towers under different terrain and environmental conditions, especially in mountainous areas where large lifting equipment cannot be used.

[0053] For power transmission tower construction in mountainous terrain, inconvenient transportation makes it difficult for heavy lifting equipment to reach the construction site, hindering the widespread adoption of integrated tower erection solutions using heavy lifting equipment in mountainous areas. In other countries, helicopters are often used for tower erection in mountainous areas, but the cost of a single tower erection is very high. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new, economical, and efficient tower erection device.

[0054] As a brand-new tethered balloon model, the foldable cylindrical tethered balloon has significant advantages in mountainous terrain. When deflated, it can be folded for storage, facilitating transport during construction in mountainous areas. When inflated, it retains the original volume while reducing the lateral width and increasing the longitudinal height, making it better suited for construction in mountainous terrain and requiring less space for construction. Furthermore, the design incorporates a prefabricated horizontal load-bearing band on the lower plane of the cylindrical tethered balloon, with counterweights added to ensure that it remains perpendicular to the ground during lifting.

[0055] The tethered balloon has a diameter of D and a height of H. The bottom of the cylindrical tethered balloon is connected to a fixed section with a diameter greater than D and a load band on its lower surface. The cylindrical tethered balloon consists of a skeleton and a capsule skin. The skeleton includes several radially foldable skeletons and annular side skeletons. The capsule skin has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is made of high-strength TPU film material with a coating treatment, and the outer surface is made of high-strength polyester. The foldable cylindrical balloon has an air inlet at the bottom for independent filling with hydrogen or helium.

[0056] When the entire device is not inflated, it is initially in a compressed state, with all the frames and central shaft folded and compressed. As gas begins to be introduced into the eight air ports, the overall volume of the device begins to increase. Operators can remotely control the retractable central shaft to extend the frames, accelerating the air intake rate and reducing air intake damping. After inflation, the device is connected to a winch and other take-up and take-down devices via a load belt to adjust and change the direction of the columnar balloon's lift force for assisting in the lifting of the tower. The central spherical gyroscope 10 monitors whether there is any deviation in the direction of the columnar tethered balloon's lift force. If a deviation occurs, an electrical signal is released, allowing operators to control the winch to ensure a unified lifting direction and enhance the overall safety of the lifting process.

[0057] The present invention comprises: 1) a carbon fiber frame ring for stabilizing the overall cylindrical shape; 2) a folded skeleton made of carbon fiber, ensuring high performance and strength while reducing weight; 3) an external coated fabric made of high-strength polyester, capable of withstanding enormous pressure and ensuring overall structural stability; 4) load-bearing belts distributed on the upper and lower planes, primarily serving a connecting function, with load-bearing capacity in the center, constructed of lattice stitching and high-density composite materials, capable of supporting significant weight; 5) edge sealing to ensure the overall airtightness of the balloon, with stress concentration at the point of maximum contact between the skeleton and the skin, using thermoplastic sealing to ensure airtightness while increasing strength; and 6) an internal air bladder. The structure consists of several parts: 1. High-strength TPU material; 2. A secondary airbag, which ensures the stability of the tethered balloon during construction and use after the entire cylindrical balloon is inflated; 3. An air inlet for inflation and deflation; 4. A central shaft, which connects the entire structure. The central shaft is thick-walled and hollow, allowing for the installation of monitoring and sensing equipment; 5. A spherical gyroscope; 6. An internal structure consisting of a connection between the outer shaft and the shell, a sensor node; 7. An outer shaft; and 8. A connection between the inner and outer shafts. The spherical gyroscope 10 connects to sensors to monitor the force balance of the cylindrical tethered balloon during lifting. The sensors control the winch system to maintain a stable force direction for the tethered balloon, enabling smooth lifting.

[0058] The carbon fiber frame ring 1 and the folding skeleton 2 are connected to the joint by a combination of nuts; the outer coated fabric 3, the load belt 4, the auxiliary airbag 7, and the air vent 8 are sewn together by high-strength stitching thread (high-strength polyester); the edge sealing 5 and the surface of the internal airbag 6 are connected by heat sealing; the retractable central shaft 9 and the spherical gyroscope 10 are connected by welding a semi-circular ferrule.

[0059] This invention offers several advantages for lifting power transmission towers. First, the foldable cylindrical tethered balloon is high-strength and lightweight, capable of supporting the weight of the transmission tower and providing stable lift during construction, thus achieving efficient lifting. Furthermore, its foldable design allows for convenient storage and transportation of the tethered balloon in its uninflated state, without taking up significant space. Simultaneously, this invention is applicable to power transmission tower construction under various terrain and environmental conditions, exhibiting strong adaptability and flexibility. Finally, the overall stress during tower erection can be monitored by a sensor built into the central axis 9, and adaptively adjusted by a spherical gyroscope 10, ensuring the stability and safety of the tower erection and lifting operation.

Claims

1. A novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers, characterized in that, The tethered balloon includes a carbon fiber frame ring (1), a folded skeleton (2), an outer coated fabric (3), a load belt (4), an edge sealant (5), an internal airbag (6), a secondary airbag (7), an air vent (8), a central shaft (9), and a spherical gyroscope (10). The externally coated fabric (3) includes a first externally coated fabric (3-1) and a second externally coated fabric (3-2); The load band (4) includes a first load band (4-1) and a second load band (4-2); The carbon fiber frame ring (1) is connected to the folded skeleton (2). The top surface of the carbon fiber frame ring (1) is provided with the first external coating fabric (3-1). The top surface of the first external coating fabric (3-1) is provided with the first load band (4-1). The outer surface of the first external coating fabric (3-1) is sealed with edge sealant (5) to connect the internal airbag (6). The internal airbag (6) is located at the bottom of the first external coating fabric (3-1). The central shaft (9), the spherical gyroscope (10) and the auxiliary airbag (7) are located inside the internal airbag (6). The sensor is located inside the central shaft (9). The spherical gyroscope (10) is connected to the sensor inside the central shaft (9). The bottom of the internal airbag (6) is provided with the second external coating fabric (3-2). The bottom of the second external coating fabric (3-2) is provided with the second load band (4-2). The bottom surface of the second external coating fabric (3-2) is provided with the air vent (8).

2. The novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas inlet (8) is used for independent filling and releasing of hydrogen or helium.

3. The novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spherical gyroscope (10) includes an outer shaft and housing connection (11), an outer shaft (12), an inner and outer shaft connection (13), a housing (14), and an inner shaft (15); the housing (14), the inner shaft (15), and the outer shaft (12) are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection (13), the outer shaft (12) and the inner and outer shaft connection (13) are connected by the outer shaft and housing connection (11), the housing (14) and the outer shaft (12) are connected by the outer shaft and housing connection (11), and the inner shaft (15) and the outer shaft (12) are connected by the inner and outer shaft connection (13).

4. The novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central shaft (9) connects the whole, and the central shaft has a thick wall and is hollow, with a sensor installed inside.

5. The novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon suitable for lifting towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary airbag (7) is used to ensure the stability of the balloon during construction and use after the tethered balloon is fully inflated.

6. The novel folding cylindrical tethered balloon for lifting towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spherical gyroscope (10) is used to monitor the force balance of the tethered balloon during the lifting process, and to control the winch system through the sensor to maintain the stable force direction of the tethered balloon and carry out a smooth lifting.

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