An unmanned aerial vehicle protection structure, unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned aerial vehicle protection method

Abstract

The application provides a UAV protection structure, a UAV and a UAV protection method, and belongs to the technical field of UAVs, and comprises a support, a stall detection module and a protection pad, the support comprises a transverse support, a second inclined support and a first inclined support, the transverse support is fixedly arranged at the bottom end of the UAV, the second inclined support is movably connected with the transverse support through a first hinge, the first inclined support is movably connected with the transverse support through a second hinge, one flexible hollow pipe body is arranged in each of the second inclined support, the first inclined support and the transverse support, the flexible hollow pipe bodies arranged in the second inclined support, the first inclined support and the transverse support are interconnected, and the flexible hollow pipe bodies are filled with compressed gas; the protection pad is attached to the outer wall of the bottom of the transverse support, the protection pad is connected with the flexible hollow pipe body arranged in the transverse support through an electromagnetic valve to form a first gas path, and the stall detection module is arranged in the UAV and used for controlling the compressed gas to enter the protection pad to expand the protection pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and specifically relates to a UAV protection structure, a UAV, and a UAV protection method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing drones are generally made of lightweight carbon fiber, resulting in a lightweight design and uniform weight distribution. This leads to a more consistent weight distribution among manufactured drones, which is advantageous for subsequent adjustments and upgrades. However, these drones typically have limited safety features. In the event of an emergency and crash, the lightweight material makes them less resistant to impacts, potentially damaging valuable components. This is especially problematic for drones carrying expensive instruments, where a crash could result in significant losses. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a drone protection structure that can solve the technical problem that valuable components on the drone are easily damaged in the event of a crash.

[0004] This invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] This invention provides a protective structure for a drone, comprising a bracket, a stall detection module, and a protective pad. The bracket includes a horizontal bracket, a second inclined bracket, and a first inclined bracket. The horizontal bracket is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone. The second inclined bracket is movably connected to the horizontal bracket via a first hinge, and the first inclined bracket is movably connected to the horizontal bracket via a second hinge. Each of the second inclined bracket, the first inclined bracket, and the horizontal bracket contains a flexible hollow tube, which are interconnected. Compressed gas is filled into each flexible hollow tube. The protective pad is applied... The protective pad, located on the bottom outer wall of the transverse support, is an airtight sealed cavity made of elastic material. The protective pad is connected to a flexible hollow tube within the transverse support via a solenoid valve, forming a first air passage. The stall detection module, located within the UAV, includes a controller, a signal generator, and a gyroscope. The gyroscope detects whether the UAV is stalling. The controller generates a valve control signal upon detecting a stall and sends the signal to the solenoid valve via the signal generator. Upon receiving the valve control signal, the solenoid valve opens, allowing compressed gas to enter and expand the protective pad.

[0006] The technical advantages of the drone protection structure provided by this invention are as follows: When the stall detection module detects a stall in the drone, it activates the solenoid valve, allowing compressed gas inside the flexible hollow tube to enter the protective pad, thus expanding the pad and protecting the drone's internal components from impact damage. Simultaneously, the flexible hollow tube itself also mitigates impact forces, further protecting the drone itself and any valuable equipment carried by it.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the UAV protection structure of the present invention can be further improved as follows:

[0008] The flexible hollow tube and the protective pad are provided with an elastic valve to form a second air passage, including a valve core and an elastic element. The elastic element is used to push the valve core to close the second air passage.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: After the protective pad is filled with gas, the cushioning capacity of the airbag may be limited when it lands, which may easily lead to the protective pad breaking or the protective pad bouncing very high after hitting the ground, resulting in a secondary crash. Therefore, when a crash occurs, after the compressed gas enters the protective pad, the solenoid valve will close. At this time, the air pressure in the protective pad and the flexible hollow tube is roughly the same. When the protective pad contacts the ground, the air pressure in the protective pad increases, which will push the valve core, allowing some gas to enter the flexible hollow tube. The elasticity of the protective pad is reduced by reducing its volume, thereby reducing the height of the secondary bounce and increasing the elasticity of the protective pad.

[0010] Furthermore, the second hinge is provided with a channel for communication between the flexible hollow tubes.

[0011] The device also includes a buffer device comprising a first stop plate, a second stop plate, a first spring, and a second spring. Both the first and second stop plates include a fixed plate and an elastic plate. The fixed plate is used to fix the device to the bottom wall of the transverse support. Both the first and second stop plates are made of elastic metal material. The first spring is positioned between the elastic plate of the first stop plate and the second inclined support; the second spring is positioned between the second stop plate and the first inclined support.

[0012] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: by using a buffer device, when the protective pad is inflated, the elastic sheet is squeezed by the protective pad, and then the spring causes the second inclined bracket or the first inclined bracket to expand outward, increasing the distance between the bottom of the second inclined bracket and the first inclined bracket, which increases the contact range between the entire drone and the ground, improves the stability of the drone, prevents the drone from falling, and avoids damage to the drone's propeller.

[0013] Furthermore, the included angle between the fixed piece and the elastic piece is an acute angle.

[0014] Furthermore, the angle between the fixing piece and the elastic piece is smaller than the angle between the outer edge of the protective pad and the transverse support when the protective pad is inflated.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme is that, with this setting, the elastic sheet can be squeezed more effectively by the protective pad after the protective pad is inflated.

[0016] Furthermore, a rubber layer is attached to the end of the elastic sheet.

[0017] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme is that it avoids the protective pad being scratched or punctured by the elastic sheet after it is inflated.

[0018] The present invention also provides a collision-resistant drone, including the above-described protective structure.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for protecting drones, wherein when a drone crashes, the solenoid valve is opened while the elastic element contracts accordingly and the buffer device deforms.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the drone protection structure provided by this invention are as follows: When the stall detection module detects a drone stall, it opens the solenoid valve, allowing compressed gas inside the flexible hollow tube to enter the protective pad, thus expanding the pad and protecting the drone's internal components from impact damage. After the protective pad is filled with gas, the airbag's cushioning capacity upon landing may be limited, potentially leading to pad rupture or a high bounce after contact with the ground, resulting in a secondary crash. Therefore, upon crashing, the solenoid valve closes after compressed gas enters the protective pad, maintaining a near-equal air pressure between the pad and the flexible hollow tube. When the pad contacts the ground, the air pressure increases, pushing the valve core and allowing some gas to enter the flexible hollow tube. This reduces the pad's elasticity by decreasing its volume, thus lowering the secondary bounce height and increasing the pad's elasticity. Simultaneously, the use of a cushioning device allows the elastic sheet to be compressed by the protective pad after inflation. This compression, in turn, causes the second or first inclined bracket to expand outward via a spring, increasing the distance between the bottoms of the second and first inclined brackets. This increases the overall contact area between the drone and the ground, improving the drone's stability, preventing it from falling, and avoiding damage to the drone's propellers. In summary, the solution of this invention solves the technical problem of damage to valuable components on a drone during a crash. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drone protection structure provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the protective pad and the solenoid valve.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a resilient valve;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stall monitoring module;

[0026] Figure 5 Diagram of a fall prevention mechanism;

[0027] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the stop plate and the transverse support;

[0028] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0029] 1. Support frame; 10. UAV; 11. Second inclined support frame; 110. First hinge; 111. First stop plate; 112. First spring; 12. First inclined support frame; 120. Second hinge; 121. Second stop plate; 122. Second spring; 13. Horizontal support frame; 2. Protective pad; 3. Solenoid valve; 4. Elastic valve; 40. Medium flow channel; 41. Valve core; 42. Elastic element; 43. Frame body. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0032] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] like Figures 1-6 The diagram shows an embodiment of a drone protective structure provided by the present invention. In this embodiment, it comprises a bracket 1, a stall detection module, and a protective pad 2. The bracket 1 includes a horizontal bracket 13, a second inclined bracket 11, and a first inclined bracket 12. The horizontal bracket 13 is fixedly set at the bottom of the drone 10. The second inclined bracket 11 is movably connected to the horizontal bracket 13 via a first hinge 110, and the first inclined bracket 12 is movably connected to the horizontal bracket 13 via a second hinge 120. Each of the second inclined bracket 11, the first inclined bracket 12, and the horizontal bracket 13 is provided with at least one flexible hollow tube. The flexible hollow tubes provided in the second inclined bracket 11, the first inclined bracket 12, and the horizontal bracket 13... The tubes are interconnected, and the flexible hollow tube is filled with compressed gas. The protective pad 2 is attached to the bottom outer wall of the transverse support 13. The protective pad 2 is an airtight sealed cavity made of elastic material. The protective pad 2 is connected to the flexible hollow tube in the transverse support 13 through the solenoid valve 3 to form the first air passage. The stall detection module is installed in the UAV 10, including a controller, a signal generator and a gyroscope. The gyroscope is used to detect whether the UAV is stalling. The controller is used to generate a valve control signal after detecting the UAV stalling. The signal is sent to the solenoid valve through the signal generator. After receiving the valve control signal, the solenoid valve opens, allowing compressed gas to enter the protective pad 2 and expand it.

[0036] exist Figure 2 The image shows the positions of solenoid valve 3 and resilient valve 4. For clarity, the hollow tubes connecting them are not shown. Figure 2 The stent 1 is Figure 1 The bracket extends horizontally, with two protrusions at the top for attaching the drone. These can be clips or screws.

[0037] A second air passage, forming a one-way flow, is also provided between the flexible hollow tube and the protective pad 2, consisting of a valve core 41 and an elastic element 42. The elastic element 42 is used to push the valve core 41 to close the second air passage. Figure 3 As shown, the part near the medium flow channel 40 is connected to the cavity of the protective pad 2, and the part near the frame 43 is connected to the flexible hollow tube. The frame 43 can be a mesh-like component that is fixed in position to prevent the displacement of the elastic element 42.

[0038] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the second hinge 120 is provided with a channel for interconnection of flexible hollow tubes.

[0039] The above technical solution also includes a buffer device, which includes a first stop plate 111, a second stop plate 121, a first spring 112, and a second spring 122. The first stop plate 111 and the second stop plate 121 each include a fixed plate and an elastic plate. The fixed plate is used to fix it to the bottom wall of the transverse support 13. The first stop plate 111 and the second stop plate 121 are both made of elastic metal material. The first spring 112 is located between the elastic plate of the first stop plate 111 and the second inclined support 11. The second spring 122 is located between the second stop plate 121 and the first inclined support 12.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the included angle between the fixed piece and the elastic piece is an acute angle.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the included angle between the fixed piece and the elastic piece is smaller than the included angle between the outer edge of the protective pad 2 and the transverse support 13 when the protective pad 2 is inflated.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a rubber layer is attached to the end of the elastic sheet.

[0043] The following is another specific embodiment of the present invention:

[0044] Reference Figures 1-6 A protective drone includes a support frame 1, a stall detection module, a solenoid valve 3, a fuselage, and a protective pad 2.

[0045] The support frame 1 is composed of flexible hollow tubes filled with compressed gas. This design not only provides structural support for the drone but also provides an air source for the rapid inflation of the protective pad 2. Specifically, the support frame 1 is composed of multiple flexible hollow rubber tubes with inflation ports. In a specific implementation, these tubes can be integrally molded to form the support frame 1, allowing the flexible hollow tubes that make up the support frame 1 to be interconnected. Furthermore, air inlets and outlets are provided on the flexible hollow tubes. After compressed air is injected into the air inlets, the hollow tubes of the support frame 1 can be supported.

[0046] The protective pad 2 is mounted on the support 1 and located below the drone's body. In the event of a crash, the protective pad 2 can quickly expand under the action of compressed gas, acting as a buffer to prevent the drone from directly impacting the ground and sustaining damage. Specifically, the cavity in the protective pad 2 is interconnected with the cavity in the support 1. A solenoid valve 3 is located at the connection point between the protective pad 2 and the flexible hollow tube. When the solenoid valve 3 is closed, the protective pad 2 and the flexible hollow tube are not connected. When the solenoid valve 3 is open, the protective pad 2 and the flexible hollow tube are connected. Furthermore, when not in use, the protective pad 2 retracts into the cavity formed by the support 1, or rather, into the cavity constructed on the drone's body, to improve the drone's aerodynamic performance during flight.

[0047] The stall detection module is located on the fuselage, and its main function is to monitor the drone's flight status in real time. This module includes a gyroscope to detect whether the drone is stalling. Once the gyroscope detects a stall, the stall detection module immediately opens the solenoid valve 3, allowing compressed gas inside the flexible hollow tube to enter the protective pad 2.

[0048] Specifically, the stall detection module includes a controller, a signal generator, and a gyroscope. The gyroscope is used to detect whether the drone is stalling, and the controller sends a signal to the solenoid valve through the signal generator after detecting that the drone is stalling.

[0049] During this process, a gas generator is also installed inside the protective pad 2, such as a conventional explosive gas generator, or a small gas pressure vessel with a quick-opening mechanism. When the stall detector detects that the drone is out of control, the gas generator produces gas, accelerating the inflation process of the protective pad 2 and ensuring that the protective pad 2 is fully inflated in a very short time, providing maximum protection for the drone.

[0050] Once the protective pad 2 is fully inflated, the drone will land under its protection. At this point, the elastic valve 4 between the flexible hollow tube and the protective pad 2 comes into play. This elastic valve 4 includes a valve core 41 and an elastic element 42. When the protective pad 2 contacts the ground, its internal air pressure increases, pushing the valve core 41 and allowing some gas to enter the flexible hollow tube, increasing the elasticity of the protective pad 2 and preventing problems such as rupture or excessive bounce due to over-inflation.

[0051] Specifically, two interconnected sections are provided between the protective pad 2 and the flexible hollow tube, forming two air passages. One air passage is controlled by a solenoid valve 3. The other air passage is controlled by a flexible valve 4, which is essentially a one-way valve, allowing gas to enter the hollow tube from the protective pad 2. Therefore, when there is high-pressure gas in the hollow tube and the protective pad 2 is not open, the flexible valve 4 will not open. However, when the protective pad 2 is open, i.e., when the solenoid valve 3 is open, the compressed gas in the support 1 enters the protective pad 2, causing the gas pressure in the support 1 and the protective pad 2 to tend to balance. After the solenoid valve 3 is closed, if the gas pressure in the protective pad 2 continues to increase, the gas in the protective pad 2 can enter the support 1.

[0052] Specifically, the resilient valve 4 is essentially a simple one-way valve. The following is a description of the resilient valve 4: The resilient valve 4 includes a valve tube, a resilient element 42, and a valve core 41. A frame 43 is provided on the valve tube and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the valve tube. The frame 43 can adopt a mesh structure. One end of the resilient element 42 is connected to the valve core 41, and the other end is connected to the frame 43. The valve tube has a medium flow channel 40 inside. The medium flow channel 40 has an inwardly recessed part. The valve core 41 is matched with this part, and under the action of the spring, the valve core 41 will be pushed to abut against the inwardly recessed part.

[0053] The above describes the specific implementation of this protective drone. Through the coordinated action of the stall detection module, solenoid valve 3, compressed gas, protective pad 2, and elastic valve 4, the drone can effectively protect itself and reduce the risk of damage when it stalls and crashes.

[0054] The principle of the protection method of the present invention is as follows:

[0055] a. Before flight, pressurized gas is injected into the support frame 1 of the drone to ensure the structural stability of the support frame 1.

[0056] b. During flight, the stall detection module's gyroscope continuously monitors the drone's speed. Once a stall is detected, the stall detection module immediately activates solenoid valve 3.

[0057] c. After the solenoid valve 3 is opened, the compressed gas in the bracket 1 quickly enters the protective pad 2, causing it to inflate and expand rapidly.

[0058] Preferably, if more protection is desired, a gas generator can be added. When the solenoid valve 3 is opened, the gas generator inside the protective pad 2 starts synchronously and injects into the protective pad.

[0059] d. After the protective pad 2 is fully inflated, its internal air pressure reaches equilibrium with the bracket 1. At this time, the solenoid valve 3 closes to ensure that gas no longer enters the protective pad 2.

[0060] e. When the drone makes contact with the ground, the gas in the protective pad 2 is compressed and reaches dynamic balance with the gas in the bracket 1 through the elastic valve 4, providing the best cushioning effect for the drone.

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a collision-resistant drone, including the aforementioned drone protective structure.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for protecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). When a UAV crashes, the solenoid valve is opened, the elastic element contracts accordingly, and the buffer device deforms.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective structure for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, The system includes a support frame, a stall detection module, and a protective pad. The support frame comprises a horizontal support frame, a second inclined support frame, and a first inclined support frame. The horizontal support frame is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone. The second inclined support frame is movably connected to the horizontal support frame via a first hinge, and the first inclined support frame is movably connected to the horizontal support frame via a second hinge. Each of the second, first, and horizontal support frames contains a flexible hollow tube, and these flexible hollow tubes are interconnected. Compressed gas is filled into each flexible hollow tube. The protective pad is affixed to the bottom of the horizontal support frame. On the wall, the protective pad is an airtight sealed cavity made of elastic material. The protective pad is connected to a flexible hollow tube set in the transverse support through a solenoid valve to form a first air passage. The stall detection module is set in the UAV and includes a controller, a signal generator, and a gyroscope. The gyroscope is used to detect whether the UAV is stalling. The controller generates a valve control signal after detecting the UAV stalling and sends the signal to the solenoid valve through the signal generator. After receiving the valve control signal, the solenoid valve opens, allowing compressed gas to enter the protective pad and expand it. An elastic valve is also provided between the flexible hollow tube and the protective pad to form a second air passage. The elastic valve includes a valve core and an elastic element. The elastic element is used to push the valve core to close the second air passage. The second hinge is provided with a channel for communication between the flexible hollow tubes. It also includes a buffer device, which comprises a first stop plate, a second stop plate, a first spring, and a second spring. Both the first and second stop plates include a fixed plate and an elastic plate. The fixed plate is used to fix the device to the bottom wall of the transverse support. Both the first and second stop plates are made of elastic metal material. The first spring is disposed between the elastic plate of the first stop plate and the second inclined support; the second spring is disposed between the second stop plate and the first inclined support. The included angle between the fixed plate and the elastic plate is an acute angle; The angle between the fixing piece and the elastic piece is smaller than the angle between the outer edge of the protective pad and the transverse support when the protective pad is inflated.

2. The UAV protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rubber layer is attached to the end of the elastic sheet.

3. A collision-avoidance drone, characterized in that, Includes the drone protection structure described in claim 1 or 2 above.

4. A drone protection method employing the anti-collision drone as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the drone crashes, the solenoid valve opens, the elastic element contracts accordingly, and the buffer device deforms.

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