An impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles
By using an all-metal mechanical structure to induce the parachute to separate from the impact load, the safety and complexity issues of small unmanned underwater vehicles during high-speed flight are solved, achieving stable and rapid separation of the parachute and reducing system failure rate and maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANJIN UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing parachute separation structures for small unmanned underwater vehicles suffer from low safety, high complexity, and high cost during high-speed flight. They are particularly prone to safety hazards in high-speed flight environments, and existing electrically detonated and electromechanical separation structures increase design complexity and maintenance costs.
The impact load-induced umbrella detachment structure, which adopts an all-metal mechanical structure, includes a detachment column, an energy storage spring, an energy storage end slider, a shell, a limit spring, a release spring, a release end column, a limit pin, a detachment spring, and a detachment pin. It achieves rapid separation of the umbrella under impact load through mechanical means, and utilizes the elastic potential energy of the energy storage and release springs to achieve detachment.
It achieves stable and rapid separation of the parachute in high-speed flight environments, improving safety and efficiency, reducing system failure rate and maintenance costs, and is suitable for the airdrop needs of small unmanned underwater vehicles.
Smart Images
Figure CN118419267B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of airdrop device technology, and particularly relates to an impact load inducer parachute detachment structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] In the fields of marine exploration and military applications, air-dropping unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) has become an effective solution for rapid and timely maritime observation and reconnaissance under diverse sea conditions and weather conditions. Due to limitations in the impact resistance of UUVs, air-dropping them at higher altitudes typically employs parachute deployment to cushion the impact of water entry. The parachute separation structure is a crucial component in the separation of the parachute from the air-dropped object during the landing phase, with the main parachute release lock being a key part of this structure. Based on their operating principles, separation structures can be categorized as mechanical, electro-detonating, and electromechanical.
[0003] Current research primarily focuses on heavy-load airdrop systems and the airdrop of heavy supplies, with relatively little research on parachute detachment structures for small unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and underwater gliders (UGs). Besides traditional parachute deployment, another feasible approach is to use tethered parachute lines for deployment. However, at high speeds, this method can easily cause vibrations in the UUV and tethered lines, leading to premature parachute deployment. This results in the aircraft being subjected to sudden aerodynamic impact loads from the parachute opposite to its initial flight direction, exerting a pitching moment. Since traditional detachment structures cannot immediately detach after the impact load changes, this can lead to safety accidents.
[0004] Research trends indicate that, in situations involving airdrops from outside the aircraft, both electrically detonated, electromechanical, and tethered parachute detachment methods present several challenges. First, electrically detonated and electromechanical detachment structures require complex circuitry and signaling systems, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Second, these circuitry and signaling systems need high robustness to ensure reliability and stability in complex environments, further complicating the design. Furthermore, at high speeds, tethered parachute deployment can cause vibrations in both the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and the tether, leading to premature parachute deployment and potential safety hazards. Therefore, current parachute detachment technology for small UUVs suffers from the following shortcomings: Low safety: Current technologies often sacrifice some safety performance while maintaining functionality, particularly in high-speed flight environments; Complexity: Existing electrically detonated and electromechanical detachment structures require complex circuitry and signaling systems, increasing manufacturing and maintenance complexity and the likelihood of malfunctions; High cost: These highly complex systems increase overall costs, which can be a significant concern, especially for applications like small UUVs. In conclusion, the parachute detachment structure technology for small unmanned underwater vehicles still requires further research and improvement. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an impact load-induced parachute detachment structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles, which solves the problems of high cost, low safety, and complexity of current parachute detachment structures for small unmanned underwater vehicles.
[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: an impact load inducer umbrella release structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles, characterized by comprising a release column, an energy storage spring, an energy storage end slider, a shell, a limiting spring, a release spring, an energy release end column, a limiting pin, a release spring, and a release pin; the release column is inserted into the shell; the release pin connects the release column and the shell; the release spring is installed on the release pin and applies a spring force to the release pin to release it from the release column; the energy storage end slider and the energy storage spring are installed on the upper inner side of the shell, and the energy storage spring applies a downward spring force to the energy storage end slider, causing the energy storage end slider to form a force to prevent the release. A locking component that disengages the release pin from the release column; the energy-releasing end column and the energy-releasing spring are installed on the lower inner side of the housing, the energy-releasing end column moves axially, and the energy-releasing spring applies an upward elastic force to the energy-releasing end column; the limiting pin is fitted to the energy-releasing end column, and the limiting spring connects to the limiting pin and applies an elastic force to the limiting pin to push it to the side of the energy-releasing end column to form a pin tongue; the energy-storing end slider is provided with a groove that engages with the limiting pin in the lower position, and in the engaged state, the limiting pin and the energy-storing end slider cause the energy-releasing end column and the energy-storing end slider to form an axially moving pair that moves upward synchronously.
[0007] In the above technical solution, preferably, it includes an energy-releasing end slider, the energy-releasing end slider and the energy-releasing end column are fixedly connected by threads, the energy-releasing spring is located at the bottom of the outer shell and is squeezed by the energy-releasing end slider, and the energy-releasing end slider and the outer shell form an axial moving pair along the axis of the outer shell.
[0008] In the above technical solution, preferably, the release post is provided with a through hole that engages with the release pin. In the unreleased state, the release pin is pinned into the through hole of the release post and the through hole in the middle of the outer shell. The release pin and the release post form a radial moving pair. The release pin restricts the axial movement of the release post by pinning the outer shell.
[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, it includes an energy storage end cap, which is fixedly connected to the outer shell by threads.
[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the energy storage end slider is provided with an axial circular through hole, the circular through hole is gapped with the release column, and the energy storage spring is disposed between the energy storage end cap and the energy storage end slider.
[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, the energy storage end slider is provided with a cylindrical inner wall, and the limiting pin in the above state is attached to the inner wall of the energy storage end slider under the action of the limiting spring.
[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, the energy storage end slider and the outer shell form an axial moving pair along the axis of the outer shell.
[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the limiting pin is engaged with the inner wall of the outer shell under the action of the limiting spring, and its contact surface forms an axial moving pair, which restricts the circumferential rotation of the energy storage end slider and the energy release end slider.
[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the inner wall of the outer shell is provided with an axial groove, and the outer wall of the energy storage end slider is provided with a slider embedded in the groove.
[0015] Advantages and effects
[0016] The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles provided by this invention has the following advantages and effects:
[0017] 1. All-metal mechanical structure: The detachment structure adopts an all-metal mechanical structure, which has the advantages of structural stability, high strength and durability, and can withstand large impact loads.
[0018] 2. Small size: The compact structural design and small size make it easy to arrange and install in limited spaces, and it is suitable for the airdrop needs of small unmanned underwater vehicles.
[0019] High stability: The structure has high stability and can remain stable during the airdrop process, ensuring the safe airdrop and landing of the unmanned underwater vehicle.
[0020] 3. Fast response speed: The structure has a fast response speed, which can quickly separate the parachute during the water entry stage, improving the efficiency and accuracy of airdrop operations.
[0021] 4. Simple structure: It adopts a mechanical structure design, which is simple and reliable, easy to manufacture and maintain, and reduces the system failure rate and maintenance costs.
[0022] 5. Easy installation: The structure is reasonably designed and easy and quick to install, which can be completed in a short time, improving the efficiency and convenience of airdrop operations.
[0023] Low cost: The structure adopts an all-metal mechanical design, which has low manufacturing cost, is suitable for mass production, and can reduce the overall cost of the system.
[0024] 6. Highly adjustable: The stiffness of the energy storage spring and the energy release spring can be changed to adapt to the deployment of submersibles of different sizes, which has strong adaptability and flexibility.
[0025] 7. Customizable design: The specific installation end of the parachute can be selected according to specific needs, which can meet the deployment requirements and airdrop needs of different unmanned underwater vehicles.
[0026] In summary, the impact load-induced parachute detachment structure provided by this invention has many advantages and effects, such as an all-metal mechanical structure, small size, high stability, fast response speed, simple structure, convenient installation, low cost, strong adjustability, and customizable design. It can effectively solve the parachute detachment problem during the airdrop of small unmanned underwater vehicles, and improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of airdrop operations. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.
[0030] To address the problems of high cost, low safety, and complexity in current parachute detachment structures for small unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), this invention provides an impact load-induced parachute detachment structure suitable for small UUVs. This structure boasts numerous advantages and benefits, including small size, high stability, fast response speed, simple structure, convenient installation, low cost, strong adjustability, and customizable design. To further illustrate the structure of this invention, a detailed description is provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
[0031] An impact load inducer umbrella release structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles includes a release post, an energy storage spring, an energy storage end slider, a shell, a limiting spring, a release spring, a release end post, a limiting pin, a release spring, and a release pin. The release post is inserted into the shell; the release pin connects the release post and the shell; the release spring is installed on the release pin and applies a spring force to the release pin to release it from the release post; the energy storage end slider and the energy storage spring are installed on the upper inner side of the shell, and the energy storage spring applies a downward spring force to the energy storage end slider, causing the energy storage end slider to form a release pin to prevent release. A locking component that disengages from the release column; the energy release end column and energy release spring are installed on the lower inner side of the housing, the energy release end column moves axially, and the energy release spring applies an upward elastic force to the energy release end column; a limiting pin is fitted to the energy release end column, and the limiting spring connects to the limiting pin and applies an elastic force to the limiting pin to push it out to the side of the energy release end column to form a pin tongue; the energy storage end slider is provided with a groove that engages with the limiting pin in the lower position, and in the engaged state, the limiting pin and the energy storage end slider cause the energy release end column and the energy storage end slider to form an axial moving pair that moves upward synchronously.
[0032] In this embodiment, specifically, as shown in... Figure 1 and 2It includes a release column 1, an energy storage end cap 2, an energy storage spring 3, an energy storage end slider 4, a housing 5, a limit spring 6, an energy release end slider 7, an energy release spring 8, an energy release end column 9, a limit pin 10, a release spring 11, and a release pin 12.
[0033] The outer shell 5 is a corrosion-resistant shell. The energy release spring 8 is located at the bottom of the corrosion-resistant shell 5 and is compressed by the energy release end slider 7. The energy release end column 9 is fixedly connected to the energy release end slider 7 by threads. The limiting pin 10 and the limiting spring 6 are placed in the inner hole at the upper end of the energy release end column 9. Before being subjected to an impact load, the energy storage end slider has a cylindrical inner wall. Under the action of the limiting spring 6, the limiting pin 10 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the energy storage end slider 4. After being subjected to an impact load, the limiting pin 10 releases its axial movement restriction and extends into the slot of the energy storage end slider 4. Under the action of the limiting spring 6, the limiting pin 10 is attached to the inner wall of the corrosion-resistant shell 5, and their contact surfaces form a sliding pair. The radial movement of the limiting pin 10 is simultaneously restricted by the energy release end slider 7 and the energy release end column 9. Both the energy release end slider 7 and the energy storage end slider 4 form an axial sliding pair with the corrosion-resistant shell 5 along the shell axis. This axial sliding pair restricts the circumferential rotation of the energy storage end slider and the energy release end slider. Specifically, the inner wall of the outer casing is provided with an axial groove, and the outer wall of the energy storage end slider is provided with a slider embedded in the groove. The groove and the slider are combined to form an axial sliding pair, and the limiting pin 10 extends into the groove to form an axial sliding pair. The axial rotation of the two sliders is restricted by the sliding pair. Before disengagement, the release pin 12 is placed in the inner hole of the release post 1 and the through hole in the middle of the anti-corrosion outer casing 5. The two holes and the pin are placed coaxially. The release pin 12 and the release post 1 form a sliding pair, and the axial movement of the release post 1 is restricted by the anti-corrosion outer casing 5. A circular through hole is left in the middle of the energy storage end slider 4. A certain gap should be maintained between the through hole and the release post 1 to ensure that the release post 1 can disengage smoothly. The release spring 11 ensures that the release pin 12 quickly disengages from the inner hole of the release post 1 after its own axial movement is released. The energy storage spring 3 is placed between the energy storage end cap 2 and the energy storage end slider 4. The energy storage end cap 2 is fixedly connected to the anti-corrosion outer casing 5 by threads.
[0034] The energy release spring 8 is located at the bottom of the corrosion-resistant housing 5 and is compressed by the energy release end slider 7 to store the elastic potential energy required for energy release. The energy release end column 9 is threadedly fixed to the energy release end slider 7 to ensure the stable movement of the energy release end slider 7. The limiting pin 10 and the limiting spring 6 are placed in the inner hole at the upper end of the energy release end column 9. Before being subjected to an impact load, the limiting pin 10 is pressed tightly against the inner wall of the energy storage end slider 4 by the action of the limiting spring 6. After the impact load, the limiting pin 10 releases its axial movement restriction and is pressed against the inner wall of the corrosion-resistant housing 5 by the action of the limiting spring 6. Their contact surfaces form a sliding pair. The radial movement of the limiting pin 10 is simultaneously restricted by the energy release end slider 7 and the energy release end column 9. Both the energy release end slider 7 and the energy storage end slider 4 form an axial sliding pair along the axis of the housing with the corrosion-resistant housing 5, and the axial rotation of the two sliders is restricted by the sliding pair. Before disengagement, the release pin 12 is positioned within the inner hole of the release post 1 and the through hole in the middle of the anti-corrosion housing 5. The release pin 12 and the release post 1 form a radial moving pair, while the axial movement of the release post 1 is restricted by the anti-corrosion housing 5. A circular through hole is provided in the middle of the energy storage end slider 4. This through hole should maintain a certain gap with the release post 1 to ensure smooth disengagement of the release post 1. The release spring 11 ensures that the release pin 12 quickly disengages from the release post 1 after its axial movement is released. The energy storage spring 3 is placed between the energy storage end cap 2 and the energy storage end slider 4 to store the elastic potential energy required for energy storage. The energy storage end cap 2 is fixedly connected to the anti-corrosion housing 5 by threads to ensure stable movement of the energy storage end slider 4.
[0035] Working principle of this device
[0036] Taking the example of the energy release end column 9 being fixed to the end of the submersible and the parachute being fixed to the end of the release column 1, in the initial state, the axial movement of the release column 1 is constrained by the release pin 12, and the energy storage end slider 4 is tightly attached to the release pin 12 under the action of the energy storage spring 3, thus restricting the axial movement of the release pin 12. The energy release end slider 7 is tightly attached to the release column 1 under the action of the energy release spring 8. The limiting pin 10 is located on the inner wall of the energy storage end slider 4 and is tightly attached to the inner wall of the energy storage end slider 4 under the action of the limiting spring 6. After the submersible is released from the air, the submersible falls and applies gravity to the energy release end column 9. Under the action of the gravity impact load of the submersible, the energy release end column 9 drives the energy release end slider 7 and the limiting pin 10 to move away from the release column 1. At this time, the energy release spring 8 is compressed. After a certain movement stroke, the limiting pin 10 is released from the axial movement restriction of the energy storage end slider 4, and the limiting pin 10 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the anti-corrosion shell 5 under the action of the limiting spring 6. After the submersible falls into the water, buoyancy causes the submersible's weight to disappear from the energy release end column 9. After the impact load disappears, the energy release spring 8 begins to release elastic potential energy, pushing the energy release end slider 7 and the limiting pin 10 to move closer to the release column 1. At this time, the limiting pin 10 contacts the bottom of the energy storage end slider 4, restricting the energy storage end slider 4 from moving closer to the energy storage end cap 2. At this time, the energy storage spring 3 is compressed and continues to accumulate elastic potential energy. After the energy storage end slider 4 moves a certain distance, it releases the axial movement restriction on the release pin 12. Under the action of the release spring 11, the release pin 12 quickly disengages from the inner hole of the release column 1, thereby releasing the axial movement restriction on the release column 1. At this time, the energy release spring 8 continues to release elastic potential energy, giving the release column 1 an acceleration away from the energy release end slider 7, so that the release column 1 completely disengages from the entire structure, realizing the separation of the parachute.
[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure suitable for small unmanned underwater vehicles, characterized in that: It includes a release column, an energy storage spring, an energy storage end slider, a housing, a limit spring, a release spring, a release end column, a limit pin, a release spring, and a release pin; The energy-releasing end column is fixed to the submersible, and the detachment column is used to fix the parachute. The release post is inserted into the housing; The release pin connects the release post and the housing; the release spring is mounted on the release pin and applies a spring force to the release pin to release it from the release post. The energy storage end slider and the energy storage spring are installed on the upper part of the inner side of the housing. The energy storage spring applies a downward elastic force to the energy storage end slider and causes the energy storage end slider to form a locking component that prevents the release pin from disengaging from the release post. The energy-releasing end column and the energy-releasing spring are installed on the lower part of the inner side of the housing. The energy-releasing end column moves axially, and the energy-releasing spring applies an upward elastic force to the energy-releasing end column. The limiting pin is fitted to the energy-releasing end column, and the limiting spring is connected to the limiting pin and applies an elastic force to the limiting pin to push it out to the side of the energy-releasing end column to form a pin tongue. The energy storage end slider is provided with a slot that engages with a limiting pin in the lower position. In the engaged position, the limiting pin and the energy storage end slider cause the energy release end column and the energy storage end slider to form an axial moving pair that moves upward synchronously. The release post has a through hole that engages with the release pin. In the unreleased state, the release pin is pinned into the through hole of the release post and the through hole in the middle of the outer shell. The release pin and the release post form a radial moving pair. The release pin restricts the axial movement of the release post by pinning the outer shell.
2. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes an energy-releasing end slider, which is fixedly connected to the energy-releasing end column by a thread. The energy-releasing spring is located at the bottom of the housing and is squeezed by the energy-releasing end slider. The energy-releasing end slider and the housing form an axial moving pair along the axis of the housing.
3. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes an energy storage end cap, which is fixedly connected to the outer shell by threads.
4. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The energy storage end slider is provided with an axial circular through hole, which is gapped into the release column, and the energy storage spring is disposed between the energy storage end cap and the energy storage end slider.
5. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that: The energy storage end slider has a cylindrical inner wall, and the limiting pin in the above state is attached to the inner wall of the energy storage end slider under the action of the limiting spring.
6. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 5, characterized in that: The energy storage end slider and the outer shell form an axial moving pair along the axis of the outer shell.
7. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting pin engages with the inner wall of the outer shell under the action of the limiting spring, and their contact surface forms an axial moving pair, which restricts the circumferential rotation of the energy storage end slider and the energy release end slider.
8. The impact load inducer umbrella detachment structure for small unmanned underwater vehicles according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the outer casing is provided with an axial groove, and the outer wall of the energy storage end slider is provided with a slider that is embedded in the groove.