A charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of aircraft power supply, and specifically discloses a charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft, including a flapping-wing aircraft, wherein a plurality of charging mechanisms are arranged on the driving path of the flapping-wing aircraft, the charging mechanisms are connected to the flapping-wing aircraft through a positioning and suction mechanism, and corresponding charging devices are arranged on the charging mechanisms and the flapping-wing aircraft, respectively. The charging mechanism of the bionic flapping-wing aircraft, the arrangement of the charging mechanism: the flapping-wing aircraft is provided with a plurality of charging mechanisms on the driving path, allowing the aircraft to be charged during flight, effectively improving the flight range of the aircraft. The aircraft and the charging mechanism are both equipped with a positioning module, which is connected through a control end signal to find the nearest charging mechanism. The aircraft and the charging mechanism are connected through an electromagnet and a corresponding magnetic suction member, and adsorption and release are achieved by controlling the power-on state of the electromagnet, without manual operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aircraft charging, in particular to a charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft. Background Art

[0002] Bionic flapping-wing aircraft, also known as ornithopters, mimic the flight processes and mechanisms of birds or insects through the flapping and twisting motions of their wings, generating lift and thrust during flight. With the rise of micro-UAVs (micro-UAVs), they have found widespread application in fields such as geological exploration, disaster relief, agricultural production, security monitoring, and military reconnaissance. Bionic flapping-wing aircraft have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their advantages over traditional quadcopter micro-UAVs, including flexibility, maneuverability, high energy efficiency, long-duration flight, low noise, and camouflage.

[0003] However, existing bionic flapping-wing aircraft are limited by size and weight, have small battery capacity, low endurance, and cannot achieve autonomous takeoff due to structural limitations. Therefore, the applicant proposes a charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft that can enable the aircraft to charge autonomously and take off autonomously after charging, thereby improving the endurance of the aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft comprises a flapping-wing aircraft, wherein a plurality of charging mechanisms are arranged on a travel path of the flapping-wing aircraft, wherein the charging mechanisms are connected to the flapping-wing aircraft via positioning and attracting mechanisms, and corresponding charging devices are respectively arranged on the charging mechanisms and the flapping-wing aircraft; the positioning and attracting mechanisms comprise an electromagnet arranged at a fixed point on the charging mechanism, and a fixed-point magnetic attraction member arranged on the flapping-wing aircraft and corresponding to the electromagnet.

[0007] Preferably, the charging mechanism includes a support column, a back plate is provided on the support column, a charging coil A is provided on the back plate, and an electromagnet is provided around the charging coil A and fixed on the back plate.

[0008] Preferably, the back plate is made of non-magnetic material.

[0009] Preferably, the flapping-wing aircraft includes a main strut and a support frame, the two support frames are distributed on both sides of the main strut, wings are wrapped on the outside of the support frames, a servo fixedly connected to the support frame is provided on the front side of the wing, the tail of the support frame is rotatably connected to the main strut, a battery connected to the servo is provided at the bottom of the main strut, a charging coil B connected to the battery is provided on the wing, and the fixed-point magnetic suction part is arranged around the charging coil B.

[0010] Preferably, a head bracket is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main strut, and embedding grooves are provided on both sides of the head bracket, and the servo is embedded in the embedding grooves.

[0011] Preferably, the tail portion of the main strut is fixedly connected to a tail wing bracket, and slots are provided on both sides of the tail wing bracket, the support frame is embedded in the slots, and the support frame can rotate in the slots.

[0012] Preferably, the fixed-point magnetic attraction component uses a neodymium magnet.

[0013] Preferably, the positive and negative poles of the fixed-point magnetic attraction components provided on the wings are arranged alternately, and the magnetic poles of the electromagnet are magnetically connected to the magnetic poles of the fixed-point magnetic attraction components in a corresponding arrangement.

[0014] Preferably, the main support and the supporting frame are made of carbon fiber.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The charging mechanism of the bionic flapping-wing aircraft,

[0017] Charging Mechanisms: Multiple charging mechanisms are located along the flight path of flapping-wing aircraft, allowing them to charge while in flight, effectively extending their flight range. Both the aircraft and the charging mechanisms are equipped with positioning modules, communicating via control-side signals to locate the nearest charging mechanism.

[0018] Positioning attraction mechanism: The aircraft and the charging mechanism are connected through an electromagnet and a corresponding magnetic attraction part. Adsorption and release are achieved by controlling the power state of the electromagnet without manual operation.

[0019] Charging mechanism structure: The back panel of the charging mechanism can be designed to be umbrella-shaped to block rain, and can be equipped with solar panels and storage batteries. This allows the aircraft to be controlled to avoid rain on rainy days.

[0020] Wireless charging: Both the aircraft and the charging mechanism are equipped with wireless charging coils, which transmit energy through electromagnetic induction. The aircraft can automatically find and dock with the charging mechanism during flight without human intervention.

[0021] Magnetic pole arrangement: The magnetic poles of the magnetic attraction on the aircraft and the electromagnet on the charging mechanism are staggered to ensure the correct docking of the charging coil.

[0022] Material selection: To reduce weight, the main structure of the aircraft uses carbon fiber material.

[0023] Charging Process: When the aircraft needs to be charged, it uses the magnetic field and induced current generated by the wireless charging coil to initially locate itself. Then, the interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic element allows for attraction and charging. Once charging is complete, the electromagnet turns off, and the aircraft takes off by flapping its wings.

[0024] The wireless charging receiving coil is placed on the wings of the flapping-wing aircraft to obtain a larger coil placement area to ensure sufficient charging efficiency, and neodymium magnets with alternating positive and negative poles are placed on the wings to ensure that the receiving coil can be correctly aligned with the charging mechanism's transmitting coil when docked. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging mechanism in a preferred embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging mechanism in a preferred embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flapping-wing aircraft in a top-down view in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flapping-wing aircraft in an upward direction according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a plan view of a flapping-wing aircraft in an upward direction according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of wings in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a support frame in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the connection between the support frame and the main support in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the main support in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a head support frame in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of a steering gear in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a tail wing bracket in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In the figure: 1. Support column, 2. Charging coil A, 3. Back plate, 4. Flapping-wing aircraft, 5. Main strut, 6. Wings, 7. Charging coil B, 8. Fixed-point magnetic parts, 9. Support frame, 10. Servo, 11. Rocker arm, 12. Tail bracket, 13. Battery, 14. Head bracket, 15. Inlay slot, 16. Card slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] See also Figure 1-13 , the present invention provides a technical solution:

[0041] A charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft includes a flapping-wing aircraft 4. Several charging mechanisms are provided on the travel path of the flapping-wing aircraft 4 within the cruising range. The flapping-wing aircraft 4 can be charged on the travel path or within the cruising range.

[0042] Positioning modules are installed on both the charging mechanism and the flapping-wing aircraft 4, communicating with the control terminal to facilitate signal communication and locate the nearest charging mechanism. The charging mechanism and flapping-wing aircraft 4 are connected via a positioning and engaging mechanism, each equipped with corresponding charging equipment. The positioning and engaging mechanism is used to secure the flapping-wing aircraft 4 and connect the charging terminal on the flapping-wing aircraft 4 to the charging terminal of the charging mechanism.

[0043] The positioning and attracting mechanism includes an electromagnet fixed on the charging mechanism and a fixed-point magnetic attraction member 8 corresponding to the electromagnet provided on the flapping-wing aircraft 4. By controlling the power state of the electromagnet, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the fixed-point magnetic attraction member 8 is controlled.

[0044] The charging mechanism includes a support column 1, which primarily supports a backplane 3. The electrical wiring for the backplane 3 can be threaded through the support column 1. The backplane 3 is mounted on top of the support column 1, and a charging coil A2 is located at the bottom of the backplane 3. The backplane 3 supports the charging coil A2 and also provides rain protection for the charging device. The top of the backplane 3 can be designed in an umbrella-like shape to provide rain protection, or a solar panel can be installed on top of the backplane 3, with a reserve battery located inside the support column 1.

[0045] Electromagnets controlled by a PLC control system are fixed around the charging coil A2 and fixed to the back plate 3. The back plate 3 itself must be made of non-magnetic material to prevent the fixed magnetic attraction members 8 on the flapping-wing aircraft 4 from being attracted to the back plate 3.

[0046] The flapping-wing aircraft 4 includes a main strut 5 and a support frame 9. The main strut 5 is designed to mimic the trunk of an insect or bird, and the support frame 9 serves as support for the wings 6. Two support frames 9 are located on either side of the main strut 5. The wings 6 are wrapped around the outside of the support frame 9. The wings 6 are made of P31n kite cloth and are glued to the support frame 9. The front side of the wings 6 is provided with a servo 10 fixedly connected to the support frame 9. The output end of the servo 10 is provided with a rocker arm 11. The servo 10 drives the rocker arm 11, which in turn drives the support frame 9. The tail of the support frame 9 is rotatably connected to the main strut 5, thereby driving the wings 6 to flap.

[0047] The main strut 5 is equipped with a battery 13 at its base, connected to the servo 10. This battery 13 is connected to a remote PLC control system, allowing for power monitoring. The wings 6 are equipped with charging coils B7, connected to the battery 13. A thermal insulation layer is provided between the charging coils B7 and the wings 6. Fixed-point magnetic elements 8 are positioned around the wings 6, surrounding the charging coils B7.

[0048] A head bracket 14 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main strut 5. Mounting grooves 15 are formed on both sides of the head bracket 14. The servo 10 is embedded in the mounting grooves 15 to facilitate installation of the servo 10. A fixing hole is formed in the center of the head bracket 14. The main strut 5 passes through this fixing hole to connect the head bracket 14 to the main strut 5.

[0049] The tail of the main strut 5 is fixedly connected to a tail wing bracket 12, which is used to support the tail of the support frame 9. The tail wing bracket 12 has slots 16 on both sides, and the support frame 9 is inserted into the slots 16 and can rotate in the slots 16.

[0050] The fixed-point magnetic attraction member 8 uses a neodymium magnet.

[0051] The fixed-point magnetic elements 8 on wings 6 have alternating positive and negative poles, and the electromagnet poles are magnetically connected to the corresponding poles of the fixed-point magnetic elements 8. This alternating arrangement of the fixed-point magnetic elements 8 and the electromagnet poles facilitates alignment and docking of charging coils A2 and B7, which are wireless charging coils.

[0052] The main strut 5 and the supporting frame 9 are made of carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight of the flapping-wing aircraft 4 .

[0053] Taking the flapping-wing aircraft 4 as an example, modeled after a butterfly, its overall dimensions are approximately a 60cm diameter circle. The wings 6 are constructed from 3mm diameter carbon rods serving as the support frame 9 and main struts 5. The support frame 9 is covered with P31n kite fabric to form the wings 6. The front carbon rods of the support frame 9 are directly inserted into the servo rocker arm 11, securing the carbon rods to the servo rocker arm 11. Glue is preferred for securing the carbon rods to the servo rocker arm 11, as it reduces weight. The servo rocker arm 11 is connected to the output of the servo 10.

[0054] The battery 13 at the base of the main strut 5 powers the servo 10, driving the wings 6. The tail support 12 supports the rear end of the wings 6, enabling them to flex and generate lift. A wireless charging coil is secured to the wings 6 with 502 glue. Charging coil B7 is connected to the battery 13 at the base of the main strut 5, providing power. Neodymium magnets with alternating positive and negative poles are also distributed around the wings 6.

[0055] The charging mechanism is a T-shaped structure. The central support column 1 houses wires that connect directly to a ground-based power supply, powering the wireless charging coil A transmitter. Electromagnets with the same magnetic polarity as those on flapping-wing aircraft 4 are distributed throughout the platform. Wings 6 are equipped with charging coils B7, corresponding to the wireless charging coil A2 transmitter coils.

[0056] When the flapping-wing aircraft 4 needs to dock for charging, the flapping-wing aircraft 4 hovers at a low speed under the charging mechanism, the wireless charging coil of the charging mechanism is energized to generate a magnetic field, and the wireless charging coil on the wings 6 cuts the magnetic lines of force to generate current. The position of the charging mechanism coil is preliminarily located by the size of the induced current, and then the electromagnet on the charging mechanism is controlled to be energized to generate a magnetic field, which interacts with the neodymium magnet on the wings 6 to generate suction, and the flapping-wing aircraft 4 is adsorbed under the back plate 3 of the charging mechanism, so that the flapping-wing aircraft 4 is close to the bottom of the platform for charging. After the power is sufficient, the electromagnet is turned off, the suction disappears, the flapping-wing aircraft 4 falls, and at the same time flaps the wings 6 to generate lift, and takes off autonomously using the platform height to continue working.

[0057] The flapping-wing aircraft 4 adopts a wireless charging solution that combines resonance and electromagnetic induction coupling: when the flapping-wing aircraft 4 is working near the charging mechanism, resonant wireless charging is adopted. The charging mechanism acts as a transmitting source and the oscillation circuit excites the induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The flapping-wing aircraft 4 has an induction coil with the same resonant frequency. In the magnetic field, magnetic resonance is generated on the receiving winding, and energy is continuously accumulated in the receiving device. The output end is connected to the central battery to power it; when the flapping-wing aircraft 4 finishes work and docks on the charging mechanism (that is, when the electromagnet is energized, the charging mode is determined by sensing whether the electromagnet is energized), the receiving end is in close contact with the transmitting source, and an electromagnetic induction coupling charging solution is adopted. The magnetic flux lines generated by the transmitting end directly pass through the receiving end coil, generating an electromotive force to power the flapping-wing aircraft 4, ensuring high charging efficiency.

[0058] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "the other end", "upper", "one side", "top", "inside", "front", "center", "both ends", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0059] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, the terms "install", "set", "connect", "fix", "screw" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. Unless otherwise clearly defined, ordinary technicians in this field can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A charging mechanism for a bionic flapping-wing aircraft, characterized in that: It includes a flapping-wing aircraft, wherein a plurality of charging mechanisms are arranged on the travel path of the flapping-wing aircraft, the charging mechanisms are connected to the flapping-wing aircraft via a positioning and suction mechanism, and corresponding charging devices are arranged on the charging mechanisms and the flapping-wing aircraft respectively; The positioning and suction mechanism includes an electromagnet arranged at a fixed point on the charging mechanism, and a fixed-point magnetic suction member arranged on the flapping-wing aircraft and corresponding to the electromagnet; The charging mechanism comprises a support column, a back plate is arranged on the support column, a charging coil A is arranged on the back plate, and an electromagnet is arranged around the charging coil A and fixed on the back plate; The back plate is made of non-magnetic material; The flapping-wing aircraft comprises a main strut and a support frame, wherein two support frames are distributed on both sides of the main strut, wings are wrapped on the outside of the support frames, a steering gear fixedly connected to the support frames is arranged on the front side of the wings, the tail of the support frame is rotatably connected to the main strut, a battery connected to the steering gear is arranged at the bottom of the main strut, a charging coil B connected to the battery is arranged on the wings, and the fixed-point magnetic suction component is arranged around the charging coil B; When the flapping-wing aircraft is charging, the electromagnet works to adsorb the flapping-wing aircraft under the back plate of the charging mechanism; when the flapping-wing aircraft completes charging and takes off again, the electromagnet stops working and the suction disappears, the flapping-wing aircraft falls, and at the same time flaps its wings to generate lift, using the platform height to take off autonomously.

2. The charging mechanism of a bionic flapping-wing aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the main strut is fixedly connected with a head bracket, and two sides of the head bracket are provided with embedding grooves, and the steering gear is embedded in the embedding grooves.

3. The charging mechanism of a bionic flapping-wing aircraft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tail of the main strut is fixedly connected with a tail wing bracket, and two sides of the tail wing bracket are provided with clamping grooves, and the support frame is embedded in the clamping grooves, and the support frame can rotate in the clamping grooves.

4. The charging mechanism of a bionic flapping-wing aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed-point magnetic attraction component uses a neodymium magnet.

5. The charging mechanism of a bionic flapping-wing aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positive and negative poles of the fixed-point magnetic attraction components arranged on the wings are arranged alternately, and the magnetic poles of the electromagnet are arranged correspondingly and magnetically connected with the magnetic poles of the fixed-point magnetic attraction components.

6. The charging mechanism of a bionic flapping-wing aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main support and the supporting frame are made of carbon fiber.

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