Aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses an aircraft cargo hold small item air drop control device and method, a processor input end is connected with an air drop lock state detection unit, a drag lock state detection unit, a drag force detection unit and an electric winch movement to position detection unit output end, the air drop lock state detection unit detection end is connected to the air drop lock, the drag lock state detection unit detection end is connected to the drag lock, the drag force detection unit detection end is connected to the steel cable, the electric winch movement to position detection unit detection end is connected to the electric winch, the processor output end is connected with the air drop lock driving control unit, the drag lock driving control unit and the electric winch driving control unit input end, the air drop lock driving control unit output end is connected to the air drop lock switch, the drag lock driving control unit output end is connected to the drag lock switch, and the electric winch driving control unit input end output end is connected to the electric winch output shaft. It is convenient for the operator to quickly and accurately judge the working state of the air drop lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of airdrop and relates to a control device and method for airdropping small items from an aircraft cargo hold. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional aircraft in-cabin airdrop systems, cargo securing and tethering were primarily done manually. During loading, the operator manually closed the locking device and then controlled the tensioner to secure the cargo. Before the aircraft reached the designated location, the operator manually opened the locking device and released the tensioner to drop the cargo. Furthermore, these older systems lacked online detection capabilities for the airdrop locks, failing to distinguish between offline and unlocked signals, potentially leading to operator misjudgments of the lock's operational status. Therefore, traditional in-cabin airdrop systems were not only inefficient but also lacked security. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control device and method for airdropping small items from an aircraft cargo hold, which facilitates operators to quickly and accurately judge the working status of the airdrop lock, thereby improving airdrop efficiency and safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: An airdrop control device for small items from an aircraft cargo hold, including a processor; The processor input is connected to the output of the airdrop lock status detection unit, the barrier lock status detection unit, the barrier resistance detection unit, and the electric winch movement position detection unit. The airdrop lock status detection unit is connected to the airdrop lock, the barrier lock status detection unit is connected to the barrier lock, the barrier resistance detection unit is connected to the steel cable, and the electric winch movement position detection unit is connected to the electric winch. The processor output is connected to the input of the airdrop lock drive control unit, the arresting lock drive control unit, and the electric winch drive control unit. The output of the airdrop lock drive control unit is connected to the airdrop lock switch, the output of the arresting lock drive control unit is connected to the arresting lock switch, and the input and output of the electric winch drive control unit are connected to the electric winch output shaft.

[0005] Preferably, the processor is interconnected with a host computer communication unit, and the host computer communication unit is interconnected with a host computer.

[0006] Preferably, the airdrop lock status detection unit, the barrier lock status detection unit, and the electric winch movement position detection unit all use microswitches.

[0007] Preferably, the airdrop lock drive control unit uses a rotating electromagnet, while the arresting lock drive control unit and the electric winch drive control unit both use motors.

[0008] Preferably, the resistance detection unit uses a tension sensor.

[0009] A method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold includes the following processes: When the cargo is loaded onto the guide rail and the winch cable is attached to the barrier lock, the winch runs forward to tighten the cargo. When the force value detected by the barrier resistance detection unit meets the requirements, the processor sends a control signal to the electric winch drive control unit, which then controls the electric winch to stop running, and the cargo is fixed to the guide rail. After the aircraft flies to the designated location, the processor sends a control signal to the arresting lock drive control unit. The arresting lock drive control unit controls the arresting lock to open, and the electric winch runs forward to tighten the steel cable. After the electric winch movement position detection unit detects that the steel cable has been properly tightened, the electric winch drive control unit controls the electric winch to stop running. The airdrop lock drive control unit controls the airdrop lock to open, enabling the cargo to be released.

[0010] Preferably, after the aircraft flies to the designated location, the electric winch runs in reverse. When the tension sensor detects that the tension on the steel cable is less than the threshold, the processor sends a control signal to the arresting lock drive control unit, which then controls the arresting lock to open.

[0011] Preferably, when goods need to be dropped individually, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the last airdrop lock on the guide rail is opened to realize the individual dropping of goods.

[0012] Preferably, when goods need to be dropped in a single row, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the airdrop locks on the guide rail open sequentially from back to front at a set time interval to realize the single-row dropping of goods.

[0013] Preferably, when goods need to be dropped individually, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the airdrop locks in the interval column are opened sequentially from back to front according to the set time interval, so as to realize the continuous dropping of goods in two columns.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention features online detection of airdrop locks, detection of the locking status of airdrop locks and barrier locks, detection of barrier resistance value, detection of the operating status of electric winches, electric opening drive control of barrier locks, electric opening drive control of airdrop locks, and forward and reverse drive control of electric winches. It can integrate the working status of airdrop locks, barrier locks, steel cables, and electric winches, allowing operators to quickly and accurately judge the working status of airdrop locks and control their movement, thereby realizing the cargo delivery function and improving airdrop efficiency and safety.

[0015] Furthermore, the small-item airdrop control device can receive instructions from the host computer and convert the instructions into control signals according to the internal program code, intelligently controlling the movement of the airdrop lock, the barrier lock, and the electric winch to achieve the fixation and release of goods.

[0016] Furthermore, the reverse rotation of the electric winch can reduce the tension on the steel cable, preventing incidents where the cable flies out and injures people due to excessive tension on the cable and the barrier lock opening.

[0017] Furthermore, any form of delivery will skip the lock when an airdrop lock is offline or open, improving the system's delivery efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of the aircraft cargo hold small parts airdrop control device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-linking of the aircraft cargo hold small parts airdrop control device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] 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., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “installation,” “connection,” and “linkage” should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication; a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0022] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the small cargo compartment airdrop control device of the present invention consists of a processor, an airdrop lock status detection unit, an airdrop lock drive control unit, an arresting lock drive control unit, an arresting lock status detection unit, an arresting resistance detection unit, an electric winch drive control unit, an electric winch movement positioning detection unit, and a host computer communication unit.

[0024] The processor uses a microcontroller and has functions such as power supply, crystal oscillator, reset, and program download.

[0025] The airdrop lock status detection unit uses a microswitch, which is installed on the airdrop lock to collect online, offline, unlocking and locking information of the airdrop lock and send it to the microcontroller.

[0026] The airdrop lock drive control unit uses a rotary electromagnet, which is connected to the airdrop lock's switch. The airdrop lock drive control unit can realize the electric unlocking of the airdrop lock according to the instructions of the host computer.

[0027] The barrier lock drive control unit uses a motor, which is connected to the barrier lock's switch. The barrier lock drive control unit can realize the electric unlocking of the barrier lock according to the instructions of the host computer.

[0028] The barrier lock status detection unit uses a micro switch, which is installed on the barrier lock to collect the barrier lock's unlocking and locking information and send it to the microcontroller.

[0029] The resistance detection unit uses a tension sensor to collect the tension value of the steel cable and send it to the microcontroller.

[0030] The electric winch drive control unit uses a motor connected to the output shaft of the electric winch to control the forward, reverse, and stop rotation of the electric winch.

[0031] The electric winch movement positioning detection unit uses a micro switch, which is installed on the electric winch to determine whether the winch cable is tightened to the correct position and sends the result to the microcontroller.

[0032] The host computer communication unit uses the ARINC429 communication chip, which can not only send the information collected by the small item airdrop control device to the host computer, but also receive instructions from the host computer to realize the control of each functional unit.

[0033] The microcontroller's input terminal is connected to the output terminals of the airdrop lock status detection unit, the barrier lock status detection unit, the barrier resistance detection unit, and the electric winch movement positioning detection unit. The microcontroller's output terminal is connected to the input terminals of the airdrop lock drive control unit, the barrier lock drive control unit, and the electric winch drive control unit. The microcontroller is interconnected with the host computer communication unit, and the host computer communication unit is interconnected with the host computer.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control device of the present invention is connected to an electric winch, an airdrop lock, an arresting lock, and a host computer. The electric winch and the arresting lock are connected by steel cables.

[0035] When cargo is secured inside the cargo hold, the small-item airdrop control device reads the online information of the airdrop lock through the shift register inside the microcontroller, and reads the locking information of the airdrop lock and arresting lock through the multiplexer inside the microcontroller to confirm that the cargo is reliably locked. Then, to prevent the cargo from shifting along the flight path during flight, upon receiving an arresting command from the host computer, the device drives the electric winch to stop and secure a line of cargo. Simultaneously, the small-item airdrop control device collects the real-time voltage value output by the tension sensor, converts it into a digital value using the microcontroller's built-in ADC, and then analyzes the tension value received by the tension sensor. When the tension value meets the requirements, the small-item airdrop control device automatically stops the electric winch. All this information is packaged into ARINC429 data frames in the microcontroller and sent to the host computer through a dedicated communication unit, allowing operators to monitor the system's operation in real time. The small-item airdrop control device can receive various instructions sent by the host computer. After the instructions are parsed and processed by the microcontroller, corresponding control signals are generated. These signals then directly control the movement of the electric winch through the I / O port, or indirectly control the movement of the barrier lock and airdrop lock through the decoder, so as to realize the fixing and release of goods.

[0036] The software for the small-item airdrop control device can control the transmission of status information and the reception of commands from the host computer. The software collects status information from devices such as the barrier lock, airdrop lock, and electric winch through the microcontroller's I / O ports, packages it into ARINC429 data frames, and sends it to the host computer at fixed intervals. Received commands are parsed into control signals, and combined with corresponding algorithms, intelligent control of the electric winch, barrier lock, and airdrop lock is achieved. After the goods are loaded onto the track and the electric winch cable is attached to the barrier lock, the software controls the electric winch to operate. When the tension on the sensor exceeds a threshold, the winch automatically stops, securing the goods. Before the goods are dropped, to prevent the cable from flying out and injuring people due to excessive tension on the cable after the barrier lock opens, the program controls the winch to reverse, reducing the cable tension. When the force value meets the requirements, the barrier lock automatically opens, the winch rotates forward to tighten the cable, and the electric winch automatically stops after the electric winch movement positioning unit detects that the cable has been properly retracted.

[0037] After completing the above actions, the software integrates information such as the online status of the airdrop lock, the locking status of the airdrop lock and arresting lock, and the operating status of the electric winch to intelligently control the actions of the airdrop lock, realizing single-row, single-column, and double-column cargo drops. During double-column drops (assuming four guide rails are installed in the cabin), to prevent excessive shift in the aircraft's center of gravity after cargo drop, which could affect flight safety, only 1-3 or 2-4 rows can be dropped consecutively; 1-2 or 3-4 rows cannot be dropped consecutively, further enhancing system safety.

[0038] The small cargo drop control device described in this invention belongs to the aircraft mission system and is installed inside the cabin. Its function is to fix and drop cargo in the cabin. One device is required for each aircraft.

[0039] The operation process of the aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control device is as follows: Once the cargo is loaded onto the guide rail and the electric winch cable is attached to the barrier lock, the electric winch moves forward to tighten the cargo. When the force value detected by the tension sensor meets the requirements, the data is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller sends a control signal to the electric winch drive control unit, which then controls the electric winch to stop running, and the cargo is fixed to the guide rail.

[0040] When the aircraft flies to the designated location, the electric winch reverses its direction. When the tension sensor detects that the tension on the steel cable is less than the threshold, it sends the data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then sends a control signal to the arresting lock drive control unit, which opens the arresting lock. The electric winch then automatically moves forward to tighten the steel cable. Once the electric winch movement positioning detection unit on the electric winch detects that the steel cable has been properly tightened, it sends the data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then sends a control signal to the electric winch drive control unit, which stops the electric winch.

[0041] The microcontroller of the small parcel airdrop control device receives the "single drop" command from the host computer. The airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips the "offline" and "unlocked" airdrop locks, and the last airdrop lock on the guide rail is opened, realizing the single drop of goods.

[0042] The microcontroller of the small parcel airdrop control device receives the "single-row continuous drop" command from the host computer. The airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips the "offline" and "unlocked" airdrop locks, and the airdrop locks on the guide rail open sequentially from back to front at the set time intervals to realize the single-row continuous drop of goods.

[0043] The microcontroller of the small parcel airdrop control device receives the "double-row consecutive drop" command from the host computer (assuming 4 guide rails are installed in the cabin). The airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips the airdrop locks that are "offline" and "unlocked", and opens the airdrop locks in the alternate columns, that is, the airdrop locks in the 1st and 3rd columns or the 2nd and 4th columns, from back to front at the set time interval, so as to realize the consecutive drop of goods in the double rows.

[0044] With the large-scale deployment of domestic transport aircraft, and in order to fully utilize their airdrop capabilities and meet the logistical support needs for ammunition, food, and medicine at war fronts, border outposts, and islands, as well as the airdrop of survival supplies after disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires, this application designs a small-item airdrop control device. This device features online detection of the airdrop lock, detection of the locking status of the airdrop lock and arresting lock, detection of the arresting resistance value, detection of the electric winch's operating status, electric opening drive control of the arresting lock, electric opening drive control of the airdrop lock, and forward and reverse drive control of the electric winch. It can also transmit the above status information to a host computer via the ARINC429 bus, facilitating real-time monitoring of the entire system's operating status by operators.

[0045] The microcontroller of the small-item airdrop control device can receive instructions from the host computer and convert the instructions into control signals according to the internal program code, so as to intelligently control the movement of the airdrop lock, the barrier lock and the electric winch to achieve the fixation and release of goods.

[0046] After the goods are mounted on the guide rail, the electric winch cable is attached to the barrier lock. Once the electric winch is running normally, it will automatically stop when the tension value detected in real time by the barrier resistance detection unit meets the requirements. This ensures that the goods are fixed on the guide rail without damaging them.

[0047] Before deployment, the small-item airdrop control device reverses the electric winch's direction, causing the resistance detection unit to detect a gradual decrease in tension. When the force falls below a threshold, the electric winch stops, and the resistance lock drive control unit automatically opens the resistance lock. The electric winch then moves forward to tighten the cable. Once the electric winch's movement reaches its designated position and the cable is properly secured, the electric winch stops. The entire process is fully automated, requiring no human intervention, thus improving both airdrop efficiency and safety.

[0048] The small-item airdrop control device can integrate the working status of airdrop locks, barrier locks (including tension sensors), and electric winches, and intelligently control their movement to realize single-item airdrop, single-row continuous airdrop, and double-row continuous airdrop functions.

[0049] The small item airdrop control device adopts a dual-redundancy design during delivery to effectively prevent misdelivery caused by interference signals and improve the safety of the device.

[0050] The algorithm in the small item airdrop control device can skip any form of delivery when an airdrop lock is offline or open, thus improving the system's delivery efficiency.

[0051] When the barrier lock in the small parcel airdrop control device is engaged, the airdrop lock is prohibited from being opened, preventing the cargo from being dropped in any form and thus preventing damage to personnel and goods.

[0052] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0053] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many embodiments and applications beyond the provided examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this patent should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold, characterized in that, An aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control device is adopted, the aircraft cargo hold small item airdrop control device includes a processor; The processor input is connected to the output of the airdrop lock status detection unit, the barrier lock status detection unit, the barrier resistance detection unit, and the electric winch movement position detection unit. The airdrop lock status detection unit is connected to the airdrop lock, the barrier lock status detection unit is connected to the barrier lock, the barrier resistance detection unit is connected to the steel cable, and the electric winch movement position detection unit is connected to the electric winch. The processor output is connected to the input of the airdrop lock drive control unit, the arresting lock drive control unit, and the electric winch drive control unit. The output of the airdrop lock drive control unit is connected to the airdrop lock switch, the output of the arresting lock drive control unit is connected to the arresting lock switch, and the input and output of the electric winch drive control unit are connected to the electric winch output shaft. The method for controlling the airdrop of small items from the aircraft cargo hold Includes the following processes: When the cargo is loaded onto the guide rail and the winch cable is attached to the barrier lock, the winch runs forward to tighten the cargo. When the force value detected by the barrier resistance detection unit meets the requirements, the processor sends a control signal to the electric winch drive control unit, which then controls the electric winch to stop running, and the cargo is fixed to the guide rail. After the aircraft flies to the designated location, the processor sends a control signal to the arresting lock drive control unit. The arresting lock drive control unit controls the arresting lock to open, and the electric winch runs forward to tighten the steel cable. After the electric winch movement position detection unit detects that the steel cable has been properly tightened, the electric winch drive control unit controls the electric winch to stop running. The airdrop lock drive control unit controls the airdrop lock to open, enabling the delivery of goods; After the aircraft flies to the designated location, the electric winch runs in reverse. When the tension sensor detects that the tension on the steel cable is less than the threshold, the processor sends a control signal to the arresting lock drive control unit, which then controls the arresting lock to open. When goods need to be dropped individually, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the last airdrop lock on the guide rail opens to realize the individual drop of goods. When goods need to be dropped in a single row, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the airdrop locks on the guide rail open sequentially from back to front at a set time interval to realize the single-row dropping of goods. When goods need to be dropped individually, the airdrop lock status detection unit detects the status of each airdrop lock, skips offline and unlocked airdrop locks, and the airdrop locks in the interval column are opened sequentially from back to front according to the set time interval, so as to realize the continuous dropping of goods in two columns.

2. The method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processors are interconnected with a host computer communication unit, and the host computer communication unit is interconnected with a host computer.

3. The method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airdrop lock status detection unit, the barrier lock status detection unit, and the electric winch movement positioning detection unit all use microswitches.

4. The method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airdrop lock drive control unit uses a rotating electromagnet, while the arresting lock drive control unit and the electric winch drive control unit both use motors.

5. The method for controlling the airdrop of small items from an aircraft cargo hold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resistance detection unit uses a tension sensor.

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