A drone rotor protection device and a drone

By utilizing the rotor airflow to regulate the opening of the protective cylinder in the drone rotor protection device, the problem of drone flight instability in crosswind environments is solved, achieving better flight stability and control performance.

CN119590657BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30NAT UNIV OF DEFENSE TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411807942.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-10
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drone rotor protection devices cannot improve the stability of drones flying in complex crosswind environments.

Method used

A rotor protection device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was designed, including a protective cylinder and an air intake adjustment component. The airflow generated by the rotor is used to adjust the size of the opening of the protective cylinder through the air intake duct and the flexible airbag, thereby adjusting the rotor lift distribution to improve flight stability.

Benefits of technology

By adjusting the size of the opening in the rotor protection device, the flight stability and steering control of the drone in crosswind environments can be improved, reducing the need for additional power sources and maintaining normal drone flight.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a drone rotor protection device and a drone. The drone rotor protection device includes a protective cylinder and an air intake adjustment component. Both ends of the protective cylinder have interconnected openings. The protective cylinder is installed at the rotor of the drone, with the rotor located inside the protective cylinder. An air intake adjustment component is located at one end of the protective cylinder, and an air intake duct is provided on the protective cylinder. Airflow inside the protective cylinder can enter the air intake duct. The air intake adjustment component is connected to the air intake duct and can expand and contract under air pressure to adjust the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder. By using the airflow generated by the rotor as power to drive the expansion and contraction of the air intake adjustment component, thereby adjusting the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder, the lift at each rotor of the drone can be adjusted, and the lift distribution can be adjusted, allowing the drone to achieve better flight stability, improved steering control, and easier flight in complex crosswind conditions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more particularly to a UAV rotor protection device and a UAV. Background Technology

[0002] Rotorcraft drones consist of multiple high-speed rotors driven by motors mounted on their frame. The high-speed rotation of the rotors, propelled by the reaction force of the high-speed airflow, propels the drone into flight. Currently, the protective shields added to the rotors of most drones are primarily for preventing direct collisions with obstacles during flight, thus protecting the rotor's structural integrity. Such protective devices have limited functionality and do not improve the drone's stability in complex crosswind environments.

[0003] Invention or content

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] This invention provides a rotor protection device and a drone, aiming to solve the problem that in the prior art, rotor protection devices cannot improve the stability of drones flying in complex crosswind environments.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention may provide a drone rotor protection device, which includes a protective cylinder and an air intake adjustment component;

[0008] Both ends of the protective tube are provided with connected openings. The protective tube is used to be installed on the rotor of the drone, and the rotor is located inside the protective tube.

[0009] The protective cylinder is provided with an air inlet regulating component at one end, and an air inlet channel is provided on the protective cylinder. The airflow inside the protective cylinder can enter the air inlet channel. The air inlet regulating component is connected to the air inlet channel. The air inlet regulating component can extend and retract under the action of air pressure to adjust the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder.

[0010] Preferably, the air intake adjustment assembly includes multiple flexible airbags.

[0011] The flexible airbags are arranged in a circumferential array on the inner wall of the protective cylinder. The inner wall of the protective cylinder has air inlets and pressure relief ports that are connected to the flexible airbags one by one. The air inlets are connected to the air intake duct.

[0012] The airflow in the air inlet can enter the flexible airbag through the air inlet, thereby causing the flexible airbag to inflate.

[0013] Preferably, the air intake adjustment assembly further includes a telescopic rod and an elastic reset component;

[0014] Each flexible airbag is equipped with a telescopic rod. The first end of the telescopic rod is fixedly mounted on the protective cylinder, and the second end of the telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the flexible airbag.

[0015] The elastic reset member is sleeved on the telescopic rod. One end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the protective cylinder, and the other end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the second end of the telescopic rod.

[0016] Preferably, the air intake adjustment assembly further includes a guide shaft, an elastic reset member, and a slider;

[0017] Each flexible airbag is provided with a guide shaft. The first end of the guide shaft is fixedly mounted on the protective cylinder. The slider is slidably mounted on the guide shaft and is connected to the flexible airbag.

[0018] The elastic reset member is sleeved on the guide shaft, one end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the protective cylinder, and the other end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0019] Preferably, the elastic reset element is a spring or an elastic sleeve.

[0020] Preferably, the protective cylinder is further provided with a ventilation plate, and the ventilation plate has multiple ventilation holes running through it.

[0021] Preferably, the ventilation panel is provided with a ventilation duct, which is connected to the air inlet duct, and an air inlet connected to the ventilation duct is provided on the side of the ventilation panel facing the flexible airbag.

[0022] Preferably, a pressure relief valve is provided at the pressure relief port, and a one-way valve is provided at the air inlet, so that the airflow in the air inlet can enter the flexible airbag through the one-way valve.

[0023] Preferably, the present invention also provides a drone, wherein the drone is provided with a plurality of arms, and one end of each arm is provided with a drone rotor protection device as described above.

[0024] One end of the support arm is provided with a rotor and the protective cylinder, and the rotor is located inside the protective cylinder.

[0025] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0026] This invention incorporates an air intake adjustment component within the protective cylinder. During drone operation, the airflow generated by the rotors powers the air intake adjustment component to extend and retract, thereby adjusting the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder. By adjusting the size of the air intake above the drone's rotors, the lift at each rotor can be adjusted, regulating the lift distribution and resulting in better flight stability, improved steering control, and easier flight in complex crosswind conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the UAV rotor protection device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the UAV rotor protection device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the UAV rotor protection device of the present invention on a UAV.

[0030] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0031] 1: Protective sleeve; 11: Air inlet duct; 12: Air inlet; 13: Pressure relief port;

[0032] 2: Air intake adjustment assembly; 21: Flexible airbag; 22: Guide shaft; 23: Elastic reset component; 24: Slider;

[0033] 3: Ventilation panel; 31: Ventilation hole;

[0034] 4: Drone; 41: Boom; 42: Rotor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To better explain or facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this invention or embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0037] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this invention or its descriptions is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention or its description, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In this invention or related field, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention or related field based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] This invention provides a drone rotor protection device, comprising a protective cylinder 1 and an air intake adjustment component 2. Both ends of the protective cylinder 1 have interconnected openings. The protective cylinder 1 is installed on the rotor of the drone, with the rotor located inside the protective cylinder 1. The air intake adjustment component 2 is located at one end of the protective cylinder 1, and an air intake duct 11 is provided on the protective cylinder 1. Airflow from inside the protective cylinder 1 can enter the air intake duct 11. The air intake adjustment component 2 is connected to the air intake duct 11 and can expand and contract under air pressure to adjust the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder 1.

[0040] This invention incorporates an air intake adjustment component 2 within the protective cylinder 1. During operation, the airflow generated by the drone's rotors is partially directed into the air intake adjustment component 2 via the air intake duct 11. This airflow serves as the power source, propelling the air intake adjustment component 2 to extend and retract, thereby adjusting the size of the opening at one end of the protective cylinder 1. When the size of the air intake above the drone's rotors is adjustable, the lift at each rotor can be controlled, adjusting the lift distribution and resulting in better flight stability, improved steering control, and easier flight in complex crosswind conditions.

[0041] Furthermore, the air intake regulating assembly 2 includes multiple flexible airbags 21. The flexible airbags 21 are arranged in a circumferential array on the inner wall of the protective cylinder 1. The inner wall of the protective cylinder 1 has air inlets 12 and pressure relief ports 13 that communicate with each flexible airbag 21. The air inlets 12 are connected to the air intake duct 11. Airflow within the air intake duct 11 can enter the flexible airbags 21 through the air inlets 12, thereby causing the flexible airbags 21 to inflate.

[0042] In the above scheme, the airflow generated by the rotor drives the flexible airbag 21 to expand. When all the flexible airbags 21 on the inner wall of the protective cylinder 1 expand, the opening at one end of the protective cylinder 1 becomes smaller; conversely, if the pressure relief port 13 is opened, the pressure inside the flexible airbag 21 decreases, and the flexible airbag 21 contracts, thereby making the opening at one end of the protective cylinder 1 larger. This invention uses the airflow generated by the rotor to drive the flexible airbag 21. The power source is simple, as it is generated during the flight of the UAV, eliminating the need for an additional power source, reducing the counterweight, and not affecting the normal flight of the UAV.

[0043] In one embodiment (not shown), the air intake regulating assembly 2 further includes a telescopic rod and an elastic reset member 23. Each flexible airbag 21 is equipped with a telescopic rod. The first end of the telescopic rod is fixedly mounted on the protective cylinder 1, and the second end of the telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the flexible airbag 21. An elastic reset member 23 is sleeved on the telescopic rod. One end of the elastic reset member 23 is fixedly connected to the protective cylinder 1, and the other end of the elastic reset member 23 is fixedly connected to the second end of the telescopic rod. When the flexible airbag 21 inflates, it can cause the telescopic rod to extend, i.e., the second end of the telescopic rod moves away from the first end, at which point the elastic reset member 23 is stretched. When the pressure relief port 13 releases pressure, the telescopic rod contracts under the action of the elastic reset member 23, and the flexible airbag 21 also contracts accordingly. The telescopic rod and elastic reset member 23 guide the movement direction of the flexible airbag 21. In a more preferred embodiment, the telescopic rod extends in the radial direction of the protective cylinder 1. Specifically, the telescopic rod consists of two rods sleeved together and capable of sliding relative to each other, arranged radially along the protective cylinder 1.

[0044] In another implementation (such as) Figure 2 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the telescopic rod is replaced with a guide shaft, and a slider is added to the guide shaft. The air intake adjustment assembly 2 also includes a guide shaft 22, an elastic reset member 23, and a slider 24. A guide shaft 22 is provided inside each flexible airbag 21. The first end of the guide shaft 22 is fixedly mounted on the protective cylinder 1. The slider 24 is slidably mounted on the guide shaft 22 and connected to the flexible airbag 21. The elastic reset member 23 is sleeved on the guide shaft 22. One end of the elastic reset member 23 is fixedly connected to the protective cylinder 1, and the other end is fixedly connected to the slider 24. The length direction of the guide shaft 22 is consistent with the radial direction of the protective cylinder 1. A through hole is provided on the slider 24, and the slider 24 is sleeved on the guide shaft 22 through the through hole. The slider 24 can move along the length direction of the guide shaft 22, and there is a sealing material between the slider 24 and the guide shaft 22. In this scheme: when the flexible airbag 21 needs to expand, the flexible airbag 21 expands in the radial direction of the protective cylinder 1 under the guidance of the slider 24, and the elastic reset member 23 is stretched; when the flexible airbag 21 needs to contract, the slider 24 slides towards the inner wall of the protective cylinder 1 under the action of the elastic reset member 23, at which time the flexible airbag 21 contracts, and the guide shaft 22 extends out of the flexible airbag 21.

[0045] In both of the above solutions, the elastic reset element 23 is a spring or an elastic sleeve. By using mature components, reliability is improved.

[0046] Furthermore, a ventilation plate 3 is also provided inside the protective cylinder 1, with multiple ventilation holes 31 running through it. In the drone, the ventilation plate 3 is located between the rotor and the flexible airbag 21. The ventilation plate 3 can ensure that the flexible airbag 21 will not be sucked onto the rotor due to excessive airflow, thus ensuring the normal operation of the rotor.

[0047] In addition, a ventilation duct is provided inside the ventilation plate 3, which is connected to the air inlet duct 11. An air inlet connected to the ventilation duct is provided on the side of the ventilation plate 3 facing the flexible airbag 21. When the UAV takes off, part of the airflow generated by the rotor enters the air inlet duct 11 inside the protective cylinder 1 through the air inlet and ventilation duct on the ventilation plate 3, thereby providing power for the expansion of the flexible airbag 21.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure relief valve is provided at the pressure relief port 13 and a one-way valve is provided at the air inlet 12, so that the airflow in the air inlet duct 11 can enter the flexible airbag 21 through the one-way valve.

[0049] Finally, the present invention also provides a drone 4, which is provided with a plurality of arms 41, and one end of each arm 41 is provided with a drone rotor protection device as described above. One end of each arm 41 is provided with a rotor 42 and a protective cylinder 1, with the rotor 42 located inside the protective cylinder 1.

[0050] It should be understood that the above description of the specific embodiments of the present invention is only for illustrating the technical route and features of the present invention, and is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. All changes or modifications made within the scope of the present invention and its claims should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention and its claims.

Claims

1. A drone rotor protection device, characterized in that, The unmanned aerial vehicle rotor protection device comprises a protection cylinder (1) and an air inlet adjusting assembly (2); Both ends of the protection cylinder (1) are provided with openings in communication, the protection cylinder (1) is used for being installed at the rotor of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and the rotor is located in the protection cylinder (1); One end of the protection cylinder (1) is provided with the air inlet adjusting assembly (2), the protection cylinder (1) is provided with an air inlet channel (11), air flow in the protection cylinder (1) can enter the air inlet channel (11), the air inlet adjusting assembly (2) is in communication with the air inlet channel (11), and the air inlet adjusting assembly (2) can be telescopic under the action of air pressure to realize the adjustment of the size of the opening at one end of the protection cylinder (1). The air inlet adjusting assembly (2) comprises a plurality of flexible air bags (21), the flexible air bags (21) are circumferentially arranged on the inner wall of the protection cylinder (1), air inlets (12) and pressure relief openings (13) in one-to-one communication with the flexible air bags (21) are arranged on the inner wall of the protection cylinder (1), and the air inlets (12) are in communication with the air inlet channel (11). Air flow in the air inlet channel (11) can enter the flexible air bags (21) through the air inlets (12), so that the flexible air bags (21) are inflated.

2. The drone rotor protection device of claim 1, wherein, The air inlet adjusting assembly (2) further comprises a telescopic rod and an elastic reset member (23); The telescopic rod is fixedly arranged on the protection cylinder (1) at the first end, and the second end of the telescopic rod is fixedly connected with the flexible air bag (21); The elastic reset member (23) is sleeved on the telescopic rod, one end of the elastic reset member (23) is fixedly connected with the protection cylinder (1), and the other end of the elastic reset member (23) is fixedly connected with the second end of the telescopic rod.

3. The drone rotor protection device of claim 1, wherein, The air inlet adjusting assembly (2) further comprises a guide shaft (22), an elastic reset member (23) and a sliding block (24); The guide shaft (22) is arranged in the flexible air bag (21), the first end of the guide shaft (22) is fixedly arranged on the protection cylinder (1), the sliding block (24) is slidingly installed on the guide shaft (22), and the sliding block (24) is connected with the flexible air bag (21); The elastic reset member (23) is sleeved on the guide shaft (22), one end of the elastic reset member (23) is fixedly connected with the protection cylinder (1), and the other end of the elastic reset member (23) is fixedly connected with the sliding block (24).

4. The drone rotor protection device of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The elastic reset member (23) is a spring or an elastic sleeve.

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle rotor protection device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The protection cylinder (1) is further provided with a ventilation plate (3), and a plurality of ventilation holes (31) are formed in the ventilation plate (3).

6. The drone rotor protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The ventilation plate (3) is provided with a ventilation channel, the ventilation channel is in communication with the air inlet channel (11), and the ventilation plate (3) is provided with an air inlet in communication with the ventilation channel on the side facing the flexible air bag (21).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle rotor protection device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The pressure relief valve is arranged at the pressure relief port (13), and a one-way valve is arranged at the air inlet port (12), so that the airflow in the air inlet duct (11) can enter the flexible air bag (21) through the one-way valve.

8. A drone, characterized in that, The unmanned aerial vehicle (4) is provided with a plurality of supporting arms (41), and one end of each of the supporting arms (41) is provided with the unmanned aerial vehicle rotor protection device as claimed in any one of claims 1-7. One end of each of the supporting arms (41) is provided with a rotor (42) and the protection cylinder (1), and the rotor (42) is located in the protection cylinder (1).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN117429638A

  • Air cushion type amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle

    CN118405280A