A bottoming protection device for a self-propelled model and a method of operation

Abstract

A bottom-bump protection device and operating method for a self-propelled model aircraft includes a self-propelled model aircraft with mounting plates fixed to both sides of its hull. A support rod frame is installed on the outside of the self-propelled model aircraft, specifically including symmetrically arranged lifting rods with a horizontal bar at their bottom. A fixing ring assembly is installed on the lifting rods, the fixing ring assembly including an upper fixing ring and a lower fixing ring. The upper fixing ring is located on the top surface of the lifting rod and moves with the lifting rod, while the lower fixing ring is loosely fitted in the middle of the lifting rod. It also includes a buffer assembly, which includes a fastening ring fitted on the lifting rod. A horizontal rotating shaft is fixed to the outer end face of the fastening ring. The outer end face of the horizontal rotating shaft is fixed to the inner ring of a bearing. The outer end face of the bearing is parallel to the mounting plate and is fixed to the mounting plate by the outer ring of the bearing. A torsion spring is fitted on the horizontal rotating shaft. It also includes a waterproof cloth attached to the hull. The bottom of the waterproof cloth is cut to conform to the hull shape, providing reliable protection at a low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of protective equipment for self-propelled aircraft testing, and in particular to a bottom-touching protection device and operating method for self-propelled aircraft testing. Background Technology

[0002] In self-propelled model tank tests, to avoid interference from the water surface and bottom, self-propelled models typically only operate at high speeds in the thinner middle water layer. During testing, especially in the initial commissioning phase, if a malfunction or unexpected disturbance occurs, the hull, with its relatively small bow angle, will rapidly submerge, potentially leading to over-depth or even bottoming out accidents. Existing over-depth protection methods are mainly as follows:

[0003] 1) Artificial protection method.

[0004] Specifically, the safety personnel follow the self-propelled model from a small boat. Upon detecting danger, they manually pull the model with an auxiliary rope to prevent it from hitting the bottom. This method is difficult to handle high speeds and complex boat attitudes, requires a large number of personnel, is difficult to operate, and its effectiveness is not ideal.

[0005] 2) Automatic protection method.

[0006] The model ship needs to be equipped with an ultra-deep jettisoning system, which is complex, occupies a large amount of cabin space, and cannot cope with situations such as power outages, navigation control failures, and equipment damage. After jettisoning, the model ship needs to be lifted up for the reinstallation of the jettison blocks, which is a complex and time-consuming operation.

[0007] In summary, the existing methods are not ideal and the following improvements are needed:

[0008] 1) In extremely deep water, it can simultaneously provide braking force and bow lifting force to guide the hull to the surface, facilitating subsequent maintenance;

[0009] 2) The anti-sinking protection force is moderate to avoid excessive response, which may cause secondary damage such as tail tilting to the bottom or being swept out of the water.

[0010] 3) No lifting or water entry / exit is required during resetting, making operation simple and testing efficiency high;

[0011] 4) The device is simple and reliable, easy to install and adjust, and has a low cost. It can be reused by multiple boats.

[0012] The existing equipment fails to meet the requirements, necessitating a new design. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technology, the applicant provides a bottom-touching protection device and operating method for self-propelled aircraft, which can conveniently protect the self-propelled aircraft from bottoming out. The device has good overall reliability and low cost.

[0014] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0015] A bottom-touching protection device for a self-propelled model aircraft includes the model aircraft. Mounting plates are fixed to both sides of the model aircraft's hull. A support rod frame is installed on the outside of the model aircraft. The support rod frame has the following structure: it includes symmetrically arranged lifting rods, a horizontal bar at the bottom of the lifting rods, rollers spaced apart on the horizontal bar, and a fixing ring assembly installed on the lifting rods. The fixing ring assembly includes an upper fixing ring and a lower fixing ring. The upper fixing ring is located on the top surface of the lifting rods and moves with the lifting rods. The lower fixing ring is loosely fitted onto the lifting rods. The middle section also includes a buffer assembly installed between the mounting plate and the lifting rod. The buffer assembly has the following structure: a fastening ring fitted on the lifting rod, a horizontal rotating shaft fixed to the outer end face of the fastening ring, the outer end face of the horizontal rotating shaft fixed to the inner ring of the bearing, the outer end face of the bearing parallel to the mounting plate and fixed to the mounting plate by the outer ring of the bearing, and a torsion spring fitted on the horizontal rotating shaft; it also includes a waterproof cloth attached to the hull, the bottom of the waterproof cloth being cut to conform to the hull, and the four corners of the waterproof cloth being connected to the upper and lower fixing rings on the two lifting rods respectively.

[0016] Its further technical solution lies in:

[0017] Both the lifting rod and the horizontal rod are rigid, thin rods with adjustable lengths.

[0018] Both the lifting rod and the horizontal rod are made of carbon fiber reinforced material.

[0019] The inner ring of the fastening ring has a rubber layer.

[0020] The fastening ring exerts a compressive force on the lifting rod and is adjustable, providing a frictional locking force.

[0021] The locking force of the fastening ring on the lifting rod is less than the collision force between the model aircraft and the hull.

[0022] The horizontal rotating shaft is a rigid cylindrical shaft.

[0023] The waterproof fabric is made of lightweight, ultra-thin, and high-strength materials.

[0024] An operating method for a bottom-touching protection device for self-propelled model aircraft.

[0025] First, adjust the length of the horizontal bar to match the width of the self-propelled model, and then install protective devices;

[0026] During the gliding process, the rollers on the horizontal bar roll, which greatly reduces the horizontal pull of the pool bottom on the model aircraft and avoids increasing the pitch of the model aircraft.

[0027] Then, as the model aircraft is squeezed against the seabed, the lifting boom moves upward against the frictional locking force of the fastening ring.

[0028] During the collision, the lifting rod, with its fastening ring, overcomes the torque of the torsion spring and rotates slightly around the axis of the horizontal shaft to achieve buffering, reduce the impact force, and protect the lifting rod device.

[0029] Then, the lifting rod, along with the upper fixing ring, pulls the waterproof cloth upwards and unfolds;

[0030] Subsequently, once the hull begins to rise, the lifting boom moves away from the bottom of the pool, its height is locked by the fastening ring, the height of the waterproof cloth is kept constant, and the anti-sinking force no longer increases;

[0031] Finally, once the boat has come to a stop on the water, repairs or control parameter adjustments can be performed in the pool as needed. The safety personnel on the boat will push the lifting lever down to the bottom to reset the protection device. The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0032] This invention has a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. Through the cooperation of components such as thin support rods, waterproof cloth, mounting plate and buffer assembly, it can easily protect the self-propelled model from bottoming out. It has good overall reliability and low cost.

[0033] This device is symmetrically installed on the bow of the self-propelled model. When the model is traveling at high speed in a pool and its bow becomes excessively submerged, this device will preferentially touch the bottom. The force of the touchdown pushes the lifting rod upward, causing the waterproof fabric above the hull to unfold, generating hydrodynamic drag to slow down, brake, and guide the hull to rise to the surface, thus avoiding bottoming out. The degree of extension of the waterproof fabric is related to the depth of submersion, and its self-balancing mechanism provides the necessary anti-sinking force, preventing excessive anti-sinking force from causing secondary damage. After the self-propelled model malfunctions, the device can be reset in the water without lifting it, making operation simple and testing highly efficient. This device requires no power, is unaffected by water pressure, has high reliability, wide adaptability, is easy to install, and low in cost, providing a new solution for preventing self-propelled models from bottoming out.

[0034] This invention provides a highly reliable, purely mechanical, and independent device for protecting self-propelled model aircraft from bottoming out.

[0035] This invention can provide appropriate braking and lifting force in a self-balancing manner, avoiding excessive anti-sinking and causing secondary damage.

[0036] After the anti-sinking and floating mechanism of this invention is completed, it can be directly reset in the water pool without being lifted to the shore, simplifying the process, making operation convenient, and saving time.

[0037] This invention is installed on the outside of the self-propelled model aircraft, does not require internal space, has flexible installation location, causes little interference to the hull, and has wide adaptability.

[0038] The installation width and response height of this invention are easily adjustable, adaptable to various self-propelled aircraft models, and reusable.

[0039] This invention requires no pressure resistance, has a simple structure, is small in size, lightweight, and low in cost. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the present invention on a self-propelled model aircraft.

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a front view of the installation of the present invention on a self-propelled model aircraft.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the ultra-deep bottom-touching process during the straight flight of the self-propelled model aircraft according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the process of the self-propelled model aircraft bottoming out and the lifting boom rising, and the waterproof fabric unfolding, according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This invention relates to a state where the model aircraft changes from bottoming out to buoyancy after touching the bottom.

[0046] The components include: 1. Mounting plate; 2. Support rod frame; 3. Buffer assembly; 4. Fixing ring assembly; 5. Waterproof cloth; 6. Self-propelled model aircraft;

[0047] 21. Lifting rod; 22. Horizontal bar; 23. Rollers;

[0048] 31. Fastening ring; 32. Horizontal pivot; 33. Bearing; 34. Torsion spring;

[0049] 41. Upper fixing ring; 42. Lower fixing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] like Figures 1-6As shown, the anti-bottoming protection device for self-propelled model aircraft in this embodiment includes a self-propelled model aircraft 6. Mounting plates 1 are fixed to both sides of the hull of the self-propelled model aircraft 6. A support rod frame 2 is installed on the outside of the self-propelled model aircraft 6. The support rod frame 2 has the following structure: it includes symmetrically arranged lifting rods 21. A horizontal rod 22 is provided at the bottom of the lifting rods 21. Rollers 23 are distributed at intervals on the horizontal rods 22. A fixing ring assembly 4 is installed on the lifting rods 21. The fixing ring assembly 4 includes an upper fixing ring 41 and a lower fixing ring 42. The upper fixing ring 41 is located on the top surface of the lifting rods 21 and moves with the lifting rods 21. The lower fixing ring 42 is loosely fitted onto the lifting rods 21. The middle section also includes a buffer assembly 3 installed between the mounting plate 1 and the lifting rod 21. The buffer assembly 3 has the following structure: a fastening ring 31 is fitted on the lifting rod 21, a horizontal rotating shaft 32 is fixed to the outer end face of the fastening ring 31, the outer end face of the horizontal rotating shaft 32 is fixed to the inner ring of the bearing 33, the outer end face of the bearing 33 is parallel to the mounting plate 1, and is fixed to the mounting plate 1 by the outer ring of the bearing 33, and a torsion spring 34 is fitted on the horizontal rotating shaft 32; it also includes a waterproof cloth 5 that is attached to the hull, the bottom of the waterproof cloth 5 is cut to conform to the hull, and the four corners of the waterproof cloth 5 are respectively connected to the upper fixing ring 41 and the lower fixing ring 42 on the two lifting rods 21.

[0052] Both the lifting rod 21 and the horizontal rod 22 are rigid thin rods with adjustable length.

[0053] Both the lifting rod 21 and the horizontal rod 22 are made of carbon fiber reinforced material.

[0054] The inner ring of the fastening ring 31 has a rubber layer.

[0055] The fastening ring 31 exerts a compressive force on the lifting rod 21 and is adjustable, providing a frictional locking force.

[0056] The locking force of the fastening ring 31 on the lifting rod 21 is less than the collision force between the self-propelled model 6 and the hull.

[0057] The horizontal rotating shaft 32 is a rigid cylindrical shaft.

[0058] Waterproof fabric 5 is made of lightweight, ultra-thin, and high-strength materials.

[0059] For ease of explanation, this embodiment highlights the enlarged dimensions of the device relative to the self-propelled model 6. In practice, the size and weight of the device can be reduced by selecting high-strength materials and optimizing structural dimensions, ultimately achieving a negligible impact on the flight test of the self-propelled model 6. This device is installed at the front of the hull. Apart from the shared horizontal bar 22 and waterproof cloth 5, the remaining devices are symmetrically installed on both sides of the hull. To save space, this embodiment only describes the device on the left side.

[0060] Specifically, it mainly includes mounting plate 1, support rod frame 2, buffer assembly 3, fixing ring assembly 4, waterproof cloth 5, and self-propelled model 6.

[0061] Among them, the mounting plate 1 is fixed to both sides of the hull of the self-propelled model 6.

[0062] The support frame 2 includes a lifting rod 21, a horizontal rod 22, and rollers 23.

[0063] Both the lifting rod 21 and the horizontal rod 22 are rigid, thin rods with adjustable lengths, made of carbon fiber reinforced material.

[0064] The lifting rod 21 is in a vertical position.

[0065] The horizontal bar 22 is in a horizontal state and is fixed below the left and right lifting bars 21.

[0066] There are two rollers 23, which are fixed to the horizontal bar 22 and can rotate around it.

[0067] The buffer assembly 3 includes a fastening ring 31, a horizontal rotating shaft 32, a bearing 33, and a torsion spring 34.

[0068] The inner ring of the fastening ring 31 has a rubber layer and fits onto the lifting rod 21, with its right end fixed to the horizontal rotating shaft 32. The fastening ring 31 exerts a compressive force on the lifting rod 21 and is adjustable, providing a frictional locking force. The lifting rod 21 can only move axially when the external force exceeds the locking force. The locking force of the fastening ring 31 on the lifting rod 21 is less than the collision force between the self-propelled model 6 and the hull, but greater than the lifting force generated by the hydrodynamic force of the waterproof fabric 5.

[0069] The horizontal rotating shaft 32 is a rigid cylindrical shaft, fixed to the inner ring of the bearing 33, and perpendicular to the longitudinal section of the hull.

[0070] The right end face of bearing 33 is parallel to the mounting plate 1 and is fixed to it through the outer ring.

[0071] The torsion spring 34 is fixed at both ends to the fastening ring 31 and the mounting plate 1. When the lifting rod 21 is in the vertical position, the torsion spring 34 has no torque. The torsion spring 34 has high torque, which can ensure that when the model aircraft 6 is at its maximum speed and the waterproof cloth 5 is fully raised, the rotation angle of the lifting rod 21 is no more than 5°.

[0072] The fixing ring assembly 4 includes an upper fixing ring 41 and a lower fixing ring 42.

[0073] The upper fixing ring 41 is fixed to the upper end of the lifting rod 21 and moves up and down with it.

[0074] The lower fixing ring 42 is fitted onto the lifting rod 21, without contacting the lifting rod 21, and is fixed to the upper end face of the fastening ring 31.

[0075] The waterproof fabric 5 is made of lightweight, ultra-thin, and high-strength materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. The bottom of the waterproof fabric 5 is cut to conform to the hull shape and fixed to the hull. The four corners of the waterproof fabric 5 are respectively connected to the upper fixing ring 41 and the lower fixing ring 42 on the two side lifting rods 21.

[0076] The waterproof cloth 5 has a certain width, which is greater than the distance between the left and right lifting rods 21. When the lifting rods 21 move down to the lowest point, the waterproof cloth 5 is completely attached to the hull and has a certain tensile and compressive force to prevent the waterproof cloth 5 from shaking.

[0077] During initial installation, the lifting rod 21 is lowered to its lowest point, and the upper fixing ring 41 is attached to the lower fixing ring 42.

[0078] In actual work process:

[0079] First, the length of the horizontal bar 22 is adjusted to match the width of the self-propelled model 6. Then, based on factors such as speed, type of underwater operation, and safety margin, the length of the lifting rod 21 below the hull is adjusted to set the ultra-deep response height. After adjustment, this device is fixed to both sides of the self-propelled model 6.

[0080] When the self-propelled model 6 is undergoing underwater straight-running tests, if it accidentally buries itself too deep, the horizontal bar 22 below the self-propelled model 6 will preferentially collide with the bottom of the pool.

[0081] During the gliding process, the rollers 23 on the horizontal bar 22 roll, which greatly reduces the horizontal pull of the pool bottom on the self-propelled model 6 and avoids increasing the longitudinal tilt of the self-propelled model 6.

[0082] The pressure from the self-propelled model 6 against the seabed causes the lifting rod 21 to move upward against the frictional locking force of the fastening ring 31.

[0083] During the collision, the lifting rod 21, along with the fastening ring 31, overcomes the torque of the torsion spring 34 and rotates slightly around the axis of the horizontal rotating shaft 32 to achieve buffering, reduce the impact force, and protect the lifting rod 21 device.

[0084] The lifting boom 21, along with the upper fixing ring 41, pulls the waterproof cloth 5 upward and unfolds. At high speeds, the water resistance generated by the waterproof cloth 5 is significant, resulting in a noticeable braking effect. At the same time, because the waterproof cloth 5 is located above the hull, it causes the hull to lift its bow.

[0085] Due to the large moment of inertia of the hull, the planing braking distance is relatively long. During the planing process in contact with the bottom of the pool, the lifting rod 21 gradually moves upward, and the braking and bow lifting forces gradually increase, automatically matching the depth from the bottom to achieve adaptive adjustment.

[0086] Once the hull begins to rise, the lifting boom 21 moves away from the pool bottom, its height is locked by the fastening ring 31, and the height of the waterproof fabric 5 remains constant, preventing further increase in anti-sinking force. This device provides appropriate bow lifting force in a self-balancing manner, avoiding excessive bow lifting force that could cause secondary injuries such as stern bottoming out, loss of control, or oversurfacing. This feature is particularly suitable for minor over-depth tests, preventing over-response that could cause collateral damage or interfere with the test.

[0087] Due to the long gliding distance, the bow lift force of this device will guide the self-propelled model 6 to float to the water surface. During the gliding with pitch on the water surface, the self-propelled model 6 will experience greater hydrodynamic resistance, further reducing the gliding distance and avoiding collision with the pool wall.

[0088] Once the boat has come to a stop on the water, repairs or control parameter adjustments can be performed in the pool as needed. The personnel on the small boat push the lifting rod 21 down to the bottom to reset the protection device, eliminating the need to lift it out of the water, simplifying the operation and significantly improving testing efficiency.

[0089] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A bottom-touching protection device for self-propelled model aircraft, characterized in that: The system includes a self-propelled model (6), with mounting plates (1) fixed on both sides of the hull of the self-propelled model (6). A support rod frame (2) is installed on the outside of the self-propelled model (6). The structure of the support rod frame (2) is as follows: it includes symmetrically arranged lifting rods (21), a horizontal rod (22) is provided at the bottom of the lifting rods (21), rollers (23) are distributed at intervals on the horizontal rods (22), and a fixing ring assembly (4) is installed on the lifting rods (21). The fixing ring assembly (4) includes an upper fixing ring (41) and a lower fixing ring (42). The upper fixing ring (41) is located on the top surface of the lifting rods (21) and moves with the lifting rods (21). The lower fixing ring (42) is loosely fitted in the middle of the lifting rods (21). The system also includes a mounting plate (1). The buffer assembly (3) between the mounting plate (1) and the lifting rod (21) has the following structure: it includes a fastening ring (31) fitted on the lifting rod (21), a horizontal rotating shaft (32) fixed on the outer end face of the fastening ring (31), the outer end face of the horizontal rotating shaft (32) fixed to the inner ring of the bearing (33), the outer end face of the bearing (33) parallel to the mounting plate (1), and fixed to the mounting plate (1) by the outer ring of the bearing (33), and a torsion spring (34) fitted on the horizontal rotating shaft (32); it also includes a waterproof cloth (5) attached to the hull, the bottom of the waterproof cloth (5) is cut to conform to the hull, and the four corners of the waterproof cloth (5) are respectively connected to the upper fixing ring (41) and the lower fixing ring (42) on the two lifting rods (21).

2. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the lifting rod (21) and the horizontal rod (22) are rigid thin rods with adjustable lengths.

3. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the lifting rod (21) and the horizontal rod (22) are made of carbon fiber reinforced material.

4. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner ring of the fastening ring (31) has a rubber layer.

5. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening ring (31) exerts a compressive force on the lifting rod (21) and is adjustable, providing a friction locking force.

6. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking force of the fastening ring (31) on the lifting rod (21) is less than the collision force between the self-propelled model (6) and the hull.

7. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal rotating shaft (32) is a rigid cylindrical shaft.

8. The anti-bottom-out protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof fabric (5) is made of lightweight, ultra-thin, and high-strength materials.

9. A method for operating the anti-bottoming protection device for self-propelled model aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that: First, by adjusting the length of the horizontal bar (22), the width of the self-propelled model (6) is adapted, and the protective device is installed; During the gliding process, the rollers (23) on the horizontal bar (22) roll, which greatly reduces the horizontal pull of the pool bottom on the self-propelled model (6) and avoids increasing the longitudinal tilt of the self-propelled model (6); Then, when the self-propelled model (6) is squeezed against the seabed, the lifting rod (21) is forced to move upward against the frictional locking force of the fastening ring (31); During the collision, the lifting rod (21) with the fastening ring (31) overcomes the torque of the torsion spring (34) and rotates slightly around the axis of the horizontal rotating shaft (32) to achieve buffering, reduce the impact force, and protect the lifting rod (21) device. Then, the lifting rod (21) pulls the waterproof cloth (5) upward and unfolds along with the upper fixing ring (41); subsequently, once the boat turns to float, the lifting rod (21) moves away from the bottom of the pool, and its height is locked by the fastening ring (31), so the unfolding height of the waterproof cloth (5) is constant and the anti-sinking force no longer increases. Finally, after the boat stops on the water, the fault can be repaired or the control parameters adjusted in the pool as needed. The protection personnel on the boat push the lifting rod (21) down to the bottom to reset the protection device.

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