A fuel mixing device for unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel mixing device for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising a mixing barrel, a cover plate, a self-priming pump, an oil inlet line, a control mechanism, a three-way valve, a first line, a second line, and multiple vibration support structures. The interior of the mixing barrel is used to mix fuel, and the cover plate is used to cover the opening at the top of the mixing barrel. The ends of the oil inlet line, the first line, and the second line are all connected to the three-way valve, which is disposed on the outside of the cover plate, and the ends of the first line and the second line away from the three-way valve are both disposed on the inside of the mixing barrel. The self-priming pump is disposed on the first line and is connected to the control mechanism. Multiple vibration support structures are evenly arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the mixing barrel. The fuel mixing device for UAVs described in the present invention solves the problem that the fuel mixing process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and may result in uneven mixing, as related technologies rely on manual shaking of the fuel for mixing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuel mixing, and in particular relates to a fuel mixing device for UAV. Background Art

[0002] Engine lubrication is a crucial component in drone technology. These non-independently lubricated drone engines require a specific mixing ratio of fuel and lubricant before refueling, a process crucial for proper engine operation. As drones often operate in diverse environments, ensuring a perfect fuel and lubricant mixture effectively improves engine performance, reduces wear, and extends service life.

[0003] Drone engine design typically emphasizes lightweight and high efficiency, so choosing the right fuel and lubricant ratio is crucial. This mixing technique requires the operator to possess certain expertise to ensure a precise and uniform mixing ratio. Proper mixing not only ensures stable engine operation but also prevents engine failure due to poor lubrication. Because related technologies rely on manual shaking of the fuel for mixing, the fuel mixing process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and can result in uneven mixing. Because related electric equipment typically uses a shaft-driven stirring rod for rotational mixing, there is a risk of fire caused by sparks through the drive shaft. Furthermore, poor sealing can occur during the shaft drive process, leading to oil leaks and posing safety risks. Furthermore, shaft-driven mixing equipment requires frequent maintenance, resulting in high operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to solve one of the related technical problems at least to a certain extent.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] A fuel mixing device for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising a mixing barrel, a cover plate, a self-priming pump, an oil inlet pipeline, a control mechanism, a three-way valve, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a plurality of vibration support structures;

[0007] The interior of the mixing barrel is used for mixing fuel, and the cover plate is used for covering the opening at the top of the mixing barrel;

[0008] The ends of the oil inlet pipeline, the first pipeline, and the second pipeline are all connected to the three-way valve, the three-way valve is arranged on the outside of the cover plate, and the ends of the first pipeline and the second pipeline away from the three-way valve are both arranged on the inside of the mixing barrel;

[0009] The self-priming pump is arranged on the first pipeline, and the self-priming pump is connected to the control mechanism;

[0010] A plurality of the vibration support structures are evenly arranged in a circumference at the bottom of the mixing barrel body. The vibration support structures are used to elastically support the mixing barrel body. When vibration is generated inside the mixing barrel body, reciprocating swinging motion can be generated to promote fuel mixing.

[0011] Furthermore, the second pipeline includes a fuel inlet pipe and a single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism, one end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism, and the single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism is arranged inside the mixing barrel body.

[0012] Furthermore, the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism includes a rotating structure, an L-shaped elbow and a fuel nozzle. One end of the L-shaped elbow is connected to the fuel inlet pipe through the rotating structure, and the other end of the L-shaped elbow is connected to the fuel nozzle through a flange plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism also includes a counterweight block, which is arranged at the outlet end of the L-shaped elbow.

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating structure includes a connecting sleeve, a rotating sleeve and a flanging structure. The connecting sleeve is arranged at the end of the fuel inlet pipe, and the rotating sleeve is arranged at the end of the L-shaped elbow. The outer side of the connecting sleeve is provided with an annular groove with an L-shaped cross-section, and the top of the rotating sleeve is rotatably matched with the annular groove through the flanging structure.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an anti-static structure, which includes an annular brush and a grounding wire. The annular brush is arranged on the fuel nozzle, one end of the grounding wire is connected to the annular brush, and the other end of the grounding wire is arranged on the outside of the mixing barrel.

[0016] Furthermore, the vibration support structure includes a support seat, a fixed seat, a support rod, a first vibration spring, a second vibration spring, a pressing plate and a nut. The bottom of the support rod passes through the support seat and is threadedly connected to the upper end face of the fixed seat. The pressing plate and nut are set on the top of the support rod. The first vibration spring is set between the support seat and the fixed seat, and the second vibration spring is set between the support seat and the pressing plate. The first vibration spring and the second vibration spring are both sleeved on the support rod.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of the vibration support structures is 4.

[0018] Furthermore, a filter is provided at the end of the first pipeline disposed on the inner side of the mixing barrel.

[0019] Furthermore, the end of the second pipeline located inside the mixing barrel is higher than the end of the first pipeline located inside the mixing barrel.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the fuel mixing device for UAVs described in the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. The self-priming pump in the first pipeline effectively draws fuel from the bottom of the mixing barrel and re-introduces it, circulating it to achieve a more even mixing of fuel and lubricant. The automated oil suction cycle reduces reliance on manual stirring, lowering workload and improving efficiency. The closed circulation within the pipeline reduces the risk of fuel leakage or volatilization caused by manual stirring, improving safety.

[0022] 2. The rotational motion of the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism causes the barrel to vibrate. This moderate vibration accelerates the mixing process of fuel and lubricant, improving mixing efficiency. Although the single-arm rotation can cause dynamic imbalance, the vibration support structure at the bottom of the barrel effectively controls the barrel's shaking amplitude, converting this vibration into a driving force that promotes mixing. The combined effect of vibration and rotation enables the liquid in the barrel to flow and disperse more evenly, thereby improving the uniformity and consistency of the final mixture. Because vibration enhances the fluidity of the internal liquid, it reduces the sedimentation of fuel and lubricant at the bottom of the barrel, ensuring the quality and precision of each mix. This significantly shortens the mixing time of the fuel, allowing the equipment to complete the task more quickly and improving overall work efficiency.

[0023] 3. Moderate vibration of the vibration support structure helps to accelerate the mixing process of fuel and lubricating oil and improve the mixing efficiency. Through vibration, the liquid flows and disperses more evenly in the barrel, thereby improving the uniformity of mixing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are provided to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are provided to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel mixing device for a UAV according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first pipeline, the second pipeline and the three-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the vibration support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 100. Mixing barrel; 110. Cover plate; 200. Control mechanism; 210. Oil inlet pipeline; 220. First pipeline; 230. Self-priming pump; 240. Three-way valve; 300. Fixed seat; 310. First vibration spring; 400. L-shaped elbow; 410. Counterweight; 420. Flange plate; 430. Fuel nozzle; 500. Rotating structure; 510. Connecting sleeve; 520. Rotating sleeve; 600. Support seat; 610. Second vibration spring; 620. Pressing piece; 630. Nut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships 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 limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0035] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0036] A fuel mixing device for an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as Figure 1As shown, the mixing barrel 100 includes a mixing barrel, a cover plate 110, a self-priming pump 230, an oil inlet pipeline 210, a control mechanism 200, a three-way valve 240, a first pipeline 220, a second pipeline, and multiple vibration support structures. The interior of the mixing barrel 100 is used to mix fuel, and the cover plate 110 is used to cover the opening at the top of the mixing barrel 100. The ends of the oil inlet pipeline 210, the first pipeline 220, and the second pipeline are all connected to the three-way valve 240, which is arranged outside the cover plate 110. The ends of the first pipeline 220 and the second pipeline away from the three-way valve 240 are both arranged inside the mixing barrel 100. The self-priming pump 230 is arranged on the first pipeline 220 and is connected to the control mechanism 200. A filter is provided at the end of the first pipeline 220 arranged inside the mixing barrel 100. The end of the second pipeline located inside the mixing barrel 100 is higher than the end of the first pipeline 220 located inside the mixing barrel 100. Control mechanism 200 is a conventional single-chip microcomputer. Through the action of self-priming pump 230 in first pipeline 220, fuel can be effectively pumped out from the bottom of mixing barrel 100 and reintroduced, allowing the fuel and lubricating oil to be more evenly mixed through circulation. The automated oil suction cycle reduces reliance on manual stirring, lowers workload, and improves efficiency. The closed circulation within the pipeline reduces the risk of fuel leakage or volatilization caused by manual stirring, improving safety. Three-way valve 240 is a conventional electrically controlled three-way valve connected to control mechanism 200.

[0037] The second pipeline includes a fuel inlet pipe and a single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism. One end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the three-way valve 240, and the other end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism. The single-arm rotating oil delivery mechanism is arranged inside the mixing barrel body 100.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism includes a rotating structure 500, an L-shaped elbow 400, and a fuel nozzle 430. One end of the L-shaped elbow 400 is connected to the fuel inlet pipe via the rotating structure 500, and the other end of the L-shaped elbow 400 is connected to the fuel nozzle 430 via a flange plate 420. The single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism also includes a counterweight 410, which is disposed at the outlet end of the L-shaped elbow 400. An anti-static structure (not shown in the figures) is also included. The anti-static structure includes an annular brush and a grounding wire. The annular brush is disposed on the fuel nozzle 430. One end of the grounding wire is connected to the annular brush and extends from the opening of the mixing barrel 100. The other end of the grounding wire is disposed outside the mixing barrel 100. The grounding wire is copper wire. In actual use, another connection method can be used, namely connecting the end of the grounding wire away from the annular brush to the inner wall of the mixing barrel 100. The mixing barrel 100 and the vibration support structure are both made of metal, which can also provide a grounding effect. The rotational motion of the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism causes the barrel to vibrate. This moderate vibration accelerates the mixing process of fuel and lubricant, improving mixing efficiency. Although the single-arm rotation can cause dynamic imbalance, the vibration support structure at the barrel's bottom effectively controls the barrel's swaying amplitude, converting this vibration into a driving force that promotes mixing. The combined effect of vibration and rotation ensures a more uniform flow and dispersion of the liquid within the barrel, thereby improving the uniformity and consistency of the final mixture. The vibration enhances the fluidity of the liquid within and reduces the sedimentation of fuel and lubricant at the bottom of the barrel, ensuring the quality and precision of each mix. The rotation of the fuel within the barrel creates a horizontal and vertical agitation state, achieving the desired mixing effect. This significantly shortens the mixing time, allowing the equipment to complete its task more quickly and improving overall efficiency.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotating structure 500 includes a connecting sleeve 510, a rotating sleeve 520 and a flanging structure. The connecting sleeve 510 is arranged at the end of the fuel inlet pipe, and the rotating sleeve 520 is arranged at the end of the L-shaped elbow 400. The rotating sleeve 520 is integrally connected to the L-shaped elbow 400. The outer side of the connecting sleeve 510 is provided with an annular groove with an L-shaped cross-section, and the top of the rotating sleeve 520 is rotatably matched with the annular groove through the flanging structure.

[0040] Multiple vibration support structures are evenly arranged around the bottom of the mixing barrel 100. The vibration support structures are used to elastically support the mixing barrel 100. When vibration is generated inside the mixing barrel 100, reciprocating swinging motion can be generated to promote fuel mixing. In this example, the number of vibration support structures is 4. Figure 5As shown, the vibration support structure includes a support base 600, a fixed base 300, a support rod, a first vibration spring 310, a second vibration spring 610, a pressing plate 620, and a nut 630. The bottom of the support rod passes through the support base 600 and is threadedly connected to the upper end face of the fixed base 300. The top of the support rod is provided with a pressing plate 620 and a nut 630. The first vibration spring 310 is arranged between the support base 600 and the fixed base 300, and the second vibration spring 610 is arranged between the support base 600 and the pressing plate 620. The first vibration spring 310 and the second vibration spring 610 are both mounted on the support rod. The moderate vibration of the vibration support structure helps to accelerate the mixing process of fuel and lubricating oil and improve mixing efficiency. Through vibration, the liquid flows and disperses more evenly in the barrel, thereby improving the uniformity of mixing.

[0041] How this example works

[0042] 1. There are two ways to add fuel:

[0043] (1) Pour the fuel to be mixed directly into the barrel in the predetermined proportion;

[0044] (2) Connect the fuel to be added to the oil inlet pipe 210, set the input of the control mechanism 200 (the three-way valve 240 connects the first pipe 220 with the oil inlet pipe 210, and the self-priming pump 230 reverses), set the amount and input speed, start the equipment, and the fuel enters the oil inlet pipe 210 through the self-priming pump 230 and is discharged into the barrel through the first pipe 220. It automatically stops when the set amount is reached (using a specific function, the remaining fuel after the drone operation can be recovered into the mixing barrel body 100).

[0045] 2. Fuel Mixing Method: Set the controller to mix (three-way valve 240 connects first and second pipelines, and self-priming pump 230 rotates forward), set the mixing speed and time, and start the equipment. Fuel enters first pipeline 220 and is ejected from second pipeline. Fuel nozzle 430 in the second pipeline sprays fuel tangentially along the barrel wall in a waterfall-like pattern. Due to the speed of the fuel spray, the fuel in the barrel rotates in the direction of spray, generating vortexes and accelerating mixing. Simultaneously, fuel is drawn in from the bottom of first pipeline 220 and discharged from the bottom of second pipeline, further accelerating fuel flow and mixing. During this process, the fuel passes through a filter, removing impurities multiple times to improve fuel purity.

[0046] 3. Fuel Output: Set the controller output (three-way valve 240 connects first pipeline 220 to fuel inlet pipeline 210, and self-priming pump 230 rotates forward). Set the output speed and volume, then start the device. Fuel in the tank enters through first pipeline 220 and is delivered to the drone via fuel inlet pipeline 210. Fuel inlet pipeline 210 is equipped with a pressure gauge and flowmeter, both connected to a microcontroller (MCU). The MCU has a timing function, and the volume is measured according to user-set values, automatically stopping upon completion. The flowmeter accumulates the fuel flow, while the speed is controlled by the MCU, which controls the motor speed. The pressure gauge is primarily used to facilitate fuel pump failures, such as when a fuel nozzle trips or a mechanical valve at the rear end closes. When the MCU detects that the pressure on the pressure gauge reaches the set value, it automatically shuts off the fuel pump to protect the pump and pipeline. When the pressure in fuel inlet pipeline 210 reaches the set value, it is assumed that the pipeline is faulty or the valve at the outlet is closed, and the controller sends a signal to stop self-priming pump 230.

[0047] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel mixing device for an unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a mixing barrel (100), a cover plate (110), a self-priming pump (230), an oil inlet pipeline (210), a control mechanism (200), a three-way valve (240), a first pipeline (220), a second pipeline and a plurality of vibration support structures; The interior of the mixing barrel (100) is used for mixing fuel, and the cover plate (110) is used for covering the opening at the top of the mixing barrel (100); The ends of the oil inlet pipeline (210), the first pipeline (220), and the second pipeline are all connected to the three-way valve (240), the three-way valve (240) is arranged outside the cover plate (110), and the ends of the first pipeline (220) and the second pipeline away from the three-way valve (240) are both arranged inside the mixing barrel (100); The self-priming pump (230) is provided on the first pipeline (220), and the self-priming pump (230) is connected to the control mechanism (200); A plurality of the vibration support structures are evenly arranged in a circumferential manner at the bottom of the mixing barrel (100), and the vibration support structures are used to elastically support the mixing barrel (100). When vibration is generated inside the mixing barrel (100), reciprocating swinging motion can be generated to promote fuel mixing. The vibration support structure comprises a support seat (600), a fixed seat (300), a support rod, a first vibration spring (310), a second vibration spring (610), a pressing plate (620) and a nut (630); the bottom of the support rod passes through the support seat (600) and is threadedly connected to the upper end surface of the fixed seat (300); the pressing plate (620) and the nut (630) are arranged on the top of the support rod; the first vibration spring (310) is arranged between the support seat (600) and the fixed seat (300); the second vibration spring (610) is arranged between the support seat (600) and the pressing plate (620); and the first vibration spring (310) and the second vibration spring (610) are both sleeved on the support rod; The second pipeline includes a fuel inlet pipe and a single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism, one end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the three-way valve (240), and the other end of the fuel inlet pipe is connected to the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism, and the single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism is arranged inside the mixing barrel (100); The single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism comprises a rotary structure (500), an L-shaped elbow (400) and a fuel nozzle (430); one end of the L-shaped elbow (400) is connected to the fuel inlet pipe through the rotary structure (500); and the other end of the L-shaped elbow (400) is connected to the fuel nozzle (430) through a flange plate (420).

2. A fuel mixing device for a UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single-arm rotary oil delivery mechanism further comprises a counterweight (410), and the counterweight (410) is arranged at the outlet end of the L-shaped elbow (400).

3. The fuel mixing device for a UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating structure (500) comprises a connecting sleeve (510), a rotating sleeve (520) and a flange structure. The connecting sleeve (510) is arranged at the end of the fuel inlet pipe, and the rotating sleeve (520) is arranged at the end of the L-shaped elbow (400). An annular groove with an L-shaped cross section is provided on the outer side of the connecting sleeve (510). The top of the rotating sleeve (520) is rotatably engaged with the annular groove through the flange structure.

4. The fuel mixing device for a UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an antistatic structure, which includes an annular brush and a grounding wire. The annular brush is arranged on the fuel nozzle (430), one end of the grounding wire is connected to the annular brush, and the other end of the grounding wire is arranged outside the mixing barrel (100).

5. A fuel mixing device for a UAV according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The number of the vibration support structures is 4.

6. The fuel mixing device for a UAV according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first pipeline (220) is provided with a filter at the end portion inside the mixing barrel (100).

7. The fuel mixing device for a UAV according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end portion of the second pipeline located inside the mixing barrel body (100) is higher than the end portion of the first pipeline (220) located inside the mixing barrel body (100).

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