Self-floating equipment in case of falling into water

By designing a self-floating device in water containing a gas generator and an airbag, using chemical reactions to generate gas to open the airbag, the problem of serious equipment losses in the drone's waterfall accident was solved, and lightweight and efficient rescue effects were achieved.

CN120270559APending Publication Date: 2025-07-08SHIYAN XUNTIAN TECH DEV CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510688504.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-27
Publication Date
2025-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing technology lacks effective rescue measures to deal with drones, especially small and micro drones, falling into the water, resulting in serious equipment losses. The commonly used airbag technology is limited by weight and hidden dangers of falling objects at high altitudes, which affects the battery life and safety of the drone.

Method used

A self-floating device in water is designed, including a gas generator and an airbag. It uses the chemical reaction of gas generated when water is generated to open the airbag, provides buoyancy, and combines a water-soluble self-breaking strap and a water-controlled check valve to ensure the safety and efficiency of gas generation and storage.

Benefits of technology

It realizes that the drone can be effectively floated without significantly affecting the battery life of the drone, reduce equipment losses, reduce weight and improve battery life, and is highly safe.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a drowning self-floating device, and relates to the technical field of drowning rescue, the drowning self-floating device is connected with a protected object, and the drowning self-floating device comprises a gas generator and at least one air bag; the gas generator comprises a hollow shell, and a medicine bag generating gas when meeting water is arranged in the shell. A water inlet is formed in the shell, a water control one-way valve is arranged at the water inlet, and the water control one-way valve comprises a valve body, a valve plate and a water-sensitive positioning mechanism; a cavity is formed in the valve body, and a water inlet hole communicated with the cavity is formed in the valve body; the valve plate is arranged in the cavity and is connected with the spring; the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is used for compressing the spring, and after the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is dissolved in water, the valve plate abuts against and seals the water inlet hole under the action of the spring; the air bag is communicated with the gas generator through the inflation channel. The unmanned aerial vehicle has the advantages of being simple in structure, low in cost and light in weight, is particularly suitable for small and miniature unmanned aerial vehicles, and can reduce the overall weight and improve the cruising ability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rescue in water, and more specifically, to a self-floating device for falling into water. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid and extensive application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), there are more and more accidental UAV incidents, resulting in losses of the UAV itself, data losses caused by failed payload tasks, and losses of the payload equipment itself. Usually, the values of these three aspects of losses are relatively high, which causes some scenarios not to fly, restricting the UAV from exerting greater value. Currently, after accidental incidents of UAVs, especially small and micro UAVs, there is still a lack of effective rescue measures in the market. For example, the most frequent UAV water accidents often result in the loss of the UAV and the cameras carried, and the loss of precious image data, causing great losses.

[0003] The airbag technology commonly used in the field of water rescue is greatly restricted in the field of UAV rescue. Factors such as the impact of the weight of the rescue equipment on endurance, the potential hazard of accidental high-altitude falling objects of the equipment, the degree of automation of operation, and cost need to be comprehensively considered. Therefore, new technical solutions are needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aiming at the defects existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-floating device for falling into water, which has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and light weight, and is particularly suitable for small and micro UAVs, can reduce the overall weight, and does not overly affect the endurance of the UAV.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a self-floating device for falling into water, connected to an object to be protected, including a gas generator and at least one airbag; the gas generator includes a hollow housing, and a medicine pack that generates gas when encountering water is arranged inside the housing; the housing is provided with a water inlet, and a water-controlled one-way valve is arranged at the water inlet. The water-controlled one-way valve includes a valve body, a valve piece, and a water-sensitive positioning mechanism; a cavity is arranged inside the valve body, and the valve body is provided with a water inlet hole communicating with the cavity; the valve piece is arranged in the cavity and connected to a spring; the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is used to compress the spring. When the water-sensitive positioning mechanism dissolves in water, the valve piece abuts against and closes the water inlet hole under the action of the spring; the airbag is communicated with the gas generator through an inflation channel.

[0006] On the basis of the above technical solution, the object to be protected is connected to the gas generator or the airbag through a tie, and a binding strap is wound around the outside of the airbag in a contracted state.

[0007] On the basis of the above technical solution, the strap is a water-soluble self-breaking strap, which includes at least two strap sections, and a protective cover is connected between two adjacent strap sections; the protective cover is a hollow structure, and the protective cover is provided with two first through holes; one end of the two strap sections respectively extends into the interior of the protective cover from the two first through holes, and is connected together through a first water-sensitive element; when water enters the protective cover, the first water-sensitive element dissolves in water, and the two strap sections automatically separate.

[0008] On the basis of the above technical scheme, the belt body is made of non-water-absorbent material; the first water-sensitive element is made of water-soluble material; the first water-sensitive element is in a block or film structure, and the ends of the two belt bodies are respectively embedded in the first water-sensitive element; a water-blocking element is arranged near the first through hole inside the protective cover; the water-blocking element is made of water-absorbing and swelling material; the end of the belt body passes through the water-blocking element and is connected to the first water-sensitive element, and a protective interval is left between the first water-sensitive element and the water-blocking element; the protective cover is in a transparent tubular structure; a humidity indicating element is arranged inside the protective cover; the humidity indicating element is a humidity test paper, which is arranged on the first water-sensitive element.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the water-sensitive positioning mechanism includes a connecting piece, which is a rod-shaped or rope-shaped structure made of water-sensitive material. One end of the connecting piece is connected to the valve body, and the other end of the connecting piece extends into the cavity and is connected to the valve plate; when the connecting piece dissolves in water, the valve plate is supported and closed by the action of the spring.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the water-sensitive positioning mechanism includes a connecting member and a second water-sensitive element, one end of the connecting member is connected to the second water-sensitive element, and the other end of the connecting member extends into the cavity and is connected to the valve plate; when the second water-sensitive element dissolves in water, the connecting member loses resistance, and the valve plate is supported and closed by the action of the spring.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the connecting piece is made of rigid material or flexible material, and the second water-sensitive element is a water-sensitive tape or a water-sensitive rubber ring, which is firmly wrapped around the outer end of the connecting piece and pressed against the outer wall of the valve body.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the connecting piece is made of rigid material, and a stop rod is provided at the outer end of the connecting piece; the second water-sensitive element is a capsule-shaped structure made of water-sensitive material, which is connected to the stop rod and abuts against the outer wall of the valve body.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the connecting piece is made of rigid material or flexible material, and a hook is provided at the outer end of the connecting piece; the second water-sensitive element is a rod-shaped structure made of water-sensitive material, the second water-sensitive element is supported against the outer wall of the valve body, and the connecting piece is connected to the second water-sensitive element through a hook.

[0014] On the basis of the above technical solution, an elastic locking plate is arranged near the bottom of the inner wall of the valve body, and when the valve plate is supported and closed by the spring, the elastic locking plate is used to lock the valve plate; a water inlet hole is arranged at the bottom of the valve body, and a second through hole for the connecting part to pass through is arranged at the top of the valve body; the front and rear sides of the valve body are both open structures; a limiting slot is arranged on the inner top wall of the valve body, one end of the spring is connected to the limiting slot, and the other end of the spring is connected to the valve plate.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] In the present invention, after the protected object (aircraft) enters the water, the gas generator undergoes a chemical reaction to generate gas, which expands the airbag. When the buoyancy generated by the airbag is greater than or equal to the total weight of the drone and the load, the drone or other aircraft floats to the surface. It is particularly suitable for small and micro drones, which can reduce the overall weight and improve the endurance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the self-floating device for falling into water in the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-floating device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 perspective drawing;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle airbag after inflation;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 perspective drawing;

[0022] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the gas generator in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a gas generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the binding strap in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A top view of

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a water control one-way valve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 10 perspective drawing;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the water-controlled one-way valve in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of the water-controlled one-way valve in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 is Figure 13 a perspective view of;

[0031] Figure 15 is Figure 13 a schematic structural diagram after the valve disc in is closed;

[0032] Figure 16 is Figure 15 a perspective view of;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second water-sensitive element and the connecting member in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic structural diagram of the falling water self-floating device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the falling water self-floating device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic structural diagram after the airbag is inflated in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a perspective view of;

[0038] Figure 22 This is a schematic structural diagram of the water-controlled one-way valve in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 23 is Figure 22 a perspective view of;

[0040] Figure 24 is Figure 22 a schematic structural diagram after the valve disc in is closed;

[0041] Figure 25 is Figure 24 a perspective view of;

[0042] Figure 26 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second water-sensitive element and the connecting member in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 27 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second water-sensitive element and the connecting member in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 28 This is the working principle flowchart of the self-floating device for falling into water in the present invention.

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] 1 - Gas generator; 11 - Housing; 12 - Water inlet; 13 - Hanging ear; 14 - Medicine bag;

[0047] 2 - Airbag;

[0048] 3 - Inflation channel;

[0049] 4 - Binding strap; 41 - Protective sleeve; 42 - Strap body; 43 - First water-sensitive element; 44 - Water-blocking element; 45 - Humidity indicating element; 46 - First through hole;

[0050] 5 - Water-controlled one-way valve; 51 - Valve body; 511 - Cavity; 512 - Water inlet hole; 513 - Second through hole; 514 - Limit card slot; 515 - Sealing ring; 52 - Valve plate; 53 - Spring; 54 - Connecting piece; 541 - Stop bar; 542 - Hook; 55 - Second water-sensitive element; 56 - Elastic lock piece; 561 - Guide surface;

[0051] 6 - Tying belt. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The illustrated embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0053] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that for orientation terms, such as the terms "center", "transverse (X)", "longitudinal (Y)", "vertical (Z)", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., the orientation and position relationships indicated are based on the orientation or position relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. It is 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 should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of the present invention.

[0054] In addition, for the terms "first" and "second", they are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, the meanings of "several" and "a number of" are two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0055] The following further describes the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the specification, making the technical solutions and their beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more definite. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0056] See Figure 1 and Figure 28 As shown, the present invention provides a self-floating device for falling into water, which is connected to the object to be protected, and includes a gas generator 1 and at least one airbag 2; the airbag has a prominent color (such as orange-red, fluorescent green, red, yellow, etc.) to facilitate early detection of the object falling into water.

[0057] The gas generator 1 includes a hollow housing 11, and a medicine bag 14 that generates gas when encountering water is arranged inside the housing 11; the medicine bag is composed of sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and a packaging bag for chemical agents, etc. The packaging bag is made of a water-permeable material. Or the above-mentioned water-soluble packaging material is made into a coating and wrapped outside the chemical agent.

[0058] The housing 11 is provided with a water inlet 12, and a water-controlled one-way valve 5 is arranged at the water inlet 12. The water-controlled one-way valve 5 includes a valve body 51, a valve plate 52, and a water-sensitive positioning mechanism; a cavity 511 is arranged inside the valve body 51, and the valve body 51 is provided with a water inlet hole 512 communicating with the cavity 511; the valve plate 52 is arranged in the cavity 511 and is connected to a spring 53; the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is used to compress the spring 53. When the water-sensitive positioning mechanism dissolves in water, the valve plate 52 abuts against and closes the water inlet hole 512 under the action of the spring 53; the function of the water-controlled one-way valve 5 is to enable the water outside the gas generator housing to only enter the housing unidirectionally, preventing the aqueous solution and gas from flowing out reversely from the water inlet. After water enters the gas generator for a period of time, the water-controlled check valve acts to close the water inlet, and the water, gas, and chemical agent aqueous solution cannot flow out of the gas generator from the water inlet.

[0059] The airbag 2 is communicated with the gas generator 1 through an inflation channel 3.

[0060] The following further illustrates the present invention through several embodiments.

[0061] Embodiment 1

[0062] See Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the present invention provides a self-floating device for falling into water, which is connected to the object to be protected, and includes a gas generator 1 and an airbag 2; the airbag 2 is connected to the bottom of the gas generator 1, and the airbag 2 is communicated with the gas generator 1 through an inflation channel 3 (inflation hole). The object to be protected is arranged on the top of the gas generator 1 and is connected to the gas generator 1 through a tie belt 6. Specifically, the housing 11 is provided with a hanging ear 13 for connecting the tie belt 6.

[0063] See Figures 6 to 7As shown, the gas generator 1 comprises a hollow shell 11, in which a medicine bag 14 for generating gas when in contact with water is arranged;

[0064] See also Figures 10 to 17 As shown, the housing 11 is provided with a water inlet 12, and a water control one-way valve 5 is arranged at the water inlet 12. The water control one-way valve 5 includes a valve body 51, a valve plate 52 and a water-sensitive positioning mechanism; a cavity 511 is arranged inside the valve body 51, and the valve body 51 is provided with a water inlet hole 512 communicated with the cavity 511; the valve plate 52 is arranged in the cavity 511 and connected to the spring 53; the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is used to compress the spring 53, and when the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is dissolved by water, the valve plate 52 resists and closes the water inlet hole 512 under the action of the spring 53;

[0065] Specifically, the water-sensitive positioning mechanism includes a connector 54 (made of non-water-sensitive material) and a second water-sensitive element 55 (such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, gelatin, etc.), one end of the connector 54 is connected to the second water-sensitive element 55, and the other end of the connector 54 extends into the cavity 511 and is connected to the valve plate 52; when the second water-sensitive element 55 dissolves in water, the connector 54 loses resistance, and the valve plate 52 resists and closes the water inlet 512 under the action of the spring 53. The connector 54 is made of a rigid material (connecting rod) or a flexible material (pulling rope), and the second water-sensitive element 55 is a water-sensitive adhesive tape or a water-sensitive adhesive ring, which is firmly wrapped around the outer end of the connector 54 and resists the outer wall of the valve body 51.

[0066] Specifically, an elastic locking piece 56 is provided near the bottom of the inner wall of the valve body 51. When the valve disc 52 abuts against and closes the water inlet hole 512 under the action of the spring 53, the elastic locking piece 56 is used to lock the valve disc 52. The elastic locking piece 56 is provided with a guide surface 561. The bottom of the valve body 51 is provided with a water inlet hole 512, and the top of the valve body 51 is provided with a second through hole 513 for the connecting member 54 to pass through; the front and rear sides of the valve body 51 are both open structures, and a sealing ring 515 is provided at the water inlet hole 512 of the valve body 51. The inner top wall of the valve body 51 is provided with a limit slot 514, one end of the spring 53 is connected to the limit slot 514, and the other end of the spring 53 is connected to the valve disc 52.

[0067] Normally, the spring is in a compressed state and the water inlet is open. Once in the water, water enters from the water inlet, the water-sensitive element dissolves in the water, the rod loses resistance, and under the action of the spring, the valve plate connected to the rod moves toward the water inlet, stretching the elastic locking plate to close the water inlet. At the same time, the valve plate is fixed by the locking plate, and water can no longer enter through the one-way valve.

[0068] See also Figures 8 to 9As shown, the airbag 2 in the contracted state is wrapped with a strap 4. The strap 4 is a water-soluble self-breaking strap, which includes two strap bodies 42, and a protective cover 41 is connected between two adjacent strap bodies 42; the protective cover 41 is a hollow structure, and the protective cover 41 is provided with two first through holes 46; one end of the two strap bodies 42 extends into the inside of the protective cover 41 from the two first through holes 46, and is connected together through a first water-sensitive element 43; when water enters the protective cover 41, the first water-sensitive element 43 dissolves in water, and the two strap bodies 42 are automatically separated. Specifically, the strap body 42 is made of non-water-absorbing materials, such as various plastics, metal wires, and plant fibers. It has a certain strength and can withstand a certain tensile force; the first water-sensitive element 43 is made of a water-soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, gelatin, etc., which has a high strength when dry and can withstand a certain tensile force. After contacting water, the strength decreases, disintegrates or even melts; the first water-sensitive element 43 is in a block or film structure, and the ends of the two belt bodies 42 are respectively embedded in the first water-sensitive element 43; a water-blocking element 44 is arranged near the first through hole 46 inside the protective cover 41; the water-blocking element 44 is made of a water-swelling material, such as a polymer water-swelling rubber, bentonite, super absorbent resin (SAP), etc., which can absorb a large amount of water and increase its volume at the same time, preventing a small amount of rainwater from further penetrating into the protective cover 41; the end of the belt body 42 passes through the water-blocking element 44 and is connected to the first water-sensitive element 43, and a protective interval is left between the first water-sensitive element 43 and the water-blocking element 44 to prevent the water-sensitive element from contacting the infiltrated water. The protective cover 41 is a transparent tubular structure; a humidity indicator element 45 is disposed inside the protective cover 41; the humidity indicator element 45 is a humidity test paper, which is disposed on the first water sensitive element 43. The humidity indicator element indicates the ambient humidity by color. Once the humidity exceeds the standard, it means that the device will fail and needs to be used with caution.

[0069] Embodiment 2

[0070] See also Figures 18 to 21 As shown, the structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, with the only difference being that in this embodiment, two airbags 2 are provided, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the gas generator 1, and the airbags 2 are connected to the gas generator 1 through an inflation channel 3 (inflation tube).

[0071] See also Figures 22 to 26 As shown, in this embodiment, specifically, the connecting member 54 is made of a rigid material, and a stop rod 541 is provided at the outer end of the connecting member 54; the second water-sensitive element 55 is a capsule-shaped structure made of a water-sensitive material, and the second water-sensitive element 55 is connected to the stop rod 541 and abuts against the outer wall of the valve body 51.

[0072] Normally, the spring is in a compressed state and the water inlet is open. Once in the water, water enters from the water inlet, the water-sensitive element dissolves in the water, the rod loses resistance, and under the action of the spring, the valve plate connected to the rod moves toward the water inlet, stretching the elastic locking plate to close the water inlet. At the same time, the valve plate is fixed by the locking plate, and water can no longer enter through the one-way valve.

[0073] Embodiment 3

[0074] See also Figure 27 As shown, the structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, and the only difference is that in this embodiment, the connecting member 54 is made of a rigid material (connecting rod) or a flexible material (pulling rope), and a hook 542 is provided at the outer end of the connecting member 54; the second water-sensitive element 55 is a rod-shaped structure made of a water-sensitive material, and the second water-sensitive element 55 is abutted against the outer wall of the valve body 51, and the connecting member 54 is connected to the second water-sensitive element 55 through the hook 542.

[0075] Normally, the spring is in a compressed state and the water inlet is open. Once in the water, water enters from the water inlet, the water-sensitive element dissolves in the water, the rod loses resistance, and under the action of the spring, the valve plate connected to the rod moves toward the water inlet, stretching the elastic locking plate to close the water inlet. At the same time, the valve plate is fixed by the locking plate, and water can no longer enter through the one-way valve.

[0076] Embodiment 4

[0077] The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the water-sensitive positioning mechanism includes a connecting member 54, which is a rod-shaped or cable-shaped structure made of water-sensitive material, one end of which is bonded to the valve body 51, and the other end of which extends into the cavity 511 and is connected to the valve plate 52; when the connecting member 54 dissolves in water, the valve plate 52 resists and closes the water inlet hole 512 under the action of the spring 53. This structure can further reduce weight.

[0078] In the description of the specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "preferably", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention, and the schematic expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0079] The present invention is to effectively control the start time of the chemical reaction, prevent premature reaction from generating gas and closing the water control check valve in advance, resulting in insufficient water inflow to generate enough gas. The medicine bag packaging is made of water-soluble materials (such as starch, PVA, etc.). After water enters and dissolves the water-soluble packaging bag (or coating), the chemical agent is dissolved, delaying the start time of the gas generation reaction.

[0080] The components (by weight) in the chemical agent package are 54% - 64% sodium bicarbonate and 36% - 46% citric acid. Further, to increase the gas generation speed of the chemical reaction, an appropriate amount of potassium permanganate, etc. is added to the medicine bag.

[0081] Compared with the gas supply scheme using high-pressure steel gas cylinders currently on the market, within a certain buoyancy range, the present invention can significantly reduce the weight of the device.

[0082] The following is a comparison of two schemes calculated according to the generation of about 4 Kg of buoyancy:

[0083] Chemical gas generation method:

[0084] According to the ideal chemical agent ratio, using the chemical method to generate 8 g of carbon dioxide, taking the reaction of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid as an example, the calculation results show that the total weight of the reactants is about 27 g.

[0085] The reaction equation of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid is:

[0086] C6H8O7 + 3NaHCO3 -> 3CO2 + 3H2O + Na3C6H5O7

[0087] It can be seen from the equation that 1 mole of citric acid reacts with 3 moles of sodium bicarbonate to produce 3 moles of carbon dioxide.

[0088] Molar mass

[0089] Molar mass of carbon dioxide (CO2): 44.01 g / mol

[0090] Molar mass of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3): 84.01 g / mol

[0091] Molar mass of citric acid (C6H8O7): 192.12 g / mol

[0092] Calculate the required amount of substance

[0093] 1. Moles of carbon dioxide:

[0094] n = 8 g / 44.01 (g / mol) ≈ 0.1818 mol

[0095] 2. According to the reaction equation, the moles of citric acid required to generate 0.1818 moles of carbon dioxide are:

[0096] 0.1818 mol / 3 ≈ 0.0606 mol

[0097] The number of moles of sodium bicarbonate required is: 0.1818 mol

[0098] Calculate the required mass

[0099] The mass of citric acid: 0.0606 mol * 192.12 g / mol = 11.65 g

[0100] 2. The mass of sodium bicarbonate: 0.1818 mol * 84.01 g / mol = 15.24 g

[0101] Summary: To produce 8 grams of carbon dioxide, 11.65 grams of citric acid (C6H8O7) and 15.24 grams of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are required. In practice, there may be slight deviations due to incomplete reactions or losses.

[0102] Cylinder gas supply method:

[0103] As a comparison scheme, it can be learned from the data that for the commonly used 8-gram carbon dioxide gas cylinders, combined with the actual samples purchased from the market, the total weight with the cylinder is about 33 grams. With additional devices such as control valves, the weight is even higher. For 8 grams of carbon dioxide, the volume at normal temperature and pressure after being released as a gas is:

[0104] Calculate the volume of 8 grams of carbon dioxide at normal temperature and pressure

[0105] According to the ideal gas state equation

[0106] PV = nRT

[0107] Where: P is the pressure (1 atmosphere under normal pressure, i.e., 101.325 kPa)

[0108] V is the volume

[0109] n is the amount of substance (number of moles)

[0110] R is the ideal gas constant (8.314 J / (mol·K))

[0111] T is the temperature (25 °C at normal temperature, i.e., 298.15 K)

[0112] First, the number of moles of 8 grams of carbon dioxide needs to be calculated.

[0113] The molar mass of carbon dioxide is 44.01 g / mol, so:

[0114] n = 8 g / 44.01 (g / mol) ≈ 0.1818 mol

[0115] Next, substitute the known values into the ideal gas state equation:

[0116] V = nRT / P = 0.1818 mol * 8.314 (J / (mol·K)) * 298.15 K / 101.325 kPa

[0117] Calculated as: V ≈ 0.1818 * 8.314 * 298.15 / 101.325} ≈ 4.39 L

[0118] Therefore, the volume of 8 grams of carbon dioxide gas at normal temperature and pressure is approximately 4.39 liters. It can provide a maximum buoyancy of about 4.39 kg in water.

[0119] Similarly, when producing 8 g of carbon dioxide to provide a buoyancy of about 4.39 kg, the total weight of the core components of the chemical reaction method device is about 27 g, while the core weight of the steel cylinder gas storage method is about 33 g. Adding their respective additional control devices, the weight of the chemical method is even lower than that of the steel cylinder gas storage method.

[0120] Through the above brief calculation and comparison, it is not difficult to conclude that at a certain volume, the total weight of the device using the chemical reaction method is lower than that of the carbon dioxide steel cylinder gas storage method. The smaller the gas volume, the greater the gap.

[0121] It should also be noted that when the required buoyancy (corresponding to the volume of gas to be produced) increases to a certain value, this conclusion will be reversed.

[0122] This feature is especially suitable for the rescue scenarios of small and micro unmanned aerial vehicles with low payloads. For small and micro unmanned aerial vehicles, the payload capacity is limited, the power reserve is limited, and the weight of the airframe itself is not high. Therefore, within a certain buoyancy range, the smaller the volume and the lower the weight, the better, which can save precious energy and provide a longer endurance.

[0123] In addition to the advantage of light weight, the chemical gas generation method has two other advantages: 1. There is no high pressure inside the device, making it safer; 2. It will not cause harm to people or objects below due to the accidental high-altitude fall of the steel cylinder.

[0124] The airbag material is a flexible airtight material (such as plastic film, etc.), usually in a folded state or a wound state. It is fixed to the gas generator or the object to be protected by a special water-soluble binding band. Or it is integrally wrapped and protected by a water-soluble film and fixed to the gas generator or the object to be protected.

[0125] The binding band is made of a water-soluble material such as PVA material, with a certain strength to restrain the airbag. The binding band or the wrapping has two functions: 1. Keep the airbag in a folded state and reduce the volume of the airbag; 2. Prevent the folded airbag from loosening. Once soaked in water, the strength decreases and it gradually dissolves, the binding band or the wrapping fails, the airbag loses restraint, and waits to be inflated.

[0126] Once an object such as a drone accidentally falls into water, water enters the gas generator through the water inlet, dissolving the chemical agent in the medicine bag. After the chemical agent dissolves in water, a chemical reaction occurs, generating carbon dioxide gas. When the water and gas in the gas generator reach a certain pressure, the water-controlled one-way valve is activated, closing the water inlet, and preventing external water from entering the gas generator. The water, aqueous solution, and gas are enclosed within the device to prevent the generated gas and chemical agent from leaking, while also restricting the water inflow and reducing the total weight of the device.

[0127] Under the action of air pressure, the gas inflates the airbag through the inflation channel. As the airbag inflates and its volume increases, the buoyancy generated in water also increases. When the total buoyancy of the device + drone increases to be equal to the total weight (mass) of the drone and the device, the whole will float out of the water.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art of this technology, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements are also considered within the protection scope of the present invention. The content not described in detail in this specification belongs to the prior art well-known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A self-floating device for falling into water, connected to the object to be protected, characterized in that: It comprises a gas generator (1) and at least one air bag (2); The gas generator (1) comprises a hollow shell (11), wherein a medicine bag (14) for generating gas when in contact with water is arranged in the shell (11); The housing (11) is provided with a water inlet (12), and a water-controlled one-way valve (5) is arranged at the water inlet (12), and the water-controlled one-way valve (5) comprises a valve body (51), a valve plate (52) and a water-sensitive positioning mechanism; a cavity (511) is arranged inside the valve body (51), and the valve body (51) is provided with a water inlet hole (512) connected to the cavity (511); the valve plate (52) is arranged in the cavity (511) and connected to a spring (53); the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is used to compress the spring (53), and when the water-sensitive positioning mechanism is dissolved in water, the valve plate (52) resists and closes the water inlet hole (512) under the action of the spring (53); The airbag (2) is connected to the gas generator (1) through an inflation channel (3).

2. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 1, wherein: The protected object is connected to the gas generator (1) or the airbag (2) via a tether (6), and a tether (4) is wrapped around the outside of the airbag (2) in a contracted state.

3. The water-falling self-floating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The binding strap (4) is a water-soluble self-breaking binding strap, which comprises at least two sections of binding straps (42), and a protective cover (41) is connected between each two adjacent binding straps (42); the protective cover (41) is a hollow structure, and the protective cover (41) is provided with two first through holes (46); one end of the two binding straps (42) respectively extends into the interior of the protective cover (41) from the two first through holes (46), and is connected together through a first water-sensitive element (43); when water enters the protective cover (41), the first water-sensitive element (43) dissolves in water, and the two binding straps (42) are automatically separated.

4. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 3, characterized in that: The belt body (42) is made of a non-water-absorbing material; the first water-sensitive element (43) is made of a water-soluble material; the first water-sensitive element (43) is in a block or film structure, and the ends of the two belt bodies (42) are respectively embedded in the first water-sensitive element (43); a water-blocking element (44) is arranged at a position near the first through hole (46) inside the protective cover (41); the water-blocking element (44) is made of a water-absorbing and swelling material; the end of the belt body (42) passes through the water-blocking element (44) and is connected to the first water-sensitive element (43), and a protective interval is left between the first water-sensitive element (43) and the water-blocking element (44); the protective cover (41) is in a transparent tubular structure; a humidity indicating element (45) is arranged inside the protective cover (41); the humidity indicating element (45) is a humidity test paper, and is arranged on the first water-sensitive element (43).

5. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 1, wherein: The water-sensitive positioning mechanism comprises a connecting member (54), which is a rod-shaped or cable-shaped structure made of a water-sensitive material. One end of the connecting member (54) is connected to the valve body (51), and the other end of the connecting member (54) extends into the cavity (511) and is connected to the valve plate (52); when the connecting member (54) dissolves in water, the valve plate (52) resists and closes the water inlet hole (512) under the action of the spring (53).

6. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-sensitive positioning mechanism includes a connecting member (54) and a second water-sensitive element (55). One end of the connecting member (54) is connected to the second water-sensitive element (55), and the other end of the connecting member (54) extends into the cavity (511) and is connected to the valve plate (52). When the second water-sensitive element (55) dissolves in water, the connecting member (54) loses resistance, and the valve plate (52) abuts against and closes the water inlet hole (512) under the action of the spring (53).

7. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting member (54) is made of a rigid material or a flexible material. The second water-sensitive element (55) is a water-sensitive tape or a water-sensitive adhesive ring, which firmly surrounds the outer end of the connecting member (54) and abuts against the outer wall of the valve body (51).

8. The self-floating device upon falling into water according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting member (54) is made of a rigid material, and a retaining rod (541) is provided at the outer end of the connecting member (54). The second water-sensitive element (55) is a capsule-shaped structure made of a water-sensitive material, and the second water-sensitive element (55) is connected to the retaining rod (541) and abuts against the outer wall of the valve body (51).

9. The water-falling self-floating device according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting member (54) is made of a rigid material or a flexible material, and a hook (542) is provided at the outer end of the connecting member (54). The second water-sensitive element (55) is a rod-shaped structure made of a water-sensitive material. The second water-sensitive element (55) abuts against the outer wall of the valve body (51), and the connecting member (54) is connected to the second water-sensitive element (55) through the hook (542).

10. The water-falling self-floating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic locking piece (56) is provided at a position on the inner side wall of the valve body (51) close to the bottom. After the valve plate (52) abuts against and closes the water inlet hole (512) under the action of the spring (53), the elastic locking piece (56) is used to lock the valve plate (52). A water inlet hole (512) is provided at the bottom of the valve body (51), and a second through hole (513) for the connecting member (54) to pass through is provided at the top of the valve body (51). Both the front and rear sides of the valve body (51) are open structures. A limit card slot (514) is provided on the inner top wall of the valve body (51). One end of the spring (53) is connected to the limit card slot (514), and the other end of the spring (53) is connected to the valve plate (52).