Automatic auxiliary feeding device for unmanned aerial vehicle transportation

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle transportation, in particular to an unmanned aerial vehicle transportation automatic auxiliary feeding device which comprises an alignment component, the alignment component comprises an aligner, the aligner is composed of symmetrical structures, and the upper part is connected with the lower part through a hinge; the upper part of the aligner is provided with an access surface of a first port, a centering surface of a second port and a guide surface for connecting the first port and the second port; the special structure of the funnel-shaped groove allows the unmanned aerial vehicle to have slight position deviation in the loading process, the mounting piece and the second magnetic piece are matched in a magnetic attraction mode, it is ensured that the unmanned aerial vehicle and materials are stably connected in the transportation process, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is not prone to falling off. And when the unmanned aerial vehicle drives the mounting piece to move, the magnet pulls the turnover block of the aligner to turn over through the elastic rope, so that physical obstruction of the aligner structure to the unhooking process is avoided, and unhooking smoothness is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transportation, and in particular to an automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation. Background Art

[0002] Existing drone transport systems typically rely on manual operation for docking and undocking cargo. Specifically, during the loading phase, ground operators must visually or with simple mechanical tools (such as handheld positioning rods) adjust the relative spatial position of the drone and the cargo in real time. In complex terrain scenarios (such as steep mountain slopes and post-earthquake debris) or high-altitude transport missions, the manual adjustment process can be prone to lateral misalignment (typically 5-15 cm) between the drone's attachment and the cargo connection point due to operational delays and gesture errors. This can lead to docking failures and the need for multiple re-positioning, significantly reducing operational efficiency. Furthermore, to achieve precise docking, operators must maintain close contact (typically less than 1.5 meters) with the drone or cargo while it is hovering. This poses a significant risk of accidents such as slipping and falling, or being pinched by the drone's rotors or moving parts, in high-risk environments like sloping surfaces and slippery platforms. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to design a drone docking device that does not require manual docking.

[0004] The above technical problem is solved by the following technical solution: The present invention provides an automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation, which includes an alignment component, which includes an aligner having an access surface for a first port, a centering surface for a second port, and a guide surface connecting the first port and the second port;

[0005] The thrower enters from the first port and moves along the guide surface to the second port to complete the alignment.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the aligner has a first through hole with the centering surface as the initial surface and is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground according to the contour shape of the second port.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the guide surface forms a funnel-shaped groove on the aligner.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation of the present invention, the alignment component includes:

[0009] The placement groove takes the center plane of the funnel-shaped groove and the first through hole as the initial plane, and is arranged to penetrate along the horizontal direction according to the horizontal projection of the first through hole.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic assisted loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the aligner includes a base, and two expansion parts symmetrically arranged at the top of the base; the two opposing sides of the expansion parts are hinged to the base through hinges, and the funnel-shaped groove is formed by the closure of the two expansion parts.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic assisted loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: and also includes a decoupling component, including a magnet and an elastic rope, one end of the elastic rope is connected to the upper half of the aligner, and the other end of the elastic rope extends into the first through hole and is connected to the magnet.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the unhooking component further includes an L-shaped groove, which is provided in the aligner, and the L-shaped groove is provided in a symmetrical group, and one end of the L-shaped groove is connected to the first through groove;

[0013] The roller is rotatably connected to the corner of the L-shaped groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the diameter of the magnet is greater than the width of the L-shaped groove.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: the alignment component also includes a base, and a bracket arranged on the base, and the aligner is detachably mounted on the bracket.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation of the present invention: the alignment component includes: a loading assembly, which includes a mounting plate capable of being attracted by the magnet and the thrower, and a mounting member provided on one side of the mounting plate;

[0017] The mounting member includes a bent portion and a cantilever portion connected to either end of the bent portion, and one end of the cantilever portion away from the bent portion is connected to the mounting piece.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the special structure of the funnel-shaped groove of the present invention allows the drone to have a slight position deviation during loading, and the magnetic attraction between the mounting plate and the second magnetic plate ensures a stable connection between the drone and the material during transportation, avoiding accidental falling off due to vibration or airflow. When the drone drives the mounting plate to move, the magnet pulls the flip block of the aligner through the elastic rope to flip it, avoiding physical obstruction of the aligner structure to the uncoupling process and ensuring smooth uncoupling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Among them:

[0020] Figure 1 The overall schematic diagram of the automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A front view of an aligner of an automatic auxiliary loading device for transporting drones is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of an aligner for an automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transport is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A of the automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation is shown.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. Alignment component; 11. Aligner; 12. Funnel-shaped groove; 13. First through groove; 14. Placement groove; 15. Bracket; 16. Base; 2. Decoupling component; 32. Mounting part; 321. Bending part; 322. Cantilever part; 31. Mounting plate; 23. L-shaped groove; 24. Roller; 25. Magnet; 26. Elastic rope; 3. Carrying assembly; 33. Second magnetic plate; 111. First port; 112. Access surface; 113. Second port; 114. Centering surface; 115. Guide surface; 17. Base; 18. Deployment part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The terms used in the present invention are those commonly used in the art in view of the functions of the present invention, but these terms may vary according to the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or new technologies in the art. In addition, specific terms may be selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their detailed meanings will be described in the detailed description of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in the specification should not be understood as simple names, but rather as the meanings of the terms and the overall description of the present invention.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides an automatic auxiliary loading device for drone transportation, including an alignment component 1, which is used for alignment when the drone is loaded; a decoupling component 2, which is installed on the alignment component 1 and is used for decoupling after the drone is loaded; the drone moves to the top of the alignment component 1, aligns and fixes the cargo to be transported through the alignment component 1, and then separates from the alignment component 1 through the decoupling component 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the alignment component 1 includes: an aligner 11 for aligning the drone with the cargo to be transported, a bracket 15 fixed to one side of the aligner 11 for supporting the aligner 11; and a base 16 fixed to one side of the bracket 15 for placing materials.

[0030] Among them, the aligner 11, the bracket 15 and the base 16 form a whole. In this design, the aligner 11 is specifically used to ensure that the drone can accurately align with the cargo to be transported during cargo loading operations, thereby achieving seamless docking. Supporting this key function is the stable bracket 15, which is fixed to one side of the aligner 11 and provides the necessary structural support for the entire alignment process. The base 16 serves as the base of the entire system and is firmly installed at the bottom of the bracket 15. It is not only used to carry the materials to be transported, but also enhances the stability of the aligner 11 by providing solid ground support. The bracket 15 is designed to have a certain height so that the appropriate distance between the aligner 11 and the base 16 is maintained. This not only ensures the accuracy of the alignment process, but also reserves sufficient space for the placement of materials.

[0031] Furthermore, a funnel-shaped groove 12 is provided on the aligner 11; a first through groove 13 is provided at one end of the funnel-shaped groove 12; the funnel-shaped groove 12 and the first through groove 13 pass through the aligner 11; a placement groove 14 is provided on one side of the funnel-shaped groove 12 and the first through groove 13; and the placement groove 14 passes through the aligner 11.

[0032] The aligner 11 features a funnel-shaped groove 12. This funnel shape ensures that even if the drone deviates slightly when approaching the material, it can still achieve precise docking. This design significantly improves operational tolerance and flexibility. Furthermore, a first through-slot 13 is provided at one end of the funnel-shaped groove 12. This structure not only facilitates the stable suspension of the decoupling component 2 in the funnel-shaped groove 12 but also optimizes the smoothness of the entire docking process. Notably, both the funnel-shaped groove 12 and the first through-slot 13 extend through the aligner 11, allowing the drone to seamlessly connect with the material directly from within the funnel-shaped groove 12 without requiring additional positioning adjustments. Furthermore, a placement slot 14, located on one side of the funnel-shaped groove 12 and the first through-slot 13 and also extending through the aligner 11, provides a convenient spatial layout for inserting the decoupling component 2 into the first through-slot 13, further enhancing the overall functionality and practicality of the system. This design combination not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of drone operation but also simplifies the loading and unloading process, demonstrating a high degree of technological innovation and practicality.

[0033] The placement groove 14 passes through the aligner 11 and is installed on one side of the funnel-shaped groove 12 and the first through groove 13 . The decoupling component 2 is placed in the funnel-shaped groove 12 through the placement groove 14 . At this time, the decoupling component 2 is located in the first through groove 13 .

[0034] Furthermore, the mounting member 32 is used to hang materials; the mounting member 32 includes a curved portion 321, and a cantilever portion 322 connected to either end of the curved portion 321, and the end of the cantilever portion 322 away from the curved portion 321 is connected to the mounting plate 31, and the mounting plate 32 is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting member 32.

[0035] Furthermore, a suspension is installed at the bottom of the drone, a thrower is installed on one side of the suspension, and a second magnetic piece 33 is installed at one end of the thrower. The second magnetic piece 33 is attracted to the mounting piece 32.

[0036] The unhooking component 2 includes a mounting member 32 and a mounting plate 32 fixedly attached to one side of the mounting member. Specifically, the diameter of the mounting plate 32 is designed to be larger than that of the first through-slot 13. This ensures that the mounting plate 32 can be securely suspended within the funnel-shaped groove 12, located at the upper end of the first through-slot 13. The mounting member 32 is used to directly suspend materials for transport.

[0037] A suspension is installed at the bottom of the drone, and a thrower is equipped on one side of the suspension. A second magnetic piece 33 is installed at one end of the thrower. When the drone approaches the material, the second magnetic piece 33 and the mounting piece 32 attract each other, thereby achieving precise docking between the drone and the material. This design enables the drone to complete the material loading task efficiently and stably. Once it arrives at the destination, the material can be easily released by operating the thrower at one end of the suspension to achieve precise delivery. The entire process not only improves operating efficiency, but also ensures the safety and accuracy of operation, fully demonstrating the innovation and practicality of the system in the field of logistics and transportation. In addition, since the attraction between the mounting piece 32 and the second magnetic piece 33 occurs in the funnel-shaped groove 12, this further ensures the accuracy and stability of the direction during the docking process, and the docking task can be successfully completed even if there is a slight position deviation.

[0038] The operation process of this device is to hang the material on the mounting part 32, pass the mounting piece 32 through the placement slot 14 and place it in the funnel-shaped groove 12. At this time, the mounting part 32 is located in the first through slot 13. The drone moves the hanging to above the aligner 11, so that the thrower is placed in the funnel-shaped groove 12, and then the second magnetic piece 33 is attracted to the mounting piece 32. The drone drives the material to move, and the material, the mounting part 32 and the mounting piece 32 are moved out of the placement slot 14 and the aligner 11.

[0039] As an optional embodiment, it includes an L-shaped groove 23, which is opened in the aligner 11. The L-shaped groove 23 is provided in a symmetrical group, and one end of the L-shaped groove 23 is connected to the first through groove 13; a roller 24, which is rotatably connected to the corner of the L-shaped groove 23, and an elastic rope 26, one end of which is fixedly connected to the aligner 11; a magnet 25, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the elastic rope 26, and the diameter of the magnet 25 is larger than the width of the L-shaped groove 23.

[0040] The aligner 11 includes a base 17 and two expansion sections 18 symmetrically arranged at the top of the base 17. The two expansion sections 18 are hinged to the base 17 on opposite sides. The funnel-shaped groove 12 is formed by the two expansion sections 18 closing together. L-shaped grooves 23 are designed within the expansion sections 18 and are provided in a symmetrical set, one end of which is connected to the first through groove 13. Rollers 24 are installed at the corners of the L-shaped grooves 23 to ensure that the elastic cord 26 can slide smoothly when moving within them without being damaged by friction. One end of the elastic cord 26 is fixedly connected to the aligner 11, and the other end is connected to a magnet 25. The diameter of the magnet 25 is larger than the width of the L-shaped groove 23, thereby preventing it from being completely retracted into the L-shaped groove 23.

[0041] The key is that when the drone is moving with the mounting plate 32, it attracts the magnet 25 at the end of the elastic cord 26, causing it to pull the elastic cord 26. Because the elastic cord 26 slides smoothly on the roller 24, this process not only reduces frictional resistance but also effectively prevents any potential breakage. As the magnet 25 is pulled out, it drives the elastic cord 26, causing the unfolded portion 18 on one side of the aligner 11 to flip. This design cleverly solves the problem of the aligner 11 obstructing the mounting plate 32, which can occur during drone material movement, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

[0042] Finally, it should be pointed out that the methods and devices described in detail above are merely embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify these embodiments in different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation, characterized by: include, An alignment component (1) comprising an aligner (11), the aligner (11) having an access surface (112) for a first port (111), a centering surface (114) for a second port (113), and a guide surface (115) connecting the first port (111) and the second port (113); The thrower enters from the first port (111) and moves along the guide surface (115) to the second port (113) to complete the alignment.

2. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The lower portion of the aligner (11) has a first through hole (13) which is set in a direction perpendicular to the ground according to the contour shape of the second port (112) and takes the centering surface as the initial surface.

3. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The guide surface (115) forms a funnel-shaped groove (12) on the aligner (11).

4. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The alignment component (1) further comprises: The placement groove (14) takes the center plane of the funnel-shaped groove (12) and the first through hole (13) as the initial plane and is arranged to penetrate in the horizontal direction according to the horizontal projection of the first through hole (13).

5. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The aligner (11) comprises a base (17) and two expansion parts (18) symmetrically arranged at the top end of the base (17); the two expansion parts (18) are hinged to the base (17) on opposite sides through hinges, and the funnel-shaped groove (12) is formed by the closure of the two expansion parts (18).

6. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a decoupling component (2), including a magnet (25) and an elastic cord (26), one end of the elastic cord (26) is connected to the unfolding portion (18) of the aligner (11), and the other end of the elastic cord (26) extends into the first through hole (13) and is connected to the magnet (25).

7. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The decoupling component (2) further includes an L-shaped groove (23) provided in the aligner (11), wherein a symmetrical group of L-shaped grooves (23) are provided, and one end of the L-shaped groove (23) is communicated with the first through groove (13); The roller (24) is rotatably connected to the corner of the L-shaped groove (23).

8. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The diameter of the magnet (25) is greater than the width of the L-shaped slot (23).

9. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The alignment component (1) further comprises a base (16) and a bracket (15) arranged on the base (16), and the aligner (11) is detachably mounted on the bracket (15).

10. The automatic auxiliary loading device for UAV transportation according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: It also includes a loading assembly (3), which includes a mounting plate (31) that can be adsorbed by the magnet (25) and the thrower, and a mounting member (32) arranged on one side of the mounting plate; The mounting member (32) comprises a curved portion (321) and a cantilever portion (322) connected to either end of the curved portion (321); an end of the cantilever portion (322) away from the curved portion (321) is connected to the mounting piece (31).

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