Overall structure of ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship

Abstract

The invention discloses an ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship overall configuration, and relates to the technical field of aerospace, the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship overall configuration comprises a capsule body, a connecting assembly and a truss, and the capsule body is of an ellipsoidal structure; the middle part of the truss is connected with the bottom of the capsule body through a connecting assembly; a photovoltaic mechanism, a course system, an avionics system, a propulsion system, an energy system and a communication system are arranged on the truss, and the photovoltaic mechanism, the course system, the avionics system, the propulsion system and the communication system are all in electric control connection with the energy system. All the equipment is installed on the truss, only one joint connected with the connecting assembly, one inflation valve and the safety control system are arranged on the bag body, and the leakage risk caused by numerous holes in the bag body of a traditional airship is avoided. The completeness of the capsule body is effectively guaranteed, and the buoyancy stability of the airship staying in the stratosphere for a long time is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, in particular to an overall configuration of an ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship. Background Art

[0002] Stratospheric airships, aerostats capable of long-term residence at altitudes of 10-50 kilometers, demonstrate enormous potential for applications in communications, surveillance, and other fields thanks to their stable atmospheric environment and unique performance advantages. However, conventional stratospheric airships still face numerous design and practical bottlenecks, hindering their further development.

[0003] The bladder with a boat-shaped structure produces a heading rotation yaw moment due to its shape, making the airship susceptible to airflow interference and yaw. An additional tail fin is required to maintain directional stability, which not only increases the structural complexity but also brings a weight burden. Although the bladder with a spherical structure has no yaw problem, the airflow separates too early, and a large low-pressure area is formed behind the spherical structure, resulting in a significant increase in flight resistance.

[0004] Furthermore, the bladder's surface is heavily integrated with equipment and features numerous openings, each of which presents a potential leak point. A leak would disrupt the buoyancy balance, endangering the airship's safety at high altitudes. This also significantly increases the difficulty and cost of bladder manufacturing. Furthermore, the sheer number of devices makes precise control of the airship's center of gravity difficult. This instability directly impacts attitude control, reducing the airship's maneuverability and flight stability.

[0005] In response to the above problems, the development of a new overall configuration of stratospheric airship has become the key to improving its performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship overall configuration to improve the performance of the airship.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides an ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship with an overall configuration, comprising:

[0009] A capsule having an ellipsoidal structure;

[0010] Connect components;

[0011] A truss, wherein the middle portion of the truss is connected to the bottom of the capsule via the connecting assembly; a photovoltaic mechanism, a heading system, an avionics system, a propulsion system, an energy system, and a communication system are provided on the truss, and the photovoltaic mechanism, the heading system, the avionics system, the propulsion system, and the communication system are all electrically connected to the energy system.

[0012] Optionally, the connecting assembly includes a rotating ring and a connecting belt, one end of the rotating ring is connected to the bottom of the sac, one end of the connecting belt is connected to the other end of the rotating ring, and the other end of the connecting belt is connected to the truss.

[0013] Optionally, the connecting belt includes a rope, and both ends of the rope are respectively connected to the rotating ring and the truss.

[0014] Optionally, the photovoltaic mechanism includes a solar array and an adjustment mechanism, the solar array is arranged on the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism is arranged on the truss, and the adjustment mechanism is used to change the inclination angle of the solar array.

[0015] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism includes a support rod, an arc rod, an active adjustment component, a support component, an adjustment drive and an adjustment base;

[0016] The support rod is connected to the solar array, one end of the arc rod is connected to the support rod, the other end of the arc rod slides through the active adjustment component and the support component, the adjustment drive is connected to the active adjustment component drive, the active adjustment component and the support component are respectively arranged on one end of the adjustment base, and the adjustment base is arranged on the truss.

[0017] Optionally, the active adjustment component includes an active adjustment frame and a first gear, a second gear and a driving gear arranged on the active adjustment frame; a plurality of positioning pins are provided on the arc rod, the arc rod passes through the interval space between the first gear and the second gear and the first gear and the driving gear, and the positioning pins are respectively connected to the teeth on the first gear, the second gear and the driving gear.

[0018] Optionally, the support assembly includes a support frame and a third gear and a fourth gear arranged on the support frame, the arc rod passes through the interval space between the third gear and the fourth gear, and the positioning pin is respectively connected to the teeth on the third gear and the fourth gear.

[0019] Optionally, the heading system includes a heading control mechanism and a main propulsion mechanism;

[0020] The heading control mechanism includes a heading control motor and a heading control propeller, and the heading control propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the heading control motor;

[0021] The main propulsion mechanism includes a main propulsion motor and a main propulsion propeller, and the main propulsion propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the main propulsion motor.

[0022] Optionally, the ratio of the height to the length of the capsule is 0.5-0.8.

[0023] Optionally, the truss is also provided with an avionics system, an energy system and a communication system.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following technical effects:

[0025] The ellipsoidal modular stratospheric airship of the present invention features an ellipsoidal capsule. This ellipsoidal structure eliminates yaw moments and eliminates the need for traditional airship tail fins, simplifying the structure and reducing weight. Furthermore, the ellipsoidal structure offers lower drag than a spherical capsule, enabling more efficient energy utilization during flight, improving propulsion efficiency and extending flight time. All equipment, including the avionics, propulsion, energy, and communications systems, is centrally mounted on a truss, achieving a highly integrated system. This not only facilitates electrical connections and signal transmission between devices, but also enables precise control of the airship's center of gravity by adjusting the device's mounting position on the truss. During flight, this stable center of gravity ensures the airship's attitude remains stable, reducing pitch and sway, improving its maneuverability and flight safety, and providing a strong guarantee for the stable operation of various onboard mission equipment, significantly enhancing the airship's overall performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the truss in the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal modular stratospheric airship of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between the adjustment mechanism and the truss in the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal modular stratospheric airship of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the regulating mechanism in the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the active adjustment component in the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the support assembly in the overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. sac; 2. rope; 3. solar array; 4. truss; 5. heading control mechanism; 6. main propulsion mechanism; 7. adjustment mechanism; 8. support rod; 9. arc rod; 10. active adjustment component; 11. support component; 12. adjustment motor; 13. adjustment base; 14. active adjustment frame; 15. first gear; 16. positioning pin; 17. drive gear; 18. second gear; 19. support frame; 20. third gear; 21. fourth gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Example 1:

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides an overall configuration of an ellipsoidal modular stratospheric airship, including a capsule 1, a connecting assembly and a truss 4; the capsule 1 is an ellipsoidal structure, and the middle part of the truss 4 is connected to the bottom of the capsule 1 through a connecting assembly; the truss 4 is provided with a photovoltaic mechanism, a heading system, an avionics system, a propulsion system, an energy system and a communication system, and the photovoltaic mechanism, heading system, avionics system, propulsion system and communication system are all electrically connected to the energy system.

[0037] All equipment is mounted on the truss 4, leaving the bladder 1 with only a single connection point for the connecting assembly, an inflation valve, and a safety control system. This eliminates the risk of leakage associated with the numerous openings in traditional airship bladders. This effectively safeguards the integrity of the bladder 1, ensuring the buoyancy stability of the airship during extended stays in the stratosphere.

[0038] The connection method between the rotating ring and the rope 2 and the high-strength structure of the carbon fiber truss 4 enable the overall structure of the airship to withstand various complex loads and moments during flight, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the airship.

[0039] The capsule 1 adopts an ellipsoidal structure. The ellipsoidal structure has no heading rotation yaw moment, eliminating the design of the traditional airship tail, simplifying the structure and reducing the weight. At the same time, the ellipsoidal structure has low resistance characteristics compared with the spherical capsule, allowing the airship to use energy more efficiently during flight, improve propulsion efficiency, and extend flight time.

[0040] All equipment, including the avionics, propulsion, energy, and communications systems, is centrally mounted on Truss 4, achieving a high degree of system integration. This not only facilitates electrical connections and signal transmission between devices, but also enables precise control of the airship's center of gravity by adjusting the device's mounting position on the truss. During flight, this stable center of gravity ensures the airship's attitude remains stable, minimizing pitch and roll, improving controllability and flight safety, and providing a strong guarantee for the stable operation of the various mission equipment on board.

[0041] The volume of the capsule 1 places less restriction on the size of the truss 4, so a larger truss 4 can be used, providing ample installation space for the applied load, greatly enhancing the mission adaptability and versatility of the airship, and enabling it to play an important role in different application scenarios.

[0042] Truss 4 can be assembled independently, and then each device can be installed on it in sequence for integrated commissioning. Without the interference of bladder 1, assembly and commissioning are more convenient, effectively ensuring the installation accuracy and commissioning results of the devices. After all devices are installed and commissioned, bladder 1 is inflated. The inflated bladder 1 is then connected to truss 4, effectively reducing the risk of accidental damage to bladder 1 during assembly, improving assembly efficiency and quality, and facilitating subsequent maintenance and equipment upgrades.

[0043] Simplified structure and optimized material selection reduce production costs; the ellipsoidal capsule 1 offers low drag, reducing energy consumption, extending flight time, and improving mission efficiency; convenient assembly and maintenance reduce maintenance costs and downtime; and the large payload capacity enables the airship to carry more commercial payloads or perform a wider variety of missions, improving economic efficiency. Taking into account various cost factors such as manufacturing, operation, and maintenance, the overall configuration of the stratospheric airship of the present invention exhibits excellent economic efficiency and strong market competitiveness.

[0044] The ratio of the height to the length of the capsule 1 is 0.5-0.8, and the volume is 10,000-50,000 cubic meters. In this embodiment, the ellipsoidal capsule 1 has a diameter of 40 meters and a height of 30 meters, a height-to-diameter ratio of 0.75, and a volume of approximately 25,000 cubic meters. In another embodiment, the ellipsoidal capsule 1 has a diameter of 50 meters and a height of 35 meters, a height-to-diameter ratio of 0.7, and a volume of approximately 42,000 cubic meters. In another embodiment, the ellipsoidal capsule 1 has a diameter of 30 meters and a height of 18 meters, a height-to-diameter ratio of 0.6, and a volume of approximately 6,500 cubic meters.

[0045] The connecting assembly includes a rotating ring and a connecting belt, one end of the rotating ring is connected to the bottom of the capsule 1, one end of the connecting belt is connected to the other end of the rotating ring, and the other end of the connecting belt is connected to the truss 4.

[0046] The connecting belt includes a rope 2, the ends of which are respectively connected to the rotating ring and the truss 4. The rope 2 can be made of carbon fiber rope, steel belt or chain, which can bear the weight of the truss 4 and the equipment on the truss 4 and has a certain weather resistance.

[0047] The rotating eye allows for relative movement between the capsule 1 and the carbon fiber truss 4 within a certain range, while ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection between the two. Ropes 2 are used to transmit the thrust generated by the main propulsion motor from the carbon fiber truss 4 to the capsule 1, achieving coordinated movement of the entire airship.

[0048] The photovoltaic mechanism includes a solar array 3 and an adjustment mechanism 7 . The solar array 3 is arranged on the adjustment mechanism 7 . The adjustment mechanism 7 is arranged on the truss 4 . The adjustment mechanism 7 is used to change the tilt angle of the solar array 3 .

[0049] The solar array 3 includes multiple photovoltaic panels located on the same plane. The multiple photovoltaic panels are installed on the same frame structure. The adjustment mechanism 7 is connected to the frame structure, so that the orientation of the photovoltaic panels can be adjusted by changing the angle of the frame structure through the adjustment mechanism 7.

[0050] The adjustment mechanism 7 includes a support rod 8, an arcuate rod 9, an active adjustment assembly 10, a support assembly 11, an adjustment drive, and an adjustment base 13. The support rod 8 is connected to the solar array 3. One end of the arcuate rod 9 is connected to the support rod 8. The other end of the arcuate rod 9 slides through the active adjustment assembly 10 and the support assembly 11. The adjustment drive is connected to the active adjustment assembly 10. The active adjustment assembly 10 and the support assembly 11 are respectively attached to one end of the adjustment base 13. The adjustment base 13 is mounted on the truss 4. The adjustment drive includes an adjustment motor 12, which can be a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0051] The active adjustment assembly 10 includes an active adjustment frame 14, and a first gear 15, a second gear 18, and a drive gear 17 mounted thereon. A plurality of positioning pins 16 are provided on the curved rod 9. The curved rod 9 extends through the spaces between the first and second gears 15, 18, and between the first and drive gears 17. The positioning pins 16 are drivingly connected to the teeth on the first, second, and drive gears 15, 18, and 17, respectively. The drive gear 17 is connected to the output shaft of the adjustment motor 12.

[0052] The support assembly 11 includes a support frame 19 and a third gear 20 and a fourth gear 21 arranged on the support frame 19. The arc rod 9 passes through the interval between the third gear 20 and the fourth gear 21, and the positioning pin 16 is respectively connected to the teeth on the third gear 20 and the fourth gear 21.

[0053] By adjusting the motor 12 to drive the driving gear 17 to rotate, the teeth on the driving gear 17 contact the positioning pin 16 on the arc rod 9, so that when the driving gear 17 rotates, the positioning pin 16 can be driven to move, so that the arc rod 9 can move in a circular direction along the slide space between the first gear 15 and the second gear 18 and the third gear 20 and the fourth gear 21. As the arc rod 9 moves in the circumferential direction, the orientation of the frame structure changes, thereby realizing the adjustment of the angle of the photovoltaic panel.

[0054] The heading system includes a heading control mechanism 5 and a main propulsion mechanism 6;

[0055] The heading control mechanism 5 includes a heading control motor and a heading control propeller, and the heading control propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the heading control motor;

[0056] The main propulsion mechanism 6 includes a main propulsion motor and a main propulsion propeller, and the main propulsion propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the main propulsion motor.

[0057] The length of the carbon fiber truss 4 is 20-50 meters, and the specific length can be selected according to actual use. In this specific embodiment, the length of the carbon fiber truss 4 is 35 meters.

[0058] The avionics system includes a flight control computer, which is electronically connected to the heading system, energy system, and communication system. Two flight control computers, one primary and one backup, ensure stable control of the airship.

[0059] In a more specific embodiment, two yaw control motors are mounted at each end of the carbon fiber truss 4, each equipped with a 1.5-meter-diameter propeller. Eight main propulsion motors are mounted in the center, each equipped with a 3-meter-diameter propeller. The yaw control motors adjust the airship's heading, while the main propulsion motors provide forward thrust. The flight control computer controls the operation of the yaw control motors and the main propulsion motors, achieving both yaw and propulsion control.

[0060] The communication system includes satellite communication system and microwave communication system. Satellite communication system and microwave communication system are used for communication between airship and ground or other equipment.

[0061] The energy system includes an energy controller and multiple battery packs. The battery packs and solar array 3 are electronically connected to the energy controller. The energy controller manages and distributes electrical energy. The battery packs consist of eight 40kWh lithium-ion battery packs, providing power to various devices on the airship and ensuring the airship's energy supply. The energy controller, which includes two high-voltage energy controllers, is responsible for distributing and managing electrical energy, optimizing the airship's energy utilization.

[0062] The heading control motor, main propulsion motor, flight control computer, multiple battery packs, lithium batteries, solar array 3, energy controller, satellite communication system and microwave communication system are all installed on the carbon fiber truss 4 to ensure the stability of the center of gravity.

[0063] Truss 4 is also equipped with meteorological and microwave detection payloads, which can be used to detect atmospheric information, monitor microwave signals, etc., to meet various mission requirements.

[0064] During the ground assembly and launch phase of the airship, the carbon fiber truss 4 is assembled, various equipment is installed, and integration and commissioning are completed. The capsule 1 is removed and inflated during the final launch phase to reduce the risk of damage to the capsule 1.

[0065] During flight, the airship's course is stabilized by directional control motors on either side of the carbon fiber truss 4. The main propulsion motor in the center of the truss 4 propels the airship forward, transmitting this force to the capsule 1 via the mounting rope 2, enabling overall motion. A solar array 3 and lithium battery pack ensure energy supply, while satellite and microwave communication systems enable communication with the ground, ensuring stable flight and mission execution.

[0066] It should be noted that it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from all perspectives, the embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. It is intended that all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims be included in the present invention, and any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to which they relate.

[0067] This specification uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. An ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship overall configuration, characterized by: include: A capsule having an ellipsoidal structure; Connect components; A truss, wherein the middle portion of the truss is connected to the bottom of the capsule via the connecting assembly; a photovoltaic mechanism, a heading system, an avionics system, a propulsion system, an energy system, and a communication system are provided on the truss, and the photovoltaic mechanism, the heading system, the avionics system, the propulsion system, and the communication system are all electrically connected to the energy system.

2. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The connecting assembly includes a rotating ring and a connecting belt, one end of the rotating ring is connected to the bottom of the bladder, one end of the connecting belt is connected to the other end of the rotating ring, and the other end of the connecting belt is connected to the truss.

3. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The connecting belt includes a rope, and both ends of the rope are respectively connected to the rotating ring and the truss.

4. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The photovoltaic mechanism includes a solar array and an adjustment mechanism. The solar array is arranged on the adjustment mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism is arranged on the truss. The adjustment mechanism is used to change the inclination angle of the solar array.

5. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism includes a support rod, an arc rod, an active adjustment component, a support component, an adjustment drive and an adjustment base; The support rod is connected to the solar array, one end of the arc rod is connected to the support rod, the other end of the arc rod slides through the active adjustment component and the support component, the adjustment drive is connected to the active adjustment component drive, the active adjustment component and the support component are respectively arranged on one end of the adjustment base, and the adjustment base is arranged on the truss.

6. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The active adjustment component includes an active adjustment frame and a first gear, a second gear and a driving gear arranged on the active adjustment frame; a plurality of positioning pins are provided on the arc rod, the arc rod passes through the interval space between the first gear and the second gear and the first gear and the driving gear, and the positioning pins are respectively connected to the teeth on the first gear, the second gear and the driving gear.

7. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 6 is characterized in that: The support assembly includes a support frame and a third gear and a fourth gear arranged on the support frame. The arc rod passes through the interval between the third gear and the fourth gear, and the positioning pin is respectively connected to the teeth on the third gear and the fourth gear.

8. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The heading system includes a heading control mechanism and a main propulsion mechanism; The heading control mechanism includes a heading control motor and a heading control propeller, and the heading control propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the heading control motor; The main propulsion mechanism includes a main propulsion motor and a main propulsion propeller, and the main propulsion propeller is arranged on the output shaft of the main propulsion motor.

9. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The ratio of the height to the length of the capsule is 0.5-0.

8.

10. The overall configuration of the ellipsoidal combined stratospheric airship according to claim 1, characterized in that: The truss is also provided with an avionics system, an energy system and a communication system.

Images