Universal full-automatic unattended unmanned aircraft airport system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle automatic operation, in particular to a universal full-automatic unattended unmanned aerial vehicle airport system which comprises a central control tower, a supply station, a hangar, a site, a ground service vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle and a monitoring platform. The system supports the same-field operation of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles through the cooperative work of each node, and realizes the full-process automation and unmanned operation. The central control tower is responsible for air and ground scheduling, the supply station provides energy supply and detection, the ground service vehicle completes accurate docking and transportation, the site provides take-off and landing support, and the monitoring platform plans tasks and performs real-time monitoring. According to the method, the landing precision requirement of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be reduced, airborne computing power and energy consumption are saved, the error-tolerant rate and safety are improved, meanwhile, the method is compatible with multiple types and take-off and landing modes, and high flexibility and expansibility are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automated operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in particular to a universal fully automatic unmanned unmanned aircraft airport system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of drone technology, its application in fields such as emergency rescue is becoming increasingly widespread. However, drones still face many challenges in their actual operation, especially in ground preparation, energy management, takeoff and landing scheduling, and multi-machine coordination. Traditional drone airports or take-off and landing facilities usually rely on manual operation, which is inefficient and difficult to achieve full process automation. This cannot meet the requirements of efficient and safe operation of modern unmanned aerial vehicles. When multiple drones operate at the same time, the coordination and scheduling of ground and air traffic becomes increasingly prominent. How to avoid node resource conflicts and improve the overall efficiency of the system has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Through research, the inventors found that current drone support systems generally lack compatibility with various aircraft models and take-off and landing forms, especially for different types of drones such as fixed-wing, rotary-wing and hybrid-wing. Customized design of special facilities is often required, resulting in high system costs and insufficient flexibility.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a universal, fully automatic, unmanned unmanned aircraft airport system. The system realizes the automation and unmanned operation of the entire drone mission process through the collaborative work of sub-nodes such as a central tower, a supply station, a hangar, a site, a ground handling vehicle, a drone, and a monitoring platform, so as to solve the problems existing in the existing technology.

[0005] The present invention provides a universal fully automatic unmanned unmanned aircraft airport system, which at least includes a central tower, a supply station, a hangar, a site, a ground vehicle, a drone and a monitoring platform that realize data interaction and collaborative work through a wireless networking communication module.

[0006] In some embodiments, the central tower integrates meteorological sensors and AI computing units to collect environmental data in real time and perform analysis and processing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the central tower is also equipped with a backup power management system that switches to a low-energy operation mode when the external power supply fails.

[0008] In some embodiments, a charging and discharging module and a defect detection module are provided inside the supply station for charging and discharging the drone battery and inspecting the appearance of the drone.

[0009] In some embodiments, the supply station also has a built-in rudder mechanism inspection module and a pitot tube inspection module for detecting the working status of the drone's rudder mechanism and pitot tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ground handling vehicle is equipped with a high-precision GNSS system and an on-board AI computing unit for automatic route finding and precise docking.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ground handling vehicle is further provided with a towing rod and a lifting mechanism to adapt to different types of UAV landing gear.

[0012] In some embodiments, the site includes a landing pad and a runway, which are used for the take-off and landing requirements of vertical take-off and landing aircraft and taxiing take-off and landing aircraft respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, the monitoring platform is a cloud-based software system that supports users to plan drone mission routes and monitor the system in real time through a WEB interface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the supply station and hangar shell both meet IP54 protection level and have built-in constant temperature facilities to adapt to extreme temperature conditions.

[0015] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: through the unified scheduling and coordination of the central tower, the automation and unmanned operation of the entire drone mission process are realized; in particular, the introduction of ground vehicles reduces the drone's requirements for landing accuracy, saving onboard computing power and energy consumption; further, the system supports multiple drones operating in the same field, and through reasonable air and ground traffic logical scheduling, significantly improves the efficiency and safety of drone missions; the system is compatible with a variety of take-off and landing forms and drone models, and has high flexibility and scalability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 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 or the description of the prior art. 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.

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall system architecture of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the central tower functional module of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure and functional divisions of the supply station of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the ground handling vehicle transportation and docking process of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the UAV approach and departure program scheduling logic of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following is a combination of the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1-5 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0023] Example

[0024] This invention provides a universal, fully automated, unmanned unmanned aircraft airport system. Its core is to achieve automated and unmanned operation of the entire drone mission process through the coordinated operation of sub-nodes such as a central control tower, supply depot, hangar, field, ground handling vehicles, drones, and a monitoring platform. The following describes the specific implementation of this system in detail.

[0025] The overall system architecture consists of multiple functional modules, including a central tower, supply station, hangar, site, ground vehicle, drone and monitoring platform. These modules interact with data through wireless networking communication modules to ensure efficient transmission of information flow. As the core node of the system, the central tower is responsible for coordinating communication and scheduling between drones, ground vehicles and other sub-nodes. It integrates meteorological sensors (such as rainfall, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and air pressure sensors) and AI computing power units for real-time collection of environmental data and analysis and processing. In addition, the central tower is also equipped with a backup power management system, which switches to a low-energy operation mode when the external power supply fails to maintain the normal operation of the basic functions of the system.

[0026] The refueling station is designed to provide drones with energy replenishment, testing, and storage. A charging and discharging module is installed within the station to charge and discharge the drone's batteries. This maintains the drone's battery at a suitable energy level during extended periods of inactivity, and fully charges the drone when on mission standby. The station is also equipped with a defect detection module that uses multiple cameras or lidar to generate visible light or point cloud models of the drone and utilizes AI recognition technology to detect cosmetic defects. Furthermore, a built-in control surface inspection module analyzes the operating status of the control surface by sending motion commands to the drone's control surface and capturing motion images. A pitot tube inspection module uses a calibrated small fan to perform wind speed tests on the drone's pitot tube to verify the operating status of the pitot tube and related components. The refueling station's enclosure meets IP54 protection standards and features built-in temperature control to withstand extreme temperatures. A temperature-controlled automatic fire extinguishing device automatically releases extinguishing agent upon temperature triggering, or fire extinguishing operations can be remotely controlled by a monitoring platform.

[0027] The hangar provides additional storage space for drones. Its design and structure are similar to those of the refueling station, with the same IP54-rated enclosure and built-in temperature control. When the number of drones exceeds the number of refueling stations, the hangar serves as a supplementary storage facility, providing parking spaces for easy maneuvering. Ground handling vehicles transport and dispatch drones between the hangar and the refueling station, ensuring efficient operation of multiple drones sharing a single airport facility.

[0028] The site provides support for drone takeoff and landing, as well as ground transportation. Its design includes a runway for taxiing takeoff and landing models and a landing pad for vertical takeoff and landing models. The site is rationally planned with ground transportation routes to ensure smooth and safe movement of drones on the ground. The site area can be flexibly expanded according to business needs to accommodate the simultaneous takeoff and landing of multiple drones. Ground handling vehicles are responsible for ground transportation and precise docking of drones. Their drive type can be selected based on the site environment, using crawler or wheeled transmissions, and can be adapted to different models using a combination of towing or lifting transport methods. Ground handling vehicles are equipped with a high-precision GNSS system that uses fixed coordinate point information for automatic pathfinding. The onboard AI computing unit and visual recognition module use SLAM technology to achieve precise docking. The towing bar and lifting mechanism are used to accommodate drones with wheeled and strut landing gear, respectively.

[0029] The drone system is compatible with various types and sizes, supporting all-electric drones, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid-wing drones. Final docking is accomplished via a ground vehicle, reducing landing precision requirements. Electrical interfaces are standardized, either through ground vehicles or refueling stations, enhancing system compatibility. The monitoring platform is a cloud-based software system that provides the control terminal for the entire system. Users use a web interface to plan drone mission routes and conduct real-time monitoring and scheduling of drones and ground facilities. The monitoring platform stores and replays historical data, supporting back-end analytical applications.

[0030] For better understanding, the actual implementation process of the system of the present invention is as follows:

[0031] Before launching a drone mission, the central control tower receives mission instructions from the monitoring platform and allocates resources based on priority. A ground vehicle transports the drone from a staging area or hangar to the takeoff point and adjusts its heading for takeoff. For fixed-wing drones, the nose of the drone must be aligned with the runway; for hybrid-wing drones, the nose must be facing upwind and over an open area. After separating from the drone, the ground vehicle returns to the staging area or maintains surveillance.

[0032] The drone sends a takeoff request to the control tower, which assigns a departure procedure based on real-time weather data and airspace occupancy. A departure procedure is not assigned to two drones simultaneously; if no procedure is available, the drone remains on standby. After takeoff, the drone enters the departure procedure's circling zone, climbing or descending to a cruising altitude, then enters the mission waypoint to begin its cruise mission.

[0033] After completing its mission route, the drone requests a return flight from the system. The central control tower assigns an approach procedure based on current airspace occupancy. Approach procedures are not assigned to two drones simultaneously. If no procedure is available, the drone will hover at the last mission waypoint and wait. The drone assigned an approach procedure immediately returns to the hovering area, adjusts its altitude, and requests a landing.

[0034] The central control tower allocates landing resources based on runway or landing pad availability. If available resources are available, the drone executes the approach procedure and transitions to the landing phase for a smooth landing. If no resources are available, the drone will continue to wait in the hovering area. After landing, a ground handling vehicle transports the drone from the field to a supply depot or hangar.

[0035] The refueling station charges the drone, performs self-inspections, and detects defects. Once completed, the ground handling vehicle transports the drone to the hangar or the next mission takeoff point, enabling the dispatching of multiple drones in a fleet.

[0036] The beneficial effect of this system lies in achieving automated and unmanned operation of the entire drone mission process through unified dispatch and coordination from a central control tower. The introduction of ground handling vehicles reduces the drone's landing precision requirements, conserving onboard computing power and energy consumption. The system supports the simultaneous operation of multiple drones, significantly improving mission efficiency and safety through logically orchestrating air and ground traffic. Furthermore, the system is compatible with a variety of takeoff and landing methods and drone models, offering high flexibility and scalability.

[0037] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, 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 points of view, the embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are included in the present invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claim to which they relate.

[0038] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A universal fully automatic unmanned unmanned aircraft airport system, characterized by: It at least includes a central tower, supply station, hangar, site, ground support vehicle, drone and monitoring platform that realize data interaction and collaborative work through wireless networking communication modules.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The central tower integrates meteorological sensors and AI computing units to collect environmental data in real time and perform analysis and processing.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The central tower is also equipped with a backup power management system that switches to a low-energy operation mode when the external power supply fails.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The supply station is internally provided with a charging and discharging module and a defect detection module for charging and discharging the drone battery and inspecting the drone's appearance.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The supply station also has a built-in rudder mechanism inspection module and a pitot tube inspection module for detecting the working status of the drone's rudder mechanism and pitot tube.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The ground handling vehicle is equipped with a high-precision GNSS system and an on-board AI computing unit for automatic route finding and precise docking.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The ground handling vehicle is also provided with a towing rod and a lifting mechanism to adapt to different types of UAV landing gear.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The site includes a landing pad and a runway, which are used for the take-off and landing needs of vertical take-off and landing aircraft and taxiing take-off and landing aircraft respectively.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring platform is a cloud-based software system that supports users to plan UAV mission routes through a WEB interface and monitor the system in real time.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The supply station and hangar shells both meet IP54 protection standards and have built-in constant temperature facilities to adapt to extreme temperature conditions.

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