Lightweight mounting method for nest of unmanned aerial vehicle
Through modular design and intelligent collaborative robot technology, combined with digital twin models and adaptive energy supply, the weight, complexity and safety issues in the traditional drone nest installation process are solved, and efficient, safe and green drone nest installation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510558994.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-19
AI Technical Summary
Traditional drone nest installation methods are heavy, complex, and inefficient, making them difficult to implement in areas with limited space or complex terrain. They also lack precise control and real-time monitoring, posing stability and safety risks.
The modular drone nest combines intelligent collaborative robots, digital twin models and high-precision positioning systems. It uses technologies such as magnetic positioning, snap connections, and flexible sealing rings to achieve precise installation and real-time monitoring. It uses solar energy and mechanical energy conversion for power supply and provides full-process intelligent management.
It achieves lightweight installation, improves installation efficiency and safety, ensures installation quality and environmental adaptability, reduces construction costs and energy consumption, and improves the stability and flexibility of the drone nest.
Smart Images

Figure CN120664158A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications, and in particular to a lightweight installation method for a UAV machine nest. Background Art
[0002] Drone nests are intelligent facilities that integrate drone parking, charging, maintenance, and data management functions, providing a stable and safe operating environment for drones. With the widespread application of drones in logistics and distribution, environmental monitoring, power inspections, security surveillance, and other fields, the demand for drone nests is growing. To meet the deployment requirements of various scenarios, lightweight and convenient installation methods are key to the rapid implementation of drone nests. Efficient installation methods not only reduce construction costs but also shorten deployment cycles, improving the responsiveness and flexibility of drone operations. Therefore, exploring advanced lightweight installation methods for drone nests is of great practical significance.
[0003] Currently, traditional drone nest installation methods mostly rely on monolithic structural hoisting or on-site welding and assembly, which presents numerous limitations. On the one hand, monolithic nests are heavy, and the installation process relies on large lifting equipment, placing stringent requirements on the installation site and construction conditions, making them difficult to implement in areas with limited space or complex terrain. On the other hand, on-site welding and assembly are cumbersome processes, requiring specialized construction personnel and equipment. This results in low installation efficiency and difficulty ensuring quality, leading to problems such as loose connections and poor sealing. Furthermore, traditional installation methods lack precise control and real-time monitoring of the installation process, making it impossible to proactively avoid potential risks. This can lead to potential problems with the stability, safety, and environmental adaptability of the installed nest. Therefore, we propose a lightweight installation method for drone nests. Summary of the Invention
[0004] (1) Technical problems solved
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a lightweight installation method for a drone nest, which solves the above-mentioned problems.
[0006] (2) Technical solution
[0007] 2. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a lightweight installation method for a drone nest, comprising the following steps:
[0008] S1: The drone nest is designed as a disassembled multi-module component, where the multi-module component includes a main frame module, a charging module, a take-off and landing platform module, and an auxiliary installation module;
[0009] The auxiliary installation module integrates a laser locator, an automatic calibration device, a detection sensor group, an energy collection unit and an intelligent control terminal;
[0010] S2: Build a digital twin model of the drone nest, simulate the installation process based on the digital twin model, identify potential installation interference points and risks, and optimize the installation sequence and parameters;
[0011] S3: Utilizes multiple intelligent collaborative robots, working in conjunction with a high-precision positioning system over a 5G network. Equipped with force sensors and visual recognition devices, the intelligent collaborative robots transport modular components to their installation locations and use magnetic suction to perform initial and secondary positioning of the main frame modules and support structures.
[0012] S4: Start the laser locator of the auxiliary installation module to project the positioning beam, detect the position deviation of the main frame module through the automatic calibration device, and cooperate with the intelligent control terminal to control the built-in fine-tuning mechanism of the intelligent collaborative robot to make micron-level adjustments to the main frame module based on the deviation data;
[0013] S5: A snap-fit connection structure with a preloaded spring and adjustable pressure is installed on the main frame module. A snap-fit structure is set at the corresponding position of the support structure. The intelligent collaborative robot's built-in force sensor accurately controls the snap-fit connection force, engaging the snap-fit connection structure with the corresponding snap-fit structure of the support structure to complete the fixed connection between the main frame module and the support structure.
[0014] S6: The charging module and the take-off and landing platform module adopt a self-assembly structure design. The intelligent drive unit and the sensing device are installed on their surfaces. The charging module and the take-off and landing platform module are connected to the main frame module through a plug-in interface. When connected, the sensing device triggers the intelligent drive unit to achieve automatic docking. An electric locking mechanism is set at the plug-in interface and receives instructions from the intelligent control terminal to complete the locking. At the same time, the filling flexible sealing ring is compressed and deformed to achieve sealing;
[0015] S7: During the installation process, sensors collect installation data in real time and feed it back to the digital twin model to enable dynamic monitoring and adjustment of the installation process;
[0016] S8: After installation is complete, the sealing and tightness of each connection part are tested using a detection sensor group including a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and a vibration sensor. Simultaneously, the intelligent control terminal generates an installation quality assessment report based on the detection data and digital twin model analysis.
[0017] S9: The support structure at the installation location is set as an adjustable support foot with a built-in pressure sensor and electric adjustment mechanism. The height of the support foot is automatically adjusted according to the flatness of the ground, and the shell of the machine nest is made of shape memory alloy deformable material;
[0018] S10: The energy collection unit of the auxiliary installation module uses solar panels and mechanical energy conversion devices to collect light energy and mechanical energy and convert them into electrical energy to power laser locators, automatic calibration devices, intelligent control terminals, etc.
[0019] Preferably, it also includes: setting anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusion structures with guiding functions at the docking points of each modular component, and the intelligent collaborative robot recognizes the anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusion structures on the modular components through a visual recognition device to ensure that the components are correctly installed.
[0020] Preferably, the digital twin model adopts digital thread technology to achieve real-time tracing and analysis of data from the entire installation process.
[0021] Preferably, the use of magnetic attraction to perform preliminary positioning and installation and secondary positioning of the main frame module and the support structure specifically includes: providing a composite magnetic positioning piece combining magnetic attraction and mechanical positioning pins on the support structure at the installation position, providing a magnetic connection portion matching the composite magnetic positioning piece at the bottom of the main frame module, and preliminarily positioning the main frame module on the support structure through magnetic attraction;
[0022] There are multiple composite magnetic positioning members distributed in a matrix on the support structure, and the shape and position of the magnetic connection portion correspond to the composite magnetic positioning members.
[0023] Preferably, the intelligent driving unit of the self-assembly structure adopts an electromagnetic driving mode, and the response time is less than 0.3 seconds.
[0024] Preferably, the pre-tightening spring installed on the side of the main frame module provides a continuous tightening force of 5-20N.
[0025] Preferably, the flexible sealing ring is made of silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of 30-65A, the surface is coated with a nano-level oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, and a strain sensor is embedded inside to monitor the sealing status in real time.
[0026] Preferably, the phase change temperature range of the shape memory alloy deformable material is -25°C-70°C, and the shape change is controlled by a temperature sensor and a heating / cooling device.
[0027] Preferably, the mechanical energy conversion device is a piezoelectric energy collector, which collects vibration energy during the installation process and converts it into electrical energy.
[0028] (3) Beneficial effects
[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a lightweight installation method for a drone nest, which has the following beneficial effects:
[0030] Modular and intelligent integration improves installation efficiency and safety: The drone nest is designed as a multi-module assembly, and intelligent installation is achieved through auxiliary installation modules. Multiple intelligent collaborative robots work together using 5G networks and high-precision positioning systems, replacing manual labor to complete complex and dangerous installation tasks at high altitudes or in harsh environments, significantly reducing safety risks. Furthermore, the robots' precise operation and self-assembly structure make the installation process more efficient, significantly shortening installation time and reducing labor costs.
[0031] Digital twins and precise positioning ensure installation quality: Using digital twin models combined with digital threading technology, the installation process is simulated and monitored in real time. Installation plans are optimized in advance to avoid potential problems. During installation, real-time data collection and feedback adjustments are provided. Combined with laser positioning, automatic calibration, and high-precision sensor detection, micron-level precision positioning and installation are achieved, ensuring secure connections and precise positioning of all modules in the machine nest, effectively guaranteeing installation quality.
[0032] Adaptive design and sealing protection enhance environmental adaptability: the adjustable support feet of the supporting structure and the shape memory alloy material of the machine nest shell enable the machine nest to automatically adapt to different ground flatness and adverse weather conditions and maintain stable operation; multiple sealing designs such as flexible sealing rings and self-healing elastic sealants at the plug-in interface, combined with nano-coating, effectively block the intrusion of rain, dust, etc., reduce noise and wear, and improve the protection performance and service life of the machine nest in complex environments.
[0033] Energy self-supply and full-process management achieve green intelligence: The energy collection unit uses solar energy and mechanical energy conversion to power itself, reducing dependence on external power supplies and lowering installation energy consumption, in line with the concept of green energy conservation; from pre-installation simulation optimization, to real-time monitoring and adjustment during installation, to post-installation quality inspection and evaluation, full-process intelligent management, through intelligent control terminals and digital twin models, to achieve scientific decision-making and precise control of the installation process, providing a comprehensive intelligent solution for drone nest installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Figure 1 The present invention is a flowchart of a lightweight installation method for a drone nest. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] 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.
[0036] See also Figure 1A lightweight installation method for a drone nest comprises the following steps:
[0037] S1: The drone nest is designed as a disassembled multi-module component, where the multi-module component includes a main frame module, a charging module, a take-off and landing platform module, and an auxiliary installation module;
[0038] The auxiliary installation module integrates a laser locator, an automatic calibration device, a detection sensor group, an energy collection unit and an intelligent control terminal, providing precise positioning, automatic calibration, quality inspection, energy supply and intelligent control functions for the entire installation process, realizing intelligent and autonomous installation.
[0039] S2: Build a digital twin model of the drone nest. Based on this digital twin model, simulate the installation process, identify potential installation interference points and risks, and optimize the installation sequence and parameters. The digital twin model uses digital threading technology to simulate the nest design model. During the simulated installation process, potential installation interference points, such as spatial conflicts between modules, and potential risks, such as insufficient connection strength, are comprehensively identified. Through simulation analysis, the installation sequence is optimized, and the optimal installation path for each modular component is determined. Installation parameters, such as the strength of the snap connections and positioning accuracy requirements, are also adjusted. This provides a scientific basis for actual installation and enables real-time traceability and analysis of data from the entire installation process.
[0040] S3: Utilize multiple intelligent collaborative robots to work together through the 5G network and high-precision positioning system. The intelligent collaborative robots are equipped with force sensors and visual recognition devices to carry each modular component to the installation position. Anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusions with guiding functions are set at the docking points of each modular component. The intelligent collaborative robots use visual recognition devices to identify the anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusions on the modular components to ensure the correct installation of the components. A composite magnetic positioning piece that combines magnetism and mechanical positioning pins is set on the support structure at the installation position. A magnetic connection part that matches the composite magnetic positioning piece is set at the bottom of the main frame module. The main frame module is preliminarily positioned on the support structure through magnetic attraction. There are multiple composite magnetic positioning pieces distributed in a matrix on the support structure. The shape and position of the magnetic connection part correspond to the composite magnetic positioning piece. The main frame module and the support structure are preliminarily positioned, installed, and re-positioned by magnetic attraction. These robots realize real-time communication and data interaction through the 5G network, and use the high-precision positioning system to ensure precise movement. The robot is equipped with force sensors and a visual recognition device. The force sensors accurately sense the force applied during operations such as snap-on connections, preventing connection problems caused by improper force. The visual recognition device identifies the anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusions on modular components, ensuring that the components are installed in the correct orientation. After the robot transports each modular component to the installation location, it initially positions the main frame module using a composite magnetic locating member that combines magnetic attraction with mechanical locating pins. It then performs secondary positioning by inserting mechanical locating pins into the locating holes, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the main frame module's installation position.
[0041] S4: Activate the auxiliary installation module's laser locator, projecting a clear positioning beam onto the support structure, providing intuitive visual guidance for installation. The automatic calibration device detects the positional deviation of the main frame module in real time. After receiving this deviation data, the intelligent control terminal controls the intelligent collaborative robot's built-in fine-tuning mechanism to perform micron-level adjustments to the main frame module, ensuring that its installation position error is within a very small range, achieving high-precision installation.
[0042] S5: A snap-on connection structure with a preloaded spring and adjustable pressure is installed on the main frame module, and a snap-on fitting structure is set at the corresponding position of the support structure. The intelligent collaborative robot's built-in force sensor accurately controls the snap-on connection force, engaging the snap-on connection structure with the corresponding snap-on fitting structure of the support structure to complete the fixed connection between the main frame module and the support structure. The preloaded spring provides a continuous tightening force of 5-20N, providing an adaptive tightening force for different installation environments and usage requirements. The continuous tightening force provided by the preloaded spring ensures the long-term stability of the connection between the main frame module and the support structure.
[0043] S6: A self-assembly structure design is adopted for the charging module and the take-off and landing platform module, and an intelligent driving unit and a sensing device are provided on the surface. The intelligent driving unit of the self-assembly structure adopts an electromagnetic drive method with a response time of less than 0.3 seconds, which can quickly realize automatic docking of the components. The charging module and the take-off and landing platform module are connected to the main frame module through a plug-in interface. When connected, the sensing device triggers the intelligent driving unit to realize automatic docking. An electric locking mechanism is set at the plug-in interface and receives instructions from the intelligent control terminal to complete the locking. At the same time, the flexible sealing ring is filled with pressure and deformed to achieve sealing. The flexible sealing ring is made of silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of 30-65A. The surface is coated with a nano-level oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, and a strain sensor is embedded inside to monitor the sealing status in real time, ensuring the sealing and protection performance of the machine nest. It can reduce the noise and wear caused by vibration during the use of the drone nest, and prevent external factors such as rain from entering the interior of the machine nest to protect the equipment and drones in the machine nest.
[0044] S7: During the installation process, sensors located at key locations collect real-time installation data, including module location, connection strength, and sealing status. This data is fed back to the digital twin model in real time. Based on this feedback, the digital twin model dynamically monitors the actual installation process. If any deviations or anomalies are detected, adjustment instructions are generated and transmitted to the intelligent collaborative robot via the intelligent control terminal, enabling real-time optimization and precise control of the installation process.
[0045] S8: After installation is complete, a comprehensive inspection of all connections is performed using a sensor assembly. Pressure sensors measure the pressure at the snap-on connections in real time to determine the tightness of the connection. Ultrasonic distance sensors detect module gaps to assess installation tightness. Vibration sensors measure the vibration frequency of the connections to analyze connection stability. The intelligent control terminal conducts a comprehensive analysis based on the inspection data and the digital twin model, generating an installation quality assessment report with detailed data charts, problem diagnoses, and solutions, providing a scientific and comprehensive basis for installation quality assessment.
[0046] S9: The support structure at the installation location is equipped with adjustable support feet, equipped with built-in pressure sensors and an electric adjustment mechanism. The pressure sensors monitor the pressure at various points on the ground in real time, and the electric adjustment mechanism automatically adjusts the height of the support feet based on the flatness of the ground, ensuring that the machine nest is always horizontal and stable. The outer shell of the machine nest is made of a deformable shape memory alloy material with a phase change temperature range of -25°C to 70°C. A temperature sensor monitors the ambient temperature in real time, and a heating / cooling device is used to control the material's shape changes. In severe weather such as strong winds, the outer shell automatically changes shape to reduce wind resistance, improving the adaptability and stability of the machine nest in complex environments.
[0047] S10: The energy collection unit of the auxiliary installation module utilizes solar panels and a mechanical energy conversion device (piezoelectric energy harvester) to collect light and mechanical energy and convert them into electrical energy. The solar panels convert light energy into electricity, while the piezoelectric energy harvester collects vibration energy generated during the installation process and converts it into electricity. The collected electricity powers equipment such as the laser locator, automatic calibration device, and intelligent control terminal, reducing reliance on external power sources and achieving a green and energy-saving installation process.
[0048] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A lightweight installation method for a drone nest, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: The drone nest is designed as a disassembled multi-module component, where the multi-module component includes a main frame module, a charging module, a take-off and landing platform module, and an auxiliary installation module; The auxiliary installation module integrates a laser locator, an automatic calibration device, a detection sensor group, an energy collection unit and an intelligent control terminal; S2: Build a digital twin model of the drone nest, simulate the installation process based on the digital twin model, identify potential installation interference points and risks, and optimize the installation sequence and parameters; S3: Utilizes multiple intelligent collaborative robots, working in conjunction with a high-precision positioning system over a 5G network. Equipped with force sensors and visual recognition devices, the intelligent collaborative robots transport modular components to their installation locations and use magnetic suction to perform initial and secondary positioning of the main frame modules and support structures. S4: Start the laser locator of the auxiliary installation module to project the positioning beam, detect the position deviation of the main frame module through the automatic calibration device, and cooperate with the intelligent control terminal to control the built-in fine-tuning mechanism of the intelligent collaborative robot to make micron-level adjustments to the main frame module based on the deviation data; S5: A snap-fit connection structure with a preloaded spring and adjustable pressure is installed on the main frame module. A snap-fit structure is set at the corresponding position of the support structure. The intelligent collaborative robot's built-in force sensor accurately controls the snap-fit connection force, engaging the snap-fit connection structure with the corresponding snap-fit structure of the support structure to complete the fixed connection between the main frame module and the support structure. S6: The charging module and the take-off and landing platform module adopt a self-assembly structure design. The intelligent drive unit and the sensing device are installed on their surfaces. The charging module and the take-off and landing platform module are connected to the main frame module through a plug-in interface. When connected, the sensing device triggers the intelligent drive unit to achieve automatic docking. An electric locking mechanism is set at the plug-in interface and receives instructions from the intelligent control terminal to complete the locking. At the same time, the filling flexible sealing ring is compressed and deformed to achieve sealing; S7: During the installation process, sensors collect installation data in real time and feed it back to the digital twin model to enable dynamic monitoring and adjustment of the installation process; S8: After installation is complete, the sealing and tightness of each connection part are tested using a detection sensor group including a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and a vibration sensor. Simultaneously, the intelligent control terminal generates an installation quality assessment report based on the detection data and digital twin model analysis. S9: The support structure at the installation location is set as an adjustable support foot with a built-in pressure sensor and electric adjustment mechanism. The height of the support foot is automatically adjusted according to the flatness of the ground, and the shell of the machine nest is made of shape memory alloy deformable material; S10: The energy collection unit of the auxiliary installation module uses solar panels and mechanical energy conversion devices to collect light energy and mechanical energy and convert them into electrical energy to power laser locators, automatic calibration devices, intelligent control terminals, etc.
2. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusions with guiding functions are set at the docking points of each modular component. The intelligent collaborative robot recognizes the anti-misinsertion grooves and protrusions on the modular components through a visual recognition device to ensure that the components are correctly installed.
3. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital twin model uses digital thread technology to achieve real-time traceability and analysis of data from the entire installation process.
4. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The use of magnetic attraction to perform preliminary positioning and installation and secondary positioning of the main frame module and the support structure specifically includes: providing a composite magnetic positioning piece that combines magnetic attraction and mechanical positioning pins on the support structure at the installation position, providing a magnetic connection portion that matches the composite magnetic positioning piece at the bottom of the main frame module, and preliminarily positioning the main frame module on the support structure through magnetic attraction; There are multiple composite magnetic positioning members distributed in a matrix on the support structure, and the shape and position of the magnetic connection portion correspond to the composite magnetic positioning members.
5. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent driving unit of the self-assembly structure adopts an electromagnetic driving mode, and the response time is less than 0.3 seconds.
6. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preload springs installed on the sides of the main frame module provide a continuous tightening force of 5-20N.
7. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible sealing ring is made of silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of 30-65A. The surface is coated with a nano-level oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, and a strain sensor is embedded inside to monitor the sealing status in real time.
8. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change temperature range of the shape memory alloy deformable material is -25°C to 70°C, and the shape change is controlled by a temperature sensor and a heating / cooling device.
9. The lightweight installation method of a drone nest according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical energy conversion device is a piezoelectric energy collector, which collects vibration energy during the installation process and converts it into electrical energy.