Unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure and method

Abstract

The invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure and method.The unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure is characterized in that the unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure comprises a storage module installed at the bottom of an unmanned aerial vehicle and a collection module hinged to the bottom of the storage module and capable of being unfolded downwards, and a water storage cavity is formed in the collection module; an air pump is arranged at the upper end of the collecting module, the air inlet end of the air pump is communicated with the upper end of the water storage cavity, and a plurality of water sample inlets are formed in the bottom of the collecting module. The unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure can fly to a designated position to collect a water sample, the sampling efficiency is improved, and the unmanned aerial vehicle water sample collection structure is more convenient compared with manual sampling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more specifically to a UAV water sampling structure and method. Background Art

[0002] The core function of water sampling is to reflect the true state of water bodies through representative samples, providing a reliable basis for subsequent analysis, management, and decision-making. Water sampling is the "starting point" of water quality management. Through scientific site selection, preservation, and analysis, it can support decision-making across the entire chain, from pollution source tracing to ecological restoration. It is an irreplaceable fundamental link in the fields of environmental science, water engineering, and public health.

[0003] The current method of water sampling involves driving a boat to the sampling point and collecting samples using a container. This method has significant limitations, as it also needs to consider the impact of water ripples generated by the boat on the water sampling area. Therefore, this sampling method can lead to large errors in water sample test results and is inconvenient to sample, and it needs to be improved and resolved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a UAV water sampling structure and method, which can fly to a designated location to collect water samples, increasing sampling efficiency and being more convenient than manual sampling.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a drone water sampling structure, which includes a storage module installed on the bottom of the drone and a sampling module hinged to the bottom of the storage module and capable of unfolding downwards. The sampling module is provided with a water storage chamber, and an air pump is provided at the upper end of the sampling module. The air inlet of the air pump is connected to the upper end of the water storage chamber. Multiple water sample inlets are arranged at the bottom of the sampling module.

[0006] Preferably, the acquisition module includes a sampling block, one end of which is hinged to one end of the storage module, and the other end is provided with a protruding shell, which is configured to communicate with the water storage cavity, and multiple water sample inlets are arranged on the side of the protruding shell facing the storage module.

[0007] Preferably, the storage module has a storage groove at the bottom, and the front end of the storage groove has a stepped surface for mounting the protruding shell and sealing the water sample inlet.

[0008] Preferably, a limit block is provided at the rear end of the storage slot, an avoidance opening is provided at the front center of the limit block, a first hinge seat is provided inside the acquisition module, a second hinge seat is provided inside the storage slot, and a telescopic cylinder is provided between the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat.

[0009] Preferably, a first partition and a second partition are staggered along the water inlet direction in the water storage cavity, the front side of the first partition is configured as a buffer cavity, a filter screen and a water-blocking plate are arranged between the first partition and the second partition along the water flow direction, and a plurality of one-way valves are arranged on the water-blocking plate.

[0010] Preferably, the outer side of the acquisition module is provided with an insertion port for inserting the filter plate, and the outer end of the filter plate is provided with a fixing panel, which is connected to the acquisition module by screws.

[0011] Preferably, a water inlet is provided on the side of the water storage cavity, and a sealing cap is provided outside the water inlet.

[0012] Preferably, the acquisition module is provided with a cabin for installing the air pump; at least one side of the cabin is connected to the outside, the exhaust end of the air pump is connected to the outside, and a breather valve is provided at the connection between the air pump and the water storage chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the storage module has mounting lugs at both ends; and a metal conductive connector is provided on the side of the storage module facing away from the acquisition module.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for collecting water samples by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1 controls the drone to fly to the designated sampling location, lands the drone at a height of A1 above the water surface, deploys the collection module and makes the collection module perpendicular to the storage module, and enables multiple water sample inlets to be completely submerged in the water surface.

[0016] S2, start the air pump to expel the air from the water storage chamber, thereby reducing the air pressure in the water storage chamber. The water sample then gradually enters the water storage chamber through multiple water sample inlets under the change of pressure difference.

[0017] S3, when the liquid level sensor installed in the water storage chamber senses that the liquid level has reached the required value, it sends a command to stop the air pump from continuing to work and stops pumping water.

[0018] S4, the collection module is retracted into the storage module, and the drone is controlled to deliver the collected water sample to the designated location for retrieval and storage.

[0019] According to the above technical solution, the UAV water sampling structure and method of the present invention can fly to a designated location to collect water samples, increasing sampling efficiency and making it more convenient than manual sampling.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the UAV water sampling structure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the UAV water sampling structure, viewed from below.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the BB cross-sectional structure;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the CC cross-sectional structure.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1-Storage module; 2-Limiting block; 3-Step surface; 4-Metal conductive connector; 5-Second hinge seat; 6-Telescopic cylinder; 7-First hinge seat; 8-Fixed panel; 9-Protruding shell; 10-Water sample inlet; 11-Sealing cap; 12-Sampling block; 13-Mounting lug; 14-Chamber; 15-Air pump; 16-Avoidance port; 17-Storage slot; 18-Breathing valve; 19-Water storage chamber; 20-Water intake port; 21-One-way valve; 22-Buffer chamber; 23-Filter screen; 24-First partition; 25-Second partition; 26-Exhaust end. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside" in the terminology only represent the orientation of the term in its normal use or are common terms understood by those skilled in the art, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the term.

[0031] See Figure 1-5The UAV water sampling structure shown includes a storage module 1 installed at the bottom of the UAV and a sampling module hinged to the bottom of the storage module 1 and capable of unfolding downwards. The sampling module is provided with a water storage chamber 19. An air pump 15 is provided at the upper end of the sampling module. The air inlet of the air pump 15 is connected to the upper end of the water storage chamber 19. Multiple water sample inlets 10 are arranged at the bottom of the sampling module.

[0032] Through the implementation of the above technical solution, the UAV water sampling structure can be installed as a whole on the bottom of the UAV, forming a detachable integrated structure. In use, the UAV is controlled to fly to the designated sampling location, land at a height A1 above the water surface, and deploy the sampling module, ensuring it is perpendicular to the storage module 1 and that all multiple water inlets 10 are submerged in the water. The air pump 15 is activated to expel air from the water storage chamber 19, reducing the air pressure within the chamber. Water samples then gradually enter the storage chamber 19 through the multiple water inlets 10 under pressure differential. When the liquid level sensor in the storage chamber 19 detects that the liquid level has reached the required value, it sends a command to stop the air pump 15, stopping the pumping. The sampling module is then retracted into the storage module 1, and the UAV is controlled to deliver the collected water sample to the designated location for retrieval and storage. This UAV water sampling structure and method allows for flight to a designated location to collect water samples, increasing sampling efficiency and offering greater convenience compared to manual sampling.

[0033] In this embodiment, the acquisition module includes a sampling block 12, one end of which is hinged to one end of the storage module 1, and the other end is provided with a protruding shell 9. The protruding shell 9 is configured to communicate with the water storage cavity 19, and multiple water sample inlets 10 are arranged on the side of the protruding shell 9 facing the storage module 1. The openings of the multiple water sample inlets 10 face the direction of the drone's flight. When the protruding shell 9 is submerged in water, liquid is introduced from the side, increasing the ease with which water enters the water sample inlets 10. Furthermore, controlling the drone to fly slowly can also make it easier for water to enter the water sample inlets 10.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bottom of the storage module 1 is provided with a storage groove 17, and the front end of the storage groove 17 is provided with a stepped surface 3 for mounting the protruding shell 9 and sealing the water sample inlet 10. With this configuration, after water is collected, the protruding shell 9 is mounted on the stepped surface 3, and the multiple water sample inlets 10 are closed by the stepped surface 3. The stepped surface 3 can also be provided with a layer of sealant to increase the sealing performance.

[0035] In this embodiment, a limiting block 2 is provided at the rear end of the storage slot 17, and an avoidance opening 16 is provided at the center of the front end of the limiting block 2. A first hinge seat 7 is provided inside the acquisition module, and a second hinge seat 5 is provided inside the storage slot 17. A telescopic cylinder 6 is provided between the first hinge seat 7 and the second hinge seat 5. The telescopic cylinder 6 controls the outward and inward tilting of the acquisition module.

[0036] In this embodiment, a first partition 24 and a second partition 25 are staggered along the water inlet direction within the water storage chamber 19. A buffer chamber 22 is positioned in front of the first partition 24. A filter screen 23 and a water-separating plate are arranged between the first partition 24 and the second partition 25 along the water flow direction. Multiple one-way valves 21 are installed on the water-separating plate. With this arrangement, the filter screen 23 filters larger particles, and the filtered water flows into the rear water storage chamber 19 through the one-way valves 21. Furthermore, to enhance the filtration effect, the port protruding from the housing 9 can be flattened, and multiple baffles can be arranged along its length to prevent larger solid particles from entering.

[0037] In this embodiment, the outer side of the acquisition module is provided with an insertion port for inserting the filter plate 23, and the outer end of the filter plate 23 is provided with a fixing panel 8. The fixing panel 8 is connected to the acquisition module by screws. This configuration allows the filter plate 23 to be detachable, so as to clean or replace the filter plate 23.

[0038] In this embodiment, a water inlet 20 is provided on the side of the water storage chamber 19, and a sealing cap 11 is provided outside the water inlet 20. With this arrangement, the collected water sample can be easily taken out through the water inlet 20. Specifically, the water sample can be taken by inserting a water pipe connected to the pump into the water inlet 20, or by using a dropper.

[0039] In this embodiment, the acquisition module is equipped with a cabin 14 for mounting the air pump 15; at least one side of the cabin 14 is connected to the outside, the exhaust end 26 of the air pump 15 is connected to the outside, and a breather valve 18 is provided at the connection between the air pump 15 and the water storage chamber 19. With this configuration, when the air pump 15 is started, the breather valve 18 opens, gas is discharged, the pressure inside the water storage chamber 19 decreases, and water samples can be collected. When the air pump 15 is turned off, the internal and external pressures are balanced, the breather valve 18 closes, and neither gas nor liquid can be discharged.

[0040] In this embodiment, the storage module 1 has mounting lugs 13 at both ends; a metal conductive connector 4 is provided on the side of the storage module 1 facing away from the acquisition module. The mounting lugs 13 on both sides are detachably connected to the bottom of the drone, and the metal conductive connector 4 is electrically connected to the bottom of the drone body.

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0043] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A water sampling structure for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, The UAV water sampling structure includes a storage module (1) installed at the bottom of the UAV and a sampling module hinged to the bottom of the storage module (1) and capable of unfolding downwards. The sampling module is provided with a water storage chamber (19). An air pump (15) is provided at the upper end of the sampling module. The air inlet of the air pump (15) is connected to the upper end of the water storage chamber (19). Multiple water sample inlets (10) are arranged at the bottom of the sampling module.

2. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition module includes a sampling block (12), one end of which is hinged to one end of the storage module (1), and the other end is provided with a protruding shell (9). The protruding shell (9) is configured to communicate with the water storage cavity (19), and multiple water sample inlets (10) are arranged on the side of the protruding shell (9) facing the storage module (1).

3. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage module (1) has a storage groove (17) at the bottom, and the front end of the storage groove (17) has a stepped surface (3) for mounting the protruding shell (9) and for sealing the water sample inlet (10).

4. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage slot (17) is provided with a limit block (2) at its rear end, and a clearance opening (16) is provided at the middle of the front end of the limit block (2). The acquisition module is provided with a first hinge seat (7) inside, and a second hinge seat (5) is provided inside the storage slot (17). A telescopic cylinder (6) is provided between the first hinge seat (7) and the second hinge seat (5).

5. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage chamber (19) is provided with a first partition (24) and a second partition (25) offset along the water inlet direction. The front side of the first partition (24) is provided as a buffer chamber (22). A filter screen plate (23) and a water-blocking plate are provided between the first partition (24) and the second partition (25) along the water flow direction. A plurality of one-way valves (21) are provided on the water-blocking plate.

6. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer side of the acquisition module is provided with an insertion port for inserting the filter plate (23), and the outer end of the filter plate (23) is provided with a fixing panel (8), which is connected to the acquisition module by screws.

7. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water inlet (20) is provided on the side of the water storage cavity (19), and a sealing cap (11) is provided outside the water inlet (20).

8. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition module is equipped with a cabin (14) for installing the air pump (15); At least one side of the cabin (14) is connected to the outside, the exhaust end (26) of the air pump (15) is connected to the outside, and a breathing valve (18) is provided at the connection between the air pump (15) and the water storage chamber (19).

9. The UAV water sampling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage module (1) is provided with mounting ears (13) at both ends; The storage module (1) has a metal conductive connector (4) on its side facing away from the acquisition module.

10. A method for collecting water samples using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The method for collecting water samples using unmanned aerial vehicles includes the following steps: S1, control the drone to fly to the designated sampling location, land the drone at a height of A1 above the sampling water surface, unfold the collection module and make the collection module perpendicular to the storage module (1), and make multiple water sample inlets (10) completely submerged in the water surface. S2, start the air pump (15) to expel the air in the water storage chamber (19), so that the air pressure in the water storage chamber (19) decreases, and the water sample gradually enters the water storage chamber (19) through multiple water sample inlets (10) under the change of pressure difference; S3, when the liquid level sensor installed in the water storage chamber (19) senses that the liquid level has reached the required value, it sends a command to stop the air pump (15) from continuing to work and stops pumping water; S4, the collection module is retracted to the storage module (1), and the drone is controlled to deliver the collected water sample to the designated location, then retrieve and store it.

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