Mooring type manned amusement aircraft based on aerodynamic force and use method of mooring type manned amusement aircraft

Abstract

The invention provides a mooring type manned amusement aircraft based on aerodynamic force and a using method thereof, and relates to the technical field of amusement equipment, the mooring type manned amusement aircraft comprises an aircraft body provided with a manned cabin, and an undercarriage is connected to the lower portion of the aircraft body; the power system comprises a plurality of electric rotor devices which are arranged on the aircraft body and are used for providing lift force; one end of the mooring cable assembly is connected with the machine body, and the other end of the mooring cable assembly is connected to a ground base station; the mooring cable assembly comprises a power line used for supplying power to the electric rotor wing device. And the flight control system is arranged in the aircraft body and / or the ground base station, is electrically connected with the electric rotor devices, and is used for controlling the aircraft to lift off, hover and recover. Low-cost and high-frequency operation is achieved through ground power supply, real immersive flexible flight experience can be provided, multiple safety protection is achieved, and safe and reliable operation under various sites is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of amusement equipment technology, and in particular to an aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the cultural tourism industry and the increasing demand from tourists for immersive and novel entertainment experiences, aviation amusement facilities have become an important attraction for theme parks and scenic spots. Traditional manned aviation amusement facilities, such as large sightseeing Ferris wheels, drop towers, and roller coasters, while offering a certain level of excitement, cannot simulate the immersive feeling and freedom of real flight.

[0003] Currently, the main technological methods for achieving aerial sightseeing fall into the following three categories: The first category is general aviation aircraft, such as helicopters or small fixed-wing aircraft. Although this type of vehicle can provide a real flight experience, it has obvious drawbacks such as high purchase and operating costs, the need for dedicated venues for take-off and landing, high dependence on weather conditions, and high safety risks, making it difficult to promote as a popular and frequently used amusement project.

[0004] The second category is tethered aerostats, such as tethered balloons or tethered airships. These facilities rely on buoyancy to take off and can serve as stable high-altitude viewing platforms, but they suffer from problems such as large size, poor wind resistance, low takeoff and landing efficiency, and limited experience modes, lacking dynamic flight control and immersive flying fun.

[0005] The third category consists of outdoor aviation sports such as kite flying or paragliding. While these activities offer a certain flying experience, they are difficult to control, significantly affected by weather conditions, have poor operational continuity, and typically cannot achieve stable hovering or controlled takeoffs and landings, resulting in high risks for commercial application.

[0006] Therefore, the market urgently needs a new type of manned aerial amusement facility that can balance safety and reliability, economical operating costs, a realistic and immersive experience, and convenient and accessible operation to the general public. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides an aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle and its usage method. It achieves low-cost, high-frequency operation through ground power supply, and the multi-rotor system provides a realistic, immersive, and flexible flight experience. It also has multiple safety protections to ensure safe and reliable operation in various locations.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: An aerodynamically based tethered manned amusement flight vehicle includes a fuselage with a manned cabin, and landing gear connected to the lower part of the fuselage; it also includes: The power system includes a plurality of electric rotor devices mounted on the fuselage to provide lift; the electric rotor devices are used to generate vertical lift and thrust required for flight attitude control. Ground base stations are located on the ground and have built-in power supplies to power the power system. A tether cable assembly, one end of which is connected to the fuselage and the other end of which is connected to a ground base station; the tether cable assembly includes a power cable for supplying power to the electric rotor device; The flight control system, located within the airframe and / or ground base station, is electrically connected to the electric rotor device and is used to control the airframe's takeoff, hovering, and recovery.

[0009] Furthermore, the tether assembly also includes a traction cable connected to the aircraft body to limit the aircraft's flight range (including altitude and horizontal displacement).

[0010] Furthermore, the traction cable is made of conductive material, and the ground base station is electrically connected to the ground to form an electrical connection between the machine body, the traction cable, and the ground, which is used to discharge static electricity and provide protection against electric shock. The conductive traction cable is only used for static electricity discharge and protection against electric shock, and it has an independent insulation structure from the power line and signal cable. The three are arranged in layers within the mooring cable assembly to avoid electrical interference.

[0011] Furthermore, the tether assembly also includes a signal cable that is communicatively connected to the flight control system to enable the ground base station to signal to the aircraft.

[0012] Furthermore, the electric rotor devices are installed on the fuselage in a symmetrical layout of four, six, or eight axes to ensure the stability of the aircraft. The number of electric rotor devices corresponds one-to-one with the number of axes (e.g., a four-axis layout corresponds to four electric rotor devices), with a propeller diameter of 1.4-1.8 meters and a high-voltage drive motor rated power of 8-20 kW to ensure that the lift requirements for manned flight are met. Alternatively, the number of electric rotor devices is twice the number of axes (e.g., a four-axis layout corresponds to eight electric rotor devices, with one electric rotor device arranged vertically on each axis), with a propeller diameter of 1.2-1.6 meters and a high-voltage drive motor rated power of 5-15 kW to ensure that the lift requirements for manned flight are met.

[0013] The electric rotor device includes a high-voltage drive motor and a propeller driven by the high-voltage drive motor.

[0014] Furthermore, a parachute is provided on the top of the aircraft.

[0015] Furthermore, the fuselage is equipped with a backup power module, which is electrically connected to the electric rotor device and the flight control system as an emergency power supply.

[0016] Furthermore, the tether cable assembly is connected to the machine body via a quick-release connector. Upon receiving an emergency separation command, the quick-release connector disconnects the tether cable assembly from the machine body. The quick-release connector employs an electrically triggered structure, completing the disconnection within 0.5 seconds of receiving the command. After disconnection, the machine body automatically triggers a mechanical lock to prevent secondary connection of the tether cable assembly and avoid safety risks.

[0017] A method for operating the aforementioned aerodynamically based tethered manned amusement vehicle includes the following steps: Power supply and takeoff steps: Power is supplied from the ground base station to the electric rotor device and flight control system through the power line in the tether cable assembly; the flight control system controls each electric rotor device to start and generate vertical lift, driving the aircraft into the air; In-flight operation steps: The thrust of each of the electric rotor devices is continuously adjusted by the flight control system to control the aircraft to achieve stable hovering or controlled movement within the airspace defined by the tether cable assembly; Safe recovery procedure: The flight control system controls the electric rotor to reduce thrust, allowing the aircraft to descend smoothly under the guidance of the tether cable assembly until it lands on the landing gear and is recovered.

[0018] Furthermore, it includes in-flight emergency response procedures, which include the following two modes: Mode 1: When the flight control system detects a power outage in the tether cable assembly, the parachute on the top of the aircraft deploys, allowing the aircraft to land slowly. Mode 2: Upon receiving an emergency separation command, the quick-release connector is disconnected, separating the tether cable assembly from the aircraft. The backup power module then powers the electric rotor and flight control system, allowing the aircraft to perform free flight and emergency landing. The emergency separation command is issued manually by the ground station operator or automatically triggered by the flight control system in high-risk scenarios such as tether cable breakage or abnormal aircraft structure. The backup power module's operating time should be sufficient to ensure adequate time for emergency landing site selection and procedures.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This tethered manned amusement aircraft receives continuous power from a ground base station via a tether cable assembly, solving the problem of high operating costs for general aviation aircraft and enabling affordable, high-frequency operation. Secondly, it utilizes multi-axis electric rotors for power and control, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing and stable hovering, while providing a flexible and controllable flight experience. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional tethered aerostats, such as a limited experience and lack of dynamic control, offering users a highly immersive and realistic flight experience. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with tether limiters, anti-static and electric shock protection, emergency backup power, and a parachute descent system, reducing the uncontrollable risks inherent in traditional aviation sports. Wind resistance and operational continuity are significantly improved, enabling safe and reliable operation in various site conditions. This truly represents a safe, reliable, realistic, and commercially viable innovation in manned aerial amusement suitable for widespread adoption. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention. They do not constitute a limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of the tethered manned amusement flight vehicle of the present invention; Figure 2 It is the three-dimensional body Figure 1 ; Figure 3 It is the three-dimensional body Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the aircraft after its parachute has been deployed.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Airframe; 2. Landing gear; 3. Electric rotor assembly; 301. High-voltage drive motor; 302. Propeller; 4. Tether cable assembly; 5. Ground base station; 6. Parachute. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown: This invention claims protection for an aerodynamic tethered manned amusement vehicle, comprising a fuselage 1 with a manned cabin, landing gear 2 connected to the lower part of the fuselage 1, a tether cable assembly 4, and a ground base station 5; the upper end of the tether cable assembly 4 is connected to the fuselage 1, and the lower end is connected to the ground base station 5. In this embodiment, the landing gear 2 is made of high-strength, lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber composites, possessing excellent cushioning performance. Upon landing, the landing gear 2 effectively disperses impact forces, ensuring safety and stability. The shape of the landing gear 2 is designed to adapt to different ground conditions, such as grass, sand, or hardened surfaces, to provide stable support.

[0024] The power system includes several electric rotor units 3 mounted on the fuselage 1 to provide lift. The electric rotor units 3 are installed on the fuselage 1 in a symmetrical layout of four, six, or eight axes to ensure the stability of the aircraft. Each electric rotor unit 3 includes a high-voltage drive motor 301 and a propeller 302 driven by the high-voltage drive motor 301. The rated voltage of the high-voltage drive motor 301 is greater than or equal to 600V, preferably 800V. The purpose of using high voltage is to allow the use of small-diameter power supply wires, resulting in less line loss and lighter weight. These electric rotor units 3 are used to generate vertical lift and the thrust required for flight attitude control. The flight control system controls the activation of each electric rotor unit 3 to generate vertical lift, propelling the fuselage 1 into the air. After takeoff, the thrust of each electric rotor unit 3 is continuously adjusted to control the fuselage 1 to achieve stable hovering or controlled movement within the airspace defined by the tethered cable assembly 4.

[0025] The flight control system is located within the airframe 1 and / or ground station 5, and is electrically connected to the electric rotor units 3. It controls the airframe's takeoff, hovering, and recovery. During the power supply and takeoff phase, the flight control system activates each electric rotor unit 3 to generate vertical lift, propelling the airframe into the air. During in-flight operation, the thrust of each electric rotor unit 3 is continuously adjusted to control the airframe's stable hovering or controlled movement within the airspace defined by the tether assembly 4. During the safe recovery phase, the flight control system reduces the thrust of the electric rotor units 3, allowing the airframe to descend smoothly under the guidance of the tether assembly 4 until it lands on the landing gear 2 for recovery.

[0026] The flight control system uses algorithms to process and analyze data, controlling the rotational speed and thrust of the electric rotor 3 to achieve stable flight. The flight control system possesses highly intelligent automatic control functions, capable of automatically adjusting the aircraft's attitude and position according to preset flight trajectories and commands. It also supports manual intervention by operators to handle various special situations. The flight control system is a mature technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0027] The invention also includes a tether cable assembly 4, one end of which is connected to the fuselage 1 and the other end to a ground base station 5. It includes a power line for supplying power to the electric rotor 3, through which electrical energy is supplied from the ground base station 5 to the electric rotor 3 and the flight control system. The tether cable assembly 4 also includes a traction cable connected to the fuselage 1 for limiting the flight of the aircraft.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tether cable is made of conductive material. The ground base station 5 is electrically connected to the ground, forming an electrical connection between the aircraft 1, the tether cable, and the ground. This connection is used to discharge static electricity and provide protection against electric shock. The conductive tether cable is used only for static discharge and protection against electric shock. It has an independent insulation structure from the power line and signal cable. The three are arranged in layers within the tether cable assembly to avoid electrical interference. The length of the tether cable is designed to meet the flight range requirements of the aircraft within a preset airspace. In addition, the tether cable assembly 4 also includes a signal cable, which is communicatively connected to the flight control system. This allows the ground base station 5 to connect with the aircraft, enabling bidirectional signal transmission and ensuring effective control of the aircraft by the flight control system.

[0029] The tether cable assembly 4 is connected to the body 1 via a quick-release connector. Upon receiving an emergency separation command, the quick-release connector disconnects the tether cable assembly 4 from the body 1. The quick-release connector is a crucial component connecting the tether cable assembly 4 and the body 1. It can employ mechanical and electrical connection designs. For example, the mechanical part can use a snap-fit ​​and locking mechanism to ensure a stable connection while allowing for rapid separation in emergencies. The electrical connection uses a plug-in design, possessing good conductivity and vibration resistance, and can safely sever all electrical connections upon separation, preventing potential safety hazards such as electrical sparks.

[0030] A parachute 6 is installed on the top of the fuselage 1. When the flight control system detects a power outage in the tether cable assembly 4, the parachute 6 deploys, allowing the aircraft to land slowly as an emergency safety measure. In the actual design, the fuselage 1 also includes an ejection device, which can quickly generate enough energy to deploy the parachute 6 after receiving a command from the flight control system.

[0031] The aircraft 1 also houses a backup power module, electrically connected to the electric rotor unit 3 and the flight control system, serving as an emergency power supply. Upon receiving an emergency separation command, the backup power module is activated to power the electric rotor unit 3 and the flight control system, enabling the aircraft to perform free flight and emergency landing. The backup power module uses high-performance battery packs, such as lithium batteries, characterized by high energy density and long cycle life. An automatic switching device can be installed between the backup power module and the electric rotor unit 3 and flight control system. Upon receiving an emergency separation command, it can quickly disconnect from the ground power supply and seamlessly switch to backup power, ensuring the continuous operation of the aircraft's critical systems. The emergency separation command is manually issued by the ground base station operator or automatically triggered by the flight control system when it detects high-risk scenarios such as a broken tether cable assembly or abnormal aircraft structure. The backup power module has an endurance of no less than 15 minutes, ensuring sufficient time for emergency landing site selection and operation. Operators can select a suitable emergency landing location based on the actual situation, such as the aircraft's location and surrounding environment, to ensure the safety of the aircraft and personnel as much as possible.

[0032] This invention also claims protection for a method of operating the above-described aerodynamic tethered manned amusement vehicle, comprising the following steps: Power supply and takeoff procedure: Power is supplied from the ground base station 5 to the electric rotor units 3 and the flight control system via the power lines in the tethered cable assembly 4. The flight control system controls each electric rotor unit 3 to start and generate vertical lift, driving the aircraft into the air.

[0033] In-flight operation procedure: The thrust of each electric rotor device 3 is continuously adjusted by the flight control system to control the aircraft to achieve stable hovering or controlled movement within the airspace defined by the tether cable assembly 4.

[0034] Safe recovery procedure: The flight control system controls the electric rotor device 3 to reduce thrust, so that the aircraft descends smoothly under the guidance of the tether cable assembly 4 until it lands on the landing gear 2 to complete the recovery.

[0035] During flight, the following emergency procedures will be followed: Mode 1: When the flight control system detects a power outage in the tether cable assembly 4, it can quickly cut off the ground power supply, and the parachute 6 on the top of the aircraft 1 will deploy, allowing the aircraft to land slowly.

[0036] Mode 2: Upon receiving an emergency separation command, the quick-release connector is disconnected, separating the tether cable assembly 4 from the aircraft body 1. The backup power module is then activated to supply power to the electric rotor assembly 3 and the flight control system, allowing the aircraft to perform free flight and emergency landing. Operators can select a suitable landing location based on the actual situation, such as the aircraft's location and surrounding environment, to ensure the safety of the aircraft and personnel as much as possible.

[0037] This tethered manned amusement aircraft is continuously powered from a ground base station 5 via a tether cable assembly 4, solving the problem of high operating costs for general aviation aircraft and enabling affordable, high-frequency operation. Secondly, it utilizes a multi-axis electric rotor for power and control, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing and stable hovering, while providing a flexible and controllable flight experience. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional tethered aerostats, which offer a limited experience and lack of dynamic control, providing users with a highly immersive and realistic flight experience. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with tether limiters, anti-static and electric shock protection, an emergency backup power supply, and a parachute 6 descent system, reducing the uncontrollable risks inherent in traditional aviation sports. Wind resistance and operational continuity are significantly improved, enabling safe and reliable operation in various site conditions. This truly achieves a safe, reliable, realistic, and commercially viable innovation in manned aerial amusement suitable for widespread adoption.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerodynamically based tethered manned amusement flight vehicle, characterized in that, The aircraft includes a fuselage (1) with a manned cabin, and landing gear (2) is connected to the lower part of the fuselage (1). It also includes: The power system includes a plurality of electric rotor devices (3) provided with lift on the fuselage (1); the electric rotor devices (3) are used to generate vertical lift and thrust required for flight attitude control; Ground base station (5), the ground base station (5) is set on the ground and has a built-in power supply to power the power system; A tether cable assembly (4), one end of which is connected to the fuselage (1) and the other end of which is connected to a ground base station (5); the tether cable assembly (4) includes a power line for supplying power to the electric rotor device (3); The flight control system is located in the airframe (1) and / or ground base station (5) and is electrically connected to the electric rotor device (3). It is mainly used to control the take-off, hovering and recovery of the airframe (1).

2. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tether cable assembly (4) also includes a traction cable connected to the body (1) to limit the flight range of the body (1).

3. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The traction cable is made of conductive material, and the ground base station (5) is connected to the ground to make the body (1), the traction cable and the ground electrically connected, so as to discharge static electricity and provide protection against electric shock.

4. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tether assembly (4) also includes a signal cable that is communicatively connected to the flight control system to enable the ground base station (5) to signal to the aircraft.

5. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric rotor device (3) is installed on the fuselage (1) in a symmetrical layout of four-axis, six-axis or eight-axis to ensure the stability of the aircraft; The electric rotor device (3) includes a high-voltage drive motor (301) and a propeller (302) driven by the high-voltage drive motor (301).

6. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top of the body (1) is equipped with a parachute (6).

7. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The fuselage (1) is also equipped with a backup power module, which is electrically connected to the electric rotor device (3) and the flight control system as an emergency energy supply.

8. The aerodynamic tethered manned amusement flight vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tether cable assembly (4) is connected to the body (1) via a quick-release connector. When an emergency separation command is received, the tether cable assembly (4) is disconnected from the body (1) via the quick-release connector.

9. A method for operating an aerodynamic tethered manned amusement vehicle as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Power supply and takeoff steps: Power is supplied from the ground base station (5) to the electric rotor device (3) and flight control system through the power line in the tether cable assembly (4); the flight control system controls each electric rotor device (3) to start and generate vertical lift, driving the aircraft to take off; In-flight operation steps: The thrust of each of the electric rotor devices (3) is continuously adjusted by the flight control system to control the aircraft to achieve stable hovering or controlled movement within the airspace defined by the tether cable assembly (4); Safe recovery procedure: The flight control system controls the electric rotor device (3) to reduce thrust, so that the aircraft descends smoothly under the guidance of the tether cable assembly (4) until it lands and is recovered by the landing gear (2).

10. A method for operating the aerodynamic tethered manned amusement vehicle as described in claim 6, characterized in that, In addition to the steps described in claim 9, it also includes a Mode 1 emergency response step: During flight, when the flight control system detects a power outage in the tether cable assembly (4), the parachute (6) on the top of the aircraft (1) pops out and deploys, allowing the aircraft to land slowly.

11. A method for operating the aerodynamically based tethered manned amusement vehicle as described in claim 8, characterized in that, In addition to the steps described in claim 9, it also includes a Mode 2 emergency response step: During flight, when an emergency separation command is received, the quick-release connector is controlled to disconnect the tether cable assembly (4) from the fuselage (1), and the backup power module is activated to supply power to the electric rotor device (3) and the flight control system, so as to control the aircraft to perform free flight and forced landing.

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