Buffer support for aerial survey unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of aviation equipment, and discloses a buffer support for an aerial survey unmanned aerial vehicle, which comprises a support mounting base and a supporting arm, the supporting arm is symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the support mounting base, a supporting leg float plate is arranged at the bottom of the supporting arm, a conical supporting leg is arranged on the bottom surface of the end of the supporting leg float plate, a water floating switch is arranged at the front end of the supporting leg float plate, the water floating switch comprises a water floating plate which is slidably arranged at the bottom of the supporting leg float plate, a counterweight is integrally arranged above the water floating plate, wing plates are slidably arranged on the two sides of the supporting leg float plate, the counterweight is in transmission connection with the wing plates, and the wing plates move outward when the supporting leg float plate moves upwards. When the scheme contacts with the water surface, the water floating plate moves upwards under the influence of water pressure, the integrally arranged counterweight moves upwards synchronously, drives the two wing plates to slide outward and expand, increases the contact area with the water surface, provides additional buoyancy to support the lens module, and stabilizes the overall gravity center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation equipment technology, and more specifically, to a buffer support for an aerial surveying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aerial surveying, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in tasks such as topographic mapping, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration due to their efficient and flexible operational characteristics. Since the surveying area often covers large areas of water, UAVs need to be equipped with buffer supports capable of remaining on the water surface to avoid the risk of crashes. Current mainstream solutions mostly adopt buoyancy bar structures, which use cylindrical floats made of low-density foam materials (such as EVA foam) to provide support. However, this design has significant limitations in complex aquatic environments: the linear structure of the buoyancy bar can maintain basic buoyancy in still water, but its hydrodynamic performance deteriorates sharply when faced with wave impacts.

[0003] In addition, aerial surveying UAVs typically carry high-precision lens modules, which can account for 30%-40% of the total weight of the aircraft. The symmetrical distribution design of buoyancy rods is difficult to match with asymmetrical center of gravity layouts, which can easily cause uncontrollable yaw torques in oblique wave environments, leading to pitching and overturning problems of the support. Therefore, a buffer support for aerial surveying UAVs is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a buffer support for aerial surveying UAVs. This buffer support can solve the problem mentioned in the background art that the existing symmetrical distribution design of buoyancy rods is difficult to match the asymmetrical center of gravity layout, which easily causes uncontrollable deflection torque in oblique wave environments, and easily leads to pitching and overturning of the support.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this solution provides a buffer bracket for an aerial surveying UAV, including a bracket mounting base and a support arm. The support arm is symmetrically installed on both sides of the bracket mounting base, and a foot float is installed at the bottom of the support arm. A tapered foot support is installed on the bottom surface of the end of the foot float.

[0006] A float switch is provided at the front end of the outrigger float. The float switch includes a float plate that is slidably installed at the bottom of the outrigger float. A counterweight is integrally provided above the float plate. Wing plates are slidably installed on both sides of the outrigger float. The counterweight is connected to the wing plates in a transmission manner. When the float plate moves upward, the wing plates move outward.

[0007] Optionally, the support float is configured as a hollow low-density foam board, and a limiting groove is provided at the bottom of the support float, with the float plate slidingly engaged with the limiting groove.

[0008] Optionally, the float switch further includes a rotating shaft rotatably installed inside the support foot float plate, with gear rollers coaxially fixedly installed at both ends of the rotating shaft, a lever fixedly installed on the rotating shaft, drive grooves on both sides of the counterweight block, the drive grooves engaging with the lever, and a rack plate at the bottom of the wing plate meshing with the gear roller.

[0009] Optionally, the outrigger float is provided with a lever mechanism, which includes a central rotating seat rotatably installed inside the outrigger float, and a first lever sleeve and a second lever sleeve are respectively connected to both sides of the central rotating seat.

[0010] Optionally, a vertical arm is installed on the top of the counterweight, and a first lever arm is slidably inserted into the end of the first lever sleeve, with the first lever arm rotatably connected to the top of the vertical arm.

[0011] Optionally, a draft chamber is provided at the end of the outrigger float away from the float switch. The draft chamber is installed at the bottom of the outrigger float. A water passage is provided at the front of the draft chamber. A valve plate is slidably installed inside the outrigger float. A water inlet and outlet are provided on the valve plate. The water inlet and outlet are intermittently connected to the water passage.

[0012] Optionally, the draft tank is provided with a water storage cavity, which is a cavity with a sloping bottom. When the water inlet and outlet are offset from the water passage, the water storage cavity is a sealed space.

[0013] Optionally, the valve plate is slidably inserted into the draft tank, and the top of the valve plate is connected to the lever mechanism.

[0014] Optionally, a second lever arm is slidably inserted into the end of the second lever sleeve, and the other end of the second lever arm is rotatably connected to the top of the valve plate.

[0015] Optionally, a baffle plate is installed on the front side of the draft tank, and the baffle plate is located at the opening of the water passage.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. When the buffer bracket for aerial surveying UAVs provided in this solution is in use: when it comes into contact with the water surface, the floating plate moves upward due to the water pressure, and its integrated counterweight moves upward simultaneously, driving the two side wings to slide outward and expand, increasing the contact area with the water surface, providing additional buoyancy to support the lens module and stabilize the overall center of gravity.

[0018] 2. When the buffer support for aerial surveying UAVs provided in this solution is in use: as the float plate gradually moves upward, the lower half of the draft chamber is submerged in water, and water flows into the water storage chamber through the water passage until the float plate moves to the top. The water inlet and outlet are offset from the water passage, and the water storage chamber forms a sealed space, preventing external water from entering and thus increasing the counterweight. This balances with the gravity of the front-end lens module, keeping the center of gravity of the UAV and the support in the center, ensuring a stable attitude and effectively coping with wind and waves.

[0019] Other features and advantages of this solution will be described in detail in the following detailed implementation section. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram at point A.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the floating switch before floating according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the float switch structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the support float plate of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram at point B.

[0028] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram at point C.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 110, bracket mounting base; 120, support arm; 130, outrigger float; 140, conical foot support; 210, floating plate; 211, limiting groove; 220, counterweight; 230, wing plate; 240, rotating shaft; 250, gear roller; 260, lever; 270, drive groove; 280, rack plate; 290, vertical arm; 300, lever mechanism; 310, central rotating seat; 320, first lever sleeve; 330, second lever sleeve; 340, first lever arm; 350, second lever arm; 410, draft tank; 411, water storage chamber; 420, water passage; 430, valve plate; 440, inlet / outlet; 450, baffle plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of this solution more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this solution are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this solution. However, this solution can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this solution. Therefore, this solution is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of this solution, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this solution and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this solution. The terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have sequential or importance. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or similar elements, which will not be repeated here.

[0032] In this solution, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this solution based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this solution, a buffer bracket for an aerial surveying UAV is provided, for reference. Figures 1-8 As shown, the buffer bracket for the aerial surveying UAV includes a bracket mounting base 110 and a support arm 120. The bracket mounting base 110 is provided with a buckle adapted to the UAV, which can be snapped into place for installation with the UAV.

[0034] Support arms 120 are symmetrically installed on both sides of bracket mounting base 110. Support feet 130 are installed at the bottom of support arms 120, and tapered foot supports 140 are installed on the bottom surface of the end of support feet 130.

[0035] The tapered foot support 140 is threaded onto the bottom of the outrigger float 130. The tapered foot support 140 is designed as a lightweight rubber cone for drone landings on land. The lightweight rubber material of the tapered foot support 140 prioritizes contact with the ground, ensuring that impact forces are dispersed when landing on complex terrains such as sand and gravel. It also increases the ground clearance of the outrigger float 130, preventing direct contact between the bottom of the outrigger float 130 and soil / rock, thus avoiding damage. Furthermore, the conical shape allows the tapered foot support 140 to be directly inserted into the water when the surface is still, reducing its impact on the buoyancy of the outrigger float 130.

[0036] A float switch is provided at the front end of the outrigger float 130. The float switch includes a float plate 210 that is slidably installed at the bottom of the outrigger float 130. A counterweight 220 is integrally provided above the float plate 210. Wing plates 230 are slidably installed on both sides of the outrigger float 130. The counterweight 220 is connected to the wing plates 230 in a transmission manner. When the float plate 210 moves upward, the wing plates 230 move to the side away from the counterweight 220 to increase the contact area with the water surface.

[0037] The wing plate 230 is a lightweight horizontal plate with a wind-breaking section at the front end. In normal operation, a small portion of the outer side of the wing plate 230 is exposed to the outside. The wind-breaking section reduces the wind resistance of the support structure during UAV flight. The exposed portions of the wing plate 230 and the floating plate 210 are treated with a hydrophobic coating to reduce water stains after leaving the water.

[0038] In addition, the foot float 130 is a hollow low-density foam board, and a limiting groove 211 is provided at the bottom of the foot float 130. The float 210 and the limiting groove 211 are slidably engaged.

[0039] Furthermore, the float switch also includes a rotating shaft 240 rotatably mounted inside the support float plate 130. Gear rollers 250 are coaxially fixedly mounted at both ends of the rotating shaft 240. A lever 260 is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 240. Drive grooves 270 are provided on both sides of the counterweight block 220, and the drive grooves 270 are movably engaged with the lever 260. A rack plate 280 is provided at the bottom of the wing plate 230, and the rack plate 280 meshes with the gear rollers 250. When the counterweight block 220 moves up and down, it drives the lever 260 to rotate through the drive grooves 270.

[0040] To further improve the balance of the center of gravity, a lever mechanism 300 is provided inside the outrigger float 130. The lever mechanism 300 includes a central rotating seat 310 rotatably installed inside the outrigger float 130, and a first lever sleeve 320 and a second lever sleeve 330 are respectively connected to both sides of the central rotating seat 310.

[0041] A vertical arm 290 is mounted on the top of the counterweight 220, and a first lever arm 340 is slidably inserted into the end of the first lever sleeve 320. The first lever arm 340 is rotatably connected to the top of the vertical arm 290.

[0042] Meanwhile, a draft chamber 410 is provided at the end of the outrigger float 130 away from the float switch. The draft chamber 410 is installed at the bottom of the outrigger float 130. A water passage 420 is provided on the front side of the draft chamber 410. A valve plate 430 is slidably installed inside the outrigger float 130. A water inlet 440 is opened on the valve plate 430. The water inlet 440 is intermittently connected to the water passage 420.

[0043] Specifically, the valve plate 430 is slidably inserted into the draft tank 410, the top of the valve plate 430 is connected to the lever mechanism 300, and the end of the second lever sleeve 330 is slidably inserted with a second lever arm 350. The other end of the second lever arm 350 is rotatably connected to the top of the valve plate 430. The counterweight 220 is relative to the valve plate 430. The length of the first lever arm 340 is greater than that of the second lever arm 350. Through the lever arm ratio of the first lever arm 340 to the second lever arm 350, the slight movement of the counterweight 220 can drive the valve plate 430 to quickly open and close the water passage 420, thereby achieving precise water filling and sealing of the water storage chamber 411.

[0044] The draft tank 410 has a water storage chamber 411 inside. The water storage chamber 411 is a cavity with a sloping bottom. When the water inlet 440 and the water passage 420 are misaligned, the water storage chamber 411 is a sealed space. When the float plate 210 moves to its highest point, the valve plate 430 completely seals the water passage 420. The weight of the water stored inside is concentrated at the rear end of the foot float plate 130, which balances the weight of the front lens module, keeping the overall center of gravity of the UAV in the center.

[0045] A baffle plate 450 is installed on the front side of the water tank 410, located at the entrance of the water passage 420. During normal flight, the baffle plate 450 blocks airborne debris and prevents air from entering the water storage chamber 411, thus reducing flight drag.

[0046] Through the above technical solution, the buffer bracket for aerial surveying UAVs provided in this solution has a floating switch located at the front end of the foot float 130 near the UAV lens module. When the UAV lands on the water, the front end of the foot float 130 experiences greater gravity than the rear end due to its proximity to the lens module, resulting in a greater draft at the front end than at the rear end. Upon contact with the water surface, the float 210 moves upward under water pressure, and its integrated counterweight 220 moves upward simultaneously. The drive grooves 270 on both sides of the counterweight 220 engage with the levers 260 on the rotating shaft 240, causing the rotating shaft 240 to rotate, which in turn causes the gear rollers 250 at both ends of the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously. The gear rollers 250 mesh with the rack plate 280 at the bottom of the wing plate 230, driving the two wing plates 230 to slide outward and expand, increasing the contact area with the water surface, providing additional buoyancy to support the lens module, and stabilizing the overall center of gravity.

[0047] Under normal conditions, the float plate 210 is located below the support float plate 130 due to its own weight. At this time, through the linkage of the lever mechanism 300, the valve plate 430 is tilted upward, so the water inlet 440 is connected to the water passage 420.

[0048] When the outrigger float 130 is stationary on the water surface, the float plate 210 and the draft tank 410 first come into contact with the water surface. The float plate 210 gradually moves upward. During this process, the lower half of the draft tank 410 is submerged in the water. Water flows into the water storage chamber 411 through the water passage 420 until the float plate 210 moves to the top. The water inlet 440 is offset from the water passage 420, and the water storage chamber 411 forms a sealed space, preventing external water from entering and thus increasing the counterweight. This balances with the gravity of the front-end lens module, keeping the overall center of gravity of the drone and the support in the center, maintaining a stable attitude, and effectively coping with wind and waves.

[0049] When the drone takes off, the floating plate 210 moves downward due to gravity, causing the valve plate 430 to move upward. At this time, the water inlet 440 and the water passage 420 are connected again, and the water in the water storage chamber 411 is quickly discharged along the slope.

[0050] When the lever mechanism 300 is in operation, the second lever arm 350 and the second lever sleeve 330 slide together to raise or lower the valve plate 430. The upward movement of the counterweight 220 amplifies the force through the first lever arm 340, and due to the lever arm ratio advantage, easily pulls the second lever arm 350 to push the valve plate 430 downward.

[0051] In summary, when the drone is stationary on the water surface, the deployed wingplates 230 increase the contact area with the water, providing additional buoyancy. The weight of the water in the water storage chamber 411 actively adjusts the drone's weight distribution on the water surface, forming a dual stabilization mechanism. Even in the event of wind and waves, a stable weight distribution is maintained, improving stability.

[0052] The preferred embodiments of this solution have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this solution is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this solution, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this solution.

[0053] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable way without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this solution will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0054] Furthermore, various implementations of this solution can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this solution, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this solution.

Claims

1. A buffer support for an aerial surveying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising a support mounting base (110) and support arms (120), wherein the support arms (120) are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the support mounting base (110), characterized in that: The bottom of the support arm (120) is equipped with a foot float (130), and the bottom surface of the end of the foot float (130) is equipped with a conical foot support (140). A float switch is provided at the front end of the foot float (130). The float switch includes a float plate (210) that is slidably installed at the bottom of the foot float (130). A counterweight (220) is integrally provided above the float plate (210). Wing plates (230) are slidably installed on both sides of the foot float (130). The counterweight (220) is connected to the wing plate (230) in a transmission manner. When the float plate (210) moves upward, the wing plate (230) moves outward.

2. The buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foot float (130) is a hollow low-density foam board, and a limiting groove (211) is provided at the bottom of the foot float (130). The float (210) slides in conjunction with the limiting groove (211).

3. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float switch also includes a rotating shaft (240) rotatably installed inside the support float plate (130). Gear rollers (250) are coaxially fixedly installed at both ends of the rotating shaft (240). A lever (260) is fixedly installed on the rotating shaft (240). A drive groove (270) is provided on both sides of the counterweight block (220). The drive groove (270) is movably engaged with the lever (260). A rack plate (280) is provided at the bottom of the wing plate (230). The rack plate (280) meshes with the gear roller (250).

4. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foot float (130) is provided with a lever mechanism (300). The lever mechanism (300) includes a central rotating seat (310) rotatably installed inside the foot float (130). A first lever sleeve (320) and a second lever sleeve (330) are respectively connected to both sides of the central rotating seat (310).

5. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 4, characterized in that: A vertical arm (290) is installed on the top of the counterweight (220), and a first lever arm (340) is slidably inserted into the end of the first lever sleeve (320). The first lever arm (340) is rotatably connected to the top of the vertical arm (290).

6. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 4, characterized in that: A draft chamber (410) is provided at the end of the foot float (130) away from the float switch. The draft chamber (410) is installed at the bottom of the foot float (130). A water passage (420) is provided on the front side of the draft chamber (410). A valve plate (430) is slidably installed inside the foot float (130). A water inlet (440) is provided on the valve plate (430). The water inlet (440) is intermittently connected to the water passage (420).

7. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 6, characterized in that: The draft tank (410) is equipped with a water storage cavity (411). The water storage cavity (411) is a cavity with a sloping bottom. When the water inlet (440) and the water passage (420) are offset, the water storage cavity (411) is a closed space.

8. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 7, characterized in that: The valve plate (430) is slidably inserted into the draft tank (410), and the top of the valve plate (430) is connected to the lever mechanism (300).

9. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second lever sleeve (330) is slidably inserted with a second lever arm (350) at one end, and the other end of the second lever arm (350) is rotatably connected to the top of the valve plate (430).

10. A buffer support for an aerial surveying UAV according to claim 6, characterized in that: A baffle plate (450) is installed on the front side of the water tank (410), and the baffle plate (450) is located at the entrance of the water passage (420).

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