High-altitude airship net buoyancy adjusting device and adjusting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjusting device and method, and relates to the technical field of high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjusting device comprises a hanging frame, a sand bag, a slinging mechanism and an inhaul cable; the hanging frame is connected with the air bag and used for bearing and dispersing loads; the sand bag is connected to the lower portion of the hanging frame, balance weight particles are contained in the sand bag, and an outlet is formed in the bottom of the sand bag. The slinging mechanism is connected below an outlet of the sand bag and comprises a control mechanism, and the control mechanism is used for controlling opening and closing of the outlet and the outflow time of the counterweight particles; the weight of the airship is directly reduced by throwing the counterweight particles, so that the net buoyancy is increased, the principle is simple, and the response is quick. The concentrated load of the sand bag is dispersed and transmitted to the air bag by adopting the hanger structure, so that stress concentration is avoided, and the air bag material is protected. The slinging mechanism achieves accurate control over the slinging amount and the slinging speed by controlling the opening and closing time and the caliber of the sand outlet, and the adjusting precision is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment technology, and in particular to a high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device and adjustment method. Background Technology

[0002] An airship is an aerostat that generates lift by filling its interior with a gas lighter than air. It offers advantages such as long loiter time, low takeoff and landing requirements, and energy efficiency. It can carry payloads to perform long-duration missions such as reconnaissance, observation, and aerial relay. High-altitude airships typically operate at altitudes above 5000 meters. From takeoff to a stable cruising altitude, air density gradually decreases, and buoyancy decreases accordingly. When buoyancy decreases to a certain level, net buoyancy approaches zero. At this point, the airship can no longer ascend using buoyancy and will hover or even descend. Furthermore, different high-altitude airships experience varying degrees of leakage of lightweight gases, which also reduces net buoyancy during prolonged cruising.

[0003] Therefore, effective measures must be taken to increase net buoyancy to ensure that the high-altitude airship can ascend normally to the working altitude and reach the required working time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device and adjustment method with reliable structure and precise control.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device and method, comprising a hanger, a sandbag, a sand-throwing mechanism, and a cable; the hanger is connected to the airbag and is used to bear and distribute the load; the sandbag is connected below the hanger, the sandbag contains counterweight particles, and the bottom of the sandbag has an outlet; the sand-throwing mechanism is connected below the outlet of the sandbag, the sand-throwing mechanism includes a control mechanism, the control mechanism is used to control the opening and closing of the outlet and the outflow time of the counterweight particles; the cable is connected between the hanger and the sand-throwing mechanism, and is used to stabilize the attitude of the sandbag and the sand-throwing mechanism when the airship's attitude changes.

[0006] Preferably, the hanger is a space truss structure, comprising an upper frame, a lower frame, multiple double-ear connectors, and connecting bolts corresponding to the number of double-ear connectors; the upper frame is rectangular, and the tube axis of the upper frame is adapted to the curvature of the airbag at that location; the lower frame is square and is located at the bottom of the hanger; the multiple double-ear connectors are respectively fixed to the lower frame; the connecting bolts cooperate with the double-ear connectors to fix the sandbag.

[0007] Preferably, the bracket further includes lateral diagonal braces and longitudinal diagonal braces connecting the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0008] Preferably, the sandbag is a funnel-shaped structure made of flexible material, including a cloth bag, a steel ring, an inlet, and a connecting port; the steel ring is disposed on the cloth bag; the inlet is disposed at the top of the sandbag for loading the counterweight particles; the connecting port is disposed at the top of the sandbag and is connected to the double-eared connector by the connecting bolt.

[0009] Preferably, the sand-throwing mechanism includes a support, a sand funnel, a pressure plate, a linear drive mechanism, and a slider; the sand funnel is mounted on the support, and the top of the sand funnel is connected to the outlet of the sand bag via a flange; the pressure plate is used to press the outlet of the sand bag against the flange of the sand funnel; the linear drive mechanism is mounted on the support; the slider is connected to the output end of the linear drive mechanism; the slider reciprocates under the drive of the linear drive mechanism to open or close the sand outlet channel of the sand funnel.

[0010] Preferably, the sand-throwing mechanism further includes a guide rail disposed on the support, and the slider slides in cooperation with the guide rail.

[0011] Preferably, the diameter of the sand outlet of the sand hourglass is [missing information]. The diameter of the sand outlet It is configured to control the outflow velocity of the counterweight particles within the range of 3 to 10 kg / min.

[0012] Preferably, the counterweight particles are sand particles with a particle size of 1~3mm.

[0013] This invention also provides a method for adjusting the net buoyancy of a high-altitude airship, specifically including the following steps:

[0014] S1: Install the adjustment device on the airship's airbag and fill the sandbag with counterweight particles;

[0015] S2: Monitor the net buoyancy status of the airship during its ascent or cruise when net buoyancy decreases due to leakage of light gas.

[0016] S3: When the net buoyancy is detected to drop to a preset critical value, the sand throwing mechanism is activated to throw the sand.

[0017] S4: After reaching the preset amount of sand to be thrown, control the sand throwing mechanism to close, completing one throwing cycle.

[0018] Compared with related technologies, the high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device and adjustment method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0019] This invention provides a net buoyancy adjustment device and method for high-altitude airships. It directly reduces the airship's weight by throwing counterweight particles, thereby increasing net buoyancy. The principle is simple and the response is rapid. A hangar structure distributes the concentrated load of the sandbags to the airbags, avoiding stress concentration and protecting the airbag material. The sand-throwing mechanism achieves precise control over the amount and speed of sand thrown by controlling the opening and closing time and diameter of the sand outlet, resulting in high adjustment accuracy. A cable system is incorporated to effectively resist the torque generated by the airship's large pitch attitude during flight, ensuring the structural stability and operational reliability of the entire device. Sand particles of a specific size are selected as counterweight particles, resulting in low terminal velocity and good safety, posing no serious harm to ground personnel or the environment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall front view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hanging bracket structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sandbag structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sandbag structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sand-throwing mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the hanger and the sandbag according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the sandbag and the sand-throwing mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sand-throwing mechanism 3 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] The following are the labeling elements in the diagram: 1. Hanger; 2. Sandbag; 3. Sand throwing mechanism; 4. Counterweight particles; 5. Cable; 6. Airbag; 11. Upper frame; 12. Lower frame; 13. Lateral brace; 14. Longitudinal brace; 15. Double-ear connector; 16. Connecting bolt; 21. Cloth bag; 22. Steel ring; 23. Inlet; 24. Outlet; 25. Connection port; 31. Support; 32. Sand drain; 33. Pressure plate; 34. Linear drive mechanism; 35. Guide rail; 36. Slider; 301. Mounting plate; 302. Gate; 303. Mounting shaft; 304. Electric push rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device, which is installed on the belly of the airship's airbag 6 by a binding method. The device mainly includes: a hanger 1, a sandbag 2, a sand-throwing mechanism 3, and a cable 5. The sandbag 2 contains sand particles 4 as counterweights.

[0034] The hanger 1 is the main load-bearing structure of this device. Its function is to distribute the concentrated load generated by the sandbag 2 and the sand-throwing mechanism 3 to the airbag 6, ensuring that the airbag 6 material is subjected to uniform stress and avoiding excessive local stress. Figure 3 As shown, the hanger 1 in this embodiment is a space truss structure, with an overall shape resembling a prismatic cone, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This streamlined structure helps ensure minimal local deformation of the airbag 6 under load and minimizes its impact on the overall aerodynamic performance of the airship. The hanger 1 specifically includes an upper frame 11, a lower frame 12, lateral braces 13, longitudinal braces 14, double-ear connectors 15, and connecting bolts 16. The upper frame 11 is rectangular, and the design of its tube axes matches the curvature of the airbag 6 at that location, allowing the hanger 1 to fit tightly against the airbag 6, helping to maintain the airship's good aerodynamic shape. The lower frame 12 is square and is used to fix the four double-ear connectors 15. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting bolt 16 is used to cooperate with the double-ear connector 15 to fix the sandbag 2 together.

[0035] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the sandbag 2 is a funnel-shaped structure with openings at both ends, made of the same high-strength flexible composite material as the airbag 6. It includes a cloth bag 21, a steel ring 22, an inlet 23, an outlet 24, and a connecting port 25. The counterweight particles 4 are added through the top inlet 23 and flow out through the bottom outlet 24. The steel ring 22 is used to maintain the conical shape of the sandbag 2 under load, preventing twisting and wrinkling, and ensuring smooth flow of the counterweight particles 4. Figure 6 As shown, the sandbag 2 is suspended below the lower frame 12 of the bracket 1 through the connection port 25 at its top and the connecting bolt 16. The steel ring 22 rests directly on the connecting bolt 16, forming a stable suspension connection.

[0036] like Figure 7-9 As shown, the sand-throwing mechanism 3 is located at the bottom of the entire device and is used to precisely control the outflow and timing of the counterweight particles 4. It is the core actuator for achieving precise adjustment of net buoyancy. The sand-throwing mechanism 3 includes a support 31, a sand funnel 32, a pressure plate 33, a linear drive mechanism 34 (as a linear drive mechanism), a guide rail 35, and a slider 36. The sand funnel 32, the linear drive mechanism 34, and the guide rail 35 are all mounted on the support 31, together forming the control mechanism. Figure 7 As shown, the outlet 24 of the sandbag 2 is connected to the top of the sand hourglass 32 via a flange connection. Specifically, the flange at outlet 24 is sandwiched between the flange of the sand hourglass 32 and the pressure plate 33, and secured with bolts to ensure a reliable seal. The output rod of the linear drive mechanism 34 is connected to the slider 36, which drives the slider 36 to reciprocate linearly along the guide rail 35. When the slider 36 moves to the open position, the sand outlet channel of the sand hourglass 32 opens, and the counterweight particles 4 flow out under gravity. When the slider 36 moves to the closed position, it blocks the sand outlet channel, stopping sand throwing. The diameter of the sand outlet of the sand hourglass 32 is... Through design, the outflow velocity of the counterweight particles 4 can be stably controlled within the range of 3~10 kg / min, with an error of no more than 0.5 kg / min. By controlling the opening time of the linear drive mechanism 34, the amount of sand thrown in a single pass can be precisely controlled. In this embodiment, a linear motor is selected as the linear drive mechanism 34.

[0037] In addition, the cable 5 is made of high-strength nylon rope, with its two ends connected to the upper frame 11 of the hanger 1 and the support 31 of the sand-throwing mechanism 3, respectively. The function of the cable 5 is to balance the eccentricity of the mechanism caused by the large pitching attitude generated by the airship during climb or turning, so as to avoid excessive swaying or twisting of the sandbag 2 and the sand-throwing mechanism 3, and to ensure structural stability and sand-throwing effect.

[0038] In this embodiment, the selected counterweight particles 4 are screened coarse sand with a uniform particle size of 1-3 mm. These particles are relatively large, allowing gravity and air resistance to reach equilibrium more quickly when falling through the air. They will eventually descend at a low final velocity, preventing serious harm to people or property on the ground and avoiding prolonged suspension in the air for inhalation, thus ensuring high environmental safety.

[0039] The method of using the device in this embodiment, namely the net buoyancy adjustment method, includes the following steps:

[0040] S1: After the airship airbag 6 is filled with light gas, this adjustment device is securely installed in the designated position on its abdomen by means of a binding method, and then an appropriate amount of counterweight particles 4 are added through the inlet 23 of the sandbag 2.

[0041] S2: During the airship's ascent, as altitude increases and air density decreases, the airship's net buoyancy will gradually decrease. When the airship's monitoring system (such as altimeter, barometer, etc.) determines that the net buoyancy is approaching a preset critical value, it sends a command to the sand-throwing mechanism 3.

[0042] S3: After receiving the instruction, the output rod of the linear drive mechanism 34 of the sand-throwing mechanism 3 retracts, driving the slider 36 to move along the guide rail 35, opening the sand outlet channel of the sand funnel 32, and starting to throw the counterweight particles 4.

[0043] S4: When the scattering time reaches the preset value, the output rod of the linear drive mechanism 34 extends, drives the slider 36 to reset, closes the sand scattering channel, completes a precise scattering operation, and the airship's net buoyancy increases accordingly.

[0044] If the net buoyancy drops to the critical value again due to the leakage of light gas during the long-term cruise of the airship, repeating steps S3 and S4 will restore the net buoyancy.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] like Figure 10 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the specific structure of the sand-throwing mechanism 3, which aims to provide a simpler implementation scheme.

[0047] The sand-throwing mechanism 3 includes a pressure plate 33, a mounting plate 301, a gate 302, a mounting shaft 303, and an electric push rod 304 as a linear drive mechanism. The pressure plate 33 and the mounting plate 301 are connected to the sandbag 2. The difference is that the electric push rod 304 directly drives a gate 302 to rotate. Under the drive of the electric push rod 304, the gate 302 rotates at a certain angle directly at the sand outlet of the sand funnel 32, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the sand outlet channel. This design structure is more compact, with fewer parts, reducing manufacturing costs and failure rates, while still achieving precise control of sand-throwing. The remaining parts of this embodiment, including the bracket 1, sandbag 2, cable 5, and their connection relationships, are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their working principles and usage methods are also completely consistent.

[0048] The present invention has been described in detail above, but it is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Various changes and modifications can be made to it by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A net buoyancy adjustment device for a high-altitude airship, mounted on the airship's gasbag, characterized in that: The system includes a mounting bracket, sandbags, a sand-throwing mechanism, and a cable. The mounting bracket is connected to the airbag and is used to bear and distribute the load. The sandbags are connected to the lower part of the mounting bracket and contain counterweight particles. The bottom of the sandbags has an outlet. The sand-throwing mechanism is connected to the outlet of the sandbags and includes a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet and the outflow time of the counterweight particles. The cable connects the mounting bracket and the sand-throwing mechanism to stabilize the attitude of the sandbags and the sand-throwing mechanism when the airship's attitude changes.

2. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hanger is a space truss structure, comprising an upper frame, a lower frame, multiple double-ear connectors, and connecting bolts corresponding to the number of double-ear connectors; the upper frame is rectangular, and the tube axis of the upper frame is adapted to the curvature of the airbag at that location; the lower frame is square and is located at the bottom of the hanger; the multiple double-ear connectors are respectively fixed to the lower frame; the connecting bolts cooperate with the double-ear connectors to fix the sandbag.

3. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket also includes lateral and longitudinal diagonal braces connecting the upper and lower frames.

4. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sandbag is a funnel-shaped structure made of flexible material, including a cloth bag, a steel ring, an inlet, and a connecting port; the steel ring is disposed on the cloth bag; the inlet is disposed at the top of the sandbag for loading the counterweight particles; the connecting port is disposed at the top of the sandbag and is connected to the double-eared connector by the connecting bolt.

5. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sand-throwing mechanism includes a support, a sand funnel, a pressure plate, a linear drive mechanism, and a slider. The sand funnel is mounted on the support, and its top is connected to the outlet of the sand bag via a flange. The pressure plate is used to press the outlet of the sand bag against the flange of the sand funnel. The linear drive mechanism is mounted on the support. The slider is connected to the output end of the linear drive mechanism. The slider moves back and forth under the drive of the linear drive mechanism to open or close the sand outlet channel of the sand funnel.

6. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sand-throwing mechanism also includes a guide rail mounted on the support, and the slider slides in cooperation with the guide rail.

7. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the sand outlet of the hourglass is The diameter of the sand outlet It is configured to control the outflow velocity of the counterweight particles within the range of 3 to 10 kg / min.

8. The high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight particles are sand grains with a particle size of 1~3mm.

9. A method of using the high-altitude airship net buoyancy adjustment device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: S1: Install the adjustment device on the airship's airbag and fill the sandbag with counterweight particles; S2: Monitor the net buoyancy status of the airship during its ascent or cruise when net buoyancy decreases due to leakage of light gas. S3: When the net buoyancy is detected to drop to a preset critical value, the sand throwing mechanism is activated to throw the sand. S4: After reaching the preset amount of sand to be thrown, control the sand throwing mechanism to close, completing one throwing cycle.

10. The method of use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sand-throwing time is controlled by controlling the opening time of the sand-throwing mechanism, thereby controlling the amount of sand thrown.

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