A GPS module mounting and positioning tool and method for a UAV

By using high-strength photosensitive resin 3D printing technology and GPS module installation fixtures with dual positioning mechanisms, the accuracy and cost issues of drone GPS module installation have been solved, enabling rapid, low-cost, multi-variety, small-batch production.

CN121341430BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-19ZHUOYI ZHINENG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHUOYI ZHINENG
Filing Date
2025-12-08
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drone GPS module installation technology suffers from problems such as unstable positioning accuracy, high cost, long manufacturing cycle, and poor versatility, and cannot meet the needs of multi-variety, small-batch production.

Method used

The main positioning substrate is manufactured using high-strength photosensitive resin 3D printing technology. Combined with threaded column positioning holes and limiting mechanisms, it enables precise installation of the GPS module. The dual positioning mechanism of curved surface fitting and threaded column positioning holes ensures accuracy and simplifies the operation process.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the manufacturing cost and cycle time of a single tooling set, achieves a repeatability accuracy of ±0.1mm, is easy to operate, and is suitable for multi-variety, small-batch production.

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Abstract

The application provides a GPS module mounting and positioning tool and a positioning method for a UAV, comprising a main positioning substrate, a GPS module positioning cavity is formed in the center of the top of the main positioning substrate, and a threaded column positioning hole is arranged on one side of the outer surface of the main positioning substrate. The application has the following beneficial effects: the application can reduce the manufacturing cost of a single tool, shorten the manufacturing cycle, achieve positioning accuracy comparable to metal tools, and solve the pain points of high cost and long cycle of traditional tools.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a GPS module installation and positioning fixture and method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), belonging to the field of UAV GPS module installation technology. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of UAV GPS module installation technology, existing technical solutions mainly include the following methods, each of which has its own technical limitations:

[0003] 1. Manual Marking and Positioning: This is currently the most common method used by small and medium-sized drone manufacturers. Technicians use calipers, altitude gauges, and other tools to measure and mark lines on the drone body to determine the GPS installation position. The main problems with this method are: Poor accuracy and stability: It depends heavily on the operator's skill level and sense of responsibility; installation deviations can reach ±3mm depending on the operator and the time period. Low efficiency: Single-unit positioning takes 5-8 minutes, which cannot meet the needs of mass production. No repeatability: When changing modules, positional consistency cannot be guaranteed, requiring recalibration.

[0004] 2. Dedicated Metal Positioning Fixtures: Some large drone manufacturers use CNC-machined aluminum alloy positioning fixtures. This solution has the following problems: High manufacturing cost: Each fixture is expensive, putting significant cost pressure on multi-model production. Long manufacturing cycle: From design to delivery takes 2-3 weeks, making it difficult to respond quickly to design changes. Heavy weight: Metal fixtures are relatively heavy and inconvenient to use. Poor adaptability: They can only be used for specific drone models, lacking versatility.

[0005] 3. Laser Positioning System: High-end manufacturing enterprises use optical positioning equipment such as laser trackers, but its disadvantages are: High equipment cost: a single system is prohibitively expensive. Complex operation: requires specialized technicians, resulting in high training costs. High environmental requirements: sensitive to workshop temperature and vibration, unsuitable for field operations. High maintenance costs: requires regular calibration, with annual maintenance costs reaching tens of thousands of yuan.

[0006] 4. Template Positioning Method: Simple templates made of acrylic or engineering plastics have the following drawbacks: Insufficient precision: The material is prone to deformation, and precision decreases after long-term use. Poor durability: It is prone to wear and cracking. Low positioning reliability: It lacks effective error prevention and locking mechanisms.

[0007] However, the reasons for these problems with existing technologies are as follows:

[0008] Inconsistent positioning benchmarks: There is a lack of direct correlation with inherent features of the machine body, such as pre-embedded feeder hole threaded posts and curved surfaces. Manufacturing technology limitations: Traditional processing methods are costly and time-consuming, hindering the widespread adoption of specialized tooling. Lack of systematic design: Existing solutions often only focus on positional positioning, neglecting requirements for error prevention and clamping during installation. Insufficient economic considerations: Cost-effectiveness balance in small-batch production models is not adequately considered.

[0009] Therefore, in the field of specialized metal positioning fixtures, which is the closest to the solution, although the positioning accuracy problem has been solved, its high cost and long manufacturing cycle make it only suitable for mass production of a single model, and cannot meet the current development needs of the drone industry for multiple varieties, small batches, and rapid iteration.

[0010] This invention proposes a solution to the above-mentioned technical problems, particularly the high cost and slow manufacturing of specialized metal tooling. It proposes a low-cost, rapid manufacturing technology solution based on 3D printing technology, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs and cycle time while ensuring positioning accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a GPS module installation and positioning fixture and positioning method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0013] A GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes a main positioning base plate, wherein a GPS module positioning cavity is formed at the top center of the main positioning base plate, and a threaded column positioning hole is provided on one side of the outer surface of the main positioning base plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the lower surface of the main positioning substrate is attached to the upper surface of the drone fuselage, and the threaded column positioning hole is fixedly connected to the threaded column of the pre-embedded feeder hole on the drone fuselage through threaded engagement.

[0015] Furthermore, the main positioning substrate is 3D printed using high-strength photosensitive resin, and the thickness of the main positioning substrate is 5mm.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for installing and positioning a GPS module for a drone is provided, using the aforementioned GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Place the GPS module installation and positioning fixture on the drone body, and install the GPS module installation and positioning fixture on the threaded post of the pre-embedded feeder hole through the threaded post positioning hole;

[0018] Place the GPS module into the GPS module positioning cavity on the GPS module installation and positioning fixture;

[0019] The GPS module located inside the GPS module positioning cavity is fixed.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] This invention can reduce the manufacturing cost of a single tooling set, shorten the manufacturing cycle, and achieve positioning accuracy comparable to that of metal tooling, thus solving the pain points of high cost and long cycle of traditional tooling.

[0022] The present invention, through the design of the limiting mechanism, can lock the GPS module located inside the GPS module positioning cavity with only one insertion action of the limiting plate into the insertion slot, one rotation action of the locking piece, one insertion action of the limiting rod, and one screwing in of the cover plate.

[0023] This invention is simple to operate, requires no professional training, and can be accurately installed by ordinary workers within 5 minutes.

[0024] This invention achieves a repeatability accuracy of ±0.1mm through a dual positioning mechanism of curved surface fitting and threaded column positioning hole, which is better than the ±3mm accuracy of manual positioning.

[0025] This invention utilizes 3D printing technology to achieve integrated molding of complex curved surfaces, employs a dual positioning mechanism to ensure accuracy, and improves ease of use through integrated design. Compared to existing technologies, this invention offers significant advantages in cost, efficiency, and accuracy, making it particularly suitable for the modern drone production model characterized by diverse product types and small batches. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the drone fuselage and the threaded post with the pre-embedded feeder hole in a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for drones according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone after adding a limiting mechanism, according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a limiting mechanism structure for a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a limiting mechanism for a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clip connection structure of a GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the plug-in slot structure of a GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the plug-in slot structure of a GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of a limiting mechanism for a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the limiting plate and the locking block of a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a locking block structure for a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a partial structural diagram of a locking block for installing and positioning a GPS module for a drone, according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a GPS module installation and positioning method for a drone according to the present invention.

[0041] In the diagram, 101 is the main positioning base plate; 102 is the lower surface; 103 is the threaded column positioning hole; 104 is the GPS module positioning cavity; 200 is the UAV fuselage; 201 is the threaded column with the pre-embedded feeder hole; 301 is the insertion slot; 302 is the mounting base; 303 is the snap-fit ​​piece; 3031 is the snap hook piece one; 3032 is the snap hook piece two; 304 is the limiting plate; 305 is the locking block; 3051 is the fixing column; 3052 is the snap-fit ​​notch one; 3053 is the snap-fit ​​notch two; 3054 is the threaded column; 3055 is the cover plate; 3056 is the threaded hole; 3057 is the locking sleeve; 3058 is the baffle; 3059 is the limiting rod; and 3060 is the snap-fit ​​column. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0043] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a technical solution for GPS module installation and positioning fixture for unmanned aerial vehicles, including a main positioning substrate 101. The main positioning substrate 101 is 3D printed using high-strength photosensitive resin. The thickness of the main positioning substrate 101 is 5mm. A GPS module positioning cavity 104 is formed at the top center of the main positioning substrate 101. A threaded column positioning hole 103 is provided on one side of the outer surface of the main positioning substrate 101.

[0044] See Figures 2-3 The lower surface 102 of the main positioning substrate 101 is attached to the upper surface of the drone body 200. The lower surface 102 accurately replicates the curved shape of the top of the drone body 200 through three-dimensional scanning and reverse engineering technology to ensure a complete fit.

[0045] See Figure 4 , Figure 5The GPS module positioning cavity 104 is further provided with a limiting mechanism on its inner wall. The limiting mechanism includes insertion slots 301 at the four corners of the inner wall of the GPS module positioning cavity 104. A limiting plate 304 is inserted into the insertion slot 301. A locking block 305 is provided on the limiting plate 304. The four ends of the top of the GPS module positioning cavity 104 are provided with snap-fit ​​pieces 303 that cooperate with the locking block 305. In use, the GPS module placed in the GPS module positioning cavity 104 is limited and fixed by inserting the limiting plate 304 into the insertion slot 301. Finally, the locking block 305 on the limiting plate 304 is locked and fixed by the snap-fit ​​pieces 303, thereby improving the limiting effect of the limiting plate 304.

[0046] See Figure 7 The snap-fit ​​piece 303 includes a first snap-fit ​​piece 3031 and a second snap-fit ​​piece 3032. The first snap-fit ​​piece 3031 and the second snap-fit ​​piece 3032 are movably connected to the top of the GPS module positioning cavity 104 via mounting bases 302. Both the first snap-fit ​​piece 3031 and the second snap-fit ​​piece 3032 are snapped onto the locking block 305. During use, after the limiting plate 304 is inserted into the insertion slot 301, the limiting plate 305... When the corresponding snap-fit ​​piece 303 of the position plate 304 unfolds, snap-fit ​​piece one 3031 and snap-fit ​​piece two 3032 respectively snap into the snap-fit ​​notch one 3052 and snap-fit ​​notch two 3053 of the locking block 305 on the position plate 304. The snap-fit ​​pieces one 3031 and two 3032 respectively snap into and fix the snap-fit ​​post 3060 in the snap-fit ​​notch one 3052 and snap-fit ​​notch two 3053, thereby locking and fixing the position plate 304.

[0047] See Figures 10-13The locking block 305 includes a fixing post 3051 and a cover plate 3055. The fixing post 3051 is fixed to the top of the limiting plate 304. The outer circumferential surface of the fixing post 3051 is provided with a first locking notch 3052 and a second locking notch 3053. The second locking notch 3053 is located above the first locking notch 3052. Both the first locking notch 3052 and the second locking notch 3053 have a locking post 3060 in their middle. The locking ends of the first locking hook piece 3031 and the second locking hook piece 3032 are respectively locked onto the locking posts 3060 in the first locking notch 3052 and the second locking notch 3053. A set of locking sleeves 3057 is provided at the top and bottom of the outer circumference of the 051. The locking sleeves 3057 are located on the side of the screw-in direction of the snap-fit ​​piece 303. A limiting rod 3059 is passed through the upper and lower locking sleeves 3057 respectively. A threaded post 3054 is fixed at the top center of the fixing post 3051. The cover plate 3055 is threaded to the threaded post 3054. The outer surface of the cover plate 3055 is provided with a baffle 3058 that matches the locking sleeves 3057. The baffle 3058 presses against the top of the limiting rod 3059. When the main positioning base plate 101 is vertically installed on the UAV body 200, in order to prevent it from being located in the GPS module positioning cavity 104 If the internal GPS module falls out, several limiting plates 304 can be installed in the insertion slots 301 on the inner wall of the GPS module positioning cavity 104. The number of insertions can be selected from two diagonally opposite insertion slots 301, or two top insertion slots 301 or two bottom insertion slots 301. The specific insertion position can be adaptively selected. After the limiting plate 304 is inserted into the insertion slot 301, the corresponding snap-fit ​​piece 303 of the limiting plate 304 is unfolded. The snap-fit ​​piece 1 3031 and snap-fit ​​piece 2 3032 respectively snap into the snap-fit ​​notches 1 3052 and 2 3053 of the locking block 305 on the limiting plate 304. The hooks of 3032 are respectively engaged and fixed with the locking posts 3060 inside the locking notches 3052 and 3053. The outer circumferential surfaces of the hook pieces 3031 and 3032 are on the same plane as the outer surface of the fixing post 3051. Then, the two limiting rods 3059 are vertically inserted into the two locking sleeves 3057. The two limiting rods 3059 are located on the outer side of the hook pieces 3031 and 3032 respectively, which play a locking and limiting role. Finally, the cover plate 3055 is threaded onto the threaded post 3054 at the top of the fixing post 3051. The baffle 3058 on the side of the cover plate 3055 plays a locking and limiting role for the limiting rods 3059.The above is a detailed description of the operation process of the locking block 305. The actual operation is quite simple. In fact, the locking action of the GPS module can be completed by one insertion action of the limiting plate 304 into the insertion slot 301, one rotation action of the latching piece 303, one insertion action of the limiting rod 3059, and one screwing in of the cover plate 3055. Example 2

[0048] like Figure 14 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using a GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone is also provided, for use with the aforementioned GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone, comprising the following steps:

[0049] Step S101: Place the GPS module installation and positioning fixture on the UAV body 200, and install the GPS module installation and positioning fixture on the pre-embedded feeder hole threaded post 201 through the threaded post positioning hole 103.

[0050] Step S103: Place the GPS module into the GPS module positioning cavity 104 on the GPS module installation and positioning fixture;

[0051] Step S105: Fix the GPS module located in the GPS module positioning cavity 104.

[0052] Although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, The system includes a main positioning base plate (101), a GPS module positioning cavity (104) is formed at the top center of the main positioning base plate (101), a threaded post positioning hole (103) is formed on one side of the outer surface of the main positioning base plate (101), and a limiting mechanism is provided on the inner wall of the GPS module positioning cavity (104). The limiting mechanism includes insertion slots (301) formed at the four corners of the inner wall of the GPS module positioning cavity (104). A limiting plate (304) is inserted into the insertion slot (301), and a locking block (305) is provided on the limiting plate (304). The four corners of the top of the GPS module positioning cavity (104) are also provided with a limiting mechanism. The end is provided with a snap-fit ​​piece (303) that cooperates with the locking block (305). The snap-fit ​​piece (303) includes a snap hook piece one (3031) and a snap hook piece two (3032). The snap hook piece one (3031) and the snap hook piece two (3032) are respectively movably connected to the top of the GPS module positioning cavity (104) through the mounting base (302). The snap hook piece one (3031) and the snap hook piece two (3032) are snapped onto the locking block (305). The locking block (305) includes a fixing post (3051) and a cover plate (3055). The fixing post (3051) is fixed to the limit position. At the top of the plate (304), the outer circumferential surface of the fixing post (3051) is provided with a snap-fit ​​notch one (3052) and a snap-fit ​​notch two (3053). The snap-fit ​​notch two (3053) is located above the snap-fit ​​notch one (3052). Both the snap-fit ​​notch one (3052) and the snap-fit ​​notch two (3053) are provided with snap-fit ​​posts (3060) in the middle. The snap-fit ​​ends of the snap-fit ​​single piece one (3031) and the snap-fit ​​single piece two (3032) are respectively snapped onto the snap-fit ​​posts (3060) in the snap-fit ​​notch one (3052) and the snap-fit ​​notch two (3053). The fixing post ( A set of locking sleeves (3057) is provided at the top and bottom of the outer circumference of the 3051. The locking sleeves (3057) are located on the side of the screw-in direction of the snap-fit ​​piece (303). A limiting rod (3059) is passed through the upper and lower locking sleeves (3057). A threaded post (3054) is fixed at the top center of the fixed post (3051). The cover plate (3055) is threaded to the threaded post (3054). The outer surface of the cover plate (3055) is provided with a baffle (3058) that is compatible with the locking sleeve (3057). The baffle (3058) presses on the top of the limiting rod (3059).

2. The GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface (102) of the main positioning base plate (101) is attached to the upper surface of the UAV fuselage (200), and the threaded column positioning hole (103) is fixedly connected to the threaded column (201) of the pre-embedded feeder hole on the UAV fuselage (200) through threaded engagement.

3. The GPS module installation and positioning fixture for a drone according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main positioning substrate (101) is 3D printed using high-strength photosensitive resin, and the thickness of the main positioning substrate (101) is 5mm.

4. A method for installing and positioning a GPS module for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The GPS module mounting and positioning fixture for a drone as described in claim 3 includes the following steps: The GPS module installation and positioning fixture is placed on the fuselage (200) of the UAV, and the GPS module installation and positioning fixture is installed on the pre-embedded feeder hole threaded post (201) through the threaded post positioning hole (103); Place the GPS module into the GPS module positioning cavity (104) on the GPS module installation and positioning fixture; The GPS module located in the GPS module positioning cavity (104) is fixed.