Automatic releasing and starting device for air-drop of unmanned ship and using method of automatic releasing and starting device

Abstract

The invention discloses an unmanned ship air-drop automatic release starting device and a use method thereof. In the device, an air-drop platform is provided with a platform suspension rope, an unmanned ship fixing rope, a preliminary unlocking rope, a water immersion detection controller and an unmanned ship starting rope; a parachute-platform release device is arranged at the joint of the platform suspension rope and the parachute, the parachute-platform release device is in a locked state at the beginning, the preliminary unlocking rope is straightened after air drop, the parachute-platform release device is started for preliminary unlocking, and the tension force of the platform suspension rope is reduced when the parachute falls into water, so that the parachute-platform release device is completely unlocked; a boat-cargo platform release device is arranged at the joint of the unmanned boat fixing rope and the unmanned boat, the boat-cargo platform release device is in a locked state at the initial time, and the immersion detection controller can control the boat-cargo platform release device to be unlocked when immersion is detected; the unmanned ship starting rope is used for being connected with a starting switch of the unmanned ship. According to the device, the unmanned ship can be automatically started and released after being dropped into water and can be automatically started after being released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to airdrop, specifically to an automatic release and start device for unmanned surface vessel airdrop and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] When emergency incidents occur in the open sea and emergency rescue operations are needed, ships are too slow to meet the needs of emergency rescue. When airdropping rescue by transport aircraft, it is difficult for the airdropped supplies to land accurately at the target location. In addition, the harsh marine environment makes it difficult for people in distress to obtain the airdropped rescue supplies. If unmanned surface vessels (USVs) carrying rescue supplies were airdropped by transport aircraft and then allowed to autopilot to the target location, people in distress could obtain the rescue supplies in a timely manner. However, there is currently no reliable solution for the automatic detachment of the USV from the parachute upon landing and for automatic restart after detachment, making USV airdrop rescue difficult to achieve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic release and start device for unmanned surface vessel (USV) airdrop, and a method for using the aforementioned automatic release and start device. This device can maintain the stability of the USV during the airdrop process, and can automatically release and start after the USV falls into the water.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: An automatic release and activation device for unmanned surface vessel (USV) airdrop includes an airdrop platform for carrying the USV during airdrop. The platform is equipped with a platform suspension rope, a USV fixing rope, a preliminary unlocking rope, a water immersion detection controller, and a USV activation rope. The platform suspension rope connects to the parachute used for airdrop, and a parachute-to-platform release mechanism is provided at the connection point. Initially, the parachute-to-platform release mechanism is locked. After airdrop, the preliminary unlocking rope straightens and activates the parachute-to-platform release mechanism for initial unlocking. After initial unlocking, the parachute-to-platform release mechanism remains locked due to the tension of the platform suspension rope. Upon landing in water, the tension of the platform suspension rope decreases, and the parachute-to-platform release mechanism is fully unlocked. The USV fixing rope connects to and secures the USV, and a USV-to-platform release mechanism is provided at the connection point. Initially, the USV-to-platform release mechanism is locked. The water immersion detection controller can unlock the USV-to-platform release mechanism upon detecting water immersion. The USV activation rope connects to the USV's activation switch, and the USV can be activated when the activation rope detaches from the USV.

[0005] Preferably, the umbrella-cargo platform release device includes a lock body, with a vertical locking plate at the lower end, a horizontal locking pin and a stop slidably disposed inside, and a parachute connection at the upper end. The upper part of the locking plate extends into the lock body and engages with the locking pin through a pin hole. The lower part has an upward-facing hook for hanging the cargo platform suspension rope. The locking pin is engaged with a locking pin spring for driving the locking pin out of the pin hole. The stop is engaged with a stop spring for driving the stop out of the locking pin and an activation locking pin for locking the stop. The activation locking pin is connected to the initial unlocking rope. Initially, the stop is locked by the activation locking pin, blocking the locking pin in the pin hole, and the hook opening is blocked by the lock body. After airdrop, the initial unlocking rope is pulled out of the activation locking pin, the stop spring drives the stop to disengage from the locking pin, and the frictional resistance generated by the tension of the cargo platform suspension rope acting on the locking pin and the pin hole prevents the locking pin from disengaging from the pin hole. When falling into the water, the frictional resistance decreases, the locking pin spring drives the locking pin to disengage from the pin hole, the locking plate falls, and the hook opening opens.

[0006] Preferably, the lock body is further provided with a redundant release component, which includes a igniter that can release high-pressure gas, an excitation circuit for igniting the igniter, and a micro switch for controlling the excitation circuit. The release end of the igniter is connected to the lock pin through a vent hole. When water immersion detection controller detects water immersion, it can trigger the micro switch to release high-pressure gas from the igniter. After the igniter releases high-pressure gas, it can push the lock pin out of the pin hole.

[0007] Preferably, the lock body has a sliding track for a locking pin and a stop block inside. One end of the locking pin sliding track is closed, and the other end is an installation end with a locking pin plug installed behind the installation end. One end of the stop sliding track is closed, and the other end is an installation end with a stop block plug installed behind the installation end.

[0008] Preferably, the parachute connection part at the upper end of the lock body is a connecting bolt, with the middle part of the connecting bolt suspended and both ends connected to the lock body.

[0009] Preferably, the airdrop platform is equipped with cushioning foam, which is used to support the bottom of the unmanned surface vessel and provide cushioning.

[0010] Preferably, the primary unlocking rope is straightened before the platform suspension rope, and the platform suspension rope is straightened at the same time or shortly after the primary unlocking is completed.

[0011] Preferably, the length of the unmanned surface vessel's anchoring rope is adjustable.

[0012] The above-mentioned unmanned surface vessel (USV) airdrop automatic release and activation device is used as follows: Before airdrop loading, the USV is mounted on the airdrop platform. The USV's fixing rope is connected to secure the USV and ensures that the USV-platform release mechanism is initially locked. The platform suspension rope is connected to the parachute and ensures that the parachute-platform release mechanism is initially locked. When the transport aircraft arrives at the target area, the airdrop operation is performed. The parachute first opens and increases the distance between itself and the airdrop platform until the initial unlocking rope straightens and activates the parachute-platform release mechanism. Afterward, the parachute-platform release mechanism is maintained locked by the tension of the platform suspension rope. The parachute carries the airdrop platform and decelerates until the tension of the platform suspension rope decreases at the moment the airdrop platform hits the water, at which point the parachute-platform release mechanism is fully unlocked, the platform suspension rope separates from the parachute, and then the water immersion detection controller detects water immersion and controls the USV-platform release mechanism to unlock. The USV's fixing rope separates from the USV, and then the airdrop platform sinks, causing the USV's activation rope to detach from the USV, thus activating the USV. The USV then moves to the target location.

[0013] Preferably, the unmanned surface vessel moves to the target location under the guidance of personnel on the transport aircraft or under autonomous navigation.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This device can maintain the stability of the unmanned surface vessel during the airdrop process. More importantly, it can also automatically activate and release the unmanned surface vessel after it lands in the water and then automatically activate again after release, so that the unmanned surface vessel can quickly reach the target location and improve the efficiency of emergency rescue in the open sea. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic release and start-up device for unmanned surface vessel airdrop in this invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locked state of the umbrella-cargo platform release device in this invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the umbrella-cargo platform release device in the present invention.

[0018] In the picture: 100 - Parachute; 200-Umbrella-Platform Release Device; 210-Lock Body; 211-Connecting Bolt; 220-Lock Plate; 221-Pin Hole; 222-Hook; 231-Lock Pin; 232-Lock Pin Spring; 233-Lock Pin Plug; 241-Stop Block; 242-Stop Block Spring; 243-Stop Block Plug; 250-Activation Lock Pin; 261-Ignition Device; 262-Actuation Circuit; 263-Micro Switch; 264-Ventilation Hole; 300 - Airdrop platform; 301 - Platform suspension rope; 302 - Unmanned surface vessel (USV) securing rope; 303 - Initial unlocking rope; 304 - Water immersion detection controller; 305 - USV launch rope; 400-Boat-Cargo Platform Release Device; 500 - Unmanned surface vessel; 501 - Start switch; 600-buffered foam. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] The features and performance of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment discloses an automatic release and start-up device for unmanned surface vessel airdrop, such as... Figure 1As shown, the system includes an airdrop platform 300 for carrying unmanned surface vessels (USVs) during airdrops. The airdrop platform 300 is equipped with a platform suspension rope 301, a USV securing rope 302, a preliminary unlocking rope 303, a water immersion detection controller 304, and a USV launch rope 305. The platform suspension rope 301 is connected to the parachute 100 used for airdrops, and a parachute-to-platform release mechanism 200 is provided at the connection point. Initially, the parachute-to-platform release mechanism 200 is locked. After the airdrop, the preliminary unlocking rope 303 is straightened, and the parachute-to-platform release mechanism 200 is initially unlocked. After the parachute-to-platform release mechanism 200 is initially unlocked, it rests on the platform. The tension of the suspension rope 301 maintains the lock. When the vehicle falls into the water, the tension of the suspension rope 301 reduces, and the parachute-cargo platform release device 200 is fully unlocked. The unmanned surface vessel (USV) fixing rope 302 is used to connect and fix the USV 500, and the connection point is equipped with a USV-cargo platform release device 400. Initially, the USV-cargo platform release device 400 is in a locked state. When the water immersion detection controller 304 detects water immersion, it can control the USV-cargo platform release device 400 to unlock. The USV starting rope 305 is used to connect to the starting switch 501 of the USV 500. When the USV starting rope 305 is detached from the USV 500, it can start the USV 500. This device can maintain the stability of the USV 500 during the airdrop process. Crucially, it can also automatically release and restart the USV 500 after it is dropped into the water, allowing the USV 500 to quickly reach the target location and improving the efficiency of emergency rescue in the open sea.

[0023] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the umbrella-cargo platform release device 200 includes a lock body 210. The lower end of the lock body 210 is provided with a vertical locking plate 220, and a horizontal locking pin 231 and a stop block 241 are slidably provided inside. The upper end is the connecting part of the parachute 100. The upper part of the locking plate 220 extends into the lock body 210 and cooperates with the locking pin 231 through the pin hole 221. The lower part is provided with a hook 222 with an upward opening for hanging the cargo platform suspension rope 301. The locking pin 231 is cooperated with a locking pin spring 232 for driving the locking pin 231 out of the pin hole 221. The stop block 241 is cooperated with a stop block spring 242 for driving the stop block 241 out of the locking pin 231 and an activation lock for locking the stop block 241. The locking pin 250 is connected to the initial unlocking rope 303. Initially, the stop block 241 is locked by the locking pin 250, blocking the locking pin 231 in the pin hole 221, and the opening of the hook 222 is blocked by the lock body 210. After airdrop, the initial unlocking rope 303 is pulled out of the locking pin 250, and the stop block spring 242 drives the stop block 241 to disengage from the locking pin 231. The tension of the platform suspension rope 301 acts on the locking pin 231 and the pin hole 221, generating frictional resistance that prevents the locking pin 231 from disengaging from the pin hole 221. When the device falls into the water, the frictional resistance decreases, the locking pin spring 232 drives the locking pin 231 to disengage from the pin hole 221, the locking plate 220 falls, and the opening of the hook 222 opens. This setting can ensure that the device remains in place after initial unlocking and disengages immediately when the device falls into the water, ensuring the optimal timing for disengagement.

[0024] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lock body 210 is also equipped with a redundant release assembly. The redundant release assembly includes a igniter 261 that can release high-pressure gas, an activation circuit 262 for activating the igniter 261, and a micro switch 263 for controlling the activation circuit 262. The release end of the igniter 261 is connected to the locking pin 231 through a vent hole 264. When water immersion detection controller 304 detects water immersion, it can trigger the micro switch 263 to release high-pressure gas from the igniter 261. After releasing high-pressure gas, the igniter 261 can push the locking pin 231 out of the pin hole 221. Even if the locking pin spring 232 fails to drive the locking pin 231 out of the pin hole 221 in an accident after falling into water, the water immersion detection controller 304 can still trigger the redundant release assembly to release high-pressure gas and push the locking pin 231 out of the pin hole 221, providing a secondary guarantee.

[0025] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lock body 210 has a sliding track for a locking pin 231 and a stop 241 inside. One end of the sliding track for the locking pin 231 is closed, and the other end is the mounting end, with a locking pin plug 233 installed behind the mounting end. One end of the sliding track for the stop 241 is closed, and the other end is the mounting end, with a stop plug 243 installed behind the mounting end.

[0026] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connecting part of the parachute 100 at the upper end of the lock body 210 is a connecting bolt 211, with the middle part of the connecting bolt 211 suspended and both ends connected to the lock body 210.

[0027] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the airdrop platform 300 is equipped with a cushioning foam 600, which is used to support the bottom of the unmanned surface vessel 500 and play a cushioning role. The cushioning foam 600 can prevent overload damage to the unmanned surface vessel 500 when the parachute is opened and the water enters the water.

[0028] In this embodiment, preferably, the primary unlocking rope 303 is straightened before the platform suspension rope 301, and the platform suspension rope 301 is straightened at the same time or shortly after the primary unlocking is completed. This ensures that the locking pin 231 is tensioned by the platform suspension rope 301 before it is activated or disengaged from the pin hole 221, thereby keeping it stationary.

[0029] In this embodiment, preferably, the length of the unmanned surface vessel (USV) securing rope 302 is adjustable. The USV 500 can be securely tightened by adjusting the USV securing rope 302.

[0030] Example 2 This embodiment discloses the method of using the above-mentioned unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device: Before airdropping, the unmanned surface vessel (USV) 500 is mounted on the airdrop platform 300. The USV 500 is secured by the USV anchoring rope 302, ensuring the USV-platform release mechanism 400 is initially locked. The platform suspension rope 301 is connected to the parachute 100, ensuring the parachute-platform release mechanism 200 is initially locked. When the transport aircraft arrives at the target area, the airdrop operation is performed. The parachute 100 first opens, increasing the distance between itself and the airdrop platform 300 until the initial unlocking rope 303 tauts, triggering the initial unlocking of the parachute-platform release mechanism 200. Afterward, the parachute-platform release mechanism 200 relies on the platform suspension rope 302... The tension of 1 maintains the lock, and the parachute 100 carries the airdrop platform 300 to decelerate until the airdrop platform 300 hits the water. At the moment of impact, the tension of the platform suspension rope 301 decreases and the parachute-platform release device 200 is fully unlocked. The platform suspension rope 301 separates from the parachute 200. Then, the water immersion detection controller 304 detects water immersion and controls the boat-platform release device 400 to unlock. The unmanned boat fixing rope 302 separates from the unmanned boat 500. Then, the airdrop platform 300 sinks, causing the unmanned boat starting rope 305 to detach from the unmanned boat 500, thus starting the unmanned boat 500. After that, the unmanned boat 500 moves to the target position.

[0031] In this embodiment, preferably, the unmanned surface vessel 500 moves to the target location under the guidance of personnel on the transport aircraft or under autonomous navigation.

[0032] The embodiments described above are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic release and start-up device for unmanned surface vessel airdrop, characterized in that: The system includes an airdrop platform for carrying unmanned surface vessels (USVs) during airdrops. The platform is equipped with a platform suspension rope, a USV anchoring rope, a preliminary unlocking rope, a water immersion detection controller, and a USV launch rope. The platform suspension rope connects to the parachute used for airdrops, and a parachute-to-platform release mechanism is installed at the connection point. Initially, the parachute-to-platform release mechanism is locked. After airdrop, the preliminary unlocking rope straightens and initiates the initial unlocking of the parachute-to-platform release mechanism. After initial unlocking, the release mechanism remains locked due to the tension of the platform suspension rope. Upon landing in water, the tension of the platform suspension rope decreases, and the parachute-to-platform release mechanism fully unlocks. The USV anchoring rope connects to and anchors the USV, and a USV-to-platform release mechanism is installed at the connection point. Initially, the USV-to-platform release mechanism is locked. The water immersion detection controller can unlock the USV-to-platform release mechanism upon detecting water immersion. The USV launch rope connects to the USV's launch switch. When the USV launch rope detaches from the USV, it can launch the USV.

2. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The umbrella-cargo platform release device includes a lock body. The lower end of the lock body has a vertical locking plate, and inside, a horizontal locking pin and a stop are slidably arranged. The upper end is a parachute connection. The upper part of the locking plate extends into the lock body and engages with the locking pin through a pin hole. The lower part has an upward-facing hook for hanging the cargo platform suspension rope. The locking pin is engaged with a locking pin spring for driving the locking pin out of the pin hole. The stop is engaged with a stop spring for driving the stop out of the locking pin and an activation locking pin for locking the stop. The activation locking pin is connected to the initial unlocking rope. Initially, the stop is locked by the activation locking pin, blocking the locking pin in the pin hole, and the hook opening is blocked by the lock body. After airdrop, the initial unlocking rope is pulled out of the activation locking pin, the stop spring drives the stop to disengage from the locking pin, and the tension of the cargo platform suspension rope acts on the locking pin and the pin hole, generating frictional resistance that prevents the locking pin from disengaging from the pin hole. When the device falls into the water, the frictional resistance decreases, the locking pin spring drives the locking pin to disengage from the pin hole, the locking plate falls, and the hook opening opens.

3. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The lock body is also equipped with a redundant release assembly, which includes a flaming device that can release high-pressure gas, an excitation circuit for activating the flaming device, and a micro switch for controlling the excitation circuit. The release end of the flaming device is connected to the lock pin through a vent hole. When water immersion detection controller detects water immersion, it can trigger the micro switch to release high-pressure gas from the flaming device. After the flaming device releases high-pressure gas, it can push the lock pin out of the pin hole.

4. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The lock body has internal tracks for a locking pin and a stop. One end of the locking pin track is closed, and the other end is the mounting end, with a locking pin plug installed behind the mounting end. One end of the stop track is closed, and the other end is the mounting end, with a stop plug installed behind the mounting end.

5. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The parachute connection at the upper end of the lock body is a connecting bolt, with the middle of the connecting bolt suspended and both ends connected to the lock body.

6. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The airdrop platform is equipped with cushioning foam, which is used to support the bottom of the unmanned surface vessel and provide cushioning.

7. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The primary unlocking rope is straightened before the platform suspension rope, and the platform suspension rope is straightened at the same time or shortly after the primary unlocking is completed.

8. The unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the unmanned surface vessel's anchoring rope is adjustable.

9. A method for using an automatic release and start-up device for unmanned surface vessel airdrop, characterized in that: Using the unmanned surface vessel (USV) airdrop automatic release and activation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, before airdrop loading, the USV is mounted on the airdrop platform. The USV is secured by a fixing rope, ensuring the USV-platform release mechanism is initially locked. The platform suspension rope is connected to the parachute, ensuring the parachute-platform release mechanism is initially locked. When the transport aircraft arrives at the target area, the airdrop operation is performed. The parachute opens first, increasing the distance between it and the airdrop platform until the initial unlocking rope straightens and the parachute-platform release mechanism is initially unlocked. Then, the parachute-platform release mechanism is maintained locked by the tension of the platform suspension rope. The parachute carries the airdrop platform and decelerates until the tension of the platform suspension rope decreases at the moment the airdrop platform hits the water, at which point the parachute-platform release mechanism is fully unlocked, the platform suspension rope separates from the parachute, and then the immersion detection controller detects immersion and controls the USV-platform release mechanism to unlock. The USV fixing rope separates from the USV, and then the airdrop platform sinks, causing the USV activation rope to detach from the USV, thus activating the USV. The USV then moves to the target location.

10. The method of using the unmanned surface vessel airdrop automatic release and start-up device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The unmanned surface vessel moves to the target location under the guidance of personnel on the transport aircraft or autonomous navigation.

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