Aircraft semi-submersible deployment device and method of use

Abstract

The application discloses an aircraft semi-submersible launching device and an application method, and relates to the field of launching platform design of aircrafts, and comprises: a base fixedly connected with the bottom of a water body through a plurality of anchor chains; a layout cabin connected with the base through a umbilical cable; a communication module used for docking communication with an aircraft; wherein, the communication module is provided with a control unit in communication connection with an executing mechanism in the layout cabin and the communication module; the communication module is arranged at any one of the base and the layout cabin, and the communication module is floated on the water surface through an independent buoyancy air bag; a winding mechanism for adjusting the length of the umbilical cable is arranged on the base or below the layout cabin. The application adopts a movable layout cabin, and since the layout cabin can be actively moved to the vicinity of the water surface, the unmanned aerial vehicle does not need to perform cross-medium work and repeated attitude correction, and the speed of unmanned aerial vehicle launching and recovery is faster, and the working efficiency is faster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft deployment platform design. More specifically, this invention relates to a semi-submersible aircraft deployment device and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of new technologies and the expansion of application fields, rotorcraft are becoming increasingly widely used due to their advantages of low cost, high maneuverability, and high reusability. Their applications in both civilian and military fields are gradually increasing, with remarkable results. In recent years, the development of rotorcraft, especially rotorcraft unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, has focused on two main aspects: first, improving the versatility and size of the aircraft; and second, expanding their working areas and environments, requiring them to operate in multiple environments and across a wide range of fields, such as possessing cross-medium performance.

[0003] In traditional waters and open ocean environments, expanding the operational range and enhancing the self-sufficiency of drones can significantly improve their practical value. Currently, by setting up relay-type seaplane take-off and landing platforms or relying on surface ships, drones can operate offshore and expand their actual operational coverage.

[0004] However, in practical applications, surface relay platforms are large and expensive. Platform communication relies on cables, radio, and radar, making them vulnerable to interference. Furthermore, the surface environment is complex, with intense multiphase flow. Complex waves, ocean currents, and salt spray phenomena frequently occur, severely impacting equipment lifespan.

[0005] In addition, existing surface relay platforms are all located on the water surface and lack concealment, which may pose a risk of exposure in certain communication fields. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and / or defects, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0007] To achieve these objectives and other advantages of the present invention, a semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft is provided, comprising:

[0008] A semi-submersible base that is fixedly connected to the bottom of the water body by at least one anchor chain;

[0009] Arrangement compartment connected to the base via umbilical cable;

[0010] A communication module used for docking and communication with the aircraft;

[0011] The communication module includes a control unit that is communicatively connected to the actuators and communication module in the deployment compartment.

[0012] The communication module can be directly installed anywhere in the base or the arrangement compartment, or it can float on the water surface via a buoyancy airbag.

[0013] A winding mechanism is provided on the base or below the arrangement compartment to adjust the length of the umbilical cable so that the arrangement compartment is in a semi-submerged state or in a horizontal position.

[0014] Preferably, the base includes:

[0015] Two pontoons positioned opposite each other;

[0016] A frame-type connecting assembly that connects the pontoons into a whole;

[0017] The power compartment is mounted on the connecting components;

[0018] The pontoon is configured as a hollow structure;

[0019] Each anchor chain is positioned at the bottom of the pontoon box;

[0020] The power compartment is a waterproof, sealed hollow cavity, and a battery module electrically connected to the corresponding actuator is installed inside the power compartment.

[0021] Preferably, as an alternative, the base and the arrangement compartment can also be connected by a truss.

[0022] Preferably, the base is equipped with corresponding water depth sensors and attitude sensors;

[0023] Pressure sensor I is installed on the hatch cover of the deployment compartment, and pressure sensor II is installed inside the deployment compartment at a position that cooperates with the parking of the UAV.

[0024] Preferably, the arrangement compartment includes:

[0025] A hollow cabin, the upper part of which is cylindrical or prismatic, and the bottom is conical;

[0026] The top of the cabin is equipped with two watertight hatches, each hatch being movably connected to the cabin, and each hatch being opened and closed by a corresponding motor.

[0027] The upper surface of the hatch is provided with multiple buoyancy airbags;

[0028] A drainage pump is installed inside or outside the cabin.

[0029] Preferably, the upper part and the bottom of the cabin are separated into an upper section and a lower section by a partition, and the winding mechanism is disposed in the lower section;

[0030] The upper section is further divided into upper sub-sections and lower sub-sections by a transverse partition with filter holes.

[0031] The drainage pump is located in the lower sub-section, and at least one backflow preventer is provided on the side wall of the lower sub-section.

[0032] Preferably, the umbilical cable is a waterproof and seawater-resistant composite cable, which includes a communication cable, a power supply cable, and a structural cable.

[0033] A method for using a semi-submersible aircraft deployment device, wherein after the semi-submersible aircraft deployment device is installed, the recovery and release of the UAV is completed through the cooperation of a communication module and a control unit.

[0034] The release process of the drone includes:

[0035] S10. When the umbilical cable is being released, the deployment cabin gradually rises to the vicinity of the water surface by relying on buoyancy.

[0036] S11. When the pressure sensor I on the deployment compartment senses that the compartment has reached the water surface, the control unit, which is connected to the pressure sensor I, sends control signal I to control the motor to drive the hydraulic rod to open the compartment cover.

[0037] S12. After the hatch is flipped open, the buoyancy airbags on the hatch come into contact with the water surface to stabilize the attitude of the deployment compartment.

[0038] S13. After the hatch is opened, the drone starts directly inside the hatch and flies away from the device without much contact with water. During the drone's flight, the drone communicates with the communication module in real time to ensure that the hatch is open, so as to determine whether the drone release process is going smoothly and to ensure that it has the conditions and ability to be recovered at any time.

[0039] S14. The control unit determines whether the UAV has flown away based on the pressure sensor II inside the cabin, and sends control signal II after confirming that it has flown away, so as to close the cabin cover by means of motor-driven sprocket drive.

[0040] S15. After the hatch is closed, the drainage system is activated to begin removing the small amount of water that has accumulated inside the hatch due to splashing waves. Once this is complete, the equipment can enter a dormant state.

[0041] Preferably, the drone recovery process includes:

[0042] S20. When the umbilical cable is being released, the deployment cabin gradually rises to near the water surface by relying on buoyancy.

[0043] S21. When the pressure sensor I on the deployment compartment senses that the compartment has reached the water surface, the control unit, which is connected to the pressure sensor I, sends control signal I to control the motor to drive the hydraulic rod to open the compartment cover.

[0044] S22. After the hatch is opened, the UAV communicates with the control unit through the communication module throughout the process, guiding the UAV to adjust its attitude on its own so that after the UAV is aligned with the location of the deployment cabin, it can stop in the deployment cabin by its own power or gravity.

[0045] S23. After the control unit confirms that the UAV has been recovered through pressure sensor II, it sends control signal IV to close the hatch by means of motor-driven sprocket drive.

[0046] S24. The control unit starts the cabin drainage equipment to drain water and ensure that there is no water accumulation in the cabin.

[0047] S25. After the drainage operation is completed, the motor retrieves the umbilical cable and pulls the deployment compartment back to the seabed.

[0048] This invention offers at least the following advantages: It provides a semi-submersible deployment and recovery platform for novel cross-medium aircraft, addressing the challenges of constructing UAV deployment platforms on water and recovering UAV equipment from sea. For UAVs, the mobile deployment compartment allows them to actively move near the water surface, eliminating the need for cross-medium operations and repeated attitude corrections; they can directly land inside, reducing design requirements for structural strength, performance, and waterproofing. Similarly, UAV deployment and recovery are faster, resulting in greater operational efficiency. For the deployment platform, the semi-submersible base and buoyant deployment compartment structure effectively extend the platform's operating depth, enabling operations in deeper marine environments while providing greater concealment. Furthermore, compared to fully floating platforms, the buoyant structure utilizes deep-water conditions to avoid harsh environments such as waves, currents, and salt spray, improving service life and environmental adaptability.

[0049] In addition, the deployment device of the present invention realizes the deployment and recovery control of the aircraft through wireless communication and also has a certain degree of concealment, so it can be applied to specific secure communication fields, making its application scope more extensive.

[0050] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the semi-submersible underwater deployment device of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the drainage outlets on the cabin according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the semi-submersible underwater deployment device of the present invention after the hatch is opened;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical communication module structure used in this invention;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the laser emitter in the laser-induced acoustic communication module of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrophone in the laser-induced acoustic communication module of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the compartment arrangement of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement compartment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0060] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of the arrangement compartment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0061] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged schematic diagram of the connection between the sprocket and the shaft;

[0062] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the UAV of the present invention and the communication module during landing;

[0063] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the drone and the communication module after the drone leaves the site.

[0064] Among them, the components are: base-1, float box-10, power compartment-11, anchor chain-12, frame-type connection assembly-13, mounting plate-14, layout compartment-2, hull-20, umbilical cable-21, hatch cover-22, buoyancy airbag-23, maintenance equipment-24, winding mechanism-25, small drainage pump-26, drainage outlet-260, motor-27, transmission chain-28, gear-280, rotating shaft-29, optical communication module-3, mounting position-30, optical transmitting equipment-310, optical receiving equipment-311, laser transmitter-320, hydrophone-321, and charging equipment-4. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0066] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0067] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. They 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 limiting this invention. In addition, the terms "I" and "II" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "equipped", "sleeved / connected", "connected", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0069] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the semi-submersible underwater deployment device designed in this invention mainly consists of three parts: a base 1 set on the seabed, a deployment compartment 2 for the aircraft, and a communication module. The deployment method of the device is relatively simple and versatile. It can be transported to the planned sea area by ordinary surface ships, or directly deployed into the water via ski-jump or hoisting.

[0070] The semi-submersible base 1 and the deployment compartment 2 work together to form a platform for launching or recovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). During platform installation, the entire platform is deployed to the sea surface and will float on the surface. The base 1 is then pulled underwater by manual deployment or by an underwater robot pulling on the anchor chains. The correct attitude of the base 1 is achieved by controlling the length of different anchor chains. Diving personnel or underwater robots can also be used to assist in the operation. The base 1 is secured by pulling on at least one anchor chain (either one anchor chain can be used to adjust the distance between the base 1 and the bottom of the water, or multiple anchor chains can be used to adjust the water depth and attitude of the base 1).

[0071] In another example, the main body of the base 1 includes a pontoon 10, a power hull 11, and an anchor chain 12. The pontoon 10 is a hollow structure made of high-strength, lightweight materials (such as high-strength PVC or fiberglass), primarily designed to provide buoyancy for the base 1. The anchor chain 12 is directly connected to the main body of the pontoon 10. In practical applications, the base 1 is fixed to the seabed by one or more anchors. The tension provided by the anchor chain 12 balances the buoyancy of the pontoon 10, allowing the base 1 to remain in the near-seabed area and ensuring its stability. During installation, the correct water depth and attitude of the device are ensured by adjusting the position of the anchors and the length of the anchor chain 12. The device is powered internally and uses depth sensors, attitude sensors, etc., to dynamically detect the attitude of the semi-submersible base 1 during operation. The base 1 is balanced and secured by tightening or loosening the anchor chain 12. When the device needs to be recovered or its installation position changed, it is recovered manually or by cutting the cables on the anchor chain 12.

[0072] Furthermore, a power compartment 11 for storing battery equipment is provided on the base 1. The power compartment 11 is a waterproof and sealed compartment, which can be set up independently or inside the pontoon 10. The power compartment 11 mainly provides power to the various actuators in the device. If the upper part of the base 1 is connected to the arrangement compartment 2 through a truss, in addition to relying entirely on battery power, a generator can also be arranged on the truss to provide continuous power through ocean current power generation and seafloor thermal power generation.

[0073] Furthermore, in actual implementation, the two pontoons 10 are connected as a whole by a frame-type connecting assembly 13. The power cabin 11 can be directly installed on the connecting assembly, or it can be connected to the connecting assembly by a mounting plate 14.

[0074] like Figures 1-4 , Figures 8-11 As shown, in another example, the mobile deployment cabin 2 is the core component of the present invention. The deployment cabin 2 includes two parts: the cabin body 20 and the umbilical cable 21. The cabin body 20 is a hollow, watertight pressure cabin, and its size can be changed according to the size of the UAV. The cabin body 20 is modular and its subsystems can be customized. It can be equipped with charging equipment 4, maintenance equipment 24 (also called maintenance mechanism, which is a maintenance robot arm that can perform regular maintenance on the UAV as needed. Since its structure and working principle are existing technologies, they will not be described here), communication module and cabin drainage equipment (i.e., drainage pump) as needed.

[0075] In practical applications, the hull 20 is made of lightweight, high-strength, watertight material. Its structural dimensions are modified according to the size of the UAV and all subsystems it accommodates, and it is required to be self-floating. The upper part of the hull 20 is cylindrical or prismatic, and the bottom is conical. (The purpose of this structural design is: 1. To increase the overall center of buoyancy by utilizing the structural shape and the buoyancy formation mechanism. A higher center of buoyancy makes the hull more stable on the water surface. 2. To utilize the buoyancy of the water on the structure, when waves hit the hull, to guide the buoyancy to form a stronger restoring moment on the structure, accelerating the steady-state recovery speed of the structure.) The hull is also pressure-resistant, and the specific protection level is determined according to the working water depth. The hull 20 is connected to the base 1 on the seabed by an umbilical cable 21.

[0076] In practical applications, the top of the cabin 20 is equipped with two watertight hatches 22, each hatch 22 being movably connected to the cabin 20 (here, the movable connection is a flip-type connection). The motor and hatch are driven by a sprocket, and their structure can be external or internal, or they can be sealed separately by setting a sandwich layer. In practical applications, the hatches are connected to both ends of the cabin via rotating shafts 29, and the opening and closing of the hatches are driven by a motor 27 and a sprocket (the sprocket includes a transmission chain 28 and a pair of gears 280 that cooperate with the transmission chain 28). The power output shaft of the motor 27 and the rotating shaft 29 are respectively equipped with two cooperating gears (i.e., a pair of gears 280), and the two gears are connected by the transmission chain 28. When the motor is working, the rotation of the power output shaft will cause the rotating shaft 29 to rotate under the action of the cooperating sprocket, thereby causing the rotating shaft to rotate. The fixedly connected hatch 22 deflects at an angle, corresponding to the opening or closing action. Furthermore, in practical applications, the sprocket-type transmission method can be adapted as needed, such as using a belt drive or a V-belt drive. In application, the opening or partial closing of the two hatches can be driven by one motor or two motors. If one motor is used, a reversing mechanism needs to be added to the transmission mechanism. If two motors are used, the two transmission mechanisms can be set on the two sides of the hatch to reduce interference during operation. Each motor can be set inside the hatch or in other locations. However, if an external structure is used, its watertightness must be ensured. Each hatch 22 performs the opening and closing action through its corresponding motor.

[0077] Numerous buoyancy airbags 23 are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the canopy of the deployment compartment 2. The number of airbags can be 4, 6, 8, or even more. When the deployment compartment 2 floats on the water surface and the drone needs to be released or retrieved, the canopy opens, allowing the buoyancy airbags to contact the water. This provides additional buoyancy to the deployment compartment 2 during drone release or retrieval. The unfolded canopy also reduces the impact of wind and waves, minimizing the swaying of the compartment 20. The top canopy is watertight and its opening and closing are controlled by an independent motor.

[0078] A winding mechanism 25 is installed on the lower part of the cabin 2 or on the base 1 to control the release and retrieval of the umbilical cable 21. Simultaneously, a small drainage pump 26 is installed inside the cabin 20 to drain small amounts of accumulated water. (In practical applications, the upper and lower halves of the cabin 20 are separated into two sections by a partition. The winding mechanism 25 is installed in the lower section, while the upper section is divided into two sub-sections by a perforated partition. The upper sub-section serves as the drone's parking point, and the lower sub-section houses the small drainage pump 26. The side wall of the lower sub-section is equipped with a drain outlet 260 with a check valve. During installation, a one-way valve can be installed on the drain outlet, or a drain pump with a check valve can be used to ensure that water drains from inside the cabin to the outside, while external water does not flow into the cabin.) Similarly, the cabin 20 supports modularity and subsystem customization, allowing for the installation of charging equipment, maintenance equipment, and communication equipment.

[0079] Umbilical cable 21 is a comprehensive composite cable, requiring a flexible, lightweight, and highly resilient rope with good waterproof and seawater corrosion resistance. It includes communication cables, power supply cables, and structural cables. The communication cables are either traditional cables or optical fiber cables, designed to enable communication between the mobile deployment compartment 2 and the base 1, allowing for data interconnection between the two structures. The power supply cables supply power from the power compartment 11 of the base 1 to the deployment compartment 2, providing energy to the subsystems and powering the UAV's charging equipment. The structural cables are high-strength cables, such as steel cables or composite carbon fiber filaments, primarily designed to withstand tensile forces and ensure the overall structural toughness and strength of umbilical cable 21. The design purpose of umbilical cable 21 is to enable bidirectional communication between the base 1 and the deployment compartment 2, provide power to the deployment compartment 2, and control the attitude of the deployment compartment 2.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the communication module can be either an optical communication module 3 or a laser-induced acoustic communication module. In practical applications, the communication module can be installed anywhere within the base or the mounting compartment. The communication module may also float on the water surface via an independent buoyancy airbag. Figure 4 As shown, a mounting position 30 is provided for mounting the communication module on the arrangement compartment.

[0081] Optical communication modules (such as) Figure 5As shown, the system mainly includes an optical transmitter 310 and an optical receiver 311, which uses optical signals to communicate between the deployment system and an external command system. Compared with traditional underwater communication methods, underwater optical communication significantly shortens transmission time, increases transmission speed, and improves work efficiency. It has strong anti-interference capabilities, is not easily affected by the electromagnetic environment, and can maintain stable communication even in complex underwater electromagnetic environments. The transmission is directional, offering higher confidentiality; the optical signal is not easily intercepted by external forces, ensuring information security. Currently, large ships (both surface and underwater), aerial equipment, and drones can use relatively penetrating underwater light such as blue-green lasers, or longer-wavelength invisible light such as ultraviolet light, to remotely control the start / stop of equipment and the deployment and retrieval of drones through specific optical signals. Various technical means are employed, such as encoding and modulating the optical signal, increasing transmission power, and optimizing the signal processing algorithm at the receiving end, to ensure that information is accurately and stably transmitted to the receiving end. The optical signal equipment can be installed on base 1, deployment compartment 2, or float on the water surface via independent buoys. It has a built-in communication module (which can be a transmitter, a receiver, or both). It has the capability to complete chain communication transmission between multiple deployment devices within a certain sea area.

[0082] Laser-induced acoustic communication module (such as) Figures 6-7As shown, the system mainly includes a laser emitter 320 and a matching hydrophone 321. It utilizes the fact that different laser signals, when irradiating water, generate different acoustic signals in the water due to cavitation and water vibration. These acoustic signals are unique and concealed compared to traditional acoustic signals represented by sonar, and can only create an effect within a small area of ​​water. UAVs or various marine equipment can use the laser emitter to irradiate water and perform laser-induced acoustic emission. By changing the laser intensity, irradiation duration, and frequency, different acoustic signals can be obtained. The deployment device can remotely control the start and stop of the equipment and the deployment and retrieval of UAVs by capturing the pre-set specific acoustic signals. The laser-induced acoustic device (also called an underwater laser sonar or underwater laser sonar device; since its structure is existing technology, its structure and connection relationships will not be described in detail here) can be installed on the base 1 or the deployment compartment 2, serving as either a transmitter or a receiver, or even both simultaneously. It enables chain-like communication transmission between multiple deployment devices within a certain sea area. Compared to optical signal equipment, laser-induced acoustic devices are more versatile. This is because the acoustic signals generated by laser-induced acoustics can be broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously over a small area of ​​water, enabling synchronized operation. Furthermore, acoustic signals do not require strong directionality, reducing the requirements for aiming and focusing the transmitted signal, but also decreasing its resistance to interference on water. As a novel communication method, laser-induced acoustics exhibits better conduction through liquid media, offering superior interference resistance compared to underwater optical signals. Its current limited application also contributes to its higher concealment and reliability. However, laser-induced acoustic communication is difficult to use for communication with aerial targets. If the deployment system needs to actively contact aerial targets or drones, optical signal equipment is required. Therefore, communication modules can be selected according to needs. Nevertheless, compared to optical communication, laser-induced acoustic devices are more versatile. This is because the acoustic signals generated by laser-induced acoustics can be broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously over a small area of ​​water, enabling synchronized operation. Acoustic signals do not require strong directionality, reducing the requirements for aiming and focusing the transmitted signal, but also decreasing its resistance to interference on water. Meanwhile, laser-induced acoustics, as a new type of communication method, has better conduction through liquid media and its anti-interference ability is superior to underwater optical signals. It is currently less used, but it has higher concealment and reliability.

[0083] When high-energy pulsed lasers bombard liquid water, the laser beam penetrates the water, creating a plasma breakdown channel. This breakdown process generates a pulsed oscillation signal. This acoustic signal has a relatively uniform frequency distribution and no obvious characteristic frequencies. The energy of the acoustic signal is relatively concentrated, and its duration is approximately 1 second. Compared to marine environmental noise, its acoustic signal has high specificity, making it easy for equipment to identify. Overall, it exhibits good repeatability and stability, and features a narrow pulse width and a wide frequency spectrum. It has good application value in acoustic detection and short-range acoustic communication. The following explanation uses a laser-induced acoustic communication module as an example to illustrate its application principle:

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown, when the drone lands, its onboard high-energy laser generator emits a laser beam into the water, producing a distinctive acoustic signal. The underwater deployment device receives this signal via a hydrophone and begins preparations to execute the drone recovery procedure. Furthermore, by altering the laser generator's power and pulse frequency, a communication signal can be created to identify the drone model and transmit its status to the platform, facilitating pre-emptive charging and maintenance. Additionally, a single drone can transmit an acoustic signal to multiple platforms, rapidly reporting drone status or providing additional data over a wider area, enabling remote system control and the collection of multiple copies of high-value data.

[0085] like Figure 13 As shown, the platforms can maintain communication with each other after the drone leaves. The communication between the platforms includes:

[0086] 1. Exchange information about the platform status (e.g., whether the platform functions are complete, whether the platform maintenance equipment is operating normally, and the power status of each platform's charging system).

[0087] 2. Enable interconnection and interoperability of high-value data transmitted by drones during their operation, achieving multiple backups and rapid transmission.

[0088] 3. Through chain-like transmission between multiple platforms, data can be transmitted over long distances at high speed underwater, offering better concealment and faster speed. Shore-based listening and communication equipment can be deployed to transmit data from the open ocean to land.

[0089] 4. Control and real-time management of underwater platforms can be achieved through shore-based communication equipment or drones. For example, the starting and stopping of platforms within a region can be monitored, along with real-time acquisition of the operational status of all platforms, equipment integrity, and basic ocean conditions.

[0090] 5. By equipping the work vessel with relevant communication modules, non-contact work arrangements can be achieved on the water, such as the control platform enabling its own installation and recovery.

[0091] In specific applications, the working principle of the deployment device of the present invention is as follows:

[0092] When releasing or recovering the drone, the umbilical cable of the deployment compartment is released, and the deployment compartment gradually rises to near the water surface using buoyancy. When pressure sensor I detects that the compartment has reached the water surface, it controls the hatch of the deployment compartment to open and uses buoyancy airbags to stabilize the attitude of the equipment.

[0093] When releasing the drone, it is directly launched from inside the cabin and flies away from the platform to begin its work without significant contact with water. During release, the drone communicates with the communication module in real time to monitor the process and ensure its readiness for immediate recovery.

[0094] During drone retrieval, the drone communicates with the deployment compartment via a communication module. Relying on laser focusing or echolocation, the drone is guided to adjust its attitude and land inside the compartment. Once the drone has left or fully landed inside, the hatch is closed, and the drainage system is activated to remove water splashed into the compartment during operations near the surface, ensuring no water accumulation. After drainage, the winding mechanism retrieves the umbilical cable, pulling the deployment compartment back to the seabed, maintaining the device's concealment. Upon reaching the designated depth, the customized maintenance modules within the deployment compartment begin operation. For example, charging the drone via charging equipment and performing equipment repairs and drone maintenance.

[0095] The above solution is merely an illustration of a preferred example and is not limited thereto. When implementing this invention, appropriate substitutions and / or modifications can be made according to the user's needs.

[0096] The number of devices and processing scale described herein are for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention. Applications, modifications, and variations of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. It can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. Other modifications can be readily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and examples shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft, characterized in that, include: A semi-submersible base that is fixedly connected to the bottom of the water body by at least one anchor chain; Arrangement compartment connected to the base via umbilical cable; A communication module used for docking and communication with the aircraft; The communication module includes a control unit that is communicatively connected to the actuators and communication module in the deployment compartment. The communication module can be directly installed anywhere in the base or deployment compartment, or it can float on the water surface via a buoyancy airbag. When the communication module uses a laser-induced acoustic communication module, it can complete chain communication transmission between multiple deployment devices within a certain sea area, enabling one signal to control multiple devices simultaneously and achieve synchronous operation of the devices. When the UAV lands, the high-energy laser generator on the UAV emits lasers into the water. By changing the power and pulse frequency of the laser generator, a communication signal for the UAV is formed, which identifies the UAV model and transmits the UAV status to the platform. Alternatively, one UAV can emit an acoustic signal to communicate with multiple platforms, quickly reporting the UAV's working status or providing additional data to a wider range, realizing remote control of the system and multiple collections of high-value data. After the UAV leaves, the platforms communicate with each other to exchange information about the platform status, perform multiple backups and rapid transmission, conduct long-distance high-speed underwater transmission, and control and manage the underwater platform in real time. A winding mechanism for adjusting the length of the umbilical cable is provided on the base or below the arrangement compartment so that the arrangement compartment is in a semi-submersible or horizontal position. The arrangement compartment includes: A hollow cabin, the upper part of which is cylindrical or prismatic, and the bottom is conical; The top of the cabin is equipped with two watertight hatches, each hatch being movably connected to the cabin, and each hatch being opened and closed by a corresponding motor. The upper surface of the hatch is provided with multiple buoyancy airbags; A drainage pump is installed inside or outside the cabin. The upper part and the bottom of the cabin are separated into an upper section and a lower section by a partition, and the winding mechanism is located in the lower section; The upper section is further divided into upper sub-sections and lower sub-sections by a transverse partition with filter holes. The drainage pump is located in the lower sub-section, and at least one backflow preventer is provided on the side wall of the lower sub-section.

2. The semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes: Two pontoons positioned opposite each other; A frame-type connecting assembly that connects the pontoons into a whole; The power compartment is mounted on the connecting components; The pontoon is configured as a hollow structure; Each anchor chain is positioned at the bottom of the pontoon box; The power compartment is a waterproof, sealed hollow cavity, and a battery module electrically connected to the corresponding actuator is installed inside the power compartment.

3. The semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Alternatively, the base and the arrangement compartment can also be connected by a truss.

4. The semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base is equipped with corresponding water depth sensors and attitude sensors; Pressure sensor I is installed on the hatch cover of the deployment compartment, and pressure sensor II is installed inside the deployment compartment at a position that cooperates with the parking of the UAV.

5. The semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The umbilical cable is a waterproof and seawater-resistant composite cable, which includes communication cable, power supply cable and structural cable.

6. A method for applying a semi-submersible deployment device for an aircraft, comprising using the semi-submersible deployment device for an aircraft as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, After the semi-submersible deployment device of the aircraft is installed, the recovery and release of the UAV are completed through the cooperation of the communication module and the control unit. The release process of the drone includes: S10. When the umbilical cable is being released, the deployment cabin gradually rises to the vicinity of the water surface by relying on buoyancy. S11. When the pressure sensor I on the deployment compartment senses that the compartment has reached the water surface, the control unit, which is connected to the pressure sensor I, sends control signal I to control the motor to drive the hydraulic rod to open the compartment cover. S12. After the hatch is flipped open, the buoyancy airbags on the hatch come into contact with the water surface to stabilize the attitude of the deployment compartment. S13. After the hatch is flipped open, the drone starts directly inside the hatch and flies away from the device without much contact with water. During the drone's flight, the drone communicates with the communication module in real time to ensure that the hatch is open, so as to determine whether the drone release process is going smoothly and to ensure that it has the conditions and ability to be recovered at any time. S14. The control unit determines whether the UAV has flown away based on the pressure sensor II inside the cabin, and sends control signal II after confirming that it has flown away, so as to close the cabin cover by means of motor-driven sprocket drive. S15. After the hatch is closed, the drainage system is activated to begin removing the small amount of water that has accumulated inside the hatch due to splashing waves. Once this is complete, the equipment can enter a dormant state.

7. The application method of the semi-submersible deployment device for aircraft as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drone recovery process includes: S20. When the umbilical cable is being released, the deployment cabin gradually rises to near the water surface by relying on buoyancy. S21. When the pressure sensor I on the deployment compartment senses that the compartment has reached the water surface, the control unit, which is connected to the pressure sensor I, sends control signal I to control the motor to drive the hydraulic rod to open the compartment cover. S22. After the hatch is opened, the UAV communicates with the control unit through the communication module throughout the process, guiding the UAV to adjust its attitude on its own so that after the UAV is aligned with the location of the deployment cabin, it can stop in the deployment cabin by its own power or gravity. S23. After the control unit confirms that the UAV has been recovered through pressure sensor II, it sends control signal IV to close the hatch by means of motor-driven sprocket drive. S24. The control unit starts the cabin drainage equipment to carry out drainage operations to ensure that there is no water accumulation in the cabin; S25. After the drainage operation is completed, the motor retrieves the umbilical cable and pulls the deployment compartment back to the seabed.

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