Unmanned aerial vehicle type storage catapult-assisted take-off integrated device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle type storage catapult-assisted take-off integrated device and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted unmanned aerial vehicles, the device comprises a maneuvering module, the maneuvering module is used for driving on a road and is provided with a vehicle speed detection unit, and the maneuvering module is provided with a compartment with the top capable of being opened and closed; the lifting module is arranged in the compartment; the ejection module is arranged on the upper side of the lifting module and can be connected with the unmanned aerial vehicle through a clamping mechanism; the control module is arranged on the maneuvering module, and the control module is connected with the vehicle speed detection unit, the lifting module, the ejection module and the clamping mechanism; the integrated device which has vehicle-mounted take-off and catapult-assisted take-off functions and has storage capacity is provided so as to meet the use environment diversification requirements of the near space solar unmanned aerial vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle-mounted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and more specifically, relates to an integrated vehicle-mounted storage, catapult launch, and takeoff device for UAVs and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Near-space solar-powered drones use solar energy as their primary energy source and have advantages such as long endurance and wide operating range. They are widely used in fields such as forest fire prevention and agricultural monitoring. The take-off system is a key supporting device for solar-powered drone operations, and its performance directly affects the deployment efficiency of the drone.

[0003] Near-space solar-powered drones are characterized by low dynamics, low takeoff speed, and sensitivity to temperature and humidity. Single-vehicle-launched drones rely on the relative airflow generated by the high-speed movement of the vehicle to achieve takeoff, which is highly limited by terrain and makes it difficult to meet the continuous acceleration requirements in mountainous areas, deserts, and other regions with poor road conditions. While single-catapult-launched drones can overcome terrain limitations, the catapult mechanism is usually bulky with long rails, resulting in poor portability. Single-storage and transport components lack takeoff capabilities and have limited functionality. Therefore, it is essential to invent a takeoff device suitable for small near-space solar-powered drones that combines vehicle-mounted and catapult-launch capabilities with storage capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an integrated vehicle-mounted storage and catapult launch device and its control method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This integrated device combines vehicle-mounted launch, catapult launch, and storage capabilities to meet the diverse needs of near-space solar-powered UAVs in their operating environments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) vehicle-mounted storage and catapult launch device, the device comprising: A motorized module, which is used for road travel and is equipped with a vehicle speed detection unit, and the motorized module is equipped with a compartment with an openable and closable top; A lifting module, wherein the lifting module is installed inside the carriage; A catapult module is disposed on the upper side of the lifting module and can be connected to the drone via a clamping mechanism; A control module is mounted on the motor module and is connected to the vehicle speed detection unit, the lifting module, the ejection module, and the clamping mechanism.

[0006] Optionally, the mobility module is equipped with a wind direction and speed detection unit, a positioning unit, a communication unit, and a power supply unit.

[0007] Optionally, the carriage is equipped with an auxiliary protection module, which includes a temperature and humidity control module.

[0008] Optionally, the lifting module includes a scissor-type lifting mechanism and a lifting platform, the lifting platform being disposed on the upper side of the scissor-type lifting mechanism, and the ejection module being disposed on the upper side of the lifting platform.

[0009] Optionally, the ejection module includes: A sliding track, which is inclinedly arranged on the upper side of the lifting module; A trolley is slidably disposed on the upper side of the sliding track, and a clamping mechanism is disposed on the upper side of the trolley; The sliding track includes a locking component and a limiting component, which are respectively fixed at both ends of the sliding track. The locking component can lock with the trolley, and the limiting component can limit the movement of the trolley. A drive mechanism is connected to the sliding track and is used to drive the trolley to move along the sliding track.

[0010] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes: Two fixed pulleys are disposed on one side of the sliding track; A launching piston rod is movably disposed on one side of the sliding track. One end of the launching piston rod is connected to a power source, and the other end of the launching piston rod is connected to a buffer pressure cylinder via a coaxial pair. A steel cable, one end of which is connected to the pulley, and the other end of which passes over the two fixed pulleys and is connected to the launching piston rod.

[0011] Optionally, the lower side of the sliding track is connected to the lifting platform via multiple support rods.

[0012] Optionally, the limiting component is a buffer rubber block.

[0013] Optionally, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping component and a telescopic component connecting the clamping component, and an elastic component is provided between the clamping component and the telescopic component.

[0014] The present invention also provides a control method for an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) vehicle-type storage and catapult launch device. Utilizing the aforementioned integrated UAV vehicle-type storage and catapult launch device, the method includes: Determine the takeoff mode based on the work site; When the work site is flat, the vehicle-mounted takeoff mode is used. In vehicle-mounted takeoff mode, the top of the vehicle is opened, and the ejection module and drone are raised to the top of the vehicle via the lifting module; Activate the drone's propulsion system and bring the drone's thrust to the set value; The maneuvering module accelerates to the drone's takeoff speed and maintains a constant speed. The drone on the ejection module is released via a clamping mechanism; When the work site is uneven and emergency deployment is required, catapult takeoff mode is used. In catapult launch mode, the orientation of the maneuvering module is adjusted according to the wind direction; Open the top of the carriage and raise the catapult module and drone to the top of the carriage using the lifting module; Turn the drone's propulsion system to maximum. The launch force of the catapult module is adjusted according to the wind speed, and the drone is launched through the catapult module.

[0015] This invention provides an integrated vehicle-mounted storage and catapult launch device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and its control method. Its advantages are as follows: This integrated vehicle-mounted storage and catapult launch device accommodates the catapult module and the UAV through an openable and closable compartment on the top of the mobile module, achieving transportation, protection, and storage of the UAV. Under the action of the lifting module, the catapult module and the UAV can be raised and exposed from the top of the compartment for UAV takeoff. The UAV is connected to the catapult module via a clamping mechanism. UAV takeoff can be selected from vehicle-mounted takeoff or catapult takeoff depending on the work site. During vehicle-mounted takeoff, the control module can control the clamping mechanism to open and release the UAV when the mobile module reaches takeoff speed. During catapult takeoff, the catapult module can also be used to launch the UAV. This design satisfies both vehicle-mounted and catapult takeoff needs, while also achieving transportation, protection, and storage of the UAV, forming an integrated "mobility-storage-takeoff-support" system.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated storage, catapult, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ejection module of an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) vehicle-type storage and ejection takeoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 3A flowchart of a control method for an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) vehicle-type storage and catapult launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Mobility module; 2. Lifting module; 3. Ejection module; 4. Control module; 5. Auxiliary support module; 6. Sliding track; 7. Trolley; 8. Locking component; 9. Limiting component; 10. Fixed pulley; 11. Launch piston rod; 12. Power source; 13. Buffer pressure cylinder; 14. Steel cable; 15. Support rod; 16. Lifting platform. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. While preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated storage, catapult, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the device comprising: Mobility module 1 is used for road travel and is equipped with a vehicle speed detection unit. Mobility module 1 is equipped with a compartment with an openable and closable top. Lifting module 2 is installed inside the carriage; The ejection module 3 is located on the upper side of the lifting module 2 and can be connected to the drone through a clamping mechanism. Control module 4 is mounted on motor module 1 and is connected to vehicle speed detection unit, lifting module 2, ejection module 3 and clamping mechanism.

[0024] Specifically, to provide an integrated device that combines vehicle-mounted takeoff, catapult takeoff, and storage capabilities to meet the diverse needs of near-space solar-powered drones in their operating environments, this invention provides a vehicle-mounted storage and catapult takeoff integrated device. The catapult module 3 and the drone are housed in a closable compartment on the top of the mobile module 1, enabling the transportation, protection, and storage of the drone. With the assistance of the lifting module 2, the catapult module 3 and the drone can be raised and exposed from the top of the compartment for takeoff. The drone is connected to the catapult module 3 via a clamping mechanism. Takeoff can be either vehicle-mounted or catapult-launched, depending on the work site. During vehicle-mounted takeoff, the control module 4 can open the clamping mechanism and release the drone when the mobile module 1 reaches takeoff speed. During catapult takeoff, the catapult module 3 can also be used to launch the drone. This design satisfies both vehicle-mounted and catapult takeoff needs, while also providing transportation, protection, and storage for the drone, forming an integrated "mobility-storage-takeoff-support" system.

[0025] Optionally, the mobile module 1 is equipped with a wind direction and speed detection unit, a positioning unit, a communication unit, and a power supply unit.

[0026] Specifically, the wind direction and speed detection unit can detect wind direction and speed information, providing basic data support for catapult takeoff; the positioning unit can obtain the position information of the maneuvering module 1; and the communication unit can transmit data, transmitting the vehicle speed and position information of the maneuvering module 1 to the ground station in real time to determine the takeoff timing.

[0027] In this embodiment, the mobility module 1 is an off-road truck. Off-road trucks need to have sufficient power, a solid chassis, good shock absorption performance, and precise handling.

[0028] Furthermore, the control module is located inside the carriage. The control module can receive vehicle speed information and takeoff commands, and after receiving the takeoff command, it can control the catapult module 3 according to the takeoff mode.

[0029] Optionally, an auxiliary protection module 5 is installed inside the carriage, which includes a temperature and humidity control module 4.

[0030] Specifically, the auxiliary protection module 5 uses the temperature and humidity control module 4 to control temperature and humidity, thereby protecting the drone's photovoltaic and energy storage batteries.

[0031] Optionally, the lifting module 2 includes a scissor-type lifting mechanism and a lifting platform 16, with the lifting platform 16 located on the upper side of the scissor-type lifting mechanism and the ejection module 3 located on the upper side of the lifting platform 16.

[0032] Specifically, the lifting module 2 can lift the lifting platform 16 through a scissor-type lifting mechanism under the control of the control module 4, thereby realizing the storage and lifting of the drone.

[0033] Optionally, the ejection module 3 includes: The sliding track 6 is inclinedly set on the upper side of the lifting module 2; The trolley 7 is slidably mounted on the upper side of the sliding track 6, and the clamping mechanism is mounted on the upper side of the trolley 7. Locking component 8 and limiting component 9 are respectively fixed at both ends of the sliding track 6. Locking component 8 can lock with trolley 7, and limiting component 9 can limit trolley 7. The drive mechanism is connected to the sliding track 6 and is used to drive the trolley 7 to move along the sliding track 6.

[0034] Specifically, the ejection module 3 drives the trolley 7 to move along the sliding track 6 through the drive mechanism, causing the drone to slide. When the slide reaches the position, the limiting component 9 limits the trolley 7. Under the action of inertial impact, the drone can overcome the friction generated by the clamping mechanism and rush out, and achieve ejection takeoff. The locking component 8 can lock the trolley 7 to maintain the stability of the drone during storage and transportation. It needs to be unlocked when ejecting.

[0035] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes: Two fixed pulleys 10 are provided on one side of the sliding track 6; The launching piston rod 11 is movably disposed on one side of the sliding track 6. One end of the launching piston rod 11 is connected to the power source 12, and the other end of the launching piston rod 11 is connected to the buffer pressure cylinder 13 through a coaxial pair. The steel cable 14 has one end connected to the pulley 7 and the other end passing over two fixed pulleys 10 and connected to the launching piston rod 11.

[0036] Specifically, under the action of the power source 12, the launch piston rod 11 moves axially, pulling the steel cable 14. Under the reversing action of the two fixed pulleys 10, the steel cable 14 pulls the trolley 7 to move along the sliding track 6, thereby driving the UAV to slide. The buffer pressure cylinder 13 is used to provide buffer for the launch piston rod 11.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control module is provided with four control channels. The first control channel controls the lifting and lowering of the lifting module 2, the second control channel controls the ejection force of the ejection module 3 and adjusts the pressure inside the power source 12 to meet different takeoff speed requirements, the third control channel controls the opening and closing of the locking component 8, and the fourth control channel controls the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism.

[0038] In this embodiment, the locking component 8 is a mechanism that unlocks when powered on and locks when powered off. The front end of the locking component 8 is connected to the trolley 7. When powered off, the locking tongue extends and inserts into the trolley 7 to lock the trolley 7. The lower end of the trolley 7 is connected to the sliding track 6 by sliding embedding. The upper end is provided with a clamping mechanism for clamping. The front end is connected to the steel cable 14, and the rear end is connected to the locking component 8. The steel cable 14 is changed in direction by the fixed pulley 10 assembly and connected to the launching piston rod 11. The rear end of the launching piston rod 11 is connected to the power source 12, and the front end is coaxially connected to the buffer pressure cylinder 13 and is set on one side of the sliding track 6.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power source 12 is an accumulator.

[0040] Optionally, the lower side of the sliding track 6 is connected to the lifting platform 16 via multiple support rods 15.

[0041] Specifically, the lower end of the sliding track 6 is fixed to the support rod 15 with bolts, and the support rod 15 is fixed to the lifting platform 16 with bolts. The unequal length of the support rod 15 creates an inclined state for the sliding track 6.

[0042] Optionally, the limiting component 9 is a buffer rubber block.

[0043] Specifically, a buffer rubber block is fixed at the front end of the sliding track 6 to buffer the overload of the trolley 7 during its sliding.

[0044] Optionally, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping component and a telescopic component connecting the clamping component, and an elastic component is provided between the clamping component and the telescopic component.

[0045] Specifically, the clamping mechanism can move the clamping component by telescopic components, and the clamping force can be controlled by the elastic component between the clamping component and the telescopic components. The clamping force can be set according to the actual fixing requirements of the drone and the takeoff speed of the drone. The clamping component can be clamped to a designated part of the drone's fuselage.

[0046] In summary, the UAV vehicle-mounted integrated storage, catapult, and takeoff device provided by this invention has the following three modes of use: Vehicle-mounted takeoff mode: The vehicle accelerates to the takeoff speed of the drone by the motor module 1 and then maintains a constant speed. The ground flight control personnel issue a takeoff command based on the vehicle speed information fed back by the motor module 1. The lower control module receives the takeoff command and controls the clamping mechanism to open, thereby releasing the drone.

[0047] Catapult takeoff mode: The orientation of the maneuvering module 1 is adjusted according to the wind direction; the size of the power source 12 is adjusted according to the wind speed; the locking component 8 is unlocked according to the takeoff command from the ground flight control personnel, and the launch piston rod 11 is driven to move through the power source 12, which drives the steel cable 14 to pull the trolley 7 to accelerate forward until the trolley 7 hits the buffer rubber block fixed on the sliding track 6. Due to inertia, the UAV rushes out of the clamping mechanism of the trolley 7 and achieves catapult takeoff.

[0048] Storage mode: After the drone is recovered, it is fixed on the ejection module 3 and held by the clamping mechanism. The lifting module 2 is controlled by the control module to descend and put the drone into the compartment. The top cover of the compartment of the motor module 1 is closed, and the auxiliary support module 5 is opened to activate the temperature and humidity control function, ready for the next flight.

[0049] This vehicle-mounted integrated storage, catapult, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles has the following advantages.

[0050] 1) Good mobility; based on off-road truck platform, it can be quickly deployed in complex terrain and environment such as highways and fields, eliminating the dependence on fixed sites; 2) High takeoff speed; storage, deployment and takeoff platform are integrated into one, enabling rapid response to takeoff decisions; 3) Strong adaptability to various scenarios; meets emergency take-off requirements, adaptable to both rapid response scenarios such as forest fire prevention, earthquake and flood control, and slow response scenarios such as agriculture and ecological monitoring; 4) Convenience ensured; when the drone is ready to fly, it can be used as a simple transportation component.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) vehicle-type storage and catapult launch device. Utilizing the aforementioned integrated UAV vehicle-type storage and catapult launch device, the method includes: Determine the takeoff mode based on the work site; When the work site is flat, the vehicle-mounted takeoff mode is used. In vehicle-mounted takeoff mode, the top of the vehicle is opened, and the ejection module 3 and the drone are raised to the top of the vehicle via the lifting module 2; Activate the drone's propulsion system and bring the drone's thrust to the set value; The maneuvering module 1 accelerates to the takeoff speed of the drone and maintains a constant speed. The drone on the ejection module 3 is released via the clamping mechanism; When the work site is uneven and emergency deployment is required, catapult takeoff mode is used. In catapult launch mode, the orientation of maneuvering module 1 is adjusted according to the wind direction; Open the top of the carriage and raise the catapult module 3 and the drone to the top of the carriage via the lifting module 2; Turn the drone's propulsion system to maximum. The launching force of the catapult module 3 is adjusted according to the wind speed, and the drone is launched through the catapult module 3.

[0052] Specifically, the control method for the aforementioned vehicle-mounted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage, catapult launch, and integrated takeoff device is as follows: 1. Determine the takeoff mode based on the ground terrain; if the terrain is good, with a flat road surface, and no emergency deployment is required, use vehicle-mounted takeoff: (1) Maintain the locked state of locking component 8; (2) Open the top cover of the motor module 1 carriage, and use the control module to control the lifting module 2 to raise the ejection module 3 and the drone to the roof; (3) Activate the UAV propulsion system to make the UAV thrust reach the set value, and the maneuver module 1 starts to accelerate and accelerates to the UAV take-off speed; (4) The maneuvering module 1 maintains a constant takeoff speed and, according to the instructions of the flight controller, controls the clamping mechanism to open through the control module to release the UAV; (5) Vehicle takeoff ends.

[0053] 2. Determine the takeoff mode based on the ground terrain and scenario requirements; in cases of forest fires, geological disasters, or soft slopes requiring emergency deployment, catapult takeoff should be used. (1) Adjust the direction of the maneuvering module 1 according to the wind direction; (2) Open the top cover of the motor module 1 carriage, and use the control module to control the lifting module 2 to raise the ejection module 3 and the drone to the roof; (3) Set the drone propulsion system to maximum; (4) Adjust the output of power source 12 according to the wind speed and wait for takeoff command; (5) After the flight controller issues the command, the locking component 8 is unlocked through the control module; (6) The ejection is completed.

[0054] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. An unmanned vehicle type storage catapult launch integrated device, characterized by, The device comprises: a motor module for road driving, provided with a vehicle speed detection unit, and provided with a top-openable carriage; a lifting module arranged in the carriage; a launching module arranged on the upper side of the lifting module and capable of connecting a UAV through a clamping mechanism; a control module arranged on the motor module, connected with the vehicle speed detection unit, the lifting module, the launching module and the clamping mechanism.

2. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated device according to claim 1, wherein, The motor module is provided with a wind direction and speed detection unit, a positioning unit, a communication unit and a power supply unit.

3. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An auxiliary support module is arranged in the carriage, comprising a temperature and humidity control module.

4. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting module comprises a scissor fork lifting mechanism and a lifting platform arranged on the upper side of the scissor fork lifting mechanism, and the launching module is arranged on the upper side of the lifting platform.

5. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 1, wherein, The launching module comprises: a sliding track arranged obliquely on the upper side of the lifting module; a trolley slidingly arranged on the upper side of the sliding track, and the clamping mechanism is arranged on the upper side of the trolley; locking and limiting components respectively fixed on both ends of the sliding track, the locking component can be locked with the trolley, and the limiting component can limit the trolley; a driving mechanism connected with the sliding track and used for driving the trolley to move along the sliding track.

6. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 5, wherein, The driving mechanism comprises: two fixed pulleys arranged on one side of the sliding track; a launching piston rod movably arranged on one side of the sliding track, one end of the launching piston rod is connected with a power source, and the other end of the launching piston rod is connected with a buffer hydraulic cylinder through a coaxial pair; a steel cable, one end of which is connected with the trolley, and the other end of which passes through the two fixed pulleys and is connected with the launching piston rod.

7. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 5, wherein, The lower side of the sliding track is connected with the lifting platform through a plurality of supporting rods.

8. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device according to claim 5, wherein, The limiting component is a buffer rubber block.

9. The unmanned vehicle and storage integrated launching device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping mechanism comprises a clamping component and a telescopic component connected with the clamping component, and an elastic component is arranged between the clamping component and the telescopic component.

10. A control method of the unmanned vehicle and storage catapult launch integrated device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, The method comprises: judging the take-off mode according to the work site; adopting the vehicle-mounted take-off mode when the work site is flat; in the vehicle-mounted take-off mode, opening the top of the carriage, and lifting the launching module and the UAV to the upper side of the carriage through the lifting module; starting the propulsion system of the UAV, and making the thrust of the UAV reach a set value; accelerating the motor module to the take-off speed of the UAV, and keeping uniform speed driving; releasing the UAV on the launching module through the clamping mechanism; adopting the launching take-off mode when the work site is uneven and needs to be deployed urgently; in the launching take-off mode, adjusting the orientation of the motor module according to the wind direction; opening the top of the carriage, and lifting the launching module and the UAV to the upper side of the carriage through the lifting module; opening the propulsion system of the UAV to the maximum; adjusting the launching force of the launching module according to the wind speed, and launching the UAV through the launching module.

Images