Air-drop device and aircraft
By designing a sliding and adjustable connection release mechanism and an airdrop device that automatically opens the parachute inside the parachute compartment, the problems of poor versatility and high cost of existing airdrop devices are solved, achieving efficient and safe airdrops that can adapt to different usage scenarios.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411132250.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing airdrop devices have poor versatility, low transportation efficiency, and high costs, and cannot adapt to the needs of different usage scenarios and installation locations.
An airdrop device was designed, including a cargo compartment, a connecting release mechanism, and a parachute compartment. The position can be adjusted by sliding the connecting release mechanism. The parachute compartment stores the parachute, and the parachute opens automatically from a safe distance using an air-launch parachute mechanism, avoiding human operation and interference.
It improves the versatility and safety of the airdrop device, reduces the cost of use, adapts to different mounting environments and sizes, and ensures the safety and efficiency of the airdrop process.
Smart Images
Figure CN121590744A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of materials transportation technology, and in particular to an airdrop device and aircraft. Background Technology
[0002] Airdrop devices are primarily attached to aircraft or airborne vehicles to carry cargo or goods. After being transported to the target location, the aircraft or airborne vehicle drops the device onto the target population.
[0003] The airdrop method for manned transport aircraft usually involves placing an airdrop box equipped with a parachute from the cargo hold of the transport aircraft. When exiting the aircraft, the parachute is opened manually using a tow rope, and the airdrop box is then dropped to complete the airdrop.
[0004] Large transport drones typically use an automatic control mechanism to deploy a parachute via a tow rope upon exiting the drone's cabin, and an automatic ejection mechanism inside the cabin to slide and eject the drop container. Some special-purpose transport drones generally employ a single airdrop method per drone, resulting in poor versatility, low transport efficiency, and high costs. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Based on this, this application provides an airdrop device that can be applied to different usage scenarios and installation locations, improving versatility and reducing usage costs.
[0006] The airdrop device provided in this application includes:
[0007] Cargo hold, used to carry goods;
[0008] The connection release mechanism is attached to the cargo hold at one end and to the aircraft at the other, and can slide along the cargo hold; and
[0009] The parachute compartment includes:
[0010] The hull is located on the side of the cargo hold;
[0011] The umbrella body is located inside the cabin.
[0012] The air-cushioned parachute deployment mechanism is located inside the cabin and is used to deploy the parachute.
[0013] Optionally, the parachute compartment also includes:
[0014] The parachute canopy is located on the top of the canopy to form a cavity with the canopy to accommodate the parachute.
[0015] Optionally, the connection release mechanism includes:
[0016] At least one clamp is provided on the surface of the cargo hold, and the clamp is movable along the surface of the cargo hold to change its position relative to the cargo hold;
[0017] Lifting lugs are installed on the surface of the clamp;
[0018] The pylon is connected to a lug at one end and to the aircraft at the other end.
[0019] Optionally, the clamp includes:
[0020] The clamp body is surrounded and installed on the surface of the cargo hold. The ends of the clamp body are provided with protrusions, and there is a gap between the protrusions.
[0021] The locking element connects two opposing protrusions to change the size of the gap.
[0022] Optionally, the mounting bracket includes:
[0023] Hooks are used to connect to lifting lugs;
[0024] The release mechanism, located at the bottom of the aircraft and connected to the hook, is used to drive the hook to separate from the lifting lug.
[0025] Optionally, the airdrop device also includes:
[0026] Shock-absorbing components are installed on the surface of the cargo hold to protect it.
[0027] Optionally, the shock-absorbing component may include a float or a shock-absorbing pad.
[0028] Optionally, the airdrop device also includes:
[0029] A detachable connecting assembly is located between the cargo hold and the parachute hold.
[0030] Optionally, the detachable connection assembly includes:
[0031] The hinge mount is located on the surface of the parachute compartment at one end and on the cargo compartment at the other end;
[0032] Multiple connectors are installed through the hinge base to connect the hinge base to the parachute compartment and the cargo compartment, respectively.
[0033] Optionally, the airdrop device also includes:
[0034] A locator, installed inside or on the surface of the cargo hold, is used to locate the position of the cargo hold.
[0035] Optionally, the uncoupling mechanism includes:
[0036] A mounting base is provided between the hook and the aircraft;
[0037] A release component, disposed on the mounting base, is used to connect or release the hook;
[0038] An electromagnet, disposed within the release assembly, is used to generate or deactivate an electromagnetic field;
[0039] An in-situ signal component, disposed on the mounting base, is used to detect the cargo compartment at the hook.
[0040] Optionally, the air-cushion deployment mechanism includes:
[0041] A high-pressure chamber is located inside the cabin.
[0042] The pneumatically controlled valve is connected to the high-pressure chamber;
[0043] The low-pressure chamber is located below the umbrella body and is connected to the high-pressure chamber via the pneumatic control valve;
[0044] Slide rails are installed inside the cabin;
[0045] The umbrella support is disposed on the slide rail and located between the low-pressure chamber and the umbrella body, and can slide up and down along the slide rail;
[0046] A brake, provided on the umbrella support, is used to lock or release the umbrella support, making it fixed or movable.
[0047] This application also provides an aircraft, characterized in that it includes the above-mentioned airdrop device.
[0048] The airdrop device and aircraft provided in this application can mount the cargo hold onto the aircraft via a connecting release mechanism. This mechanism can slide along the cargo hold to adjust its relative position on the cargo hold surface, thus adapting to different mounting environments and sizes and improving versatility. Once the aircraft carrying the airdrop device has transported it to the designated location, the connecting release mechanism disengages from the cargo hold, thereby achieving the airdrop. The parachute body is housed within the parachute compartment. During airdrop, when the distance between the cargo hold and the aircraft exceeds the hazard range, the air-launch parachute mechanism controls the ejection of the air-launched parachute to open the parachute body. Opening does not require manual deployment via a tow rope, and avoids interference from the parachute body being too close to the aircraft during opening, thus improving safety. Attached Figure Description
[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings, without exceeding the scope of protection claimed by this application.
[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the airdrop device provided in this application;
[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the airdrop device provided in this application;
[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the airdrop device provided in this application.
[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Cargo hold; 2. Connection and release mechanism; 21. Clamp; 211. Clamp body; 212. Locking element; 213. Protrusion; 22. Lifting lug; 23. Hanger; 3. Parachute compartment; 31. Compartment; 32. Parachute body; 33. Parachute compartment cover; 4. Shock-absorbing part; 5. Detachable connection assembly; 51. Hinge seat; 52. Connector. Detailed Implementation
[0054] 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, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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 a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0057] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0058] refer to Figure 1 The airdrop device provided in this application includes a cargo hold 1, a connecting release mechanism 2, and a parachute compartment 3. The cargo hold 1 is used to carry cargo; one end of the connecting release mechanism 2 is connected to the cargo hold 1, and the other end is connected to the aircraft, and it can slide along the cargo hold 1. The parachute compartment 3 includes a compartment body 31, a parachute body 32, and an air-launched parachute mechanism. The compartment body 31 is located to the side of the cargo hold 1, the parachute body 32 is located inside the compartment body 31, and the air-launched parachute mechanism is located inside the compartment body 31 for deploying the parachute body 32.
[0059] The cargo hold 1 can be attached to or released from the aircraft via the release mechanism 2 for airdrop. The release mechanism 2 can slide along the cargo hold 1 to adjust its relative position on the surface of the cargo hold 1, thus adapting to different mounting environments and sizes and improving versatility. After the aircraft carrying the airdrop device has transported it to the designated location, the release mechanism 2 disengages from the cargo hold 1, thereby achieving the airdrop. The parachute body 32 is housed within the canopy 31 of the parachute compartment 3. During airdrop, when the distance between the cargo hold 1 and the aircraft exceeds the influence range, the air-launch parachute mechanism controls the air-launched parachute to open the parachute body 32. Opening does not require additional manual intervention via a tow rope, and avoids interference from the parachute body 32 being too close to the aircraft when it opens, thus improving safety.
[0060] In some embodiments, the parachute body 32 can be fixed to the parachute compartment 3 by parachute lines. Two parachute compartments 3 can be provided, symmetrically arranged at both ends of the cargo compartment 1 to improve the balance during airdrop deployment. The shape of the parachute compartment 3 can be streamlined to reduce aerodynamic drag. The interior of the cargo compartment 1 may include an upper and lower receiving area to achieve a waterproof condition. Both the parachute compartment 3 and the cargo compartment 1 can be made of polyethylene.
[0061] refer to Figure 2 As an optional implementation, the parachute compartment 3 also includes a parachute compartment cover 33, which is disposed on the top of the compartment 31 to form a cavity with the compartment 31 to accommodate the parachute 32.
[0062] The canopy cover 33 can be fastened to the top of the canopy body 31 to form a cavity with the canopy body 31 to accommodate and protect the canopy body 32. When the canopy body 32 opens, the canopy cover 33 separates from the canopy body 31 and opens under the impact force generated by the unfolding of the canopy body 32, thus completing the opening of the canopy.
[0063] refer to Figures 1-3 As an optional implementation, the connection release mechanism 2 includes a clamp 21, a lug 22, and a hanger 23. The clamp 21 is disposed on the surface of the cargo hold 1, and there is at least one clamp. The clamp 21 can move along the surface of the cargo hold 1 to change its position relative to the cargo hold 1. The lug 22 is disposed on the surface of the clamp 21. One end of the hanger 23 is connected to the lug 22, and the other end is connected to the aircraft.
[0064] The clamp 21 can move along the surface of the cargo hold 1 to adjust its position relative to the cargo hold 1. When the clamp 21 moves the lifting lug 22 to the appropriate position, it is fastened to the cargo hold 1 and the lifting lug 22 is connected to the rack 23 connected to the aircraft to complete the carrying of the airdrop device.
[0065] In some embodiments, the lifting lug 22 can be detachably connected to the clamp 21 via a lug and a connecting pin. When there are two or more clamps 21, the position of the clamps 21 can be moved to change the spacing between two adjacent clamps 21, thereby adapting to cargo holds 1 of different sizes and improving stability.
[0066] As an optional implementation, the clamp 21 includes a clamp body 211 and a locking member 212; wherein, the clamp body 211 is arranged around the surface of the cargo compartment 1, and the ends of the clamp body 211 are provided with protrusions 213 opposite to each other, and there is a gap between the protrusions 213; the locking member 212 connects the two oppositely arranged protrusions 213 respectively to change the size of the gap.
[0067] When the clamp 21 moves along the surface of the cargo hold 1, the locking member 212 loosens, increasing the gap between the opposing protrusions 213. This increases the inner diameter of the clamp body 211, causing it to loosen from the cargo hold 1 and allowing the clamp 21 to slide relative to it. Once the clamp 21 has slid to the designated position, the locking member 212 reduces the gap between the opposing protrusions 213, further decreasing the inner diameter of the clamp body 211 and increasing the contact area between the clamp body 211 and the cargo hold 1, thus securing and locking the clamp 21 to the cargo hold 1.
[0068] The locking element 212 can be a threaded pin, which is used to tighten or release the clamp body 211 by rotating the thread.
[0069] refer to Figure 1As an optional implementation, the pylon 23 includes a hook and a release mechanism (not shown in the figure). The hook is connected to the lug 22, and the release mechanism is located at the bottom of the aircraft and connected to the hook, for driving the hook to separate from the lug 22.
[0070] refer to Figure 1 As an optional implementation, the airdrop device also includes a shock-absorbing part 4, which is disposed on the surface of the cargo hold 1 to protect the cargo hold 1.
[0071] As an optional implementation, the shock-absorbing unit 4 includes floats or shock-absorbing pads. Floats and shock-absorbing pads can be adapted for airdrops on land and water, respectively. In emergency rescue, floats are installed on the surface of the cargo hold 1 to give it buoyancy on water, serving as a life-saving device for water rescue. Shock-absorbing pads reduce the impact and vibration between the cargo hold 1 and the land surface, serving as a life-saving device for land rescue.
[0072] The shock-absorbing part 4 can also be made of any soft or elastic material other than floats or shock-absorbing pads that can protect and absorb shocks in the cargo compartment 1.
[0073] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an optional implementation, the airdrop device also includes a detachable connection assembly 5 disposed between the cargo compartment 1 and the parachute compartment 3.
[0074] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an optional implementation, the detachable connection assembly 5 includes a hinge base 51 and a plurality of connectors 52. One end of the hinge base 51 is disposed on the surface of the parachute compartment 3, and the other end is disposed on the cargo compartment 1. The plurality of connectors 52 are disposed through the hinge base 51 for connecting the hinge base 51 to the parachute compartment 3 and the cargo compartment 1 respectively.
[0075] The cargo hold 1 and parachute compartment 3 can be connected or detached via a detachable connecting assembly 5. During connection, multiple connectors 52 are used to connect both ends of the hinge base 51 to the cargo hold 1 and parachute compartment 3 respectively. During disassembly, the multiple connectors 52 are loosened, and the hinge base 51 is removed. Multiple hinge bases 51 can be used, and they can be positioned anywhere between the cargo hold 1 and parachute compartment 3 to improve connection stability. The separate, detachable design of the cargo hold 1 and parachute compartment 3 adapts to different mission requirements, reduces costs, and is economical. For example, when airdropping fragile items at low altitudes, the parachute compartment 3 can be detached via the detachable connecting assembly 5 to avoid using a parachute, reducing transportation costs and improving convenience and applicability.
[0076] refer to Figure 1 As an optional implementation, the airdrop device also includes a locator (not shown in the figure), which is installed inside or on the surface of the cargo hold 1. This facilitates locating the cargo hold 1 after airdrop and prevents it from being lost.
[0077] As an optional implementation, the unhooking mechanism includes a mounting base, a release assembly, an electromagnet, and a presence signal assembly. The mounting base is disposed between the hook and the aircraft. The release assembly is disposed on the mounting base and is used to connect or release the hook. The electromagnet is disposed within the release assembly and is used to generate or deactivate electromagnetic fields. The presence signal assembly is disposed on the mounting base and is used to detect the cargo hold 1 at the hook location. The electromagnet and the presence signal assembly can be electrically connected to control elements in the aircraft via cables.
[0078] During disengagement, the electromagnet is energized to generate magnetism. The release assembly uses the electromagnet to attract the hook, causing the hook to rotate under magnetic force until cargo hold 1 separates from the hook, thus achieving disengagement and release. The presence signal assembly detects cargo hold 1 at the hook position; when cargo hold 1 is no longer detected at the hook position, disengagement is successful.
[0079] A tension spring can also be installed on one side of the hook. When the hook is connected to cargo hold 1, the electromagnet is energized and generates magnetism, attracting the hook to the position for connection with the cargo hold. When the hook is released, the electromagnet is de-energized, and the hook loses its magnetic attraction. Under the tension of the tension spring, it rotates to one side of the tension spring until the cargo hold 1 is released from the hook.
[0080] As an optional implementation, the air-launched parachute mechanism includes a high-pressure chamber, a pneumatic control valve, a low-pressure chamber, a slide rail, a parachute support, and a brake. The high-pressure chamber is located inside the cabin 31; the pneumatic control valve is connected to the high-pressure chamber; the low-pressure chamber is located below the parachute body 32 and is connected to the high-pressure chamber via the pneumatic control valve; the slide rail is located inside the cabin 31; the parachute support is located on the slide rail and between the low-pressure chamber and the parachute body 32, and can slide up and down along the slide rail. The brake is located on the parachute support and is used to lock or release the parachute support, fixing or allowing it to move.
[0081] When the parachute opens, the brake and pneumatic control valve are released. High-pressure gas in the high-pressure chamber is pneumatically supplied to the low-pressure chamber, which is located below the parachute body 32. The supplied high-pressure gas propels the parachute body 32 open. Simultaneously, the parachute support moves upward along the slide rail under the action of the high-pressure gas to help maintain the shape and position of the parachute body 32, thus completing the opening. As an optional implementation, the pneumatic parachute opening mechanism also includes a position sensor. The position sensor detects the distance between the pneumatic parachute opening mechanism and the aircraft. When the distance between the pneumatic parachute opening mechanism and the aircraft is greater than the minimum safe distance, the parachute opening action is initiated, causing the parachute body 32 to unfold.
[0082] This application also provides an aircraft including the aforementioned airdrop device.
[0083] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. Furthermore, any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the ideas of this application, and on the specific implementation methods and application scope of this application, are all within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
Claims
1. An airdrop device, characterized in that, include: Cargo hold, used to carry goods; The connection release mechanism is connected at one end to the cargo hold and at the other end to the aircraft, and can slide along the cargo hold; as well as The parachute compartment includes: The hull is located on the side of the cargo hold; The umbrella body is located inside the cabin. An air-cushioned parachute deployment mechanism is located inside the cabin and is used to deploy the parachute.
2. The airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection release mechanism includes: At least one clamp is disposed on the surface of the cargo hold, the clamp being movable along the surface of the cargo hold to change its position relative to the cargo hold; Lifting lugs are provided on the surface of the clamp; The pylon is connected at one end to the lug and at the other end to the aircraft.
3. The airdrop device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamp includes: The clamp body is arranged around the surface of the cargo hold, and the ends of the clamp body are provided with protrusions opposite each other, with a gap between the protrusions; A locking element is connected to two oppositely positioned protrusions to change the size of the gap.
4. The airdrop device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket includes: The hook is connected to the lifting lug; A release mechanism is located at the bottom of the aircraft and connected to the hook, used to drive the hook to separate from the lifting lug.
5. The airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes shock-absorbing components, which are installed on the surface of the cargo hold to protect the cargo hold.
6. The airdrop device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing component includes a float or a shock-absorbing pad.
7. The airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Also includes: A detachable connecting assembly is disposed between the cargo compartment and the parachute compartment.
8. The airdrop device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detachable connection assembly includes: A hinge seat, one end of which is disposed on the surface of the parachute compartment and the other end of which is disposed in the cargo compartment; Multiple connectors are disposed through the hinge seat to connect the hinge seat to the parachute compartment and the cargo compartment, respectively.
9. The airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Also includes: A locator, installed inside or on the surface of the cargo hold, is used to locate the position of the cargo hold.
10. The airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The parachute compartment also includes: A canopy cover is disposed on the top of the canopy to form a cavity with the canopy to accommodate the umbrella.
11. The airdrop device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The uncoupling mechanism includes: A mounting base is provided between the hook and the aircraft; A release component, disposed on the mounting base, is used to connect or release the hook; An electromagnet, disposed within the release assembly, is used to generate or deactivate an electromagnetic field; An in-situ signal component, disposed on the mounting base, is used to detect the cargo compartment at the hook.
12. The airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The pneumatic parachute deployment mechanism includes: A high-pressure chamber is located inside the cabin. The pneumatically controlled valve is connected to the high-pressure chamber; The low-pressure chamber is located below the umbrella body and is connected to the high-pressure chamber via the pneumatic control valve; Slide rails are installed inside the cabin; An umbrella support is disposed on the slide rail and located between the low-pressure chamber and the umbrella body, and is capable of sliding up and down along the slide rail; a brake is disposed on the umbrella support and is used to lock or release the umbrella support, so as to fix or move it.
13. An aircraft, characterized in that, Includes the airdrop device as described in any one of claims 1-12.