Air-drop height, wind speed and wind direction measuring device and method of shock-resistant retractable structure

By designing an airdrop height and wind speed and direction measurement device with an impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure, the problems of easy damage and low accuracy of existing devices during airdrop are solved. This achieves high-precision and fast-response wind speed and direction measurement, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs.

CN121855463APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14WUHAN AVIATION INSTR
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
WUHAN AVIATION INSTR
Filing Date
2025-12-27
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wind speed and direction measurement devices are easily damaged by impact during airdrop, have low accuracy, and their measurement accuracy decreases in complex turbulent flow. They cannot provide wind field data with high impact resistance, fast response, and high accuracy.

Method used

An impact-resistant, retractable airdrop height and wind speed/direction measurement device was designed, comprising a wind direction measurement unit, a retractable assembly, a support assembly, an angular displacement measurement unit, a height and wind speed measurement unit, and a signal processing module. The device is launched into the air and retracted upon landing using a sliding rail structure. Combined with a passive buffer structure, direct impact is avoided. Wind speed and direction are calculated using micro-pressure differential and static pressure sensors.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high-precision and fast-response wind speed and direction measurement in extreme environments, extends the service life of the device, reduces maintenance costs, and can be easily integrated into airdrop platforms.

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Abstract

The invention discloses an air-drop height, wind speed and wind direction measuring device and method of an anti-impact retractable structure, and belongs to the technical field of atmosphere data measurement and air-drop equipment. The invention aims to solve the problems of poor impact resistance, low response speed and large volume and weight of the existing measuring device in an air-drop environment. The retracting and releasing device, the wind direction measuring unit and the pressure difference measuring device are highly integrated, so that the device can push the wind direction measuring unit to an optimal measuring position in an air-drop flight measuring stage and perform real-time atmosphere information acquisition and feedback, and the device is quickly retracted into a cabin in a landing stage, so that the measuring device is prevented from destructive impact. Through the unique structural design, the measuring device can feed back accurate and reliable atmosphere information in real time in an extreme air-drop environment so as to adjust a flight strategy, meanwhile, the measuring device has high impact resistance, and the service life of the measuring device is prolonged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of measurement device technology, specifically relating to a device and method for measuring the drop height, wind speed and wind direction of an impact-resistant retraction structure. Background Technology

[0002] In military and emergency rescue airdrops, accurate wind speed and direction data are crucial for ensuring that airdropped supplies land accurately in the target area. This directly affects the selection of the parachute deployment point, the parachute's flight trajectory, and the final landing accuracy.

[0003] Currently, commonly used wind speed and direction measurement units are mainly propeller-type and ultrasonic-type. Propeller-type measuring devices have low accuracy and are easily affected by the installation location. Ultrasonic detectors are usually open or have simple protective structures, which cannot withstand the impact overload of tens of Gs when dropped from the air. In addition, their transducer surfaces are prone to icing in clouds or rain, leading to measurement failure. Traditional cylindrical designs experience a significant decrease in measurement accuracy in complex turbulent flow.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a dedicated wind speed and direction measurement unit that combines high impact resistance, rapid response, anti-icing and anti-fogging, and high-precision measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide an airdrop height and wind speed and direction measurement device with an impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure that can withstand extreme mechanical and environmental conditions and provide real-time, accurate wind field data for height, wind speed and direction measurement.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for measuring the airdrop height, wind speed and wind direction of an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure is provided, comprising a wind direction measuring unit, a deployment and take-up assembly, a first support assembly, a second support assembly, an angular displacement measuring unit, a height and wind speed measuring unit, and a signal processing module;

[0007] The first support component is connected to the fixing part in the retracting component, and the height and wind speed measuring unit is fixed on the first support component;

[0008] The second support assembly is connected to the movable part in the retraction assembly, the angular displacement measuring unit is fixed on the second support assembly, and the angular displacement measuring unit is connected to the wind direction measuring unit;

[0009] The signal processing module is communicatively connected to the launch and take-up assembly, wind direction measurement unit, angular displacement measurement unit, and height and wind speed measurement unit; it is used to send a take-up or release command to the launch and take-up assembly according to the airdrop signal or landing signal from the airdrop main control system; it collects the measurement data from the wind direction measurement unit, angular displacement measurement unit, height and wind speed measurement unit in real time, and processes the measurement data to calculate the current height, wind speed and wind direction signals.

[0010] The wind direction detector is launched into the air for measurement and then retrieved upon landing for protection by using a retraction assembly, which avoids the measuring device from directly impacting the ground, thus extending its service life and reducing maintenance costs.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the retraction / release assembly includes a slide rail, a slide table, and a controller; the slide rail is the fixed part of the retraction / release assembly, the slide table is the movable part of the retraction / release assembly, and the slide table is slidably connected to the slide rail; a motor is provided inside the slide table, and the controller controls the movement of the motor inside the slide table; the controller is communicatively connected to the signal processing module and controls the movement of the slide table according to the retraction or release command from the signal processing module.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the first support component includes a first upright plate and a first reinforcing rib; the first upright plate is fixedly connected to the fixing part in the retracting component, and the first reinforcing rib is respectively disposed on both sides of the retracting component and fixedly connected to the first upright plate.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the controller in the retraction assembly is fixed to the first upright plate.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the second support assembly includes a tray, an adapter plate, and a protective cover; the tray is fixedly connected to the movable part in the take-up and take-down assembly via the adapter plate; a fixed beam is provided at the center of the tray, the angular displacement measuring unit is installed on the fixed beam, and the protective cover is fastened on top of the tray to protect the angular displacement measuring unit.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the wind direction measuring unit is rigidly connected to the angular displacement measuring unit via a clamp.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the first support component further includes a limiting ring, the inner ring of which has a stepped configuration. The inner ring step of the limiting ring matches the size of the tray in the second support component. When the tray is extended to engage with the inner ring of the limiting ring, it reaches the working position.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the inner ring of the limiting ring is also covered with an elastic buffer layer for cushioning during landing.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the signal processing module is disposed on the tray of the second support component.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the height and wind speed measurement unit includes a housing, a micro differential pressure sensor, a pressure sensor, and static and absolute pressure air intake pipes. The housing is fixedly connected to the first support assembly. The micro differential pressure sensor and the pressure sensor are disposed inside the housing, and the static and absolute pressure air intake pipes are respectively disposed on the windward side and the side of the housing.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the drop height and wind speed and direction of an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure is provided, employing the aforementioned device for measuring the drop height and wind speed and direction of an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure, comprising the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: The airdrop main control system sends an airdrop signal to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module sends a release command to the release and take-off assembly, which drives the wind direction measurement unit 1 to release.

[0022] Step 2: After entering the working state, when the relative horizontal wind direction changes, the wind direction measurement unit 1 rotates and points to the airflow direction. The wind direction measurement unit 1 drives the angular displacement measurement unit to rotate and sends the angular displacement signal to the signal processing module. The signal processing module calculates the wind direction signal.

[0023] Step 3: The height and wind speed measuring unit 6 sends the measured pressure difference and static pressure signals to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module calculates the air pressure altitude and indicated speed;

[0024] Step 4: When approaching the ground, the airdrop main control system sends a landing signal to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module sends a retrieval command to the deployment and retrieval assembly, which drives the wind direction measurement unit 1 to retract.

[0025] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0026] The airdrop height, wind speed and wind direction measurement unit with the impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure proposed in this invention has the advantages of accurate and reliable measurement, impact resistance, small size and light weight. It can be easily integrated into various airdrop platforms through a standard interface, making it convenient to use and easy to maintain.

[0027] The airdrop height, wind speed and wind direction measurement unit of the impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure proposed in this invention calculates the height, wind speed and wind direction information by detecting parameters such as atmospheric pressure, total pressure and static pressure. In the airdrop environment, the measurement device can achieve rapid response and provide atmospheric information to the system in real time.

[0028] The impact-resistant deployment and retrieval structure proposed in this invention provides airdrop height, wind speed, and wind direction measurement units. These units utilize a sliding rail structure to drive the measurement device, combining an "active retrieval mechanism" with a "passive buffer structure" to achieve system-level impact protection. The measurement device operates when needed and is protected in dangerous situations, fundamentally avoiding damage from landing impacts.

[0029] The retraction and extension device enables the measuring device to intelligently adjust its own state according to the task stage, extending its service life in high-intensity tasks and reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure;

[0031] Wherein: 1-Wind direction measurement unit; 1-1-Wind vane;

[0032] 2-Retracting and extending components; 2-1-Slide rail, 2-2-Slide table, 2-3-Controller;

[0033] 3-First support component; 3-1-First upright plate;

[0034] 4-Second support assembly; 4-1-Adapter plate; 4-2-Protective cover; 4-3-Tray;

[0035] 5-Angular displacement measurement unit; 5-1-Angular displacement sensor; 5-2-Clamping block;

[0036] 6-Height and wind speed measurement unit; 6-Pressure and differential pressure sensor 6-1.

[0037] 7-Signal processing module; 7-1-Circuit board

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the airdrop height and wind speed and direction measurement method of the impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airdrop height and wind speed and direction measuring device of the impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure of the present invention during operation. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of this invention. The embodiments described below are exemplary and intended to explain this invention, not to limit it. Based on the embodiments of this invention, other similar embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making significant innovations are all within the protection scope of this invention.

[0041] This invention addresses the pain point of difficulty in obtaining accurate wind field data in current airdrop environments, which prevents precise landing. It also considers the practical need for a rational design that ensures measurement accuracy while guaranteeing impact resistance and reliability, given that airdropped items are subject to significant impacts during release and landing.

[0042] This measuring device is integrally molded from 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum alloy using a column support structure. It is secured to the airdrop platform equipment with four M3 high-strength bolts. Thermally conductive rubber is filled in the gaps between the main shell and internal components, serving both as a buffer and energy absorber, while also aiding in heat dissipation. The sliding rail design further ensures that the measuring device avoids the massive impact upon landing.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, an airdrop height and wind speed and direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure includes a wind direction measuring unit 1, a deployment and take-up assembly 2, a first support assembly 3, a second support assembly 4, an angular displacement measuring unit 5, a height and wind speed measuring unit 6, and a signal processing module 7.

[0044] The first support component 3 is connected to the fixing part in the retractable component 2, and the height and wind speed measuring unit 6 is fixed on the first support component 3;

[0045] The second support component 4 is connected to the movable part in the retractable component 2, the angular displacement measuring unit 5 is fixed on the second support component 4, and the angular displacement measuring unit 5 is connected to the wind direction measuring unit 1;

[0046] The signal processing module 7 is communicatively connected to the launch and take-up assembly 2, the wind direction measurement unit 1, the angular displacement measurement unit 5, and the height and wind speed measurement unit 6; it is used to send a retrieval or release command to the launch and take-up assembly 2 according to the landing signal of the airdrop main control system or the height measurement device; it collects the measurement data of the wind direction measurement unit 1, the angular displacement measurement unit 5, and the height and wind speed measurement unit 6 in real time, and processes the measurement data to calculate the current height, wind speed and wind direction signals.

[0047] The wind direction detector is launched into the air for measurement and then retracted upon landing for protection by the retraction component 2, which avoids the measuring device from directly impacting the ground, thus extending its service life and reducing maintenance costs.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, the retracting / extension assembly 2 includes a slide rail 2-1, a slide table 2-2, and a controller 2-3; the slide rail 2-1 is the fixed part of the retracting / extension assembly, and the slide table 2-2 is the moving part of the retracting / extension assembly 2, the slide table 2-2 being slidably connected to the slide rail 2-1; a motor is provided inside the slide table 2-2, and the controller controls the movement of the motor inside the slide table 2-2; the controller 2-3 is communicatively connected to the signal processing module 7, and controls the movement of the slide table 2-2 according to the retracting or extending command from the signal processing module 7.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the first support component 3 includes a first upright plate 3-1 and a first reinforcing rib; the first upright plate 3-1 is fixedly connected to the fixing part in the retracting component, and the first reinforcing rib is respectively disposed on both sides of the retracting component and fixedly connected to the first upright plate.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the controller 2-3 in the retraction assembly 2 is fixed to the first upright plate 3-1.

[0051] In one possible embodiment, the second support component 4 includes a tray 4-3, an adapter plate 4-1, and a protective cover 4-2; the tray 4-3 is fixedly connected to the movable part in the take-up and take-down component 2 through the adapter plate 4-1; a fixed beam is provided at the center of the tray 4-3, the angular displacement measuring unit 5 is installed on the fixed beam, and the protective cover 4-2 is fastened on the top of the tray 4-3 to protect the angular displacement measuring unit.

[0052] In one possible embodiment, the wind direction measuring unit 1 is rigidly connected to the angular displacement measuring unit 5-1 via a clamp 5-2, for transmitting the wind direction angle change to the angular displacement measuring unit.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, the first support component 3 further includes a limiting ring, the inner ring of which has a stepped configuration. The inner ring step of the limiting ring matches the outer ring size of the tray 4-3 in the second support component 4. When the tray 4-3 retracts to engage with the inner ring of the limiting ring, it reaches a safe position.

[0054] In one possible embodiment, the inner ring of the limiting ring is also covered with an elastic buffer layer for cushioning during landing.

[0055] In one possible embodiment, the signal processing module 7 is disposed on the tray 4-3 of the second support component 4 to achieve a high degree of integration and miniaturization.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the height and wind speed measuring unit 6 includes a housing, a micro differential pressure sensor, a pressure sensor, and static and absolute pressure air intake pipes. The housing is fixedly connected to the first support assembly. The micro differential pressure sensor and the pressure sensor are disposed inside the housing, and the static and absolute pressure air intake pipes are respectively disposed on the windward side and the side of the housing.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for measuring the drop height and wind speed and direction of an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure, using the aforementioned device for measuring the drop height and wind speed and direction of an impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure, includes the following steps:

[0058] Step 1: The airdrop main control system sends an airdrop signal to the signal processing module. The slider of the deployment and take-up assembly slides downward, driving the wind direction measurement unit 1, the second support assembly 4, the angular displacement measurement unit 5, and the signal processing module 7 until the bottom of the tray 4-3 is embedded in the first support assembly 3. At this point, the entire system is in working condition. Figure 3 The state shown.

[0059] Step 2: After entering the working state, when the relative horizontal wind direction changes, the wind direction measuring unit 1 rotates and points in the direction of the airflow. At this time, the wind direction measuring unit 1 will drive the potentiometer brush inside the angular displacement measuring unit 5 to rotate to a corresponding angle, and can output a voltage signal proportional to the wind direction at this time. The wind direction signal is calculated proportionally through the voltage signal.

[0060] Step 3: During operation, the differential pressure sensor sends differential pressure and static pressure signals to the signal processing module 7. The signal processing module 7 calculates the differential pressure and static pressure signals into pressure altitude and indicated speed, and sends them to the airdrop main control system. The calculation method is as follows:

[0061]

[0062] in:

[0063] a — Correction factor, obtained from calibration.

[0064] P(h) — Pressure at height h (Pa);

[0065] P0 —The standard atmospheric pressure corresponding to sea level is 101325 Pa;

[0066] g—acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.80665 m / s² 2 ;

[0067] M—the molar mass of Earth's air, approximately 0.0289644 kg / mol;

[0068] R—Universal gas constant, approximately 8.3144598 J / (mol·K);

[0069] T – Kelvin temperature, standard temperature is 288.15K;

[0070] h-h0 — The height difference between point h and sea level, in meters;

[0071] Sensing error within the altitude range of -100m (102.45kPa) to 11000m (22.64kPa): ±50m;

[0072]

[0073] in:

[0074] b — Correction factor, obtained from calibration.

[0075] V – Sensing speed.

[0076] ρ — local density.

[0077] P – Induced pressure difference;

[0078] Step 4: When approaching the ground, the airdrop main control system sends a landing signal to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module sends a retraction command to the retraction assembly, which drives the wind direction measurement unit 1 to retract. When the tail of the wind direction measurement unit 1 is completely retracted, the working state ends.

[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the airdrop height, wind speed, and wind direction of an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure, characterized in that, It includes a wind direction measurement unit, a take-up and take-up assembly, a first support assembly, a second support assembly, an angular displacement measurement unit, a height and wind speed measurement unit, and a signal processing module; The first support component is connected to the fixing part in the retracting component, and the height and wind speed measuring unit is fixed on the first support component; The second support assembly is connected to the movable part in the retraction assembly, the angular displacement measuring unit is fixed on the second support assembly, and the angular displacement measuring unit is connected to the wind direction measuring unit; The signal processing module is communicatively connected to the launch and take-up assembly, wind direction measurement unit, angular displacement measurement unit, and height and wind speed measurement unit; it is used to send a take-up or release command to the launch and take-up assembly according to the airdrop signal or landing signal from the airdrop main control system; it collects the measurement data from the wind direction measurement unit, angular displacement measurement unit, height and wind speed measurement unit in real time, and processes the measurement data to calculate the current height, wind speed and wind direction signals.

2. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retraction and extension assembly includes a slide rail, a slide table, and a controller; the slide rail is the fixed part of the retraction and extension assembly, and the slide table is the moving part of the retraction and extension assembly, with the slide table slidably connected to the slide rail; a motor is installed inside the slide table, and the controller controls the movement of the motor inside the slide table; the controller is communicatively connected to the signal processing module and controls the movement of the slide table according to the retraction or extension command from the signal processing module.

3. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support component includes a first upright plate and a first reinforcing rib; the first upright plate is fixedly connected to the fixing part in the retracting component, and the first reinforcing rib is respectively disposed on both sides of the retracting component and fixedly connected to the first upright plate.

4. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller in the take-up and take-down assembly is fixed to the first upright plate.

5. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second support component includes a tray, an adapter plate, and a protective cover; the tray is fixedly connected to the movable part in the take-up and take-down component through the adapter plate; a fixed beam is provided at the center of the tray, the angular displacement measuring unit is installed on the fixed beam, and the protective cover is fastened on the top of the tray to protect the angular displacement measuring unit.

6. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device for an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wind direction measuring unit is rigidly connected to the angular displacement measuring unit via a clamp.

7. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device with an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first support component also includes a limiting ring, the inner ring of which has a stepped configuration. The inner ring step of the limiting ring matches the size of the tray in the second support component. When the tray is extended to engage with the inner ring of the limiting ring, it reaches the working position.

8. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device for an impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner ring of the limiting ring is also covered with an elastic buffer layer for cushioning during landing.

9. The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device for an impact-resistant deployment and take-off structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal processing module is mounted on the tray of the second support component.

10. A method for measuring the airdrop height, wind speed, and wind direction of an impact-resistant deployment and retraction structure, characterized in that, The airdrop height and wind speed / direction measuring device using the impact-resistant deployment and take-up structure described in any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: Step 1: The airdrop main control system sends an airdrop signal to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module sends a release command to the release and take-off assembly, which drives the wind direction measurement unit 1 to release. Step 2: After entering the working state, when the relative horizontal wind direction changes, the wind direction measurement unit 1 rotates and points to the airflow direction. The wind direction measurement unit 1 drives the angular displacement measurement unit to rotate and sends the angular displacement signal to the signal processing module. The signal processing module calculates the wind direction signal based on the angular displacement signal. Step 3: The height and wind speed measuring unit 6 sends the measured pressure difference and static pressure signals to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module calculates the pressure altitude and indicated speed based on the pressure difference and static pressure signals; Step 4: When approaching the ground, the airdrop main control system sends a landing signal to the signal processing module, and the signal processing module sends a retrieval command to the deployment and retrieval assembly, which drives the wind direction measurement unit 1 to retract.