An air-drop landing device, an air-drop parachute opening landing method, and an air-drop system

Abstract

This invention discloses an airdrop landing device, an airdrop parachute deployment method, and an airdrop system. The airdrop landing device includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull cord system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and tethering accessories. The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect to a drone. The parachute pull cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state. The guide parachute system is used to deploy the main parachute, and the main parachute system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tether net and a tether cloth for securing the airdrop. The airdrop landing device of this invention can be used for parachute deployment and release from a drone during airdrop, and is equipped with corresponding parachute pull cords so that when the drone drops the airdrop, the length of the parachute pull cord after breakage is insufficient to affect the closure of the drone's door, thereby increasing the safety of the drone airdrop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of parachutes, and more particularly to an airdrop landing device, an airdrop parachute opening and landing method, and an airdrop system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when cargo is delivered via airdrop, the corresponding airdrop method involves pulling out the guide parachute using the parachute release cord when the cargo leaves the cabin, thereby initiating the parachute deployment procedure. During this process, the parachute release cord remains inside the cabin and is retrieved by the personnel on board.

[0003] However, when the commonly used parachute-based airdrop method is applied to drone delivery platforms, the long parachute cord can affect the closure of the drone's cabin door, leading to a decrease in the drone's safety performance.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an airdrop landing device, an airdrop parachute landing method, and an airdrop system, aiming to solve the problem that in the prior art, when the airdrop method based on parachute pull cord is applied to a drone delivery platform, the long parachute pull cord affects the closing of the drone's cabin door, resulting in a reduction in the drone's safety performance.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an airdrop landing device, which includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull rope system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and a tethering accessory; The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect the drone. The parachute deployment cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state; The pilot canopy system is used to deploy the main canopy, and the main canopy system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tethering net and a tethering cloth, used to secure the airdrop.

[0007] Optionally, the parachute opening cord system includes a first cord, a second cord, and a break cord; The first pull rope is located at one end of the pull-off rope; The second pull rope is located at the other end of the pull rope; The breakaway rope is positioned between the first pull rope and the second pull rope; Wherein, the length of the first pull rope is less than a first length threshold, and the pull rope is broken when the tension from the first pull rope and / or the second pull rope exceeds the first tension threshold.

[0008] Optionally, the first length threshold is the distance from the parachute hook to the drone cabin door.

[0009] Optionally, the first tensile force threshold is preset, and the material of the rope that breaks is set according to the first tensile force threshold.

[0010] Optionally, the break rope is connected to the first pull rope via a first connection method, and the break rope is connected to the second pull rope via a second connection method.

[0011] Optionally, the guide parachute system includes a guide parachute bag, a guide parachute, and a guide parachute connecting strap; The guide parachute bag is used to load the guide parachute. The guide parachute bag is sealed with a sealing rope. When the sealing rope is subjected to a force exceeding a second tensile threshold, the sealing rope breaks. The guide umbrella connecting strap is used to connect the guide umbrella to the umbrella opening pull rope system.

[0012] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an airdrop parachute deployment method based on an airdrop landing device, the airdrop parachute deployment method specifically comprising: When the drone reaches the predetermined area, it drops an airdrop. Based on the gravity of the airdrop and the airdrop landing device, the sealing rope of the guide parachute pack is broken, and the guide parachute is opened. Based on the initial velocity of the airdrop, the pull cord in the parachute opening system breaks, and the airdrop and the airdrop landing device are released. The pilot umbrella inflates to generate aerodynamic drag, and based on the aerodynamic drag generated by the pilot umbrella, the main umbrella is pulled out from the main umbrella bag; Based on the aerodynamic drag after the main parachute is inflated, the airdrop descends and separates from the airdrop landing device and the airdrop upon landing.

[0013] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an airdrop system, wherein the airdrop system includes an airdrop landing device, an airdrop, and a drone, the airdrop landing device is disposed on the airdrop, and the airdrop is loaded on the drone.

[0014] In this invention, the airdrop landing device includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull cord system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and tethering accessories. The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect to the drone. The parachute pull cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state. The guide parachute system is used to pull out the main parachute, and the main parachute system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tether net and a tether cloth for securing the airdrop. The airdrop landing device of this invention can be used for parachute deployment and release from a drone, and is equipped with corresponding parachute pull cords so that when the drone drops the airdrop, the length of the parachute pull cord after breakage is insufficient to affect the closure of the drone's door, thereby increasing the safety of the drone airdrop. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the airdrop landing device of the present invention when the parachute is not deployed; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the airdrop landing device of the present invention after the parachute has been deployed; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the parachute deployment rope system in the airdrop landing device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the airdrop parachute landing method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, 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., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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 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 directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0022] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0023] Currently, when airdropping cargo, the corresponding airdrop method involves pulling out the guide chute using a deployment cord as the cargo leaves the aircraft, thus initiating the deployment procedure. During this process, the deployment cord remains inside the aircraft and is retrieved by the crew. However, when this commonly used deployment cord-based airdrop method is applied to drone delivery platforms, the long deployment cord can interfere with the closure of the drone's cabin door, leading to a decrease in the drone's safety performance.

[0024] To address one or more of the above-mentioned problems, this application provides an airdrop landing device, which includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull cord system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and tethering accessories. The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect to a drone. The parachute pull cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state. The guide parachute system is used to pull out the main parachute, and the main parachute system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tethering net and a tethering cloth for securing the airdrop.

[0025] See Figure 1 This invention provides an airdrop landing device, including a parachute hook 1, a parachute pull cord system 2, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and a tethering accessory. The parachute hook 1 stabilizes the airdrop landing device on a drone via the parachute pull cord system 2. The guide parachute system includes a guide parachute pouch 3, a guide parachute, and a guide parachute connecting strap. When the parachute is not deployed, the guide parachute and the guide parachute connecting strap are loaded in the guide parachute pouch. In one embodiment of this invention, the guide parachute pouch can be a guide parachute storage bag, located next to the main parachute pouch. The main parachute system includes a main parachute, a main parachute pouch 5, and a main parachute top connecting strap. The main parachute and the main parachute top connecting strap are loaded in the main parachute pouch and fixed to the airdrop 6 by a pouch fixing pull cord 4. The tethering accessory is located on the airdrop 6, and the airdrop 6 is located on the cargo platform 7. Furthermore, the parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is connected to the drone via a hook. Furthermore, in this invention, the tethering attachment includes a tethering net and a tethering cloth. The tethering net is used to hold the airdropped supplies and to quickly and securely tie the dropped items, serving as a load-bearing connection for the loading platform and for lifting and transferring the supplies. The tethering cloth is used to package the airdrop, covering the upper surface of the airdrop and providing a certain degree of constraint and protection for it.

[0026] After the airdrop landing device is released from the drone, and the guide parachute and main parachute open in sequence, the structural diagram of the airdrop landing device after opening is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, it includes a pilot parachute 8, a main parachute 9, and an airdrop 11, wherein the airdrop 11 is externally secured by a tethering attachment.

[0027] Furthermore, the parachute opening cord system includes a first cord, a second cord, and a break cord; The first pull rope is located at one end of the pull-off rope; The second pull rope is located at the other end of the pull rope; The breakaway rope is positioned between the first pull rope and the second pull rope; Wherein, the length of the first pull rope is less than a first length threshold, and the pull rope is broken when the tension from the first pull rope and / or the second pull rope exceeds the first tension threshold.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the parachute pull cord system 2 includes a first pull cord 12, a second pull cord 13, and a break cord 14. One end of the first pull cord 12 is connected to the parachute hook 1, and the other end is connected to the break cord. One end of the second pull cord 13 is connected to the break cord, and the other end is connected to the top of the guide parachute. In this invention, the length of the first pull cord 12 is less than a first length threshold, which is the distance from the parachute hook to the drone's cabin door, i.e., the distance from the location of the parachute hook on the drone to the drone's cabin door. When the break cord is broken, a portion of the airdrop landing device will leave the drone, and the remaining portion becomes the first pull cord. Because the length of the first pull cord is less than the first length threshold, the portion remaining on the drone is short enough not to get stuck at the drone's cabin door, thus avoiding the problem of the parachute pull cord affecting the drone's cabin door closure during conventional airdrop operations.

[0029] Furthermore, when the tension from the first and / or second pull rope exceeds a first tension threshold, the pull rope will break, thereby separating the drone from the airdrop landing device; wherein, The first tensile threshold is preset, and the material of the snapping rope is set according to the first tensile threshold. That is, in this invention, the first pull rope and the second pull rope are made of different materials than the snapping rope. When selecting the material of the snapping rope, the corresponding material makes the bearing limit of the snapping rope the first tensile threshold, while the bearing limit of the first pull rope and the second pull rope exceeds the snapping rope.

[0030] Furthermore, the breakage rope is connected to the first pull rope via a first connection method, and the breakage rope is connected to the second pull rope via a second connection method. Specifically, as follows... Figure 4 As shown, one end of the first pull rope of the umbrella opening pull rope system is connected to the umbrella opening hook through a third connection method. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third connection method is a lark's head knot, that is, in the present invention, the first pull rope and the umbrella opening hook are connected by a lark's head knot; the other end of the first pull rope is connected to the break rope through a first connection method, and the second pull rope and the break rope are connected through a second connection method. In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first connection method and the second connection method are the connection methods of hitching hooks.

[0031] Furthermore, the guide parachute system includes a guide parachute bag, a guide parachute, and a guide parachute connecting strap; The guide parachute bag is used to load the guide parachute. The guide parachute bag is sealed with a sealing rope. When the sealing rope is subjected to a force exceeding a second tensile threshold, the sealing rope breaks. The guide umbrella connecting strap is used to connect the guide umbrella to the umbrella opening pull rope system.

[0032] Specifically, the guide umbrella system's guide umbrella connecting strap connects the guide umbrella, the guide umbrella bag carries the corresponding guide umbrella, and the guide umbrella bag is sealed with a sealing rope. In this invention, when the sealing rope is subjected to a force exceeding a second tensile threshold, the sealing rope breaks, and the guide umbrella is pulled out of the guide umbrella bag. The second tensile threshold is less than the first tensile threshold; that is, in this invention, the sealing rope of the guide umbrella system will break before the opening pull cord system, and the guide umbrella will be pulled out first, only then will the pull cord in the opening pull cord system break.

[0033] Furthermore, the main parachute system includes a main parachute pack, a main parachute, main parachute assembly carrying straps, and a main parachute connecting strap. The main parachute connecting strap connects the main parachute and the main parachute pack; the main parachute assembly carrying strap connects the main parachute lines to the lower slings; and the main parachute pack stores the parachute during normal flight operations and protects the parachute throughout the deployment phase, ensuring orderly deployment and preventing slack or uneven tension on the lines during canopy inflation. The main parachute pack is secured to the tethering net covering the airdrop by two pack-fixing pull ropes. A pack flap on one side of the main parachute pack is sealed and secured with a stainless steel bent pin on the main parachute assembly carrying strap. During deployment, when the assembly carrying strap is tightened, the pin is pulled out of the locking ring, allowing the main parachute to be extracted from the pack. Furthermore, in this invention, there is a mounting ring for fixing the rubber cords inside the main umbrella bag near the opening. The main umbrella cords are orderly fixed to the main umbrella bag by the rubber cords, thereby ensuring that the main umbrella cords will not tangle with each other inside the umbrella bag, affecting the opening of the umbrella and ensuring a smooth opening process.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, this invention includes a slider ring 10 on the main parachute to slow down the opening speed, reduce opening overload, and improve the safety of the airdrop landing device. In this invention, the slider ring is a loop-shaped fabric with metal eyelets. The parachute lines pass through the eyelets on the slider ring, allowing it to move freely with the lines. When the parachute is stacked, the slider ring is placed on top of the lines. Because the diameter of the slider ring is significantly smaller than the diameter of the canopy when fully deployed, it limits the initial deployment diameter of the parachute. During deployment, the slider ring moves downwards along the lines until the parachute reaches its maximum diameter.

[0035] The airdrop landing device of this invention includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull cord system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and tethering accessories. The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect to a drone. The parachute pull cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state. The guide parachute system is used to pull out the main parachute, and the main parachute system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tether net and a tether cloth for securing the airdrop. The airdrop landing device of this invention can be used for parachute deployment and release from a drone, and is equipped with corresponding parachute pull cords so that when the drone drops the airdrop, the length of the parachute pull cord after breakage is insufficient to affect the closure of the drone's door, thereby increasing the safety of the drone airdrop.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, based on the airdrop landing device, the present invention should also provide an airdrop parachute landing method, which specifically includes: Step S10: When the drone reaches the predetermined area, it drops an airdrop. Based on the gravity of the airdrop and the airdrop landing device, the sealing rope of the guide parachute pack is broken, and the guide parachute is opened. Step S20: Based on the initial velocity of the airdrop, the pull rope in the parachute opening pull rope system breaks, and the airdrop and the airdrop landing device are released. Step S30: The guide umbrella is inflated to generate aerodynamic resistance. Based on the aerodynamic resistance generated by the guide umbrella, the main umbrella is pulled out from the main umbrella bag. Step S40: Based on the aerodynamic drag after the main parachute is inflated, the airdrop descends, and the airdrop landing device and the airdrop are separated when the airdrop lands.

[0037] Specifically, before the drone takes off, the airdrop landing device is installed on the airdrop, and the combination of the airdrop landing device and the airdrop is placed in the drone's predetermined position. The parachute hook is attached to the tethering cable on the drone. When the drone reaches the predetermined area, the hatch is opened, and the airdrop is dropped through the airdrop delivery device set on the drone, or the airdrop is slid out of the drone based on gravity.

[0038] After the airdrop leaves the drone, gravity and the drone's pull will straighten the first, second, and break cords in the parachute deployment system. Since the pilot parachute's packing cords have a lower load-bearing capacity than the break cord, the pilot parachute's packing cords break after the deployment system is straightened, and the pilot parachute is pulled out and straightened. Based on the airdrop's exit speed and the force of the main parachute's packing securing cords, the break cord between the first and second cords snaps, separating the airdrop and landing device from the drone. Under gravity, the pilot parachute inflates.

[0039] When the pilot parachute is inflated, it generates aerodynamic resistance, which breaks the parachute pack securing rope between the main parachute pack and the mooring net. Then, under the action of the pilot parachute's aerodynamic resistance, the main parachute pack is pulled up, the main parachute assembly carrying straps are straightened, and the sealing pins on the main parachute pack are opened, thereby pulling out the main parachute. In this invention, there are two parachute securing ropes between the main parachute pack and the mooring net. The parachute securing rope closer to the deployment cord system breaks when subjected to a force exceeding a first tension, and the other parachute securing rope breaks when subjected to a force exceeding a second tension. The first tension is less than the second tension, and both the first and second tensions are greater than the first and second tension thresholds. Therefore, when the parachute securing rope between the main parachute pack and the mooring net breaks, the parachute securing rope closer to the deployment cord system will break first, while the other parachute securing rope remains intact. The main parachute pack will then lift away from the cabin. Afterward, the other parachute securing rope breaks, thereby lifting the main parachute pack under the action of the pilot parachute's aerodynamic drag.

[0040] Based on the aerodynamic drag generated after the main parachute is inflated, the airdrop descends accordingly. Upon landing, an automatic separation device separates the airdrop landing device from the airdrop, thereby preventing the airdrop from being pulled by the airdrop landing device after landing and causing it to tip over.

[0041] Furthermore, this invention also provides an airdrop system, which includes an airdrop landing device, an airdrop, and a drone. The airdrop landing device is mounted on the airdrop, and the airdrop is loaded onto the drone. When the drone executes the airdrop delivery procedure, the airdrop landing device is pre-installed and loaded onto the airdrop and connected to the drone via a parachute hook. When the drone flies to a predetermined area, it opens the hatch to release the airdrop and the airdrop landing device, thus realizing the airdrop delivery.

[0042] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal that includes that element.

[0043] It should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An airdrop landing device, characterized in that, The airdrop landing device includes a parachute hook, a parachute pull rope system, a guide parachute system, a main parachute system, and tethering accessories; The parachute pull cord system is connected to the parachute hook via a third connection method, and the parachute hook is used to connect the drone. The parachute deployment cord system is used to control the airdrop landing device to deploy the parachute in a set state; The pilot canopy system is used to deploy the main canopy, and the main canopy system is used to provide aerodynamic drag. The tethering accessories include a tethering net and a tethering cloth, used to secure the airdrop.

2. The airdrop landing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parachute opening cord system includes a first cord, a second cord, and a break cord; The first pull rope is located at one end of the pull-off rope; The second pull rope is located at the other end of the pull rope; The breakaway rope is positioned between the first pull rope and the second pull rope; Wherein, the length of the first pull rope is less than a first length threshold, and the pull rope is broken when the tension from the first pull rope and / or the second pull rope exceeds the first tension threshold.

3. The airdrop landing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first length threshold is the distance from the parachute hook to the drone cabin door.

4. The airdrop landing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first tensile force threshold is preset, and the material of the rope that breaks is set according to the first tensile force threshold.

5. The airdrop landing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The breakage rope is connected to the first pull rope via a first connection method, and the breakage rope is connected to the second pull rope via a second connection method.

6. The airdrop landing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pilot parachute system includes a pilot parachute bag, a pilot parachute, and a pilot parachute connecting strap; The guide parachute bag is used to load the guide parachute. The guide parachute bag is sealed with a sealing rope. When the sealing rope is subjected to a force exceeding a second tensile threshold, the sealing rope breaks. The guide umbrella connecting strap is used to connect the guide umbrella to the umbrella opening pull rope system.

7. A method for airdropping parachute landing based on the airdrop landing device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The airdrop parachute landing method specifically includes: When the drone reaches the predetermined area, it drops an airdrop. Based on the gravity of the airdrop and the airdrop landing device, the sealing rope of the guide parachute pack is broken, and the guide parachute is opened. Based on the initial velocity of the airdrop, the pull cord in the parachute opening system breaks, and the airdrop and the airdrop landing device are released. The pilot umbrella inflates to generate aerodynamic drag, and based on the aerodynamic drag generated by the pilot umbrella, the main umbrella is pulled out from the main umbrella bag; Based on the aerodynamic drag after the main parachute is inflated, the airdrop descends and separates from the airdrop landing device and the airdrop upon landing.

8. An airdrop system, characterized in that, The invention includes the airdrop landing device, airdrop, and drone as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the airdrop landing device is disposed on the airdrop and the airdrop is loaded on the drone.

Images