A water-drop-shaped multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle with folding and unfolding rotors

Abstract

This invention discloses a catapult-launched teardrop-shaped multirotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, belonging to the field of multirotor UAV technology. It includes: a connector, a teardrop-shaped shell, and arms. The teardrop-shaped shell contains multiple parallel compartments, each housing the multirotor UAV's power unit, flight control unit, and data transmission unit, thus giving the multirotor UAV an overall teardrop shape. Multiple arms are vertically connected to the teardrop-shaped shell via the connector. These arms can fold downwards vertically via the connector, simultaneously folding the rotors on the arms. When folded to a vertical position, the arms are close to the teardrop-shaped shell, with the rotors at the ends of the arms positioned at the bottom of the multirotor UAV. During downward folding, the connector applies an upward force to the arms. This invention's UAV saves space, facilitates storage and transportation, and improves flight and launch efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of multi-rotor drone technology, and more particularly to a catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone with folding and unfolding rotors. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-rotor drone is a special type of unmanned rotary-wing aircraft with three or more rotor shafts. The flight principle of a multi-rotor drone is that the rotation of an electric motor at the end of each rotor shaft drives the rotor to rotate, thereby generating lift. By changing the relative speed between the different rotors, the torque of the thrust can be changed, thus controlling the trajectory of the aircraft. Multi-rotor drones can now easily enter various harsh environments that are difficult for humans to access, performing flight missions such as aerial filming, real-time monitoring, and terrain surveying.

[0003] Existing multi-rotor drones have fixed rotor angles, unlike helicopters which can be variable during flight or launched by catapult. This makes storage and transportation of multi-rotor drones difficult, and also causes them to consume more energy and extend their operation time during flight operations. Furthermore, they are more susceptible to the influence of the takeoff ground during takeoff. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address some or all of the technical problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a catapult-launched teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone with folding and unfolding rotors. This avoids damage to the rotor blades of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone, saves space, and facilitates storage and transportation. At the same time, during the catapult launch process, the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone can quickly and efficiently reach the preset position to perform corresponding tasks, improving the flight efficiency and launch efficiency of the drone and reducing the energy consumption of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone with folding and unfolding rotors is provided, including: Connectors, teardrop-shaped housing, and arm; The teardrop-shaped shell contains multiple parallel compartments, each containing the power unit, flight control unit, and data transmission unit of the multi-rotor UAV, so that the multi-rotor UAV is shaped like a teardrop. The arm comprises multiple arms, which are vertically connected to the teardrop-shaped shell via the connector. The multiple arms can be folded downwards in the vertical direction via the connector, and the rotors on the arms can be folded synchronously. When the arms are folded to the vertical position, they are close to the teardrop-shaped shell, and the rotors at the ends of the arms are located at the bottom of the multi-rotor drone. When the arms are folded downwards, the connector applies an upward force to the arms.

[0006] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multirotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the number of arms includes four.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the four arms are arranged in an X-shape on the teardrop-shaped shell.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the number of arms includes six or eight.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the arm is located in the middle of the teardrop-shaped shell.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the connecting component includes: a fixed base, a rotating shaft, and a torsion spring; The fixed base is fixedly connected to the teardrop-shaped outer shell, and the fixed base is provided with a first through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through. One end of the machine arm connected to the teardrop-shaped outer shell is provided with a second through hole. The rotating shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole and is connected to the fixed base, connecting the machine arm and the teardrop-shaped outer shell. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring applies an upward force to the machine arm connected to the rotating shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, the first through hole and the second through hole are matched and configured with the rotation axis.

[0012] The main advantages of the technical solution of this invention are as follows: In a catapult-launched teardrop-shaped multirotor drone with foldable and deployable rotors, the drone's arms are designed to be foldable and deployable, allowing the drone's rotors to unfold and fold synchronously with the arms. When the arms fold, the corresponding connecting parts apply an upward force to the arms, preventing damage to the drone's blades, saving space, and facilitating storage and transportation. Furthermore, the drone can be launched from a launch tube, enabling it to quickly and efficiently reach a preset location to perform its mission, improving both flight and launch efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the extended arm state of a catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folded and unfolded rotors, provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the folded arm state of a catapult-type teardrop-shaped multirotor drone with folded rotors, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Connector; 10. Mounting base; 11. Rotating shaft; 2. Teardrop-shaped housing; 3. Machine arm. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0016] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] As attached Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a catapult-type teardrop-shaped multirotor drone with folding and unfolding rotors. The teardrop-shaped multirotor drone includes: a connector 1, a teardrop-shaped outer shell 2, and arms 3, wherein: The teardrop-shaped outer shell 2 contains multiple parallel cabins, each housing the power unit, flight control unit, and data transmission unit of the multi-rotor UAV, thus giving the multi-rotor UAV an overall teardrop shape. Multiple arms 3 are vertically connected to the teardrop-shaped outer shell 2 via connectors 1. These arms 3 can fold downwards vertically via connectors 1, simultaneously folding the rotors on the arms 3. When folded vertically, the arms 3 are close to the teardrop-shaped outer shell 2, with the rotors at the ends of the arms 3 positioned at the bottom of the multi-rotor UAV. When the arms 3 fold downwards, connectors 1 apply an upward force to the arms 3.

[0018] Therefore, in this invention, by designing the folding and unfolding arms 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV, the rotor of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV folds and unfolds synchronously with the arms 3. When the arms 3 fold downwards, the connecting piece 1 applies an upward force to the arms 3, thereby enabling the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to be placed in the launch tube for catapult launch. During the catapult launch process, when the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV is in the launch tube, the arms 3 remain folded downwards under the limiting effect of the launch tube. When the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV leaves the launch tube, the arms 3 unfold upwards under the upward force applied by the connecting piece 1. This avoids damage to the blades of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV during transportation, facilitates storage and transportation, saves transportation space, and enables the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to quickly and efficiently reach the preset position and perform corresponding tasks, improving the flight efficiency and launch efficiency of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV and reducing its energy consumption.

[0019] In this embodiment of the invention, the purpose of setting the shell of the multi-rotor UAV to a teardrop shape is that the teardrop-shaped shell 2 can reduce flight drag, and concentrating the arms 3 in the middle can reduce turbulence interference generated by the arms 3 and the rotor, further reducing air resistance, improving flight efficiency, and reducing energy consumption during flight.

[0020] In some optional implementations of this embodiment, the number of arms 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone is set to four, and the four arms 3 are evenly distributed in an X-shape on the teardrop-shaped shell 2.

[0021] In another optional implementation of this embodiment, the number of arms 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone is set to six or eight.

[0022] Understandably, the number of arms 3 of a teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone can be set according to actual needs, and the specific number of arms 3 selected can be adaptively adjusted according to different actual operating environments and task requirements.

[0023] In order to enhance and maintain flight stability of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone in this embodiment of the invention, and to make the arm 3 closer to the geometric center of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone, the arm 3 of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone is set to be located in the middle of the teardrop-shaped shell 2.

[0024] Furthermore, by positioning the arm 3 of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone in the middle of the teardrop-shaped shell 2, the center of gravity of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone is concentrated in the middle, which reduces the inertial torque of the pitch and yaw axes, making the drone easier to control for hovering and turning, and stronger in wind resistance. At the same time, since the arm 3 is close to the center of gravity of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone, the arm 3 and the power system are integrated in the middle of the teardrop-shaped shell 2, which can shorten the length of the arm 3 and reduce the overall weight of the teardrop-shaped multirotor drone. Because the central position is where the streamlined radius of the teardrop-shaped shell 2 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV is the largest, the arms 3 and rotors are located in the central streamlined area, keeping the rotors away from the tail or tip of the shell. Therefore, the space in front and behind the teardrop-shaped shell 2 can accommodate batteries, motor power, and mission payloads (such as cameras and sensors), resulting in shorter torque output from the motor power, faster response speed for attitude adjustments (such as pitch and roll), and a reduced frontal area during flight, which reduces pressure drag and friction drag, improves endurance, avoids turbulence interference caused by airflow separation, and improves power efficiency.

[0025] In some optional implementations of this embodiment, the connector 1 includes: a fixed base 10, a rotating shaft 11, and a torsion spring. The fixed base 10 is fixedly connected to the teardrop-shaped housing 2, and the fixed base 10 is provided with a first through hole for the rotating shaft 11 to pass through. One end of the arm 3 connected to the teardrop-shaped housing 2 is provided with a second through hole. The rotating shaft 11 passes through the first through hole and the second through hole and is connected to the fixed base 10, connecting the arm 3 and the teardrop-shaped housing 2. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft 11, and the torsion spring applies an upward force to the arm 3 connected to the rotating shaft 11.

[0026] In order to enable the arm 3 to return to the flight state after folding, further improve the flight efficiency of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV, and maintain the stability of the arm 3 in the deployed state, thereby maintaining the flight stability of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV and preventing the arm 3 from folding or tilting during flight due to factors such as flight vibration, flight drag and gravity, in this embodiment of the invention, a torsion spring is fitted on the rotating shaft 11, and the torsion spring always applies an upward force to the arm 3 connected to the rotating shaft 11. This can reset the folded arm 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to the flight state, and at the same time, it can continue to apply an upward force to the arm 3 after it is reset to the flight state, ensuring that the arm 3 remains in the deployed state.

[0027] With this configuration, under the action of the torsion spring, on the one hand, the torsion spring can realize the foldable and unfoldable function of the arm 3, and on the other hand, it can maintain the stability of the arm 3 after unfolding, and absorb the vibration of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone during flight, thereby ensuring the flight stability of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor drone.

[0028] Specifically, based on the aforementioned defined structure, the principle of a catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: Arm 3 is fixedly connected to the teardrop-shaped shell 2 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV via a rotating shaft 11. A torsion spring is fitted on the rotating shaft 11, with one side of the torsion spring abutting against the arm 3 and the other side abutting against the fixing seat 10 used to connect the arm 3 to the teardrop-shaped shell 2. When the arm 3 needs to be folded, it is pressed down, causing the arm 3 to rotate from the flight state along the rotating shaft 11 to the vertical state, thus folding the arm 3. The folded teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV can then be placed in a launch tube that matches its size. At this time, the arm 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV remains folded downward under the limit of the tube wall. When the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV is launched, the launcher in the launch tube ejects the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV from the launch tube under the control of the launch tube control equipment. When the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV leaves the launch tube, the arm 3 automatically unfolds upward under the force of the torsion spring, returning to a stable flight state.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the arm is designed to be foldable, and the whole thing takes the shape of a teardrop when launched. The arm unfolds instantly upon exiting the launch tube and enters flight mode. The layout of each device is designed with optimized wiring harness connections in mind, which facilitates maintenance. The payload compartment and gimbal compartment of the UAV adopt a modular design, which allows for quick replacement of different payloads according to mission requirements.

[0030] In summary, the catapult-launched teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with foldable and deployable rotors provided in this embodiment of the invention, by designing the arms 3 of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to be foldable and deployable, allows the rotors of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to unfold and fold synchronously with the arms 3. When the arms 3 are folded, the corresponding connecting parts 1 apply an upward force to the arms 3, avoiding damage to the blades of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV, saving space, facilitating storage and transportation, and enabling the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to be placed in the launch tube for catapult launch. This allows the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV to quickly and efficiently reach the preset position to perform corresponding tasks, improving the flight efficiency and launch efficiency of the UAV, and reducing the energy consumption of the teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV.

[0031] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus 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 apparatus. Additionally, the terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" in this document refer to the placement shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors, characterized in that, include: Connectors, teardrop-shaped housing, and arm; The teardrop-shaped shell contains multiple parallel compartments, each containing the power unit, flight control unit, and data transmission unit of the multi-rotor UAV, so that the multi-rotor UAV is shaped like a teardrop. The arm comprises multiple arms, which are vertically connected to the teardrop-shaped shell via the connector. The multiple arms can be folded downwards in the vertical direction via the connector, and the rotors on the arms can be folded synchronously. When the arms are folded to the vertical position, they are close to the teardrop-shaped shell, and the rotors at the ends of the arms are located at the bottom of the multi-rotor drone. When the arms are folded downwards, the connector applies an upward force to the arms.

2. The catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of arms includes four.

3. The catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The four arms are arranged in an X-shape on the teardrop-shaped outer shell.

4. The catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of arms may be six or eight.

5. A catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The arm is located in the middle of the teardrop-shaped outer shell.

6. A catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component includes: a fixed base, a rotating shaft, and a torsion spring; The fixed base is fixedly connected to the teardrop-shaped outer shell, and the fixed base is provided with a first through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through. One end of the machine arm connected to the teardrop-shaped outer shell is provided with a second through hole. The rotating shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole and is connected to the fixed base, connecting the machine arm and the teardrop-shaped outer shell. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring applies an upward force to the machine arm connected to the rotating shaft.

7. A catapult-type teardrop-shaped multi-rotor UAV with folding and unfolding rotors as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first through hole and the second through hole are configured to match the rotating shaft.

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