Multi-stage energy absorption unit, multi-stage energy absorption mechanism and unmanned aerial vehicle battery protection device

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-stage energy absorption unit, a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism and a UAV battery protection device. The multi-stage energy absorption unit comprises a hexagonal honeycomb structure and a support structure. The hexagonal honeycomb structure comprises a first compression plate body and a second compression plate body. The support structure is located in the middle region of the first compression plate body and the second compression plate body. One end of the support structure is fixed with the first compression plate body, and the other end has a set distance with the second compression plate body. The multi-stage energy absorption unit has a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage. The support structure with a certain distance from the second compression plate body is arranged in the hexagonal honeycomb structure, so that the multi-stage energy absorption unit has the first deformation stage and the second deformation stage. Compared with the prior art, the multi-stage energy absorption unit can play an energy absorption protection role under low-energy impact and high-energy impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft energy absorption and protection, specifically to multi-stage energy absorption units, multi-stage energy absorption mechanisms, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) battery protection devices. Background Technology

[0002] Current drone battery protection structures typically employ aluminum or iron frame brackets, using cable ties or similar methods for semi-open securing of the battery. Traditional aluminum or iron frame protection structures offer virtually no energy absorption or cushioning capabilities. In the event of a drone crash or collision, this type of rigid frame directly transfers the impact load to the battery itself, failing to effectively attenuate the impact energy. This can easily lead to battery casing rupture, electrolyte leakage, and in severe cases, complete destruction of the drone, resulting in low safety.

[0003] In addition, some research has proposed using methods such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The body-centered cubic lattice structure shown serves as a sandwich layer to absorb impact energy during a crash, thereby reducing the impact load on the battery. The main drawback of this structure is that while it possesses a certain energy absorption capacity, its overall stiffness is difficult to adjust flexibly, resulting in insufficient adaptability. When this type of sandwich structure is designed for higher impact heights, under lower impact heights or low impact energy conditions, the structure exhibits excessive stiffness and insufficient deformation, failing to provide effective buffering and energy absorption, leading to a significant reduction in protection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above-mentioned problems and overcome at least one deficiency, this invention proposes a multi-stage energy absorption unit, a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, and a drone battery protection device.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A multi-stage energy absorption unit includes a hexagonal honeycomb structure and a support structure fixed within the hexagonal honeycomb structure; The hexagonal honeycomb structure includes three pairs of parallel plates, one of which is a pressure plate. Of the two pressure plates, one is a first pressure plate and the other is a second pressure plate. The support structure is located in the middle area between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate. One end of the support structure is fixed to the first pressure plate, and the other end is at a set distance from the second pressure plate. The multi-stage energy absorption unit has a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage; During the first deformation stage, the first and second pressure plates of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit are compressed, and the central region of the hexagonal honeycomb structure deforms outward. The first and second pressure plates move closer to each other until the second pressure plate contacts the supporting structure. After the second pressure plate contacts the supporting structure, the stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit increases. During the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate of the multi-stage energy absorption unit comes into contact with the support structure, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are compressed, the hexagonal honeycomb structure continues to deform, and the support structure collapses and deforms.

[0007] This application incorporates a support structure within a hexagonal honeycomb structure, positioned at a certain distance from the second pressure plate, enabling the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit to exhibit both a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage. During the first deformation stage, the second pressure plate does not contact the support structure; only the hexagonal honeycomb structure undergoes bending deformation. The overall stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is low, resulting in a large displacement range even at relatively small force levels. Therefore, it effectively absorbs low-energy impacts and is suitable for low-impact-height conditions. In the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate contacts the support structure, causing the support structure to collapse and deform. During this stage, the support structure significantly increases the stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit. Within a shorter displacement range, the force required for continued deformation is significantly increased, thus effectively absorbing high-energy impacts and making it suitable for high-impact-height conditions. This application exhibits different stiffnesses and load-bearing capacities sequentially during loading, providing energy absorption protection against both low-energy and high-energy impacts compared to existing technologies.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure is a hollow columnar structure.

[0009] In practical applications, the hollow cylindrical structure is a corrugated pipe.

[0010] In practical applications, the outer contour of the cross-section of the support structure can be circular, regular polygonal, or irregular.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, an intersection angle is formed at the junction of two adjacent plates. Among the six intersection angles of the hexagonal honeycomb structure, the two intersection angles located between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are the middle intersection angles. The hexagonal honeycomb structure plate has heat dissipation holes; The hexagonal honeycomb structure also has reinforcing ribs that connect the two intermediate corners.

[0012] Ventilation holes reduce the mechanical properties of hexagonal honeycomb structures, but the mechanical properties of hexagonal honeycomb structures can be improved by using reinforcing ribs.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing rib is provided on each of the two end faces of the hexagonal honeycomb structure.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing rib includes a plurality of hollow frames arranged in series.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow frame is circular, rhomboid, or hexagonal.

[0016] Circular, rhomboid, or hexagonal shapes can all achieve tensile deformation and have good repeatability. Combined with appropriate materials (such as nylon for hexagonal honeycomb structures), multi-stage energy-absorbing units have a long service life under low impact height conditions. That is, at low impact heights, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is only in the first deformation stage, effectively absorbing energy and allowing for reuse.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the reinforcing ribs are made of the same material, namely nylon polymer.

[0018] Existing lattice sandwich structures are typically disposable energy-absorbing structures with poor reusability. After a significant impact, the lattice structure often suffers irreversible damage, making it difficult to restore its original mechanical properties and requiring complete replacement. In contrast, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit of this application primarily utilizes bending and tensile deformation in the first deformation stage. Based on the excellent repeatability (approximately elastic deformation) of nylon material, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit can achieve a longer service life under low impact altitude conditions, eliminating the need to replace it after each low impact altitude event.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the reinforcing ribs are made of different materials, and the strength of the reinforcing rib material is greater than the strength of the hexagonal honeycomb structure material.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the support structure are 3D printed as a single unit; Alternatively, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the support structure are two separate parts, with the support structure installed inside the support structure through heat dissipation holes and bonded to the first pressure plate.

[0021] This application also discloses a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, including a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a multi-stage energy absorption unit disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, wherein the multi-stage energy absorption unit is the multi-stage energy absorption unit described above. Both the first cover plate and the second cover plate have heat dissipation holes.

[0022] In practical applications, the first and second cover plates can be made of nylon polymer materials.

[0023] In practical applications, the first and second pressure plates of the multi-stage energy absorption mechanism are fixed to the first and second cover plates, respectively. The fixing methods can be various, such as bonding, snap-fitting, etc.

[0024] The heat dissipation holes on the first and second cover plates are used to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the battery during use.

[0025] This application discloses a drone battery protection device, including a frame covering the outside of the drone battery, the frame including the multi-stage energy absorption mechanism described above.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This application provides a support structure at a certain distance from the second pressure plate within the hexagonal honeycomb structure, enabling the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit to have a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage. In the first deformation stage, the second pressure plate does not contact the support structure; only the hexagonal honeycomb structure bends and deforms. The overall stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is low, resulting in a large displacement range even at a relatively small force level. Therefore, it can effectively absorb low-energy impacts and is suitable for low-impact-height conditions. In the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate contacts the support structure, causing the support structure to collapse and deform. In this deformation stage, the support structure significantly increases the stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit. Within a shorter displacement range, the force required for continued deformation is significantly increased, thus effectively absorbing high-energy impacts and is suitable for high-impact-height conditions. This application can sequentially exhibit different stiffness and load-bearing capacity during loading, and compared to the prior art, it can provide energy absorption protection in both low-energy and high-energy impacts. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing body-centered cubic lattice structure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a centroidal cube; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage energy absorption unit; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-stage energy absorption unit from another angle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a reinforcing rib; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism; Figure 7 It is a force-displacement curve diagram of a multi-stage energy-absorbing unit and an existing body-centered cubic structure.

[0028] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 1. Multi-stage energy absorption unit; 11. Hexagonal honeycomb structure; 111. First pressure plate; 1111. Heat dissipation hole; 112. Second pressure plate; 113. Intermediate junction corner; 114. Reinforcing rib; 1141. Hollow frame; 12. Support structure; 2. First cover plate; 21. Heat dissipation through hole; 3. Second cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 6, a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism is disclosed, including a first cover plate 2, a second cover plate 3, and a multi-stage energy absorption unit 1 disposed between the first cover plate 2 and the second cover plate 3.

[0034] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the multi-level energy absorption unit 1 includes a hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 and a support structure 12 fixed within the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11. The hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 includes three pairs of parallel plates, one of which is a pressure plate. Of the two pressure plates, one is a first pressure plate 111 and the other is a second pressure plate 112. The support structure 12 is located in the middle area between the first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112. One end of the support structure 12 is fixed to the first pressure plate 111, and the other end is at a set distance from the second pressure plate 112. The multi-stage energy absorption unit 1 has a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage; During the first deformation stage, the first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112 are compressed, and the central region of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 deforms outward. The first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112 move closer to each other until the second pressure plate 112 contacts the supporting structure 12. After the second pressure plate 112 contacts the supporting structure 12, the stiffness of the multi-stage energy absorption unit 1 increases. During the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate 112 of the multi-stage energy absorption unit 1 comes into contact with the support structure 12, the first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112 are compressed, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 continues to deform, and drives the support structure 12 to collapse and deform.

[0035] This application incorporates a support structure within a hexagonal honeycomb structure, positioned at a certain distance from the second pressure plate, enabling the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit to exhibit both a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage. During the first deformation stage, the second pressure plate does not contact the support structure; only the hexagonal honeycomb structure undergoes bending deformation. The overall stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is low, resulting in a large displacement range even at relatively small force levels. Therefore, it effectively absorbs low-energy impacts and is suitable for low-impact-height conditions. In the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate contacts the support structure, causing the support structure to collapse and deform. During this stage, the support structure significantly increases the stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit. Within a shorter displacement range, the force required for continued deformation is significantly increased, thus effectively absorbing high-energy impacts and making it suitable for high-impact-height conditions. This application exhibits different stiffnesses and load-bearing capacities sequentially during loading, providing energy absorption protection against both low-energy and high-energy impacts compared to existing technologies.

[0036] In one embodiment, the height of the support structure 12 is 35% to 65% of the distance between the two pressure plates.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support structure 12 is a hollow columnar structure. For example, the hollow columnar structure is a corrugated pipe. Alternatively, the outer contour of the cross-section of the support structure 12 can be circular, a regular polygon, or an irregular shape. Figure 3 and 4As shown in the figure, the supporting structure 12 is a hollow cylinder.

[0038] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, in one embodiment, an intersection angle is formed at the junction of two adjacent plates. Among the six intersection angles of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11, the two intersection angles located between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate 112 are the middle intersection angles 113. The plate of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 has heat dissipation holes 1111; The hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 also has a reinforcing rib 114 connecting the two intermediate intersection corners 113.

[0039] The heat dissipation holes 1111 will reduce the mechanical properties of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11. By using the reinforcing ribs 114, the mechanical properties of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 can be improved.

[0040] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, in one embodiment, a reinforcing rib 114 is provided on each of the two end faces of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11.

[0041] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment, the reinforcing rib 114 includes a plurality of hollow frame bodies 1141 arranged in series.

[0042] The reinforcing rib 114 can take many forms. In one embodiment, the hollow frame 1141 is circular, rhomboid, or hexagonal.

[0043] Circular, rhomboid, or hexagonal shapes can all achieve tensile deformation and have good repeatability. Combined with appropriate materials (such as nylon for the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11), the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 has a long service life under low impact height conditions. That is, at low impact heights, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 is only in the first deformation stage, which can effectively absorb energy and can be reused.

[0044] In one embodiment, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 and the reinforcing ribs 114 are made of the same material, namely nylon polymer.

[0045] Existing lattice sandwich structures are typically disposable energy-absorbing structures with poor reusability. After a significant impact, the lattice structure often suffers irreversible damage, making it difficult to restore its original mechanical properties and requiring complete replacement. In contrast, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 of this application primarily exhibits bending and tensile deformation in the first deformation stage. Based on the excellent repeatability (approximately elastic deformation) of nylon material, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 can achieve a longer service life under low impact height conditions, eliminating the need to replace it after each low impact height event.

[0046] In one embodiment, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 and the reinforcing rib 114 are made of different materials, and the strength of the material of the reinforcing rib 114 is greater than the strength of the material of the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 and the support structure 12 are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 and the support structure 12 are two independent parts. The support structure 12 is installed in the support structure 12 through the heat dissipation holes 1111 and is bonded and fixed to the first pressure plate 111.

[0049] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, in one embodiment, both the first cover plate 2 and the second cover plate 3 have heat dissipation holes 21. The heat dissipation holes 21 provided on the first cover plate 2 and the second cover plate 3 are used to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the battery during use.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the deformation of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 under quasi-static loading conditions will be described in detail below: Under uniaxial compression (the first compression plate 111 and the second compression plate 112 are compressed), the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 exhibits multi-level mechanical behavior and stiffness characteristics. In the first deformation stage, the hexagonal honeycomb structure 11 mainly undergoes bending deformation, while the reinforcing ribs 114 undergo tensile deformation. The force level is relatively small in this stage and remains essentially constant within a large displacement range, resulting in near-zero overall stiffness. This effectively absorbs low-energy impacts and is suitable for low-impact conditions. As the compression displacement increases, the second compression plate 112 comes into contact with the supporting structure 12, entering the second deformation stage. The supporting structure 12 undergoes buckling deformation, causing a significant increase in the force value of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit 1 within a shorter displacement range, exhibiting higher stiffness to cope with high-energy impact loads. Figure 7 It is known that existing body-centered cubic structures typically exhibit high stiffness in their mechanical response, making them unsuitable for multi-level protection requirements under different impact heights. Specifically, at low impact heights, body-centered cubic structures cannot effectively absorb energy, resulting in low protective capabilities.

[0051] In practical applications, the first cover plate 2 and the second cover plate 3 can be made of nylon polymer material.

[0052] In practical applications, the first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112 of the multi-stage energy absorption mechanism are fixed to the first cover plate 2 and the second cover plate 3, respectively. The fixing methods can be various, such as bonding, snap-fitting, etc.

[0053] This embodiment also discloses a drone battery protection device (not shown in the drawings), including a frame covering the outside of the drone battery. The frame includes a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism as described in this embodiment. Through the multi-level deformation modes and mechanical behavior design of the multi-stage energy absorption units, the drone battery protection device possesses different stiffness characteristics at different displacement stages, effectively coping with the different impact energies generated by the drone at different impact heights, breaking through the single energy absorption characteristics of traditional protection structures. Specifically, the first stage is dominated by bending and tensile deformation. Based on the good repeatability of nylon material, the drone battery protection device has a long service life under low impact height conditions. The second stage significantly improves the impact resistance of the drone battery protection device through the buckling deformation of the support structure 12, thereby effectively protecting the battery safety under extreme impact conditions.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, whether directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection, characterized in that, It includes a hexagonal honeycomb structure and a support structure fixed within the hexagonal honeycomb structure; The hexagonal honeycomb structure includes three pairs of parallel plates, one of which is a pressure plate. Of the two pressure plates, one is a first pressure plate and the other is a second pressure plate. The support structure is located in the middle region between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate. One end of the support structure is fixed to the first pressure plate, and the other end is at a set distance from the second pressure plate. The height of the support structure is 35% to 65% of the distance between the two pressure plates. The junction of two adjacent plates forms a junction angle. Among the six junction angles of the hexagonal honeycomb structure, the two junction angles located between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are the middle junction angles. The hexagonal honeycomb structure plate has heat dissipation holes; The hexagonal honeycomb structure also has reinforcing ribs that connect the two intermediate corners; The multi-stage energy absorption unit has a first deformation stage and a second deformation stage; In the first deformation stage, the first and second pressure plates of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit are compressed, and the central region of the hexagonal honeycomb structure deforms outward. The first and second pressure plates move closer together until the second pressure plate contacts the supporting structure. The first deformation stage of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is suitable for low impact height conditions. Under low impact height conditions, the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is only in the first deformation stage. The multi-stage energy-absorbing unit has the ability to repeatedly deform, absorb energy, and be reused. When the second pressure plate contacts the supporting structure, the stiffness of the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit increases. During the second deformation stage, the second pressure plate of the multi-stage energy absorption unit comes into contact with the supporting structure, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are compressed, the hexagonal honeycomb structure continues to deform, and the supporting structure collapses and deforms. The multi-stage energy absorption unit is suitable for high impact height conditions during the second deformation stage.

2. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for UAV battery protection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting structure is a hollow columnar structure.

3. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hexagonal honeycomb structure has a reinforcing rib on each of its two end faces.

4. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The reinforcing rib comprises multiple hollow frames arranged in series.

5. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The hollow frame is circular, rhomboid, or hexagonal.

6. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hexagonal honeycomb structure and the reinforcing ribs are made of the same material, nylon polymer. Alternatively, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the reinforcing ribs may be made of different materials, and the reinforcing ribs may be made of a material with greater strength than the hexagonal honeycomb structure.

7. The multi-stage energy absorption unit for drone battery protection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hexagonal honeycomb structure and the supporting structure are 3D printed as a single unit. Alternatively, the hexagonal honeycomb structure and the support structure are two separate parts, with the support structure installed inside the support structure through heat dissipation holes and bonded to the first pressure plate.

8. A multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a multi-stage energy-absorbing unit for drone battery protection disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, wherein the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit is the multi-stage energy-absorbing unit for drone battery protection as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. Both the first cover plate and the second cover plate have heat dissipation holes.

9. A battery protection device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, Includes a frame covering the outside of the drone battery, the frame including the multi-stage energy absorption mechanism as described in claim 8.

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