Intelligent robotic arm energy storage launch frame

Abstract

This invention discloses an embedded, concealed robotic arm ground-assisted takeoff system for aircraft, belonging to the field of aviation equipment technology. The system consists of an aircraft, a concealed lifting base, a folding robotic arm, and a ground-based power unit. The robotic arm is entirely housed in an internal recess of a raised platform or rooftop platform. During operation, it extends outside the platform to provide propulsion for the aircraft, and after takeoff, it can be completely retracted and concealed. The system transfers the peak energy consumption during the aircraft's vertical takeoff phase to high-power ground equipment, significantly reducing onboard battery consumption and substantially improving the aircraft's range and payload. This solution is adaptable to all types of large, medium, and small vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, and is particularly suitable for fixed-site deployment of JD Logistics delivery drones and manned aircraft. It boasts advantages such as concealed structure, no occupation of platform surface space, and aesthetically pleasing deployment, making it highly valuable for commercial application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation equipment technology, and in particular to an embedded, hidden robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system suitable for logistics distribution and short-distance manned scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft are increasingly widely used in logistics and passenger transportation. However, the energy consumption peaks during the transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal cruise, accounting for more than 60% of the total energy consumption. This directly results in short flight range and low payload, which greatly limits commercialization. This problem is particularly prominent for small and medium-sized delivery drones of logistics companies such as JD.com.

[0003] Existing ground-based robotic arm booster solutions are all exposed installations, with the robotic arms constantly exposed on the platform surface. This not only takes up space and affects the overall aesthetics of the platform, but also makes them prone to dust accumulation, environmental corrosion, and short service life. While embedded elevator lifting solutions can be hidden, they lack flexibility and cannot adapt to the angle adjustment requirements of various aircraft. The industry urgently needs an integrated solution that combines concealment, flexible boosting, and stable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an embedded, hidden robotic arm-based ground-assisted takeoff system for aircraft. Through a retractable robotic arm structure, the system transfers the peak energy consumption of aircraft takeoff to ground equipment while completely concealing the mechanism. This balances platform aesthetics with operational flexibility and is compatible with all types of aircraft and commercial site deployments.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An embedded, concealed robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system includes an aircraft, a concealed lifting base, a folding robotic arm, and a ground power unit;

[0009] The concealed lifting base is installed in the groove inside the platform. The ground power unit provides power to the lifting base and the folding robotic arm. The folding robotic arm is hinged to the top of the lifting base and has a quick docking structure at the end, which can be temporarily fixed to the aircraft.

[0010] The overall workflow is as follows:

[0011] 1. Initial concealed state: The lifting base and folding robotic arm are all stored in the platform groove, flush with the platform surface, without occupying external space;

[0012] 2. Lifting and boosting process: The lifting base is lifted upward, the folding robotic arm extends outward, docks with the aircraft at the end and applies a boosting force, relying on ground power to share the peak energy consumption of the aircraft during the takeoff phase;

[0013] 3. Disengagement and retraction state: After the aircraft reaches the critical speed for takeoff, it automatically disengages, the robotic arm folds inward, the lifting base falls back, and the entire mechanism is hidden inside the platform again.

[0014] Beneficial effects

[0015] 1. Energy transfer and significantly improved range: The maximum energy consumption during the takeoff phase of the aircraft is entirely borne by the ground equipment, and the onboard battery is only used for cruise flight. The range is greatly improved with the same battery capacity, making it a perfect fit for long-distance delivery of logistics drones.

[0016] 2. Universal for all models: The length and angle of the robotic arm can be flexibly adjusted, making it compatible with all types of drones, from small logistics delivery drones to large manned aircraft, with extremely strong versatility;

[0017] 3. Fully embedded and hidden design: After the operation is completed, the entire mechanism is stored inside the platform with a flat surface, which takes into account the aesthetics and can be directly used for commercial transformation of urban rooftops and logistics parks.

[0018] 4. Flexibility far exceeds that of elevator solutions: Compared to vertical elevator lifting, the robotic arm can adjust the boost angle to adapt to the takeoff attitude of different aircraft, making it applicable to a wider range of scenarios;

[0019] 5. Strong structural protection: After being stored, the structure can avoid exposure to sun and rain, dust accumulation and wear, resulting in a longer service life, lower maintenance costs, and facilitating large-scale commercial promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm extending and the aircraft taking off, according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the aircraft of the present invention in a disengaged state with the robotic arm beginning to retract and hide.

[0022] The markings in the diagram are: 01-Hidden lifting base, 02-Robotic arm joint, 03-Folding robotic arm body, 04-Robotic arm end docking structure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Example 1: JD Logistics delivery drone scenario

[0024] This system is embedded in the rooftop platform of JD Logistics Park. The robotic arm is completely hidden inside the platform when the delivery drone docks. After the drone docks, the robotic arm extends to connect and completes the boost takeoff. The takeoff energy consumption is borne by the ground equipment. After the drone detaches, it enters the cruise delivery. After the drone completes the takeoff, the robotic arm automatically retracts and hides, and the platform returns to a flat state, which can realize the large-scale and aesthetically pleasing operation of logistics stations.

[0025] Example 2: Large manned aircraft scenario

[0026] Installing this system inside a dedicated take-off and landing platform allows large manned aircraft to take off with a booster arm after docking, significantly reducing take-off energy consumption and increasing manned payload and range. After the operation is completed, the mechanism automatically hides, without occupying platform space.

[0027] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embedded, concealed robotic arm ground-assisted takeoff system for an aircraft, characterized in that, include: Aircraft, concealed lifting base, folding robotic arm, ground power unit; The concealed lifting base is fixedly installed in the internal groove of the high platform or rooftop platform, and can be raised and lowered as a whole and stored inside the platform; the folding robotic arm is hinged to the lifting base, and the end of the robotic arm is provided with a detachable docking structure, which can be temporarily docked and fixed with the bottom of the aircraft. The ground power unit is electrically connected to the lifting base and the folding robotic arm, providing high-power drive energy for the entire mechanism. During takeoff, the lifting base rises from the platform recess, and the folding robotic arm extends outward to apply upward and forward thrust to the aircraft, sharing the peak energy consumption during the takeoff phase. After the aircraft reaches the critical takeoff speed, the robotic arm retracts, the lifting base falls back, and the entire mechanism is hidden inside the platform again. This system can be adapted to large, medium, and small vertical takeoff and landing aircraft of all sizes and is suitable for scenarios such as logistics distribution and passenger transport.

2. The embedded hidden robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting base and folding robotic arm can be completely stored inside the platform groove. After being stored, they are flush with the platform surface, do not occupy external space, and have strong structural concealment.

3. The embedded hidden robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding robotic arm has a multi-section telescopic structure, which can flexibly adjust the boost angle and length to adapt to the takeoff requirements of aircraft of different sizes.

4. The embedded hidden robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm's end effector is connected to the aircraft in a quick-release manner. Once the aircraft has gained sufficient lift, the connection is automatically released without mechanical interference, thus not affecting subsequent cruise flight.

5. The embedded hidden robotic arm aircraft ground-assisted takeoff system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system can be permanently installed on the rooftops of logistics parks, urban high platforms, or dedicated take-off and landing base stations, serving as a dedicated fixed take-off platform for aircraft.

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