Ocean monitoring buoy with foldable weather observation platform

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of marine observation equipment, and discloses a marine monitoring buoy with a foldable weather observation platform, which comprises a floating body, a deck arranged above the floating body, a foldable weather observation platform installed at the edge of the deck, wherein the platform comprises a base fixed to the edge of the deck, a rotating shaft arranged on the base, a bearing column hinged to the base through the rotating shaft and capable of rotating around the rotating shaft, an instrument bearing frame arranged at the top end of the bearing column, a driving mechanism for driving the bearing column to rotate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the bearing column, a weather sensor installed on the instrument bearing frame, wherein the bearing column is capable of rotating around the rotating shaft under the driving of the driving mechanism, so as to switch between a vertical observation position, a maintenance position inclined to the central direction of the deck, and an avoidance position inclined to the sea surface direction outside the buoy. The buoy disclosed by the present application can realize the multifunctional coordination and unification of weather observation, equipment maintenance, unmanned aerial vehicle operation and photovoltaic power generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine observation equipment technology, and in particular to a marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform. Background Technology

[0002] As a key node in the marine observation network, marine monitoring buoys undertake long-term, continuous, and three-dimensional monitoring tasks of various environmental factors such as marine meteorology, hydrology, and ecology. With the development of marine observation and intelligent technologies, the functional requirements of modern marine buoys are becoming increasingly comprehensive. They not only need to be equipped with high-precision meteorological sensors for fixed-point observation, but also need to have a UAV take-off and landing platform to realize regional patrols and emergency response, and rely on efficient and stable photovoltaic power generation systems to maintain long-term offshore operation.

[0003] Currently, most common ocean buoys employ fixed meteorological observation towers or mast structures, mounting meteorological sensors at a certain height above the deck. While this structure ensures the sensor's field of view, it also presents a series of prominent problems: First, equipment maintenance is difficult and risky. Sensors require regular calibration, cleaning, or replacement. The fixed tower makes it difficult for maintenance personnel to directly access the equipment, especially in harsh sea conditions, where the risk of climbing the buoy is high, often requiring them to wear safety harnesses and climb built-in or external ladders, increasing maintenance costs and operational complexity.

[0004] Second, it hinders drone takeoff and landing operations. Fixed observation towers permanently occupy the space above the deck, creating physical obstacles and severely reducing the clearance area available for safe drone takeoff and landing. On buoys with limited deck space, meteorological observation and drone operation functions conflict spatially and are difficult to perform simultaneously.

[0005] Third, it obstructs photovoltaic power generation, reducing energy self-sufficiency. The observation tower and its supporting structure cast shadows on the deck surface, blocking some of the solar panels installed on the deck, causing a decrease in the output power of the photovoltaic array, and affecting the energy supply and long-term operational capability of the entire buoy system.

[0006] Fourth, the structure has poor resistance to wind and waves. The towering fixed towers have to be designed to be large and heavy because they need to accommodate personnel operations. In harsh marine environments such as strong winds and huge waves, they are subjected to large wind loads and wave impact moments, which can easily cause structural vibration, fatigue or even damage, affecting the continuity of observation data and the overall reliability of the buoy.

[0007] Fifth, the solar photovoltaic field of view is limited. In traditional designs, solar panels can only be laid flat on a limited deck surface, and the power generation area is limited by the deck size, making it difficult to meet the growing power demand of equipment, especially for charging drones and powering high-performance computing and communication modules.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of marine monitoring buoy. Its meteorological observation platform should have the ability to adjust its position and change its status in order to fundamentally solve problems such as inconvenient maintenance, spatial conflicts, power generation obstruction, structural fragility and limited power generation area, and realize efficient collaboration and space reuse of multiple functions such as meteorological monitoring, UAV operation and energy supply. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform, thereby achieving a multi-functional and coordinated integration of meteorological observation, equipment maintenance, UAV operations, and photovoltaic power generation.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform includes a buoy body; a deck disposed above the buoy body; a foldable meteorological observation platform installed on the edge of the deck, the platform including a base fixed to the edge of the deck, a pivot mounted on the base, a support column hinged to the base via the pivot and rotatable therearound, an instrument support frame disposed at the top of the support column, a drive mechanism for driving the support column to rotate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the support column; and meteorological sensors mounted on the instrument support frame; wherein the support column can rotate around the pivot under the drive mechanism, thereby switching between a vertical observation position, a maintenance position tilted towards the center of the deck, and an avoidance position tilted towards the outer sea surface of the buoy.

[0011] In the above scheme, auxiliary solar panels are laid on the side of the instrument support frame facing away from the sea surface; when the foldable meteorological observation platform is in the avoidance position, the auxiliary solar panels face the sky; it also includes a solar panel array laid on the deck surface, so that when the platform is in the avoidance position, the supporting columns and the instrument support frame minimize the shading of the solar panel array.

[0012] In the above scheme, the driving mechanism includes a motor, a worm gear reducer connected to the output shaft of the motor, and a sector-shaped gear disk meshing with the output end of the reducer. The sector-shaped gear disk is fixedly connected to the supporting column. Alternatively, the driving mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder driving mechanism. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the base, and the other end is hinged to the supporting column. A hydraulic lock is provided in its hydraulic circuit.

[0013] In the above scheme, the locking mechanism is a center-connecting linkage locking mechanism that connects the base and the supporting column.

[0014] In the above scheme, the vertical observation position is the position where the angle between the supporting column and the deck plane is 85° to 95°; the maintenance position is the position where the supporting column is tilted towards the center of the deck and the angle with the vertical direction is 15° to 35°; the avoidance position is the position where the supporting column is tilted towards the sea surface outside the buoy and the angle with the vertical direction is 15° to 45°.

[0015] In the above scheme, there are multiple foldable meteorological observation platforms, which are symmetrically arranged along the edge of the deck.

[0016] In the above scheme, there are four foldable meteorological observation platforms, and the azimuth angle between adjacent platforms is 90°; it also includes a working deck area located in the center of the deck. When all the foldable meteorological observation platforms are folded to the avoidance position, a clear airspace area for UAV take-off and landing is formed above the working deck area.

[0017] In the above scheme, the instrument support frame is equipped with a standardized installation interface; the support column is a hollow tube structure with a cable channel inside.

[0018] Further technical solutions also include a control unit, which controls the switching of each foldable meteorological observation platform between the vertical observation position, maintenance position, and avoidance position based on one or more factors such as solar azimuth, weather conditions, power load, and UAV take-off and landing requirements.

[0019] In a further technical solution, the operating modes of the control unit include: full observation mode, full avoidance mode, single platform maintenance mode, photovoltaic optimization mode, and severe weather protection mode.

[0020] Through the above technical solution, the marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Significantly reduces the difficulty and risk of maintenance operations: By folding the platform to the maintenance position on the deck side, the weather sensors can be lowered to a height within easy reach of maintenance personnel, allowing for calibration, cleaning, or replacement without the need for ladders or lifting equipment, significantly reducing the difficulty of maintenance and safety hazards in high-risk marine environments.

[0021] 2. Completely resolves the spatial conflict between observation and take-off and landing: By tilting the platform to the side towards the sea surface to a clearance position, the space above the deck can be completely freed up, forming an open clear area, thereby meeting the needs of safe take-off and landing and operation of UAVs, and realizing the functional compatibility and space reuse of the meteorological observation platform and the UAV take-off and landing platform.

[0022] 3. Significantly Enhance the Power Generation Capacity and Efficiency of the Photovoltaic System: By adding auxiliary solar panels to the side of the instrument's support frame facing away from the sea surface and positioning them towards the sky in a designated avoidance position, the effective power generation area is directly increased. Simultaneously, the platform's tilting and avoidance mechanism eliminates its obstruction of the solar panel array on the deck, allowing the obscured panels to resume full-power generation. These two measures work synergistically to significantly improve the overall power generation efficiency and energy self-sufficiency of the buoy system.

[0023] 4. Enhance the survivability of buoys in harsh sea conditions: When encountering strong winds and waves, folding the platform to a avoidance position can effectively lower the center of gravity of the entire buoy and reduce the windward area, thereby reducing wind load and overturning moment, improving the stability and structural safety of the buoy, and helping to protect equipment in extreme environments.

[0024] 5. Improve the reliability and accuracy of meteorological observation data: By adopting a scheme in which multiple platforms are symmetrically arranged along the edge of the buoy, meteorological data (such as wind speed and wind direction) can be collected simultaneously from different directions. This helps to eliminate the local obstruction effect of single-point observation and improve the spatial representativeness, redundancy and overall reliability of the data.

[0025] 6. Achieve multi-functional intelligent coordination and energy efficiency optimization: Through the integrated intelligent control system, the platform can automatically or remotely switch to the optimal working mode according to real-time solar position, light intensity, weather conditions, energy demand and drone operation plan, dynamically balancing multiple needs such as meteorological observation, drone operation and photovoltaic power generation, and maximizing system energy efficiency and mission efficiency.

[0026] 7. Enhanced System Reliability and Maintainability: The drive and locking mechanisms employ self-locking designs (such as worm gears, over-center linkage locks, and hydraulic locks) to ensure the platform is securely locked in all working positions, meeting the reliability requirements for long-term unattended operation. The modular and standardized design of the instrument's support frame facilitates rapid sensor assembly and disassembly, as well as system upgrades. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the support column in its maintenance position; Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the support column positioned to avoid obstacles; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a motor acceleration and deceleration drive method; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic cylinder drive system.

[0029] In the diagram, 1. Float; 2. Deck; 3. Foldable meteorological observation platform; 4. Working deck area; 5. Solar panel array; 6. UAV; 7. Meteorological sensor; 8. Base; 9. Rotary shaft; 10. Support column; 11. Instrument support frame; 12. Drive mechanism; 13. Locking mechanism; 14. Auxiliary solar panel; 15. Motor; 16. Reducer; 17. Sector gear; 18. Drive link; 19. Driven link; 20. Locking pin; 21. Oil tank; 22. Gear pump; 23. Electromagnetic directional valve; 24. Hydraulic lock; 25. Hydraulic cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] This invention provides a marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform 3, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: Float 1, the main structure providing buoyancy support for the buoy, is circular or nearly circular in shape, and contains a sealed buoyancy chamber and an equipment chamber. In this embodiment, float 1 is circular with a diameter of approximately 10 meters and is constructed of welded steel. The buoyancy chamber provides buoyancy support, while the equipment chamber is used to install control systems, energy storage batteries, communication equipment, etc.

[0032] Deck 2, the working plane above float 1, is designed with anti-slip grids and is used to support various equipment, solar panel array 5 and workers; the open area in the center of deck 2 is the work deck area 4, which is about 4 meters in diameter and is marked with take-off and landing signs, for the take-off and landing of UAV 6 and equipment operations. The foldable meteorological observation platform 3 is installed on the edge of the deck 2 and includes a base 8 fixed to the edge of the deck 2, a rotating shaft 9 set on the base 8, a supporting column 10 that is hinged to the base 8 through the rotating shaft 9 and can rotate around it, an instrument supporting frame 11 set on the top of the supporting column 10, a driving mechanism 12 for driving the supporting column 10 to rotate, and a locking mechanism 13 for locking the position of the supporting column 10. In this embodiment, each platform 3 is about 3 meters high when in the vertical observation position and can carry a complete set of meteorological sensors 7.

[0033] The meteorological sensor 7, installed on the top and sides of the instrument's supporting frame 11, includes an ultrasonic anemometer, a platinum resistance temperature sensor, a capacitive humidity sensor, a digital barometer, a total radiometer, etc., and can perform continuous high-precision meteorological observations.

[0034] Solar panel array 5, the main photovoltaic module laid on the surface of deck 2, provides the main power for the buoy system; it uses monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon modules, with a total area of ​​about 30 square meters and a peak power of about 5kW.

[0035] The auxiliary solar panel 14 is a photovoltaic module installed on the back of the instrument support frame 11 (facing the side of the deck 2). When the platform 3 is folded to the avoidance position, the panel faces the sky and can receive solar radiation to generate auxiliary power.

[0036] Specifically, the components and structure of the foldable meteorological observation platform 3 are as follows: Base 8: A support base fixed to the edge of deck 2, made of high-strength stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum alloy, providing an installation foundation for the entire platform 3; In this embodiment, base 8 is made of 316L stainless steel casting, and the bottom is connected to the deck 2 structure by high-strength bolts, providing a stable installation foundation for the entire platform 3.

[0037] Rotating shaft 9: A horizontal rotating shaft 9 is set between the base 8 and the supporting column 10. The axis is parallel to the tangent direction of the edge of the deck 2. It adopts a corrosion-resistant bearing and is equipped with a sealing structure. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 9 is horizontally set on the top of the base 8. The axis is parallel to the tangent direction of the edge of the deck 2. It adopts a double-row tapered roller bearing that is resistant to seawater corrosion. The bearing housing is filled with marine-grade grease and is equipped with multiple labyrinth seals.

[0038] Support column 10: A supporting component extending upward from the rotating shaft 9, using a hollow square or round tube structure, with internal wiring, used to lift the instrument support frame 11 to an appropriate height; in this embodiment, the support column 10 is a 150mm×150mm square cross-section hollow steel tube with a wall thickness of 8mm, one end is fixed to the inner ring of the rotating shaft 9 through a flange, and the other end is bolted to the instrument support frame 11.

[0039] Instrument support frame 11: A frame structure located at the top of the support column 10, featuring a modular design and standardized installation interfaces for mounting and fixing meteorological sensors 7. In this embodiment, the instrument support frame 11 is a grid-like aluminum alloy frame, approximately 600mm × 600mm × 400mm in size, with multiple M8 threaded holes and standardized slot interfaces for mounting and fixing various meteorological sensors 7. An auxiliary solar panel 14, with an area of ​​approximately 0.8 square meters and a peak power of approximately 150W, is installed on the back of the frame (facing the center of the deck 2).

[0040] Drive mechanism 12: a power device for driving the support column 10 to rotate around the rotating shaft 9, which can be driven by a motor reducer or a hydraulic cylinder. Locking mechanism 13: A mechanism for locking and fixing the supporting column 10 at each working position, and has a self-locking function.

[0041] The specific implementation method of drive mechanism 12: The drive mechanism 12 can adopt one of the following two schemes: Option A: Motor driven by a speed reducer like Figure 4 As shown, the system includes a motor 15, a reducer 16, and a sector gear disk 17. The motor 15 outputs low-speed, high-torque power through the reducer 16 (preferably a worm gear reducer with a transmission ratio of not less than 40:1), driving the sector gear disk 17, which is fixedly connected to the support column 10, to rotate, thus achieving the folding of the platform 3. The worm gear transmission has a self-locking characteristic, and in conjunction with an electromagnetic brake, it can maintain the position of the platform 3 in the event of a power outage. The motor 15 can be a brushless DC motor 15 or a stepper motor 15, facilitating precise position control.

[0042] In this embodiment, motor 15 is a 24V DC brushless motor with a rated power of 200W, equipped with an encoder for position feedback. The output of motor 15 is reduced by a worm gear reducer with a transmission ratio of 60:1, and can output a torque of approximately 800 N·m. The output shaft of reducer 16 drives a pinion through a coupling. The pinion meshes with a sector gear plate fixed to the support column 10, transmitting the rotational motion to the support column 10.

[0043] The lead angle of the worm gear drive is smaller than the friction angle, giving it a self-locking property that prevents platform 3 from rotating when power is off. An electromagnetic power-off brake is installed at the end of motor 15 shaft. The brake releases during normal power supply and automatically engages when power is off, providing double locking protection.

[0044] Option B: Hydraulic cylinder drive like Figure 5 As shown, a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is used to drive the support column 10 to rotate around the shaft 9. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the base 8, and the other end is hinged to the support column 10. A hydraulic lock is installed in its hydraulic circuit to lock the oil when the reversing valve is in the neutral position, achieving self-locking retention at any position. This scheme has a large output torque and is suitable for large heavy-duty platforms 3, but the system complexity is relatively high.

[0045] In this embodiment, a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a diameter of 63mm and a stroke of 300mm is used. The bottom of the cylinder barrel is hinged to the base 8, and the end of the piston rod is hinged to the supporting column 10. The hydraulic system includes an oil tank 21, a gear pump 22, a solenoid directional valve 23, a hydraulic lock 24, and a hydraulic cylinder 25. The solenoid directional valve 23 controls the flow direction of the oil, and the hydraulic lock 24 locks the oil on both sides A and B when the solenoid directional valve 23 is in the neutral position, achieving self-locking at any position. The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 10MPa and can output a thrust of approximately 2000N, suitable for heavy-duty platform 3.

[0046] The specific implementation method of locking mechanism 13: like Figure 4 As shown, the locking mechanism 13 employs a center-link locking mechanism, consisting of a driving link 18, a driven link 19, and a locking pin 20. Utilizing the geometric self-locking effect formed after the link system passes the dead center position, the platform 3 is securely locked without the need for continuous power application. During unlocking, the motor reverses to drive the link back, the driven link exits the dead center, and the lock is released. This mechanism is simple in structure, highly reliable, and requires no additional power to maintain the locked state. It can reliably lock in vertical observation, maintenance, and avoidance positions, and the unlocking action is simple and reliable.

[0047] The foldable meteorological observation platform 3 has three typical working positions: The support column 10 can rotate around the pivot 9 under the drive of the drive mechanism 12, thereby switching between a vertical observation position, a maintenance position tilted towards the center of the deck 2, and an avoidance position tilted towards the sea surface outside the buoy.

[0048] 1. Vertical observation position: The supporting column 10 is in a roughly vertical position (the angle with the plane of deck 2 is approximately 85° to 95°, preferably 90°), and the instrument supporting frame 11 is located at a relatively high position above deck 2, suitable for routine meteorological observations. In this state, the auxiliary solar panel 14 faces the center of deck 2 and does not participate in power generation; 2. Maintenance position on deck 2: The supporting column 10 is tilted towards the center of deck 2 (at an angle of approximately 15° to 35° with the vertical), lowering the instrument support frame 11 to a height easily accessible to personnel, suitable for sensor maintenance work; alternatively, it can be laid flat, with the supporting column 10 at a 90° angle with the vertical, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0049] 3. Position to avoid the sea surface: The supporting column 10 is tilted towards the sea surface outside the buoy (at an angle of approximately 15° to 45° with the vertical direction), so that platform 3 leaves space above deck 2, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In this state, the auxiliary solar panel 14 faces the sky, is in the optimal position for receiving sunlight, and can participate in power generation; at the same time, the platform 3 is away from the top of the deck 2, eliminating the obstruction of the solar panel array 5 on the deck 2, and significantly improving the overall power generation efficiency of the system.

[0050] Multi-platform deployment and coordination control: Multiple foldable meteorological observation platforms 3 are arranged symmetrically along the edge of the buoy deck 2, preferably two, but also four, arranged diagonally. The advantages of this multi-platform arrangement include: (1) Improve the spatial coverage of meteorological observation, and collect wind speed and direction data from multiple directions to eliminate blind spots in single-point observation; (2) Improve data redundancy so that a single platform failure does not affect the overall system function; (3) When all platforms 3 are folded to the avoidance position, a large circular or square clearance area is formed in the center of the deck 2 to meet the requirements for safe take-off and landing of the UAV 6; (4) The platform 3 can be selectively flipped according to the sun's position to optimize power generation efficiency while maintaining meteorological observation capabilities.

[0051] Intelligent control system: The buoy is equipped with a control unit, implemented using an embedded industrial computer, responsible for coordinating and controlling four foldable meteorological observation platforms. The control unit receives the following input information: (1) The position sensor signals of each platform are used to monitor the angle status of the platform in real time; (2) Light sensor signal, used to determine solar radiation intensity and orientation; (3) Meteorological sensor 7 data is used to determine environmental conditions such as wind speed and wind direction; (4) Energy storage battery status, used to determine the system's energy reserve status; (5) The UAV 6 system signal is used to coordinate the take-off and landing sequence of the UAV 6; (6) Remote communication commands, used to receive manual commands from the shore station control center.

[0052] The control unit automatically selects the optimal operating mode based on preset strategies and real-time conditions. Full observation mode: All four platforms are in vertical observation positions, and the system is in the best meteorological observation state; Full avoidance mode: All four platforms 3 are in an avoidance position, used for drone 6 take-off and landing or to maximize photovoltaic power generation; Single Platform 3 Maintenance Mode: Platform 3 is in the maintenance position, while the other platforms 3 remain in the vertical observation position; Photovoltaic optimization mode: Based on the sun's position, switch the backlight-side platform 3 to a position to reduce shading, while keeping the sun-facing platform 3 in a vertical position for continued observation; Severe Weather Protection Mode: When the wind speed exceeds the set threshold (e.g., 15m / s) or a typhoon warning is received, all platforms 3 will be automatically switched to avoidance positions to reduce wind load and protect sensor equipment.

[0053] Maintenance location and operation: When maintenance is required on weather sensor 7, the operator issues a maintenance position command via the control panel or remote control. Drive mechanism 12 drives the support column 10 to rotate approximately 30° around axis 9 towards the center of deck 2. The instrument support frame 11 then descends and tilts forward, ultimately reaching a height of approximately 1.2-1.5 meters above deck 2. Locking mechanism 13 automatically locks in the maintenance position. Alternatively, it can be fully lowered, such as... Figure 2As shown, to avoid the sensor being affected by wind and waves, simply select an appropriate height.

[0054] From the maintenance position, maintenance personnel can easily access various sensors on the instrument support frame 11 from deck 2 to perform inspection, calibration, cleaning, or replacement operations without the need for ladders or lifting equipment, significantly reducing the difficulty and risk of maintenance work. The modular design of the instrument support frame 11 allows for quick assembly and disassembly of sensor modules, and typical maintenance operations can be completed within 30 minutes.

[0055] Alternatively, one platform 3 can be placed in the maintenance position while the other three platforms 3 remain in an upright position. This configuration allows maintenance of a single platform 3 without affecting the normal observation operations of the other platforms 3, with the system's meteorological observation capability decreasing by only about 25%, while still providing reliable observation data.

[0056] Avoidance location and photovoltaic optimization: When drone takeoff and landing operations are required or when maximizing photovoltaic power generation is needed, the control system issues an avoidance position command. The drive mechanism 12 drives the supporting column 10 to rotate approximately 15°-45° around the pivot 9 towards the outer sea surface of the buoy (adjustable according to actual needs). Figure 3 As shown, the instrument support frame 11 is positioned above the sea surface outside the edge of the deck 2.

[0057] In the avoidance position, Platform 3 has the following significant advantages: (1) A clear airspace is formed above deck 2 to meet the safe take-off and landing requirements of UAV 6; (2) The supporting column 10 and the instrument supporting frame 11 no longer cast shadows on the deck 2, eliminating the obstruction of the solar panel array 5; (3) The auxiliary solar panel 14 changes from a backlight state to an upward-facing, sun-receiving state and begins to participate in power generation; (4) The overall center of gravity of platform 3 is shifted outward and lowered to reduce the windward area of ​​the buoy and improve stability under severe sea conditions.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, when all four platforms 3 are folded to their clearance positions, a circular clearance area with a diameter of approximately 6 meters is formed in the center of deck 2, providing ample space for the safe take-off and landing of the UAV 6. At the same time, all four auxiliary solar panels 14 are in their optimal sunlight-receiving posture, increasing the effective power generation area by approximately 3.2 square meters, which is equivalent to increasing the power generation capacity by more than 10%.

[0059] Calculations and analysis show that, under typical solar altitude angles (30°-60°), the fully avoided position can increase the total power generation of the system by 15%-25% compared to the fully vertical observation position. The control system can intelligently select the optimal operating mode based on the solar calendar and real-time load conditions, achieving a dynamic balance between meteorological observation and photovoltaic power generation.

[0060] Protection and reliability design: Considering the harshness of the marine environment, this invention has been specifically designed in the following aspects: Corrosion-resistant design: All metal components are made of marine-grade stainless steel (316L) or anodized aluminum alloy, fasteners are made of titanium alloy or Monel alloy, and the shaft 9 and bearings are made of seawater corrosion-resistant materials and are equipped with multiple seals. Salt spray resistant design: electrical connections use waterproof sealed joints, drive mechanism 12 is equipped with a protective cover, and motor 15 and reducer have an IP67 or higher protection rating; Wind and wave resistant design: The locking mechanism 13 has sufficient locking torque to withstand the dynamic load generated by winds of force 8 or above and wave heights of 4 meters or above; Modular design: The instrument support frame 11 adopts a standardized interface, and the meteorological sensor 7 can be quickly disassembled and replaced, reducing on-site maintenance time; Redundant design: The multi-platform 3 layout itself is a redundant design, and critical electrical systems can be powered by dual power supplies; Remote monitoring: The drive mechanism 12 is equipped with position sensors and status monitoring sensors, which can remotely monitor the position status and health status of each platform 3 and support remote fault diagnosis.

[0061] Typical workflow: Taking a 6-drone take-off and landing operation as an example, the typical workflow of the system is explained as follows: Step 1: The UAV's 6-system sends a takeoff preparation signal, and the control unit receives and confirms the signal; Step 2: The control unit issues avoidance commands to the drive mechanisms 12 of the four platforms 3; Step 3: The drive mechanism 12 of each platform 3 is activated, and the supporting column 10 rotates outward around the rotating shaft 9; Step 4: When each platform 3 reaches the avoidance position, the locking mechanism 13 automatically locks; Step 5: The control unit confirms that all four platforms 3 are locked and sends an airspace confirmation signal to the UAV 6 system; Step 6: Drone 6 takes off from work deck area 4 to perform the mission; Step 7: Drone 6 returns and lands in work deck area 4; Step 8: The UAV's 6th system sends a landing completion signal; Step 9: The control unit decides whether to reset platform 3 to the vertical observation position based on the current solar azimuth and observation requirements; Step 10: If a reset is required, the drive mechanism 12 will rotate each platform 3 to a vertical position and lock it, and the system will return to normal observation status.

[0062] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A marine monitoring buoy with a foldable meteorological observation platform, characterized in that, The system includes a floating body; a deck disposed above the floating body; and a foldable meteorological observation platform installed on the edge of the deck. The platform includes a base fixed to the edge of the deck, a pivot mounted on the base, a support column hinged to the base via the pivot and rotatable around it, an instrument support frame disposed at the top of the support column, a drive mechanism for driving the support column to rotate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the support column. The meteorological sensor is mounted on the instrument's support frame; wherein the support column can rotate around a pivot under the drive of a drive mechanism, thereby switching between a vertical observation position, a maintenance position tilted towards the center of the deck, and an avoidance position tilted towards the sea surface outside the buoy.

2. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The instrument support frame is equipped with auxiliary solar panels on the side facing away from the sea surface; when the foldable meteorological observation platform is in the avoidance position, the auxiliary solar panels face the sky; it also includes a solar panel array laid on the deck surface, so that when the platform is in the avoidance position, the supporting columns and the instrument support frame minimize the obstruction of the solar panel array.

3. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a motor, a worm gear reducer connected to the output shaft of the motor, and a sector-shaped gear disk meshing with the output end of the reducer. The sector-shaped gear disk is fixedly connected to the support column. Alternatively, the drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism, with one end of the hydraulic cylinder hinged to the base and the other end hinged to the support column. A hydraulic lock is provided in its hydraulic circuit.

4. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is a center-connecting linkage locking mechanism that connects the base and the supporting column.

5. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical observation position is the position where the angle between the supporting column and the deck plane is 85° to 95°; the maintenance position is the position where the supporting column is tilted towards the center of the deck and the angle with the vertical direction is 15° to 35°; the avoidance position is the position where the supporting column is tilted towards the sea surface outside the buoy and the angle with the vertical direction is 15° to 45°.

6. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foldable meteorological observation platform comprises multiple platforms, arranged symmetrically along the edge of the deck.

7. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 6, characterized in that, The foldable meteorological observation platform consists of four platforms, with an azimuth angle of 90° between adjacent platforms. It also includes a work deck area located in the center of the deck. When all the foldable meteorological observation platforms are folded to the avoidance position, a clear airspace is formed above the work deck area for UAV take-off and landing.

8. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The instrument's support frame is equipped with a standardized installation interface; the support column is a hollow tube structure with a cable channel inside.

9. The marine monitoring buoy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit for controlling the switching of each foldable meteorological observation platform between the vertical observation position, maintenance position, and avoidance position based on one or more factors, such as solar azimuth, weather conditions, power load, and UAV take-off and landing requirements.

10. The marine monitoring buoy according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating modes of the control unit include: full observation mode, full avoidance mode, single platform maintenance mode, photovoltaic optimization mode, and severe weather protection mode.

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