Underwater modular unmanned aerial vehicle compatible with Lego

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of underwater unmanned aerial vehicles, and particularly discloses a Lego-compatible underwater modular unmanned aerial vehicle which comprises a supporting plate, a control bin used for containing electronic elements is fixedly connected to the top of the supporting plate, a plurality of fixed magnetic connectors are arranged on the outer wall of the control bin, and longitudinal propelling assemblies are distributed on the supporting plate. Horizontal propelling assemblies are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the supporting plate, and the power transmission ends of the longitudinal propelling assemblies and the power transmission ends of the horizontal propelling assemblies are each provided with a movable magnetic attraction connector. According to the underwater modular unmanned aerial vehicle compatible with Lego, the function expansion flexibility is improved, Lego expansion openings are formed in the outer walls of the control bin and the battery bin, and magnets are arranged on the inner wall of the upper cover of the control bin, so that convenient connection with a Lego module and other external modules is achieved. Modules such as a camera support and colored lamplight are flexibly added, the functions of underwater shooting, lamplight interaction and the like are easily achieved, and the functional diversity and use interestingness of the product in entertainment scenes are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater drone technology, specifically to a Lego-compatible underwater modular drone. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of underwater drone technology, existing products mostly focus on specific professional scenarios such as industrial inspection (e.g., pipeline inspection, underwater engineering exploration) or professional photography. Their design concepts and functional configurations are difficult to adapt to the entertainment needs of ordinary users. Structurally, traditional underwater drones mostly adopt an integrated design with fixed functional modules (e.g., propulsion components, external device interfaces), which cannot be flexibly adjusted or expanded according to user needs. If additional entertainment-related functions such as shooting and interaction are required, the entire drone often needs to be replaced, resulting in high operating costs and poor flexibility.

[0003] In terms of operation and maintenance, traditional products generally have a high barrier to entry. For example, the disassembly and assembly of core components such as propulsion components and batteries often rely on professional tools and techniques, making it difficult for ordinary users to replace or repair them themselves. Once a malfunction occurs, it can easily lead to interruption of use. At the same time, its program debugging and function settings require professional programming knowledge, which cannot meet the needs of users in entertainment scenarios for "quick start-up and convenient operation".

[0004] Furthermore, traditional underwater drones prioritize industrial-grade durability and performance in material selection and cost control, often employing heavy materials and complex drive systems. This results in large, heavy devices that are not only poorly portable but also increase product prices, further limiting their widespread adoption in the mass entertainment sector. Currently, the market lacks an underwater drone product designed for entertainment scenarios that offers modular expansion capabilities, low operational barriers, and controllable costs, making it difficult to meet the entertainment needs of ordinary users (such as families and children) for underwater exploration, parent-child interaction, and fun DIY activities. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a Lego-compatible underwater modular drone to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a Lego-compatible underwater modular drone, comprising a support plate, a control compartment for placing electronic components fixed to the top of the support plate, a battery compartment for placing a battery at the bottom of the support plate, a plurality of fixed magnetic connectors on the outer wall of the control compartment, longitudinal propulsion components distributed on the support plate, and horizontal propulsion components symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support plate, wherein the power transmission ends of the longitudinal propulsion components and the horizontal propulsion components are provided with moving magnetic connectors, and the moving magnetic connectors and the fixed magnetic connectors are connected in cooperation.

[0007] Preferably, both the longitudinal propulsion assembly and the horizontal propulsion assembly use a hollow cup motor as the drive, and a propeller is installed at the output end of the hollow cup motor.

[0008] Preferably, the housings of both the longitudinal propulsion assembly and the horizontal propulsion assembly are detachable from the support plate.

[0009] Preferably, the control compartment includes a control compartment upper cover and a control compartment lower box, and the top of the inner wall of the control compartment upper cover is provided with a magnet for connecting an external module.

[0010] Preferably, the control compartment is also provided with multiple expansion connectors that connect to the electronic components inside the control compartment, and one of the expansion connectors on the control compartment is connected to an antenna.

[0011] Preferably, a program burning connector is provided on the front side of the control compartment.

[0012] Preferably, the outer walls of both the control compartment and the battery compartment are provided with LEGO expansion ports for connecting external modules.

[0013] Preferably, the front of the drone is equipped with a functional module.

[0014] Preferably, the functional module is a clamping module, which includes a second splicing template connected to the battery compartment. A second extension panel is fixed to the front side of the second splicing template. Two symmetrical rocker arms and two symmetrical limiting arms are respectively connected to the second extension panel. A clamping arm is connected to one end of each rocker arm. A clamping plate is fixed to the free end of the clamping arm. The clamping arm is connected to the second extension panel through the limiting arms. A second motor is also fixed to the second extension panel. The output end of the second motor is connected to the rocker arm. The operation of the second motor drives the two clamping plates to move relative to each other.

[0015] Preferably, the functional module is a ball-hitting module, which includes a first splicing template connected to the battery compartment. A first extension panel is fixedly connected to the front side of the first splicing template. A hitting head is provided on the front side of the first extension panel. A limiting slide rod and a rack are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the rear side of the hitting head. The limiting slide rod and the rack are slidably connected to a limiting groove formed on the surface of the first extension panel. A compression spring is provided inside the limiting groove corresponding to the limiting slide rod and the rack. A first motor is also fixedly connected to the first extension panel. A sector gear that meshes with the rack is provided at the output end of the first motor. A cover plate is also fastened to the first extension panel.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] This LEGO-compatible modular underwater drone enhances its functional flexibility and adapts to various entertainment scenarios. By incorporating LEGO expansion ports on the outer walls of the control and battery compartments, and magnets on the inner wall of the control compartment's top cover, it achieves convenient connections with LEGO modules and other external modules. Users can flexibly add modules such as camera brackets, mechanical claws, and colored lights to easily achieve underwater shooting, fun grasping, and interactive lighting functions without replacing the entire drone, significantly increasing the product's versatility and enjoyment in entertainment scenarios.

[0018] Lowering the barrier to operation and maintenance for easy use by the general public: The propulsion component adopts a connection method of "moving magnetic connector + fixed magnetic connector", and with the detachable component shell, the propulsion component can be disassembled and replaced without professional tools; the independently designed battery compartment supports quick battery replacement, avoiding entertainment interruptions due to insufficient battery life. At the same time, the program programming connector on the front of the control compartment simplifies the program debugging process. Users do not need professional programming knowledge to customize the navigation mode (such as stationary hovering, automatic cruise) according to their needs, meeting the operational requirements of different entertainment scenarios.

[0019] Optimized structural design, balancing practicality and economy: The support plate is made of fiberglass board, and the control chamber is designed as a hollow and sealed structure, which reduces material costs while ensuring the equipment is lightweight and has stable buoyancy underwater; the propulsion component uses a hollow cup motor, which further reduces the weight of the drive equipment and improves the equipment's flexibility and maneuverability underwater, making it easy to carry and reducing the overall cost of the product, which is more in line with the consumption needs of mass entertainment scenarios.

[0020] Ensuring operational stability and enhancing the continuity of the entertainment experience: The antenna is connected to the rear of the control compartment via an expansion connector, enhancing the signal transmission capability between underwater and land, and reducing the risk of equipment malfunction due to signal interruption; the magnetic attraction between the fixed magnetic connector and the moving magnetic connector, combined with the auxiliary fixation of the external module by the magnet, effectively avoids the problem of parts falling off or connections becoming loose due to the impact of underwater water flow, ensuring the stability and continuity of the entertainment process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the forward-looking direction of a UAV in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the rear-view direction of an unmanned aerial vehicle in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the side of a drone in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving magnetic connector in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the battery compartment and the clamping module in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping module in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball-hitting module in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the ball-hitting module in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Control compartment cover; 2. Antenna; 3. Support plate; 4. Longitudinal propulsion assembly; 5. Horizontal propulsion assembly; 6. Fixed magnetic connector; 7. Battery compartment; 8. Programming connector; 9. Control compartment lower box; 10. LEGO expansion port; 11. Expansion connector; 12. Moving magnetic connector; 13. Hitting module; 131. First splicing template; 132. Limiting groove; 133. First extension panel; 134. Limiting slide bar; 135. Hitting head; 136. Rack; 137. Compression spring; 138. First motor; 139. Cover plate; 14. Clamping module; 141. Second splicing template; 142. Second motor; 143. Rocker arm; 144. Clamping plate; 145. Clamping plate arm; 146. Limiting arm; 147. Second extension panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Please see Figures 1-9 This invention provides a Lego-compatible underwater modular drone, including a support plate 3 made of fiberglass board. A control compartment for housing electronic components is fixed to the top of the support plate 3; the control compartment is hollow and sealed to provide buoyancy for the drone in water. A waterproof battery compartment 7 for housing a storage battery is located at the bottom of the support plate 3. The battery powers the electronic components and the empty cup motor within the control compartment.

[0033] The outer wall of the control compartment is equipped with multiple fixed magnetic connectors 6. Four sets of longitudinal propulsion components 4 are distributed on the support plate 3. The longitudinal propulsion components 4 push water upwards, allowing the drone to move downwards. Horizontal propulsion components 5 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support plate 3. Two horizontal propulsion components 5 operate simultaneously at the same frequency to propel the drone forward. A single horizontal propulsion component 5 is used to adjust the drone's direction of travel.

[0034] Both the longitudinal propulsion assembly 4 and the horizontal propulsion assembly 5 are equipped with moving magnetic connectors 12 at their power transmission ends. The moving magnetic connectors 12 and fixed magnetic connectors 6 are connected in conjunction. A socket for connection to a power control valve is provided in the middle of the end face of the fixed magnetic connector 6, and fixed magnets are provided on both sides of the end face of the fixed magnetic connector 6. A conductor that can be inserted into the socket is provided in the middle of the end face of the moving magnetic connector 12, and moving magnets that are magnetically attracted to the fixed magnets are provided at both ends of the end face of the moving magnetic connector 12, for connecting and fixing the moving magnetic connector 12 and the fixed magnetic connector 6.

[0035] Both the longitudinal propulsion assembly 4 and the horizontal propulsion assembly 5 use hollow cup motors as drives, with propellers installed at the output end of the hollow cup motors. Using hollow cup motors reduces the weight of the drive equipment itself.

[0036] The housings of both the longitudinal propulsion assembly 4 and the horizontal propulsion assembly 5 are detachable from the support plate 3. The longitudinal propulsion assembly 4 and the horizontal propulsion assembly 5 are connected to the power supply via a moving magnetic connector 12 and a fixed magnetic connector 6, facilitating easy replacement in case of damage to either assembly.

[0037] The control compartment is also equipped with multiple expansion connectors 11 that connect to the electronic components inside the control compartment, for connecting other external modules. One of the expansion connectors 11 in the control compartment is connected to an antenna 2.

[0038] Both the control compartment and the battery compartment 7 have LEGO expansion ports 10 on their outer walls for connecting other external modules. This LEGO modular connection method facilitates the connection of external module components and enhances the drone's versatility. For example, pre-fabricated camera brackets, mechanical claws, colored lights, and other modules can be flexibly added and fixed via the LEGO expansion ports 10. The camera, mechanical claw, colored lights, etc., can then be connected to the electronic components inside the control compartment via expansion connectors 11.

[0039] The front side of the control compartment is equipped with a program programming connector 8, which is used to transmit data to the internal chip.

[0040] The control compartment includes a control compartment upper cover 1 and a control compartment lower box 9. The top of the inner wall of the control compartment upper cover 1 is provided with a magnet for connecting an external module.

[0041] The drone has functional modules on its front side. After installing different functional modules, buoyancy foam is installed on the control compartment according to their weight, thereby adjusting the overall balance of the drone in the water.

[0042] The functional module can be a clamping module 14, which includes a second splicing template 141 fixedly connected to the battery compartment 7. A second extension panel 147 for supporting the functional module is fixedly connected to the front side of the second splicing template 141. Two symmetrical rocker arms 143 and two symmetrical limiting arms 146 are respectively connected to the second extension panel 147. One end of the rocker arm 143 is connected to a clamping arm 145, and the free end of the clamping arm 145 is fixedly connected to a clamping plate 144. The clamping arm 145 is connected to the second extension panel 147 through the limiting arms 146. A second motor 142 is also fixedly connected to the second extension panel 147, and the output end of the second motor 142 is connected to the rocker arm 143. The second motor 142 has a moving magnetic connector 12, which is powered and controlled by connecting to the fixed magnetic connector 6 on the control compartment. The second splicing template 141 is connected to the LEGO expansion port 10 on the battery compartment 7 through five LEGO axle bolts.

[0043] The second motor 142 drives the rocker arm 143 to rotate, and the rocker arm 143 drives the clamping arm 145 to move relative to the two clamping plates 144 with the connection point of the clamping arm 145 and the limiting arm 146 as the fulcrum.

[0044] The functional module can be a ball-hitting module 13. The ball-hitting module 13 includes a first splicing template 131 connected to the battery compartment 7. A first extension panel 133 is fixed to the front side of the first splicing template 131. A hitting head 135 is provided on the front side of the first extension panel 133. Limiting slide rods 134 and racks 136 are fixed to the rear ends of the hitting head 135, respectively. Limiting slide rods 134 and racks 136 are slidably connected to limiting grooves 132 formed on the surface of the first extension panel 133. A blocking member is provided at the entrance of the limiting groove 132 to prevent the limiting slide rods 134 and racks 136 from disengaging from the limiting groove 132. Compression springs 137 are provided on the inner side of the limiting groove 132 corresponding to the limiting slide rod 134 and the rack 136. A first motor 138 is also fixedly connected to the first extension panel 133. The output end of the first motor 138 is provided with a sector gear that meshes with the rack 136. A cover plate 139 is also fastened to the first extension panel 133.

[0045] The first motor 138 has a moving magnetic connector 12, which is connected to the fixed magnetic connector 6 on the control compartment for power supply and control. The first assembly template 131 is connected to the LEGO expansion port 10 on the battery compartment 7 through five LEGO axle bolts.

[0046] The first motor 138 drives the sector gear until the rack 136 and the limiting slide rod 134 compress the compression spring 137. When the sector gear disengages from the rack 136, the compression spring 137 pushes the rack 136 and the limiting slide rod 134 outward, thereby driving the striking head 135 to move forward rapidly to achieve the striking purpose. As the drone moves forward, the striking head 135 encounters water resistance, causing the rack 136 and the limiting slide rod 134 to gradually return to the depth of the limiting groove 132. Then, the first motor 138 drives the sector gear to rotate and re-engage with the rack 136.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial," "bottom," "one end," "top," "middle," "other end," "upper," "one side," "outer," "inner," "front," "center," "both ends," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A Lego-compatible underwater modular drone, characterized in that: The system includes a support plate (3), a control compartment for placing electronic components is fixed to the top of the support plate (3), a battery compartment (7) for placing batteries is provided at the bottom of the support plate (3), a plurality of fixed magnetic connectors (6) are provided on the outer wall of the control compartment, a longitudinal propulsion assembly (4) is distributed on the support plate (3), and a horizontal propulsion assembly (5) is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support plate (3). The power transmission ends of the longitudinal propulsion assembly (4) and the horizontal propulsion assembly (5) are provided with a moving magnetic connector (12), and the moving magnetic connector (12) and the fixed magnetic connector (6) are connected together.

2. The Lego-compatible modular underwater drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the longitudinal propulsion assembly (4) and the horizontal propulsion assembly (5) use empty cup motors as drives, and propellers are installed at the output end of the empty cup motors.

3. The Lego-compatible underwater modular drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer shells of both the longitudinal propulsion assembly (4) and the horizontal propulsion assembly (5) are detachable from the support plate (3).

4. The Lego-compatible modular underwater drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control compartment includes a control compartment cover (1) and a control compartment lower box (9). The top of the inner wall of the control compartment cover (1) is provided with a magnet for connecting an external module.

5. A Lego-compatible underwater modular drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control compartment is also provided with multiple expansion connectors (11) that connect to the electronic components inside the control compartment, and one of the expansion connectors (11) on the control compartment is connected to an antenna (2).

6. A Lego-compatible modular underwater drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front side of the control compartment is provided with a program burning connector (8).

7. A Lego-compatible underwater modular drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer walls of both the control compartment and the battery compartment (7) are provided with LEGO expansion ports (10) for connecting external modules.

8. A Lego-compatible modular underwater drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: Functional modules are located on the front of the drone.

9. A Lego-compatible underwater modular drone according to claim 8, characterized in that: The functional module is a clamping module (14). The clamping module (14) includes a second splicing template (141) connected to the battery compartment (7). A second extension panel (147) is fixed to the front side of the second splicing template (141). Two symmetrical rocker arms (143) and two symmetrical limiting arms (146) are respectively connected to the second extension panel (147). One end of the rocker arm (143) is connected to a clamping arm (145). A clamping plate (144) is fixed to the free end of the clamping arm (145). The clamping arm (145) is connected to the second extension panel (147) through the limiting arms (146). A second motor (142) is also fixed to the second extension panel (147). The output end of the second motor (142) is connected to the rocker arm (143). The second motor (142) drives the two clamping plates (144) to move relative to each other.

10. A Lego-compatible underwater modular drone according to claim 8, characterized in that: The functional module is a ball-hitting module (13), which includes a first splicing template (131) connected to the battery compartment (7). A first extension panel (133) is fixed to the front side of the first splicing template (131). A hitting head (135) is provided on the front side of the first extension panel (133). A limiting slide rod (134) and a rack (136) are fixed to the rear ends of the hitting head (135). The limiting slide rod (134) and the rack (136) are both connected to the opening. A limiting groove (132) is slidably connected to the surface of the first extension panel (133). A compression spring (137) is provided on the inner side of the limiting groove (132) corresponding to the limiting slide rod (134) and the rack (136). A first motor (138) is also fixedly connected to the first extension panel (133). A sector gear that meshes with the rack (136) is provided at the output end of the first motor (138). A cover plate (139) is also fastened to the first extension panel (133).

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