Unmanned aerial vehicle air-drop device
By combining laser ranging radar and circuit board calculation of delay time, the drone airdrop device can be precisely unlocked, solving the problem of inaccurate release of airdropped items and ensuring accurate release of airdropped items.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520233973.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-14
AI Technical Summary
In existing drone airdrop devices, the unlocking altitude and timing of the airdropped items are difficult to control precisely, resulting in the airdropped items not being released accurately.
The system uses laser rangefinder radar to provide feedback on the drone's altitude, and combines this with circuit board calculations of delay time. Through the coordinated action of the servo motor and locking mechanism, the airdropped item is automatically unlocked at a preset altitude and timing.
Ensuring the accuracy of the unlocking altitude and timing of airdrops improves the precision and reliability of airdrop release.
Smart Images
Figure CN223835795U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to an UAV airdrop device. Background Technology
[0002] In existing drone airdrop devices, the airdropped item is equipped with a remote control device, which unlocks the item during the drop process. However, due to the high speed of the airdropped item's descent, it is difficult to control the triggering height and timing manually. Taking a smoke grenade as an example, unlocking too high will cause premature detonation, preventing the ammunition from being released, while unlocking too low will cause the cartridge case to shatter and become ineffective before triggering. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drone airdrop device that ensures the accuracy of the altitude and timing of the airdrop being triggered by remote control.
[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A drone airdrop device includes a drone equipped with a receiver and a laser ranging radar. The laser ranging radar can provide altitude information of the drone, and a ground remote controller can transmit signals to the receiver. The airdropped item includes a first component and a second component. The airdrop device comprises:
[0006] The carrier and the connector, wherein the second component is disposed on the carrier, and the connector is used to bind the first component, the second component and the carrier together;
[0007] The system includes a bracket, a servo motor, and a locking mechanism. The bracket is mounted on the UAV, and both the servo motor and the locking mechanism are mounted on the bracket. The carrier is locked to the bracket by the locking mechanism. The servo motor is electrically connected to the receiver. The servo motor can drive the locking mechanism according to the unlocking signal received from the ground remote controller by the receiver, so that the carrier can unlock and separate from the bracket.
[0008] A circuit board is disposed on the carrier. The circuit board is equipped with a fuse switch. The circuit board is electrically connected to the receiver of the UAV. The circuit board can receive a signal with altitude information from the ground remote controller according to the receiver. The circuit board calculates the value of t according to the formula h=(1 / 2)gt², where h is the altitude, t is the time, and g is a constant. The circuit board causes the fuse switch to open and melt the connector after time t, thereby separating the first component and the second component.
[0009] In some possible implementations, the carrier is provided with a limiting portion, and the connector is limited to the limiting portion so that the fuse switch can melt the connector.
[0010] In some possible implementations, the fuse switch is a resistance wire or an ignition switch, and the connector is a Kevlar wire.
[0011] In some possible implementations, the airdrop device further includes a battery for powering the circuit board, the carrier including a housing and a battery box, the circuit board being disposed within the housing, the battery being installed in the battery box, and the battery box and the housing being detachably connected.
[0012] In some possible implementations, the airdrop device further includes a signal conversion module electrically connected to the receiver and the circuit board respectively; the ground remote controller sends altitude information to the receiver via a PWM signal, the receiver sends a pulse signal to the signal conversion module, and the signal conversion module converts the pulse signal into a photoelectric digital signal and sends it to the circuit board.
[0013] In some possible implementations, the signal conversion module includes a photoelectric encoder transmitter and a photoelectric encoder receiver, the photoelectric encoder receiver being disposed on the circuit board and the photoelectric encoder transmitter being disposed on the bracket.
[0014] In some possible implementations, the locking element is a pin that is slidably connected to the bracket, and the servo motor can drive the pin to move so as to slide into the carrier to lock or slide out of the carrier to unlock.
[0015] In some possible implementations, the drone is equipped with a mounting rod, the bracket has mounting holes, and the mounting rod passes through the mounting holes to mount the airdrop device onto the drone.
[0016] In some possible implementations, a safety component is also included, comprising a safety switch and a safety pin. The safety switch is disposed on the circuit board, and one end of the safety pin is connected to the bracket, while the other end is inserted into the safety switch, so that the safety switch is in a closed state, thereby putting the circuit board in an open state. When the carrier is unlocked and separated from the bracket, the safety pin disengages from the safety switch, so that the safety switch is in an open state, thereby putting the circuit board in a closed state.
[0017] In some possible implementations, the circuit board has two contacts and a connector, the connector being detachably connected to the circuit board, the connector being connected to the circuit board to connect the two contacts, thereby putting the circuit board in a conductive state.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] This utility model provides a drone airdrop device. The drone is equipped with a receiver, and a ground remote controller can transmit signals to the receiver. The servo motor and circuit board are electrically connected to the receiver. When a preset altitude is reached, the ground remote controller sends a signal containing altitude information and an unlock signal to the receiver sequentially. Based on the altitude information signal, the circuit board calculates a delay time t. The unlock signal causes the servo motor to unlock the carrier, detaching it from the support and the drone. At this time, the carrier and the airdropped item fall together. After time t, a fuse switch opens, melting the connecting parts to unlock the airdropped item, thus separating the first and second components. Because the laser ranging radar can provide altitude information from the drone, and the ground remote controller sends signals to the receiver twice after the drone reaches the preset altitude, the airdropped item falls for time t before automatically unlocking. Accurate altitude information and precise time calculations ensure the accuracy of the altitude and timing of the airdropped item being triggered by remote control. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the airdrop device provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the airdrop device provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the airdrop device provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the safety pin provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.
[0024] In the picture:
[0025] 1. Carrier; 11. Limiting part; 12. Housing; 121. Top cover; 122. Bottom shell; 1221. Slide groove; 13. Battery box; 131. Protrusion; 14. Through hole; 15. Insertion hole; 2. Bracket; 21. Mounting hole; 22. Mounting piece; 23. Connecting piece; 3. Servo motor; 4. Serial port; 5. Circuit board; 51. Fuse switch; 6. Battery; 71. Photoelectric encoder receiver; 81. Safety switch; 811. Base; 812. Spring; 82. Safety pin; 821. Insertion part; 8211. Groove; 822. Rope part; 823. Hook; 9. Connector; 10. Adapter plate; 101. Slide hole. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a drone airdrop device. The drone is equipped with a receiver and a laser ranging radar. The laser ranging radar can provide altitude information of the drone. A ground remote controller transmits signals to the receiver. The airdropped item includes a first component and a second component. The airdrop device includes a carrier 1, a connector, a bracket 2, a servo motor 3, a locking component, and a circuit board 5. The second component is mounted on the carrier 1. The connector is used to bind the first component, the second component, and the carrier 1 together. Optionally, the carrier 1 has a through hole 14, through which a cable tie or rope passes to bind the second component to the carrier 1, improving connection reliability. Optionally, the second component is bound to the carrier 1 by the connector, which is not limited.
[0030] Optionally, the airdropped items may be leaflets, dry powder canisters, or smoke grenades. Taking smoke grenades as an example, the first component and the second component are two separable smoke grenade shells.
[0031] The support 2 is mounted on the drone. The servo motor 3 and the locking device are both mounted on the support 2. The carrier 1 is locked to the support 2 by the locking device. The servo motor 3 is electrically connected to the receiver. The servo motor 3 can drive the locking device. Specifically, the servo motor 3 can drive the locking device according to the unlocking signal received from the ground remote controller by the receiver, so that the carrier 1 is unlocked and separated from the support 2, thereby causing the carrier 1 and the airdropped object to fall together.
[0032] In one embodiment, the drone is equipped with a mounting rod, and the bracket 2 has mounting holes 21. The mounting rod passes through the mounting holes 21, allowing the airdrop device to be mounted on the drone. Specifically, according to actual needs, multiple airdrop devices are fitted onto the mounting rod, enabling the drone to carry multiple airdrop devices. For example, the bracket 2 includes two mounting pieces 22, the two ends of which are connected by connecting pieces 23, forming a quadrilateral frame. The servo motor 3 is located within the frame. Each end of the mounting piece 22 has a mounting hole 21, meaning the bracket 2 has four mounting holes 21. The drone is equipped with two mounting rods, and the mounting holes 21 at both ends of the bracket 2 are correspondingly fitted onto the two mounting rods, ensuring the stability of the bracket 2 during installation.
[0033] The carrier 1 has a socket 15, and the locking element is a pin. The pin is slidably connected to the bracket 2. The servo motor 3 can drive the pin to move, either sliding into the socket 15 of the carrier 1 to lock it or sliding out of the socket 15 of the carrier 1 to unlock it. Specifically, before the UAV takes off, the pin slides into the socket 15 of the carrier 1 to lock the carrier 1 to the bracket 2 and the UAV. After takeoff, as needed, the ground remote controller sends an unlock signal to the receiver. The receiver is electrically connected to the servo motor 3, causing the servo motor 3 to drive the pin to slide out of the socket 15 to unlock it. The carrier 1, the connector, and the airdropped items then detach from the bracket 2 and the UAV.
[0034] Circuit board 5 is mounted on carrier 1 and is electrically connected to the receiver of the drone. Circuit board 5 is equipped with a fuse switch 51, which can melt the connector to separate the airdropped item from carrier 1. Specifically, circuit board 5 can receive a signal with altitude information from the ground remote controller. Circuit board 5 calculates the value of t according to the formula h = (1 / 2)gt², where h is the altitude, t is the time, and g is a constant. Circuit board 5 causes the fuse switch 51 to open after time t and melt the connector, thereby unlocking the airdropped item and separating the first and second components.
[0035] The airdrop device also includes a signal conversion module, which is electrically connected to the receiver and circuit board 5. The ground remote controller sends altitude information to the receiver via a PWM signal. The receiver sends a pulse signal to the signal conversion module, which converts the pulse signal into a photoelectric digital signal and sends it to circuit board 5.
[0036] The airdrop method using the above-mentioned drone airdrop device includes the following steps: The laser rangefinder sends the detected drone altitude information to the ground, such as on a ground display screen; the ground operator, according to the needs, when the preset altitude is reached, sends the altitude information to the receiver via a PWM signal, i.e., a signal containing altitude information; the receiver sends a pulse signal to the signal conversion module; the signal conversion module converts the pulse signal into a photoelectric digital signal and sends it to the circuit board 5; the circuit board 5 calculates the t value according to the formula h = (1 / 2)gt²; after time t, the fuse switch 51 opens to melt the connector, thereby separating the first component and the second component.
[0037] The laser rangefinder transmits the detected drone altitude information to the ground, such as on a ground display screen. The ground remote controller sends the altitude information to the receiver via a PWM signal, and the circuit board 5 calculates time t. Then, the ground remote controller sends an unlock signal to the receiver, causing the servo motor 3 to drive the pin to slide out of the socket 15, thus unlocking the device. The carrier 1, the connector, and the airdropped item detach from the support 2 and the drone. After time t, the fuse switch 51 opens to melt the connector, thereby separating the first and second components.
[0038] In one embodiment, the airdrop device further includes a battery 6 for powering the circuit board 5. The carrier 1 includes a housing 12 and a battery box 13. The circuit board 5 is disposed within the housing 12, and the battery 6 is installed in the battery box 13. The battery box 13 and the housing 12 are detachably connected. Exemplarily, the housing 12 includes an upper cover 121 and a lower cover 122. The circuit board 5 is installed within the lower cover 122, and the upper cover 121 covers the lower cover 122; the two are connected by screws. A groove 1221 is provided on the outside of the lower cover 122, and a protrusion 131 is provided inside the battery box 13. The protrusion 131 is slidably connected within the groove 1221, and the battery box 13 is connected to the lower cover 122 by screws. Optionally, the battery 6 is a dry cell battery, which is low in cost.
[0039] The carrier 1 is provided with a limiting part 11, and the connector is limited in the limiting part 11 so that the fuse switch 51 can melt the connector. The limiting part 11 is a limiting groove on the housing 12, and more specifically, the limiting part 11 is a limiting groove on the two side walls of the square housing 12. The fuse switch 51 is a resistance wire or an ignition switch, and the fuse switch 51 is located between the limiting grooves on the two side walls. The connector is a Kevlar wire, which passes through the limiting grooves on the two side walls and inside the housing 12. The Kevlar wire abuts against the fuse switch 51 on the circuit board 5 located inside the housing 12, ensuring the reliability of the Kevlar wire being melted.
[0040] Furthermore, the signal conversion module includes a photoelectric encoder transmitter and a photoelectric encoder receiver 71. The photoelectric encoder receiver 71 is mounted on the circuit board 5, and the photoelectric encoder transmitter is mounted on the bracket 2. The airdrop device also includes an adapter plate 10, on which the photoelectric encoder transmitter is mounted. The adapter plate 10 is bolted to the bracket 2. A pin is slidably connected to the sliding hole 101 of the adapter plate 10, with one end connected to the servo motor 3 and the other end able to be inserted into the socket 15 of the upper cover 121.
[0041] The drone airdrop device also includes a safety component, which consists of a safety switch 81 and a safety pin 82. The safety switch 81 is located on the circuit board 5, and one end of the safety pin 82 is connected to the bracket 2, while the other end is inserted into the safety switch 81, keeping the safety switch 81 in the closed state and thus the circuit board 5 in an open circuit state. When the carrier 1 is unlocked and separated from the bracket 2, the safety pin 82 disengages from the safety switch 81, keeping the safety switch 81 in the open state and thus the circuit board 5 in a closed circuit state. By setting up the safety component, the safety pin 82 can only disengage from the safety switch 81 when the carrier 1 is separated from the bracket 2, allowing the circuit board 5 to be closed. This ensures that the fuse switch 51 can then blow the Kevlar wire, preventing the Kevlar wire from blowing prematurely and causing the first and second components to separate. This further guarantees the sequential separation of the carrier 1 from the bracket 2 and the separation of the first and second components.
[0042] For example, the safety pin 82 includes a plug portion 821, a rope portion 822, and a hook 823. The rope portion 822 connects the hook 823 and the plug portion 821, and the hook 823 is hung on the bracket 2. The safety switch 81 includes a base 811 and a spring piece 812. The plug portion 821 has a groove 8211, which is plugged into the base 811. The spring piece 812 and part of the base 811 are located in the groove 8211, and the spring piece 812 contacts the base 811 to close the safety switch 81. When the plug portion 821 is pulled out of the base 811, the spring piece 812 springs off the base 811 to open the safety switch 81. Before the UAV takes off, the plug portion 821 is plugged into the base 811. After takeoff, as the carrier 1 separates from the bracket 2, the plug portion 821 is pulled out of the base 811.
[0043] Circuit board 5 has two contacts and connector 9. Connector 9 is detachably connected to circuit board 5, and its connection to circuit board 5 connects the two contacts, thus putting circuit board 5 in a closed circuit state. In the storage state, connector 9 is not installed on circuit board 5, putting circuit board 5 in an open circuit state. Before the drone takes off, connector 9 is connected to circuit board 5, putting circuit board 5 in a closed circuit state. During storage, this prevents accidental activation of fuse switch 51, improving safety and reliability.
[0044] The circuit board 5 is equipped with a serial port 4, such as a USB interface, which can be programmed into the circuit board 5 in advance, such as programming a time value. After the preset takeoff time, the fuse switch 51 will blow without the ground remote controller transmitting a signal to the receiver to blow the fuse switch 51.
[0045] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A drone airdrop device, characterized in that, The drone is equipped with a receiver and a laser ranging radar. The laser ranging radar can provide the drone's altitude information. The ground remote controller can transmit signals to the receiver. The airdropped item includes a first component and a second component. The airdrop device includes: The carrier (1) and the connector, wherein the second component is disposed on the carrier (1), and the connector is used to bind the first component, the second component and the carrier (1) together; The bracket (2), servo motor (3), and locking device are provided. The bracket (2) is mounted on the UAV. The servo motor (3) and the locking device are both mounted on the bracket (2). The carrier (1) is locked to the bracket (2) by the locking device. The servo motor (3) is electrically connected to the receiver. The servo motor (3) can drive the locking device according to the unlocking signal received from the ground remote controller by the receiver, so that the carrier (1) is unlocked and separated from the bracket (2). A circuit board (5) is disposed on the carrier (1). The circuit board (5) is provided with a fuse switch (51). The circuit board (5) is electrically connected to the receiver of the UAV. The circuit board (5) is capable of receiving a signal with altitude information from the ground remote controller according to the receiver. The circuit board (5) is configured according to the formula... Calculate the value of t, where h is the height, t is the time, and g is the gravitational acceleration constant; the circuit board (5) causes the fuse switch (51) to open and melt the connector after time t, thereby separating the first component and the second component.
2. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier (1) is provided with a limiting part (11), and the connector is limited to the limiting part (11) so that the fuse switch (51) can fuse the connector.
3. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuse switch (51) is a resistance wire or an ignition switch, and the connector is a Kevlar wire.
4. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airdrop device also includes a battery (6) for powering the circuit board (5). The carrier (1) includes a housing (12) and a battery box (13). The circuit board (5) is located inside the housing (12), and the battery (6) is installed in the battery box (13). The battery box (13) and the housing (12) are detachably connected.
5. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airdrop device also includes a signal conversion module, which is electrically connected to the receiver and the circuit board (5) respectively. The ground remote controller sends altitude information to the receiver via a PWM signal. The receiver sends a pulse signal to the signal conversion module. The signal conversion module converts the pulse signal into a photoelectric digital signal and sends it to the circuit board (5).
6. The drone airdrop device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal conversion module includes a photoelectric encoder transmitter and a photoelectric encoder receiver (71). The photoelectric encoder receiver (71) is located on the circuit board (5), and the photoelectric encoder transmitter is located on the bracket (2).
7. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element is a pin, which is slidably connected to the bracket (2). The servo motor (3) can drive the pin to move so as to slide into the carrier (1) to lock or slide out of the carrier (1) to unlock.
8. The drone airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drone is equipped with a mounting rod, and the bracket (2) is provided with a mounting hole (21). The mounting rod passes through the mounting hole (21) so that the airdrop device is installed on the drone.
9. The UAV airdrop device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety component, which includes a safety switch (81) and a safety pin (82). The safety switch (81) is located on the circuit board (5). One end of the safety pin (82) is connected to the bracket (2), and the other end is inserted into the safety switch (81), so that the safety switch (81) is in the closed state, thereby making the circuit board (5) in the open circuit state. When the carrier (1) is unlocked and separated from the bracket (2), the safety pin (82) is disengaged from the safety switch (81), so that the safety switch (81) is in the open state, thereby making the circuit board (5) in the closed circuit state.
10. The drone airdrop device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The circuit board (5) is provided with two contacts and a connector (9). The connector (9) is detachably connected to the circuit board (5). The connector (9) is connected to the circuit board (5) to make the two contacts connect, thereby making the circuit board (5) in a pass state.