Front detection mechanism and unmanned aerial vehicle

By installing a front-mounted component and locking structure on the drone rotor and optimizing the detector position, the problem of large ranging error in drones was solved, enabling obstacle detection over a wider range and with greater accuracy.

CN224225321UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12GUANGXI HUMPBACK WHALE UAV TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGXI HUMPBACK WHALE UAV TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-12
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The detectors of existing drones are installed at a distance, resulting in large ranging errors and making it difficult to effectively avoid external obstacles.

Method used

A front-mounted component, including a locking seat and a corner plate, is installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The detector is mounted on the inclined surface of the corner plate to detect outwards, and a detachable connection is achieved through locking bolts or locking rings, thus optimizing the installation position of the detector.

Benefits of technology

This allows for front-mounted installation of the detector, shortening the distance for detecting external obstacles, reducing ranging errors, and increasing the detection range.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a front detection mechanism and an unmanned aerial vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle body, the unmanned aerial vehicle body is provided with a detector, the unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises a front assembly, the front assembly comprises an angle plate and a locking seat, the locking seat is installed on a rotor wing body or a rotor wing protection frame of the unmanned aerial vehicle body, and the opening end of the angle plate is arranged on the outer side wall face of the locking seat; two detection slopes inclining towards the two sides are formed on the outer side wall face of the closed end of the angle plate, and the detector is installed on the detection slopes to conduct outward detection. A front assembly is arranged, a locking base of the front assembly is installed on a rotor wing body or a rotor wing protection frame of an unmanned aerial vehicle body, two detection slopes inclining towards the two sides are formed on the outer side wall face of the closed end of an angle plate of the front assembly, a detector is installed on the detection slopes to conduct outward detection, front installation of the detector is achieved, and the detection distance needed for detecting peripheral obstacles is shortened; and ranging errors are effectively reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a forward detection mechanism and a UAV. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of drone technology, its application scope is becoming increasingly wide. For example, photography, which is commonly used by the general public, can be done by equipping a camera on a rotary-wing drone and remotely controlling the drone to cruise and take pictures via a mobile phone. For example, for building inspection and maintenance, it is necessary to equip a rotary-wing drone with an extension arm, or even equip the front end of the extension arm with a suction cup structure, so that it can be extended and attached to the surface of the building to carry out inspection work. For example, it can lift objects and throw them to a designated location.

[0003] A typical drone on the market includes a fuselage, frame, landing gear, towing arms, and rotors. It is equipped with a control system and power supply and can be remotely controlled via remote control or mobile phone to take off, then cruise, perform operations, return to home, and land.

[0004] For example, the Chinese patent document "A Crack Detection UAV, Publication No. CN216509120U" uses a quadcopter UAV to describe a crack detection scheme for buildings. The UAV body is equipped with a probe arm and a crack detection mechanism. The crack detection mechanism includes a mechanical working arm and a crack detector, which can slide back and forth and extend outward along the probe arm, thereby realizing crack detection through the crack detector. It is equipped with landing gear for landing.

[0005] As mentioned above, drones typically have range detectors (range radar, laser range sensors, or range cameras, etc.) installed on their frames or bodies to detect surrounding obstacles and avoid them. However, the detectors are installed far from the outer edge of the rotor, resulting in a large range measurement error. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned problems by providing a front-mounted detection mechanism and a drone, which enables the front-mounted installation of the detector and reduces the detection distance required to detect external obstacles.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A drone includes a drone body equipped with a detector and a front assembly. The front assembly includes a corner plate and a locking seat. The locking seat is installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the drone body. The open end of the corner plate is located on the outer wall of the locking seat. The outer wall of the closed end of the corner plate forms two detection ramps that are inclined to both sides. The detector is installed on the detection ramps to detect outwards.

[0009] In practical use, one detector can be installed, or two or more detectors can be installed depending on the situation, with each detector facing outwards. To detect the perimeter and have a larger detection range, preferably: First, the locking seats are arranged tangentially to the center of the UAV body, with the two detection ramps on the outer corner plates facing outwards. Detectors are installed on both detection ramps of the outer corner plates, and the detection ranges of these two detectors overlap. Second, two locking seats are arranged opposite each other, radially arranged to the center of the UAV body. Each locking seat is equipped with a corner plate, and detectors are installed on the detection ramps of the two corner plates facing the same direction, with the detection ranges of these two detectors overlapping. The detectors are ranging detectors.

[0010] As mentioned above, a front-mounted component is configured, with its locking seat installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The outer wall of the closed end of its corner plate forms two inclined detection slopes facing both sides. The detector is installed on the detection slopes to detect outwards, realizing the front-mounted installation of the detector, reducing the detection distance required to detect external obstacles, and effectively reducing ranging errors.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved solution, the front component of the drone also includes a mating bolt. The locking seat is connected to the rotor body or rotor guard of the drone body through the mating bolt, which can realize the detachable connection and fixation of the locking seat.

[0012] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, the front assembly of the UAV further includes locking bolts and at least two locking rings. The locking rings are connected to the rotor support or rotor guard of the UAV body via the locking bolts, and locking seats are mounted on the locking rings. The axial end face of the locking ring is hollow as a sleeve, and the side wall of the locking ring is provided with locking holes that radially extend to the sleeve. The locking bolts are threaded into the locking holes and, when tightened, can press against or insert into the outer wall of the rotor support or rotor guard. The side wall of the locking ring is also provided with mating holes to cooperate with the mating bolts for connection and fixation. This allows for detachable connection and fixation of the locking seats on the rod-shaped bracket.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. The present invention relates to a drone equipped with a front-mounted component, wherein the locking seat is installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the drone body, and the outer wall surface of the closed end of the corner plate forms two inclined detection slopes facing to both sides. The detector is installed on the detection slopes to detect outwards, thereby realizing the front-mounted installation of the detector, reducing the detection distance required to detect external obstacles, and effectively reducing the ranging error.

[0015] 2. Through the double-detection ramp at the closed end of the corner plate, dual detectors can be installed, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap, providing a large detection range. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the UAV example 1 of this utility model. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial 3D view. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional image. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective on the partial structure diagram. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the locking seat. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another perspective structural diagram. Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the rib plate.

[0017] Figure 11 This is an assembly drawing of the locking seat and locking ring of the UAV Example 2 of this utility model. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Side view. Figure 13 This is a 3D view of the disassembled state of one locking ring of 11 being assembled and the other locking ring being misaligned. Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A three-dimensional view of the locking ring.

[0018] In the attached diagram, 11 is the frame, 12 is the landing gear, 13 is the support arm, 14 is the rotor, 15 is the detector, 151 is the corner plate, 152 is the locking seat, 153 is the stiffening plate, and 154 is the locking ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Example 1

[0020] See Figures 1-10 The drone of this embodiment 1 includes a drone body, which is equipped with a detector 15 and a front component. The front component includes a corner plate 151 and a locking seat 152. The locking seat 152 is installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the drone body. The open end of the corner plate 151 is welded or integrally formed and bolted to the outer wall of the locking seat 152. The outer wall of the closed end of the corner plate 151 forms two detection ramps that are inclined to both sides. The detector 15 is installed on the detection ramps to detect outwards.

[0021] The drone body includes a fuselage, frame 11, landing gear 12, support arms (rotor support arms) 13, and rotors (rotor bodies) 14. It is equipped with a rangefinder for obstacle avoidance. The fuselage contains a lithium battery pack and a controller circuit board, which are connected and control the rotor's start and stop via standard cables. The drone body and its control system are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here; for example, DJI drones on the market; another example is the Chinese patent document "Landing Mechanism and Drone with Pressure Bar Type Landing," publication number CN219884123U, where the various pressure bars of the landing gear form landing fulcrums. The system vertically approaches and contacts the ground directly below, and is fixed to support the drone body, enabling a horizontal landing on uneven and irregular ground. Another example is the Chinese patent document "A Crack Detection Drone, Publication No. CN216509120U," which uses a quadcopter drone as an example to illustrate a crack detection scheme for buildings. The drone body is equipped with a probe arm and a crack detection mechanism, including a mechanical working arm and a crack detector, which can slide back and forth and extend outward along the probe arm to detect cracks. It is equipped with landing gear for landing. This application improves upon existing drone body detector installation structures.

[0022] To better balance the attitude of the drone, the standard interface is set in the middle of the frame 11. The standard interface has a rectangular or regular polygonal structure, as shown in the figure. This application uses the rectangular interface as an example for explanation.

[0023] The locking seat, also known as a clamp plate, serves as the base for the detector mounting structure and can be installed on the support arm, the outer wall of the rotor motor, or the rotor protective frame. The outer wall of the rotor motor is relatively flat, allowing for direct bolt connection or welding of the locking seat. The rotor protective frame, typically rod-shaped, like the support arm, requires other components for stable fixing of the locking seat. Example 1 illustrates the installation of the locking seat on the outer wall of the rotor motor.

[0024] In practical use, one detector can be installed, or two or more detectors can be installed depending on the situation, with each detector facing outwards. To detect the perimeter and have a larger detection range, preferably, in the first configuration, the locking seat's plate extends tangentially to the center of the UAV body, with the two detection ramps on the outer corner plates facing outwards. Detectors are installed on both detection ramps of the outer corner plates, and the detection ranges of these two detectors overlap. In the second configuration, two locking seats are arranged opposite each other, their plates extending radially to the center of the UAV body. Each locking seat has a corner plate installed, and detectors are installed on the same-direction detection ramps of the two corner plates, with the detection ranges of these two detectors overlapping. As shown in the figure, this embodiment 1 uses the arrangement of two locking seats opposite each other as an example.

[0025] When the locking seat is arranged in an mating configuration, it can be directly connected to the outer wall of the rotor motor, or it can be connected with a stiffening plate 153 as a docking column. As shown in the figure, taking one end connected to the rotor motor (rotor body) and the other end connected with a stiffening plate as an example, a detachable connection and fixation are achieved through mating bolts. The locking seat is designed with a cover-like structure around the motor.

[0026] The included angle between the two detection ramps of the corner plate can be selected according to the detection range of the ranging detector, such as 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°, so that the adjacent detection boundaries of two adjacent detectors coincide. Through the double detection ramps at the closed end of the corner plate, two detectors can be installed, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap, thus providing a larger detection range.

[0027] As mentioned above, a front-mounted component is configured, with its locking seat installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The outer wall of the closed end of its corner plate forms two inclined detection slopes facing both sides. The detector is installed on the detection slopes to detect outwards, realizing the front-mounted installation of the detector, reducing the detection distance required to detect external obstacles, and effectively reducing ranging errors.

[0028] Example 2

[0029] The difference between this embodiment 2 and the aforementioned embodiment 1 lies in the rod installation structure. For other details not covered herein, please refer to embodiment 1.

[0030] See Figures 11-14 This embodiment 2 describes a drone, whose front-mounted components include locking bolts and at least two locking rings 154. As shown in the figure, two locking rings are used as an example. The locking rings 154 are connected to the outer end (away from the body end) of the rotor support arm or the rotor guard frame of the drone body via locking bolts. A locking seat is installed on the locking ring. Specifically, the axial end face of the locking ring 154 is hollow as a sleeve. The side wall of the locking ring 154 is provided with a locking hole that radially extends to the sleeve. The locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole and, when tightened, can press against or insert into the outer wall of the rotor support arm or the rotor guard frame. The side wall of the locking ring 154 is also provided with mating holes to cooperate with the mating bolts for connection and fixation. Meanwhile, the locking seat can adopt a cover-like structure as in embodiment 1. This embodiment 2 uses a plate-like locking seat '152' as an example. This allows for a detachable connection and fixation of the locking seat on the rod-shaped bracket. Specifically, it can be installed on the drone body support arm shown in Example 1 or on the protective frame of a drone with an outer protective frame.

[0031] As mentioned above, the optimized design of attaching detectors (such as visual lenses, radar, etc.) to the side of the rotor motor has the advantage that the drone rotor can more effectively detect the distance to obstacles, thereby improving the drone's obstacle avoidance effectiveness.

[0032] Example 3

[0033] The aforementioned UAV scheme in Embodiments 1 and 2 includes a forward detection mechanism scheme, which is briefly described here. For details not covered, please refer to Embodiments 1 and 2 above.

[0034] This embodiment 3 provides a front-end detection mechanism, which includes a detector and a front-end component. The front-end component includes a corner plate and a locking seat. The locking seat can be installed on the rotor body or rotor protection frame of the UAV. The open end of the corner plate is located on the outer wall of the locking seat. The outer wall of the closed end of the corner plate forms two detection ramps that are inclined to both sides. The detector is installed on the detection ramps to detect outwards.

[0035] In practical use, one detector can be installed, or two or more detectors can be installed depending on the situation, with each detector facing outwards. To detect the perimeter and have a larger detection range, preferably, detectors are installed on both detection ramps of the corner plate, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap; or, two locking seats are arranged opposite each other, each locking seat is equipped with a corner plate, and detectors are installed on the detection ramps of the two corner plates in the same direction, with the detection ranges of the two detectors overlapping.

[0036] As mentioned above, a front-mounted component is configured, with its locking seat installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The outer wall of the closed end of its corner plate forms two inclined detection slopes facing both sides. The detector is installed on the detection slopes to detect outwards, realizing the front-mounted installation of the detector, reducing the detection distance required to detect external obstacles, and effectively reducing ranging errors.

[0037] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved solution, the front component also includes a mating bolt. The locking seat can be connected to the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV body through the mating bolt, which can realize the detachable connection and fixation of the locking seat.

[0038] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, the front assembly further includes locking bolts and at least two locking rings. The locking rings can be connected to the rotor support or rotor guard of the UAV body via the locking bolts, and a locking seat is mounted on the locking rings. The axial end face of the locking ring is hollow, serving as a sleeve. The side wall of the locking ring has a locking hole that radially extends to the sleeve. The locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole and, when tightened, can press against or insert into the outer wall of the rotor support or rotor guard. The side wall of the locking ring also has mating holes to cooperate with the mating bolts for connection and fixation. This allows for a detachable connection and fixation of the locking seat on the rod-shaped bracket.

[0039] It should be noted that the examples of the above embodiments can preferably be combined with one or more of each other according to actual needs, such as the combination of a sleeve and a slider structure, etc., and multiple embodiments use a set of combined technical features in the accompanying drawings, which will not be described in detail here. The take-off and landing mechanism of the UAV in the above embodiments is mainly applied to UAVs, but it is also applicable to other devices in the same / equivalent scenarios.

[0040] It should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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.

[0041] The above description is a detailed explanation and illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed by the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made under the technical teachings of the present utility model shall fall within the patent protection scope covered by the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pre-detection mechanism, comprising a detector, characterized in that: It also includes a front assembly, which includes a corner plate and a locking seat. The locking seat can be installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The open end of the corner plate is located on the outer wall of the locking seat. The outer wall of the closed end of the corner plate forms two detection ramps that are inclined to both sides. The detector is installed on the detection ramps to detect outwards.

2. The pre-detection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front assembly also includes a mating bolt, and the locking seat can be connected to the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV body via the mating bolt.

3. The pre-detection mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The front assembly also includes locking bolts and at least two locking rings. The locking rings can be connected to the rotor support or rotor guard of the UAV body via the locking bolts, and the locking seat is installed on the locking ring.

4. The pre-detection mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking ring has an axially hollow end face as a sleeve, and the side wall of the locking ring is provided with a locking hole that extends radially to the sleeve. The locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole and can press or insert into the outer wall of the rotor support or rotor guard when tightened. The side wall of the locking ring is also provided with a mating hole to cooperate with the mating bolt for connection and fixation.

5. The pre-detection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two detection ramps of the corner plate are each equipped with a detector, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap; or, two locking seats are arranged opposite each other, each locking seat is equipped with a corner plate, and the detection ramps of the two corner plates in the same direction are each equipped with a detector, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap.

6. A drone, comprising a drone body, wherein the drone body is equipped with a detector, characterized in that: It also includes a front assembly, which includes a corner plate and a locking seat. The locking seat is installed on the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV. The open end of the corner plate is located on the outer wall of the locking seat. The outer wall of the closed end of the corner plate forms two inclined detection surfaces facing to both sides. The detector is installed on the inclined detection surfaces to detect outwards.

7. The UAV according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front assembly also includes mating bolts, and the locking seat is connected to the rotor body or rotor guard of the UAV body via the mating bolts.

8. The UAV according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The front assembly also includes locking bolts and at least two locking rings. The locking rings are connected to the rotor support or rotor guard of the UAV body via locking bolts, and locking seats are installed on the locking rings.

9. The UAV according to claim 8, characterized in that: The locking ring has an axially hollow end face as a sleeve, and the side wall of the locking ring is provided with a locking hole that extends radially to the sleeve. The locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole and can press or insert into the outer wall of the rotor support or rotor guard when tightened. The side wall of the locking ring is also provided with a mating hole to cooperate with the mating bolt for connection and fixation.

10. The UAV according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both detection ramps of the corner plate are equipped with detectors, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap; or, two locking seats are arranged opposite each other, each locking seat is equipped with a corner plate, and the detection ramps of the two corner plates in the same direction are equipped with detectors, and the detection ranges of the two detectors overlap; wherein the detectors are ranging detectors.