An unattended unmanned aerial vehicle hangar for bridge inspection

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hangar technology, specifically an unmanned UAV hangar for bridge inspection. It includes a rectangular box, a first sliding cover, a second sliding cover, a brush plate mounting plate, a dust brush assembly, a photovoltaic panel, a landing pad, a sliding cover drive assembly, an auxiliary sliding assembly, a cooling fan, a first slide rail, a threaded column, a first slider, a worm gear, a motor, a worm, a scraper mounting plate, a wiping block, a scraper, a second slide rail, a threaded column, and a second slider. This utility model has an ingenious structure. The sliding cover drive assembly enables the automatic opening and closing of the first and second sliding covers, facilitating the vertical entry and exit of the UAV. Simultaneously, the dust brush assembly cleans the surface of the photovoltaic panel during the opening and closing of the sliding covers, ensuring the photovoltaic panel's conversion efficiency and reducing the need for manual maintenance. The hangar is installed on the sunny side of the bridge pier. Compared to manual inspection, its take-off and landing distance is reduced, greatly improving the coverage and efficiency of bridge inspection and lowering inspection costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hangar technology, specifically an unmanned UAV hangar for bridge inspection. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure bridge safety, regular, efficient, and precise inspections and maintenance are necessary to promptly identify and address potential safety hazards. However, existing bridge inspection methods have many limitations, requiring significant manpower, time, and costs, and are inherently dangerous with low inspection frequency, making them unsuitable for routine inspections. Using drones equipped with high-resolution full-frame imaging systems can clearly record every defect on the bridge, such as exposed rebar, spalling, chipped corners, and cracks, providing feedback to bridge inspection personnel for timely repair and reinforcement recommendations. However, current inspections require professional pilots and supervisors to operate the drones on-site, resulting in high labor costs and reduced coverage due to the long takeoff and landing distances of the drones. Therefore, this paper proposes an unmanned drone fleet for bridge inspection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection, so as to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection, comprising a rectangular box, with a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover slidably mounted on the top of the rectangular box. Photovoltaic panels are mounted on the top surfaces of the first and second sliding covers. A sliding cover driving assembly is mounted on the top of one side panel of the rectangular box. The sliding cover driving assembly includes a first slide rail, a threaded column, a first slider, a worm gear, and a motor. The first slide rail is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of one side panel of the rectangular box. The two ends of the threaded column are rotatably mounted inside the first slide rail via bearings. One end of the threaded column extends to the outside of the first slide rail and is fixedly sleeved with the worm gear. The motor is fixedly mounted on one side panel of the rectangular box. A worm is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor, and the worm meshes with the worm gear. Two first sliders are threadedly sleeved on the threaded column. The first sliders are respectively fixedly connected to the inner walls of the first and second sliding covers on one side plate. The two first sliders are located at a section close to each other on the first and second sliding covers. The threaded column has external threads with opposite directions at both ends, and the external threads at both ends are symmetrically arranged about the middle of the threaded column. The top of both ends of the rectangular box is provided with a dust brush assembly. The dust brush assembly consists of a scraper mounting plate, a wiping block, and a scraper. The wiping block and the scraper are sequentially installed at the bottom of the scraper mounting plate. The bottom of the wiping block and the scraper are in contact with the photovoltaic panel. The side plate of the rectangular box is fixedly installed with a brush plate mounting plate. The end of the scraper mounting plate is fixedly connected to the brush plate mounting plate with bolts. The bottom of the rectangular box is provided with a heat dissipation groove, and a heat dissipation fan is installed in the heat dissipation groove. An electric push rod is installed in the rectangular box, and a landing pad is fixedly installed at the top of the electric push rod.

[0005] Preferably, an auxiliary sliding assembly is fixedly installed on one side plate of the rectangular box that is parallel to the first slide rail. The auxiliary sliding assembly consists of a second slide rail, a slide column, and a second slider. The slide column is fixedly installed inside the second slide rail, and two second sliders are slidably sleeved on the slide column. The two second sliders are respectively fixedly connected to the inner walls of the first slide cover and the second slide cover side plate.

[0006] Preferably, the rectangular box body has slide rail mounting grooves on its two parallel side plates, and the first slide rail and the second slide rail are fixedly installed in the slide rail mounting grooves.

[0007] Preferably, a retaining plate is fixedly connected to the end face of the first sliding cover near the second sliding cover, and a retaining groove adapted to the retaining plate is opened on the end face of the second sliding cover near the first sliding cover. Waterproof sealing strips are provided in both the retaining plate and the retaining groove.

[0008] Preferably, the helipad is equipped with a wireless charging coil and a positioning device, and the rectangular box contains a main controller, a motor driver, a photovoltaic power controller, a power converter, and a battery.

[0009] Preferably, the rectangular box-shaped bottom plate is connected to the pier block by rebar installation, and the rectangular box-shaped side plate is anchored to the side of the bridge cap beam.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0011] This utility model has an ingenious structure. It achieves automatic opening and closing of the first and second sliding covers through a sliding cover drive component, which facilitates the vertical entry and exit of drones. At the same time, it works with a dust brush component to clean the surface of the photovoltaic panels during the opening and closing of the sliding covers, ensuring the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panels and reducing the need for manual maintenance. The hangar is installed on the bridge pier on the sunny side. Compared with the method of drone operator inspection, its take-off and landing distance is reduced, which greatly improves the coverage and efficiency of bridge inspection, reduces inspection costs, and has high application value and promotion prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding cover of this utility model when it is not installed;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view of the sliding cover of this utility model after it is opened;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model from below;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding cover drive assembly of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dust brush assembly structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary sliding component structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model installed at the bridge pier location.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Rectangular housing; 2. First sliding cover; 3. Second sliding cover; 4. Brush plate mounting plate; 5. Dust brush assembly; 6. Photovoltaic panel; 7. Helipad; 8. Sliding cover drive assembly; 9. Auxiliary sliding assembly; 10. Cooling fan; 81. First slide rail; 82. Threaded column; 83. First slider; 84. Worm gear; 85. Motor; 86. Worm; 51. Scraper mounting plate; 52. Wiping block; 53. Scraper; 91. Second slide rail; 92. Sliding column; 93. Second slider. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 8 The present invention provides a technical solution: an unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection, which mainly consists of a rectangular box 1, a first sliding cover 2, a second sliding cover 3, a brush plate mounting plate 4, a dust brush assembly 5, a photovoltaic panel 6, a landing pad 7, a sliding cover drive assembly 8, an auxiliary sliding assembly 9, and a cooling fan 10.

[0023] The rectangular box 1 serves as the main structure of the entire drone hangar. A first sliding cover 2 and a second sliding cover 3 are slidably mounted on its top. Photovoltaic panels 6 are installed on the top surfaces of both covers, converting solar energy into electricity to power the drone hangar and the drones. A sliding cover drive assembly 8 is installed on the top of one side panel of the rectangular box 1. This assembly includes a first slide rail 81, a threaded post 82, a first slider 83, a worm gear 84, and a motor 85. The first slide rail 81 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of one side panel of the rectangular box 1. The threaded post 82 is rotatably mounted inside the first slide rail 81 at both ends via bearings, with one end extending outside the first slide rail 81 and fixedly sleeved onto the worm gear 84. The motor 85 is fixedly installed on one side panel of the rectangular box 1, and its output end is fixedly connected to a worm 86, which meshes with the worm gear 84. Two first sliders 83 are threaded onto the threaded post 82, respectively fixedly connected to the inner wall of one side plate of the first slide cover 2 and the second slide cover 3. The threaded post 82 has external threads with opposite directions at both ends, and the external threads at both ends are symmetrically arranged about the middle of the threaded post 82. This enables the motor 85 to drive the worm gear 86 to rotate, which in turn drives the worm wheel 84 and the threaded post 82 to rotate. This causes the two first sliders 83 to drive the first slide cover 2 and the second slide cover 3 to move in opposite directions, thus completing the opening and closing operation of the slide cover.

[0024] Furthermore, a dust brush assembly 5 is provided at the top of both ends of the rectangular housing 1, consisting of a scraper mounting plate 51, a wiping block 52, and a scraper 53. The wiping block 52 and the scraper 53 are sequentially installed at the bottom of the scraper mounting plate 51 and are in contact with the photovoltaic panel 6, allowing for cleaning of the surface of the photovoltaic panel 6 during the opening and closing of the sliding cover. A brush plate mounting plate 4 is fixedly installed on the side plate of the rectangular housing 1, and the end of the scraper mounting plate 51 is fixedly connected to the brush plate mounting plate 4 by bolts to ensure the stable installation of the dust brush assembly 5.

[0025] Furthermore, the bottom of the rectangular enclosure 1 is equipped with a heat dissipation vent, within which a cooling fan 10 is installed to dissipate heat from the enclosure and ensure the normal operation of the internal electrical equipment. An electric push rod is installed inside the enclosure, with a landing pad 7 fixedly mounted at its top. The landing pad 7 is equipped with a wireless charging coil and a GPS positioning device, enabling wireless charging and positioning of the drone. The rectangular enclosure 1 also houses electrical equipment such as a main controller, motor driver, photovoltaic power controller, power converter, and battery, enabling intelligent control and management of the drone hangar.

[0026] Furthermore, an auxiliary sliding assembly 9 is fixedly installed on one side plate of the rectangular housing 1 parallel to the first slide rail 81. This assembly consists of a second slide rail 91, a sliding column 92, and a second slider 93. The sliding column 92 is fixedly installed inside the second slide rail 91, and two second sliders 93 are slidably sleeved on it. These sliders are respectively fixedly connected to the inner walls of one side plate of the first sliding cover 2 and the second sliding cover 3, limiting the sliding of the covers and ensuring stable operation. Slide rail mounting grooves are provided on the parallel side plates of the rectangular housing 1. The first slide rail 81 and the second slide rail 91 are correspondingly fixedly installed in these grooves, improving the stability of the slide rail installation.

[0027] Furthermore, a retaining plate is fixedly connected to the end face of the first sliding cover 2 near the second sliding cover 3, and a retaining groove adapted to the retaining plate is opened on the end face of the second sliding cover 3 near the first sliding cover 2. Waterproof sealing strips are provided in both the retaining plate and the retaining groove to enhance the sealing between the sliding covers, prevent rainwater and other substances from entering the interior of the rectangular box 1, and improve the protective performance of the drone hangar.

[0028] Furthermore, the bottom plate of the rectangular box 1 is connected to the pier block by rebar installation, and the side plates are anchored to the side of the bridge cap beam. The installation method is simple and firm. Inside the rectangular box 1, in addition to the above-mentioned components, there is also a laser guidance device, which consists of multiple laser emitters installed at the top four corners of the rectangular box 1, emitting cross-shaped laser beams to the outside of the box to provide visual guidance for the take-off and landing of the UAV; a sensor assembly, including optical sensors and distance sensors, which monitor the appearance and distance of the UAV respectively to prevent collisions and detect damage; a wireless communication module that supports multiple communication protocols to ensure data transmission with the remote control center; an emergency power interface for connecting external mobile power or generators to provide temporary power support; and an intelligent battery management system, equipped with battery detection circuits and temperature control devices, to achieve comprehensive management of the UAV battery, ensure battery safety and extend its service life. The above-mentioned devices, as well as electrical equipment such as the main controller, motor driver, photovoltaic power controller, power converter and battery, are all existing technologies in UAV hangars. The coordination and connection of their components can be fully realized by those skilled in the art, and this application will not elaborate further.

[0029] The working process of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] like Figure 1 - Figure 8 As shown, in use, the rectangular box 1 is installed on the sunny side of the bridge, with the bottom plate connected to the pier blocks via rebar, and the side plates anchored to the side of the bridge cap beam. When a drone is needed for inspection, the motor 85 operates, driving the threaded column 82 to rotate through the meshing of the worm gear 86 and worm wheel 84. This causes the first slider 83 to open the first sliding cover 2 and the second sliding cover 3, allowing the drone to take off from the helipad 7 for inspection. After the inspection, the drone returns to the helipad 7, the sliding covers close, and the drone hangar is protected. During the opening and closing of the sliding covers, the wiping block 52 and scraper 53 of the dust brush assembly 5 clean the surface of the photovoltaic panel 6 to ensure its conversion efficiency.

[0031] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An unattended UAV hangar for bridge inspection, characterized in that: The rectangular box (1) includes a first sliding cover (2) and a second sliding cover (3) which are slidably installed on the top of the rectangular box (1). A photovoltaic panel (6) is installed on the top surface of the top plate of the first sliding cover (2) and the second sliding cover (3). A sliding cover drive assembly (8) is installed on the top of one side plate of the rectangular box (1). The sliding cover drive assembly (8) includes a first slide rail (81), a threaded post (82), a first slider (83), a worm gear (84), and a motor (85). The first slide rail (81) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of one side plate of the rectangular box (1). The two ends of the threaded post (82) are rotatably installed inside the first slide rail (81) through bearings. One end of the threaded post (82) extends to the outside of the first slide rail (81) and is fixedly sleeved with the worm gear (84). The motor (85) is fixedly installed on one side plate of the rectangular box (1). The output end of the motor (85) is fixedly connected to a worm (86). The worm (86) meshes with the worm gear (84). Two first sliders (83) are threadedly sleeved on the threaded post (82). The two first sliders (83) are respectively fixedly connected to the inner walls of one side plate of the first sliding cover (2) and the second sliding cover (3). The top of both ends of the rectangular box (1) is provided with a dust brush assembly (5). The dust brush assembly (5) consists of a scraper mounting plate (51), a wiping block (52) and a scraper (53). The wiping block (52) and the scraper (53) are installed in sequence at the bottom of the scraper mounting plate (51). The bottom of the wiping block (52) and the scraper (53) are in contact with the photovoltaic panel (6). A brush plate mounting plate (4) is fixedly installed on the side plate of the rectangular box (1). The end of the scraper mounting plate (51) is fixedly connected to the brush plate mounting plate (4) by bolts.

2. The unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: An auxiliary sliding assembly (9) is fixedly installed on one side plate of the rectangular box (1) parallel to the first slide rail (81). The auxiliary sliding assembly (9) consists of a second slide rail (91), a slide column (92), and a second slider (93). The slide column (92) is fixedly installed inside the second slide rail (91). Two second sliders (93) are slidably sleeved on the slide column (92). The two second sliders (93) are respectively fixedly connected to the inner wall of one side plate of the first slide cover (2) and the second slide cover (3).

3. The unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rectangular box (1) has slide rail mounting grooves on its two parallel side plates, and the first slide rail (81) and the second slide rail (91) are fixedly installed in the slide rail mounting grooves.

4. The unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A card plate is fixedly connected to the end face of the first sliding cover (2) near the second sliding cover (3). A card slot adapted to the card plate is opened on the end face of the second sliding cover (3) near the first sliding cover (2). Waterproof sealing strips are provided in both the card plate and the card slot.

5. The unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two first sliders (83) are located at a section close to each other between the first slide cover (2) and the second slide cover (3). The threaded post (82) is provided with external threads with opposite directions at both ends. The external threads at both ends are symmetrically arranged about the middle of the threaded post (82).

6. The unmanned drone hangar for bridge inspection according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the rectangular box (1) is provided with a heat dissipation groove, and a heat dissipation fan (10) is installed in the heat dissipation groove. An electric push rod is installed in the rectangular box (1), and a landing pad (7) is fixedly installed at the top of the electric push rod.

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