A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments

Abstract

This utility model relates to a multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments. It includes a flight platform, a sensor mounting bracket, multiple sensor components, a shock-absorbing device, connecting components, and a counterweight module. The multiple sensor components include a thermal imaging module, a lidar module, a visible light camera module, and a gas detection module, all mounted on the sensor mounting bracket and secured by detachable connecting components. The sensor mounting bracket is connected to the flight platform via the shock-absorbing device, effectively mitigating the impact of vibration. A counterweight module is located at the tail of the flight platform for center of gravity balance. This utility model features a stable structure, a reasonable layout, and is easy to maintain and replace, making it suitable for multimodal data acquisition and monitoring operations in complex environments such as mining areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection, and in particular to a multimodal UAV monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments. Background Technology

[0002] Drones are widely used in scenarios such as mine safety monitoring, environmental assessment, and equipment inspection due to their flexibility, mobility, and rapid deployment. Especially in complex environments such as maintenance workshops, underground mines, and open-pit mines, the use of drones for multimodal information collection, including high-altitude imaging, thermal imaging, and gas monitoring, has become an important means of improving operational efficiency and safety levels in mining areas.

[0003] In existing technologies, some drones have integrated multiple sensor modules, but the following significant problems exist: First, the sensor layout is messy and lacks a unified installation structure, which makes it easy for modules to interfere with each other; second, sensor replacement or maintenance is inconvenient, and some use adhesive or non-standard fixing methods, which are not conducive to later upgrades or repairs; third, there is a lack of stability design for the special environment of mining areas (such as dust, high temperature, vibration, low light, etc.), which can easily lead to loose equipment and data distortion.

[0004] Especially in multimodal sensing and monitoring tasks, UAVs are required to integrate multiple types of sensors, such as thermal imaging, lidar, visible light cameras, and gas detectors, and ensure reasonable coordination of each module in terms of space, weight, and signal compatibility. This places higher demands on the structural design of UAV platforms.

[0005] In view of this, the inventors have designed a multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments, which leads to this invention. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments, which at least solves the problems of unstable installation, unreasonable layout, difficult maintenance and replacement, and low data fusion of multimodal sensors during UAV monitoring in complex mining environments.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] This application provides a multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments, characterized by comprising:

[0009] A flight platform; a sensor mounting bracket fixedly mounted on the flight platform; multiple sensor components mounted on the sensor mounting bracket, the sensor components including a thermal imaging module, a lidar module, a visible light camera module, and a gas detection module; a buffer and shock absorption device disposed between the sensor mounting bracket and the flight platform; a connecting component for detachably connecting each of the sensor components to the sensor mounting bracket; and a counterweight module mounted at the tail of the flight platform for balancing the center of gravity of the flight platform.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the sensor mounting bracket is located at the center of the front or bottom of the flight platform.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the buffer and shock absorption device includes a rubber pad, an elastic connector, or a shock-absorbing spring.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the connecting component is a slide rail snap-fit ​​structure or a threaded fastening structure.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the slide rail buckle structure includes a slide rail groove, a slider, and a limiting buckle. The slider is slidably engaged within the slide rail groove and locked by the limiting buckle.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the thermal imaging module and the visible light camera module are mounted on the same side of the sensor mounting bracket, while the lidar module and the gas detection module are mounted on the opposite side.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the thermal imaging module is located below the visible light camera module, and the two are finely adjusted in angle using a shared adjustment bracket.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the counterweight module is a metal block or a battery assembly, and is mounted on the tail of the flight platform via a fixing plate.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the fixing plate is connected to the flight platform via an adjustable slide structure to adjust the position of the counterweight and achieve center of gravity calibration.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the flight platform also includes a protective shield for the sensor components, the shield being made of a removable, transparent material.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] By setting up sensor mounting brackets on the flight platform and integrating multi-modal sensor components such as thermal imaging modules, lidar modules, visible light camera modules, and gas detection modules, combined with the structural design of detachable connection components, buffer and shock absorption devices, and counterweight modules, not only is the stable installation and efficient collaboration of multiple types of sensors achieved, but the problems of unreasonable sensor layout, unstable installation, difficult maintenance and replacement, and center of gravity imbalance in existing technologies are also effectively solved, thereby improving the monitoring accuracy, structural reliability, and adaptability of the UAV system in complex mining environments.

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] in:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 3 ;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the connecting components of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a utility model Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of the diagram.

[0028] Label Explanation:

[0029] 1. Flight platform; 11. Protective shield; 2. Sensor mounting bracket; 3. Sensor assembly; 31. Thermal imaging module; 32. Visible light camera module; 33. LiDAR module; 34. Gas detection module; 4. Buffer and shock absorption device; 5. Connecting assembly; 51. Slide rail groove; 52. Slider; 53. Limit buckle; 6. Counterweight module; 61. Fixing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer and more understandable, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3The present invention provides a multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments, and particularly relates to a structural design scheme for integrating multiple sensors within the system. This structure not only considers the stability and reliability of sensors in complex environments, but also addresses practical issues such as modular layout, center-of-gravity balance, and rapid maintenance, thereby significantly enhancing the practical application value of the UAV monitoring system in mining scenarios.

[0032] The system mainly includes a flight platform 1, a sensor mounting bracket 2, multiple sensor components 3, a shock absorption device 34, a gas detection module 4, a connecting component 5, and a counterweight module 6. The flight platform 1 is the main structure, supporting all functional components of the aircraft. A sensor mounting bracket 2 is located at its front or bottom center for the centralized arrangement and fixation of various functional sensors. The mounting bracket uses an aluminum alloy frame structure or engineering plastic material, featuring light weight and high strength. It can be fixed to the reinforcing beams of the flight platform 1 using screws or slots to ensure structural stability.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the multiple sensor components 3 preferably include, but are not limited to: a thermal imaging module 31, a lidar module 33, a visible light camera module 32, and a gas detection module. To achieve efficient collaboration and information complementarity, the thermal imaging module 31 and the visible light camera module 32 are preferably mounted on the same side of the sensor mounting bracket 2, and are mounted via a shared adjustable bracket. This bracket allows the operator to make micro-angle adjustments according to mission requirements to adapt to different lighting and observation distance conditions. The lidar module 33 and the gas detection module are located on the opposite side to avoid interference between the laser beam and the camera module's field of view, while also ensuring balance during flight.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, and to facilitate the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the various sensors, the sensor assembly 3 is detachably connected to the sensor mounting bracket 2 via the connecting assembly 5. The connecting assembly 5 can adopt a slide rail snap-fit ​​structure or a threaded fastening structure, preferably the former, to facilitate quick replacement and on-site maintenance. The slide rail snap-fit ​​structure consists of a slide rail groove 51, a slider 52, and a limiting buckle 53. The slider 52 can slide within the slide rail groove 51. The operator only needs to push the slider 52 along the rail into the designated position, and it will be fixed by the limiting buckle 53, achieving a safe and stable connection.

[0035] like Figure 2As shown, considering the numerous uncontrollable factors such as vibration and impact in the complex mining environment, a buffer and shock absorption device 34 for the gas detection module is installed between the sensor mounting frame 2 and the flight platform 1. This device includes structures such as rubber shock-absorbing pads, springs, or elastic connectors, which can effectively absorb the vibration generated by the flight platform 1 during operation, thereby avoiding interference with the precision sensors and improving the stability and accuracy of the monitoring data.

[0036] To address the potential for forward shift of the center of gravity due to the centralized arrangement of sensors, a counterweight module 6 is installed at the tail of the flight platform 1. This counterweight module 6 can take the form of a metal block, battery module, etc., and is preferably connected to the flight platform 1 via a fixed plate 61 with a sliding groove structure. Operators can adjust the position of the counterweight block in the groove to calibrate and balance the overall center of gravity, ensuring stable flight and attitude control of the flight platform 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the flight platform 1 can be equipped with a transparent protective cover 11 structure to protect the sensor assembly 3 without affecting the sensing range. The protective cover 11 adopts a detachable design and is preferably made of transparent polycarbonate material, which has the properties of impact resistance, lightweight and wear resistance, and is suitable for the operating conditions of mining areas with high dust and high impact risk.

[0038] The aforementioned modular structures are organically combined to form a unified and compact sensor integration system. This not only enhances the overall structural strength and ease of maintenance of the system but also effectively achieves spatial coordination and functional integration among multimodal data acquisition systems. The proposed structural scheme is widely applicable to unmanned intelligent inspection scenarios in coal mines, metal mines, tunnels, and other high-risk environments.

[0039] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-modal unmanned aerial vehicle monitoring system suitable for complex mine site environments, characterized in that, include: Flight platform; A sensor mounting bracket fixedly installed on the flight platform; Multiple sensor components are mounted on the sensor mounting bracket, including a thermal imaging module, a lidar module, a visible light camera module, and a gas detection module; A buffer and shock absorption device is installed between the sensor mounting bracket and the flight platform; Connection components for detachably connecting each of the sensor components to the sensor mounting bracket; The counterweight module installed at the tail of the flight platform is used to balance the center of gravity of the flight platform.

2. The multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor mounting bracket is located at the center of the front or bottom of the flight platform.

3. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer and shock absorption device includes a rubber pad, an elastic connector, or a shock-absorbing spring.

4. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component is a slide rail snap-fit ​​structure or a threaded fastening structure.

5. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 4, characterized in that: The slide rail buckle structure includes a slide rail groove, a slider, and a limiting buckle. The slider slides within the slide rail groove and is locked by the limiting buckle.

6. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal imaging module and the visible light camera module are mounted on the same side of the sensor mounting bracket, while the lidar module and the gas detection module are mounted on the opposite side.

7. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal imaging module is located below the visible light camera module, and the two are finely adjusted in angle using a shared adjustment bracket.

8. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight module is a metal block or a battery assembly, and is mounted on the tail of the flight platform via a fixing plate.

9. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixed plate is connected to the flight platform through an adjustable slide structure to adjust the position of the counterweight and achieve center of gravity calibration.

10. A multimodal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system suitable for complex mining environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flight platform also includes a protective shield for the sensor components, the shield being made of a removable, transparent material.

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