A self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of unmanned surface vessel (USV) component technology, and discloses a self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for USVs. It includes a compartment, the bottom of which is laid with an extended base plate. Multiple modular counterweights are movably connected to the surface of the extended base plate via a centering structure. Each modular counterweight has a symmetrically arranged magnetic block on its top, and a quick-release handle is connected to the outside of the magnetic block. The centering structure includes a boss located at the center of the extended base plate along its length. Each modular counterweight has a connecting groove at the center of its bottom, and the connecting groove and the boss cooperate to connect. This utility model, through the comprehensive application of a spindle-cone structure design, lightweight modular combination, self-locking fitting assembly, movable quick-release installation, and dynamic centering adjustment, significantly optimizes the mission adaptability and safety of modular counterweights for USVs, combining high efficiency and engineering practicality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned surface vessel (USV) accessories technology, specifically a self-locking, quick-release, adjustable weight structure for USV assembly. Background Technology

[0002] To suppress the vibration and noise of the propulsion system and the interference of surface waves on underwater detection equipment, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) often fix their detection mechanisms to a cantilevered lower section of the hull. However, while this design ensures that the detection equipment is not disturbed, it is prone to causing attitude instability during hull operation and storage. Therefore, modular counterweights need to be installed at the bottom of the cantilevered section. Currently, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) generally adopt integrated casting or welding modular counterweights. While these have advantages in structural strength, they also have significant inherent drawbacks: 1) Poor adaptability to various scenarios: The weight of the modular counterweights, which are cast in single units, is not adjustable, making it impossible to match the differentiated counterweight requirements of USVs of different models and operating conditions; 2) High maintenance costs: The large-mass integrated rigid structure means that disassembly requires hoisting equipment or multiple people to work together, significantly increasing labor and time costs; 3) Insufficient spatial compatibility: The fixed-volume modular counterweights encroach on the limited cabin space of the hull, particularly affecting the modular layout and transportation economy of small USVs; 4) Inflexible adjustment: Traditional modular counterweights are rigidly fixed to the bottom of the cantilever section, making it impossible to achieve center of gravity offset control through dynamic adjustment of mass distribution, which limits the hull's anti-capsulation capability under complex sea conditions.

[0003] While existing improvement schemes propose a modular counterweight with dual adjustment of mass and center of gravity, their technical implementation faces significant bottlenecks: weight adjustment relies on a gear and rack transmission mechanism, and center of gravity offset requires an electrically driven slide rail system, leading to a dramatic increase in structural complexity; at the same time, the disassembly and assembly process still requires external lifting equipment, which contradicts the lightweight and highly maneuverable operational characteristics of unmanned surface vessels.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a modular counterweight structure that is simple in structure and can be quickly assembled and disassembled in order to optimize the adjustment flexibility, assembly and disassembly speed and operation and maintenance efficiency of unmanned surface vessels. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for an unmanned surface vessel (USV) includes an USV body. The bottom of the USV body is connected to a compartment via a lower edge structure. An extendable base plate is laid inside the compartment. Multiple modular counterweights are movably connected to the surface of the extendable base plate via a centering structure. Each modular counterweight has a magnetic block symmetrically arranged on its top, and a quick-release handle is connected to the outside of the magnetic block.

[0008] The centering structure includes a boss located at the center of the surface of the extended base plate along the length of the extended base plate. Each modular counterweight has a connecting groove at the center of its bottom, and the connecting groove and the boss are connected to each other.

[0009] More preferably, the modular counterweight has symmetrically arranged positioning posts on one side and positioning holes on the other side, and adjacent modular counterweights are connected by the positioning posts and positioning holes.

[0010] More preferably, each of the modular counterweights has a through-hole at its center, and a fastening bolt is screwed into the through-hole.

[0011] More preferably, multiple balls are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss on the surface of the expansion base plate, and the top of the balls is 1-3mm higher than the platform surface on both sides of the boss on the surface of the expansion base plate.

[0012] More preferably, each of the modular counterweights has a spindle-shaped conical structure with symmetrical ends, and the modular counterweights are connected to the spindle-shaped conical structure inside the compartment.

[0013] More preferably, the top of the compartment is detachably connected to a hatch cover, and both ends of the compartment along its length are detachably connected to hatch doors.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] Compared to traditional integrated modular counterweights, the modular counterweights in this invention are lighter and smaller in size. The magnetic quick-release mechanism significantly improves disassembly efficiency, greatly enhancing the operational efficiency of the unmanned surface vessel (USV). The quick-release handle also significantly optimizes the convenience of disassembly and retrieval. This lightweight design is particularly suitable for small USVs. Compared to traditional modular counterweights that require fixed installation, the modular counterweights in this invention feature a spindle-conical structure whose tapered shape complements the spindle structure inside the compartment, enabling radial self-locking between the counterweights and the compartment. This unique structural design allows for a perfect fit between the modular counterweights and the compartment, ensuring the stability of the modular counterweights. Compared to electrically powered quick-assembly and disassembly methods, the installation method in this invention is purely mechanical, avoiding the risk of component failure and adapting to high humidity and high salt spray environments.

[0016] The modular counterweight structure of this utility model has a simple overall structure. Through the comprehensive application of spindle conical structure design, lightweight modular combination, self-locking fitting assembly, movable quick-release installation and centering dynamic adjustment, it significantly optimizes the mission adaptability and safety of the modular counterweight for unmanned surface vessels, and has both high efficiency and engineering practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the modular counterweight and quick-release handle connection structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection structure between the modular counterweight and the extended base plate of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view of the modular counterweight and extended base plate connection structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a section of the present invention;

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Unmanned surface vessel body; 2. Lower edge structure; 3. Modular counterweight; 4. Cabin section; 5. Underwater detection equipment; 6. Connecting slot; 7. Magnetic block; 8. Boss; 9. Extendable base plate; 10. Quick release handle; 11. Connecting hole; 12. Positioning post; 13. Positioning hole; 14. Ball bearing; 15. Hatch cover; 16. Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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 of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Please see Figures 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0025] A self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for an unmanned surface vessel (USV) includes an USV body 1. A compartment 4 is connected to the bottom of the USV body 1 via a lower edge structure 2. An extendable base plate 9 is laid on the bottom of the compartment 4. Multiple modular counterweights 3 are movably connected to the surface of the extendable base plate 9 via a centering structure. Each modular counterweight 3 has a symmetrically arranged magnetic block 7 on its top, and a quick-release handle 10 is connected to the outside of the magnetic block 7. The magnetic block 7 is made of neodymium iron boron permanent magnets with a magnetic force ≥200N, ensuring the stability of the quick-release handle 10 during assembly and disassembly, and the strong magnetic engagement between the modular counterweight 3 and the hatch cover 15 on top of the compartment 4, ensuring the stability of the modular counterweight 3 during USV operation. The modular counterweights 3 are made of high-density alloy and weigh between 2kg and 5kg. The surface of the modular counterweights 3 is coated with an anti-corrosion coating for corrosion and rust prevention in the humid environment of marine operations.

[0026] The centering structure includes a boss 8 located at the center of the surface of the extended base plate 9 along the length of the extended base plate 9. Each modular counterweight block 3 has a connecting groove 6 at the center of its bottom, and the connecting groove 6 and the boss 8 are connected to each other.

[0027] In this utility model, a positioning post 12 is symmetrically arranged on one side of the modular counterweight 3, and a positioning hole 13 is symmetrically arranged on the other side of the modular counterweight 3. Adjacent modular counterweights 3 are connected by the positioning post 12 and the positioning hole 13.

[0028] In this utility model, each modular counterweight 3 has a through-hole 11 at its center, and a fastening bolt is screwed into the through-hole 11.

[0029] In this utility model, multiple balls 14 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9. The top of the balls 14 is 1-3mm higher than the platform surface on both sides of the boss 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9.

[0030] In this invention, each modular counterweight 3 has a spindle-shaped conical structure with symmetrical ends, and the modular counterweight 3 is connected to the spindle-shaped conical structure inside the compartment 4.

[0031] In this invention, a hatch cover 15 is detachably connected to the top of compartment 4, and hatch doors are detachably connected to both ends of compartment 4 along its length. The hatch cover 15 is slidably connected to the top of compartment 4 via a sliding groove, and can be opened or closed by sliding during use.

[0032] In this utility model, the underwater detection device 5 is also connected inside the compartment 4 by a fastener 16. The fastener 16 is a long bolt structure, and one end of the fastener 16 passes through the compartment 4 and is connected to the bottom of the unmanned vessel body 1, while the other end is connected to the underwater detection device 5.

[0033] In this invention, the extension base plate 9 is made of rubber, while the rest of the structure remains unchanged. This reduces structural vibration within the compartment 4 during the unmanned surface vessel's navigation and minimizes the impact of the compartment 4 on the underwater detection equipment 5.

[0034] Example: In use, firstly, according to the requirements of the detection mission, the underwater detection equipment 5 is installed at the bottom of the unmanned surface vessel (USV) body 1 through the compartment 4 via the fastener 16. Then, the hatch 15 and the hatches on both sides are opened. From the hatches on both sides, along the length of the compartment 4, from both ends towards the center, the modular counterweights 3 are installed one by one inside the compartment 4 using the quick-release handle 10 and the magnetic block 7. This is done by using the boss 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9 to connect with the connecting groove 6 at the bottom of the modular counterweight 3, and by using the multiple ball bearings 14 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9. At the same time, with the center of the compartment 4 as the midpoint, the adjacent modular counterweights 3 on both sides are connected by the positioning pin 12 and the positioning hole 13. After all the modular counterweights 3 are installed, they are further connected together by the connecting hole 11 through the center of each modular counterweight 3 and the fastening bolt. After installation, slide the hatch 15 to close it and press it firmly to ensure that a strong magnetic connection is formed between the hatch 15 and the magnetic block 7 on the top of the modular counterweight 3, so as to realize the self-locking function of the modular counterweight 3.

[0035] When different counterweight masses are required, modular counterweight blocks 3 with a mass of 2kg to 5kg are selected according to the counterweight mass requirements of compartment 4. Multiple modular counterweight blocks 3 are installed and removed. Using quick-release handles 10, multiple modular counterweight blocks 3 are installed or removed in sequence inside compartment 4 according to the working principle described above to achieve counterweight mass adjustment.

[0036] When it is necessary to adjust the center of gravity of the counterweight, according to the offset of the compartment 4, multiple modular counterweight blocks 3 are moved left and right by the bosses 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9, the connecting grooves 6 at the bottom of the modular counterweight blocks 3, and the multiple ball bearings 14 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bosses 8 on the surface of the extension base plate 9. After moving to the appropriate position, the compartment cover 15 is closed and pressed to ensure the stability of the counterweight.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for an unmanned surface vessel (USV), comprising a USV body (1), wherein a compartment (4) is connected to the bottom of the USV body (1) via a lower edge structure (2), characterized in that: The bottom of the compartment (4) is covered with an extension base plate (9). Multiple modular counterweights (3) are movably connected to the surface of the extension base plate (9) through a centering structure. Each modular counterweight (3) has a magnetic block (7) symmetrically arranged on its top. A quick-release handle (10) is connected to the outside of the magnetic block (7). The centering structure includes a boss (8) located at the center of the surface of the extended base plate (9) along the length direction of the extended base plate (9). Each modular counterweight (3) has a connecting groove (6) at the bottom center, and the connecting groove (6) and the boss (8) are connected to each other.

2. The self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modular counterweight (3) has a positioning post (12) symmetrically arranged on one side and a positioning hole (13) symmetrically arranged on the other side. The adjacent modular counterweights (3) are connected by the positioning post (12) and the positioning hole (13).

3. The self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the modular counterweights (3) has a through-hole (11) at its center, and a fastening bolt is screwed into the through-hole (11).

4. The self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple balls (14) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss (8) on the surface of the extended base plate (9). The top of the balls (14) is 1-3mm higher than the platform surface on both sides of the boss (8) on the surface of the extended base plate (9).

5. The self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the modular counterweights (3) has a spindle-shaped structure with symmetrical ends, and the modular counterweights (3) are connected to the spindle-shaped structure inside the compartment (4).

6. The self-locking, quick-release, adjustable counterweight structure for unmanned surface vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the compartment (4) is detachably connected to a hatch cover (15), and both ends of the compartment (4) along the length direction are detachably connected to hatch doors.

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