A protection structure of a mine surveying and mapping unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of protection structure of mine surveying and mapping unmanned aerial vehicle, to solve the collision and dust invasion problem when unmanned aerial vehicle operates in mine and other harsh environments. The structure includes external protective cage and internal load cabin, the core is, load cabin is flexibly connected by at least three high-damping shock-absorbing components, is suspended and supported in the internal space of protective cage, forms the double-layer progressive protection system of cage hard protection, load soft suspension. Preferably, protective cage is lightweight high-strength carbon fiber truss structure, its outer contour is greater than unmanned aerial vehicle body, can indirectly protect unmanned aerial vehicle body;Load cabin is fully sealed design, is equipped with transparent window, can effectively isolate dust water vapor, guarantee instrument accuracy. In addition, quick-release mechanism for facilitating quick replacement of load and support leg for take-off and landing on rugged ground are also integrated on the structure. The utility model significantly improves the survival ability, operation safety and convenience of unmanned aerial vehicle and its core load in complex environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drone accessories technology, specifically to a drone protective structure suitable for harsh working conditions such as mining surveying. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mapping technology is increasingly being used in scenarios such as mineral resource exploration, earthwork volume calculation, and slope monitoring. However, the mining environment is extremely complex and harsh, and the following problems exist: (1) The terrain is rugged and there are many obstacles. When the UAV flies near the ground or passes through narrow spaces, it is very easy to collide, which will damage the propeller, the airframe and even the core mapping instruments. (2) The mining, blasting, transportation and other operations generate a large amount of dust and debris. These suspended particles will seriously wear down and contaminate surveying instruments (such as camera lenses and lidar scanning windows), and may intrude into core components such as UAV motors and ESCs, affecting their working life and stability.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream drone protection devices on the market are either simple propeller guards that cannot provide all-round collision protection, or complex shock-absorbing landing gear that focuses on buffering vertical landings but is insufficient for lateral impact protection during flight; moreover, most of the protection devices have not systematically considered the dual needs of dust protection and collision protection.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drone protection structure that is simple and reliable, and can effectively cope with both collisions and dust intrusion. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this utility model aims to solve is to provide a protective structure for a mining surveying drone that is structurally reliable, has both anti-collision and dustproof functions, and allows for convenient payload replacement. Through a dual-layer progressive protection design of external hard protection and internal soft suspension, combined with a sealed payload compartment, it effectively solves the problems of collision and dust intrusion faced by drone surveying operations in mining environments. Simultaneously, its outward-expanding cage structure also provides effective indirect protection for the drone itself. The overall structure is reliable, and a quick-release mechanism can be optionally installed, greatly improving the safety and convenience of operations.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the protective structure of this mine surveying UAV includes a protective cage for defining an internal protective space and a payload compartment for accommodating and fixing surveying instruments; the protective cage is a hollow structure, and the payload compartment is located in the internal protective space of the protective cage; wherein, the protective cage and the payload compartment are flexibly connected by at least three shock-absorbing components to suspend and support the payload compartment in the internal protective space of the protective cage, so that a buffer gap is formed between the protective cage and the payload compartment.

[0007] As an optimization, the protective cage is a spherical or polygonal truss structure composed of multiple rods and multiple connecting nodes for connecting the rods. This structure is lightweight and strong, and can effectively resist external impacts. Preferably, the rods are made of carbon fiber tubing.

[0008] Furthermore, the top of the protective cage is provided with a multi-hole mounting plate for fixed connection with the bolt holes on the belly of the drone via bolts.

[0009] As an optimization, the payload compartment is a sealed chamber with a transparent window on its wall facing the surveying direction and an electrical signal interface on its side for electrical signal connection with the UAV. This completely isolates the expensive surveying instrument from external dust and moisture, ensuring its normal operation in harsh environments.

[0010] As an optimization, the shock absorption component uses high-damping rubber shock absorption balls.

[0011] As an optimization, a matching quick-release mechanism is provided between the load chamber and the shock absorption assembly, allowing for convenient removal or installation of the load chamber from the shock absorption assembly. This facilitates users in quickly changing different load instruments for different surveying tasks, or in separately removing and storing valuable instruments after the operation, greatly improving the flexibility and convenience of use.

[0012] Furthermore, the quick-release mechanism includes a dovetail block disposed on the load chamber body and a dovetail groove with an elastic locking pin disposed on a high-damping rubber shock absorber ball.

[0013] As an optimization, the bottom of the protective cage or mounting plate is integrally formed with at least three support feet, which are used for take-off and landing support of the UAV.

[0014] This utility model discloses a protective structure for a mining surveying drone. Through a double-layer progressive protection design of external hard protection and internal soft suspension, combined with a sealed payload compartment, it effectively solves the problems of collision and dust intrusion faced by drone surveying operations in mining environments. At the same time, its outward-expanding cage structure also provides effective indirect protection for the drone body. The overall structure is reliable and can be equipped with a quick-release mechanism, which greatly improves the safety and convenience of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The protective structure of this utility model for a mining surveying drone will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure of the mine surveying drone; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of component structure; Figure 3 yes Figure 2A magnified view of the local structure of part A in the image.

[0016] In the picture: 10-Protective cage; 11-Mounting plate; 12-Staff member; 13-Connecting node; 14-Supporting leg; 20 - Payload compartment; 21 - Transparent window; 22 - Electrical signal interface; 23 - Dovetail block; 30 - Vibration damping component; 31 - Dovetail groove. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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 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. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0020] Implementation method 1: such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the protective structure of this mining surveying UAV is an independent mission module, secured to the bolt holes on the UAV's belly using multiple bolts via a multi-hole mounting plate 11 at the top. The protective structure includes a protective cage 10 defining an internal protective space and a payload compartment 20 for housing and securing surveying instruments. The protective cage 10 is a hollow structure, and the payload compartment 20 is located within the internal protective space of the protective cage 10. The protective cage 10 and the payload compartment 20 are flexibly connected by at least three shock-absorbing components 30, suspending and supporting the payload compartment 20 within the internal protective space of the protective cage 10, thus creating a buffer gap between the protective cage 10 and the payload compartment 20.

[0021] Implementation method 2: such as Figure 2As shown, the protective cage 10 of this mine surveying UAV is a spherical or polygonal truss structure composed of multiple rods 12 and multiple connecting nodes 13 for connecting the rods 12. The rods 12 are made of carbon fiber tubes. The lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber tubes serve as the basic rods, and the spherical or polygonal truss structure is constructed using connecting nodes made of high-strength alloy or engineering plastic materials. This structure achieves maximum weight reduction while ensuring rigidity. The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0022] Implementation method 3: such as Figure 2 As shown, the payload compartment 20 of the protective structure of this mine surveying UAV is a sealed compartment to isolate it from external dust and moisture. The lower part of the compartment wall facing the surveying direction typically has a transparent window 21 for observation by the internal surveying instruments. An electrical signal interface 22 for electrical signal connection with the UAV is provided on the side. This interface is used for power supply and data exchange with the UAV via a flexible cable. The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 2 and will not be repeated.

[0023] Implementation method 4: such as Figure 2 As shown, the shock absorption component 30 of the protective structure of this mine surveying UAV uses high-damping rubber shock absorbers. Using the shock absorbers as the structural connector between the outer protective cage 10 and the inner load chamber 20 effectively absorbs and dissipates the high-frequency vibrations and impact energy generated during collisions, providing stable and reliable flexible support for the load chamber 20. The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 3 and will not be repeated.

[0024] Implementation method 5: such as Figure 3 As shown, the protective structure of this mining surveying UAV includes a matching quick-release mechanism between the payload compartment 20 and the shock absorption assembly 30, allowing for convenient disassembly or installation of the payload compartment 20 from the shock absorption assembly 30. This facilitates quick replacement of different payload instruments for different surveying tasks, or allows for the separate storage of valuable instruments after the operation, greatly improving the flexibility and convenience of use. In this embodiment, the quick-release mechanism between the payload compartment 20 and the shock absorption assembly 30 uses a dovetail block 23 on the payload compartment 20 body and a dovetail groove 31 with an elastic locking pin on the high-damping rubber shock absorber ball to achieve tool-free quick disassembly and assembly. The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 4 and will not be repeated.

[0025] Implementation method 6: such as Figure 2As shown, the protective structure of this mine surveying UAV, specifically the protective cage 10 or mounting plate 11, has at least three integrally formed support feet 14 at its bottom. These support feet 14 are used for the UAV's take-off and landing support. Since the original support frame needs to be removed when installing this protective structure, the three-point support feet 11 on this protective structure provide a wide and stable support platform for the UAV when taking off and landing on the rugged ground of the mining area, effectively preventing the risk of overturning. The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0026] Implementation Method 7: The outer perimeter of the protective cage 10 of the protective structure of this mining surveying UAV is larger than the body outline of the UAV and the outline formed by the rotation of the propeller. This allows the protective cage 10 to contact obstacles before the UAV body during flight, thereby providing comprehensive indirect protection for key components such as the UAV's arms, motors, and propellers.

[0027] In use: Mine site operators select the appropriate surveying instrument based on the day's surveying task, such as whether a high-definition camera is needed for modeling or a lidar scan is required. Using the quick-release mechanism, align the dovetail block at the bottom of the payload compartment 20 (containing the instrument) with the dovetail groove on the shock-absorbing assembly 30. After the drone starts, it flies towards the work area. When the drone passes through blasting or dusty areas, the sealed payload compartment 20 completely isolates the expensive surveying instruments from the harsh environment, ensuring that dust and moisture cannot penetrate, protecting the lens and sensors, and guaranteeing the quality of the surveying data. When approaching mountain slopes or flying in narrow spaces such as tunnels, the protective cage 10, with an outer perimeter larger than the drone body, contacts the rock wall or obstacle first. Its robust truss structure effectively resists impact, preventing direct damage to the drone's arms and propellers, significantly improving the drone's survivability. Upon collision with an obstacle, the outer protective cage 10 absorbs and disperses the vast majority of the impact energy; the residual impact and high-frequency vibrations transmitted to the interior are effectively absorbed and buffered by the high-damping rubber shock absorber balls 30 connected to the payload compartment 20, protecting the core mapping instruments inside. After completing the mapping mission, the UAV returns and lands. The operators then use the quick-release mechanism to easily remove the payload compartment 20, containing valuable data, and take it back for data processing and storage.

[0028] The protective structure of this mining surveying drone employs a dual-layer progressive protection design—external hard protection and internal soft suspension—combined with a sealed payload compartment, effectively addressing the collision and dust intrusion issues faced by drones in mining environments. Simultaneously, its expanded cage structure provides effective indirect protection for the drone itself. The overall structure is reliable and can be equipped with an optional quick-release mechanism, greatly enhancing operational safety and convenience. Specifically, (1) By combining an external rigid protective cage and an internal flexible shock-absorbing suspension, a two-layer progressive protection system of hard resistance and soft absorption is constructed, which can effectively resist collision impacts from all directions and maximize the safety of core surveying instruments. (2) The fully sealed load chamber design eliminates the pollution and damage of dust and water vapor in the mining environment to the precision optical lens from the source, ensuring the accuracy of the survey data and the service life of the equipment. (3) As an independent module installed on the belly of the UAV, its outer perimeter dimension is larger than the UAV body and propeller rotation contour, which adds an omnidirectional outer bumper to the UAV, significantly improving the survivability of the whole machine in complex environments. (4) The quick-release mechanism enables the rapid replacement and disassembly of the surveying load, which facilitates maintenance, storage and task switching, and greatly improves the efficiency of field work.

[0029] The above description illustrates the main features, basic principles, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments or examples described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the above embodiments or examples should be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A protective structure for a mining surveying drone, characterized by: It includes a protective cage (10) for defining an internal protective space and a load chamber (20) for accommodating and fixing surveying instruments; the protective cage (10) has a hollow structure, and the load chamber (20) is disposed within the internal protective space of the protective cage (10); wherein, The protective cage (10) and the load chamber (20) are flexibly connected by at least three shock-absorbing components (30) to suspend and support the load chamber (20) in the internal protective space of the protective cage (10), thereby forming a buffer gap between the protective cage (10) and the load chamber (20).

2. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cage (10) is a spherical or polygonal truss structure consisting of multiple rods (12) and multiple connecting nodes (13) for connecting the rods (12); wherein the rods (12) are made of carbon fiber tubes.

3. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the protective cage (10) is provided with a multi-hole mounting plate (11) for fixed connection with the bolt holes on the belly of the UAV by bolts.

4. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The payload compartment (20) is a sealed compartment with a transparent window (21) on its wall facing the surveying direction and an electrical signal interface (22) on its side for electrical signal connection with the UAV.

5. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shock absorption component (30) uses high-damping rubber shock absorption balls.

6. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: A quick-release mechanism is provided between the load chamber (20) and the shock absorber assembly (30) to facilitate the removal or installation of the load chamber (20) from the shock absorber assembly (30).

7. The protective structure of the mine surveying UAV according to claim 6, characterized in that: The quick-release mechanism includes a dovetail block (23) on the main body of the load chamber (20) and a dovetail groove (31) with an elastic locking pin on the high-damping rubber shock absorber ball.

8. The protective structure of the mining surveying UAV according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the protective cage (10) or mounting plate (11) is integrally formed with at least three support feet (14), which are used for the take-off and landing support of the UAV.

Images