Drone-mounted life buoy device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of unmanned plane mounting life buoy devices, including adapter assembly, by general adapter element, shock-absorbing buffer element and quick-release buckle element are sequentially combined;General adapter element upper portion is equipped with the first interface group connected with unmanned plane, lower portion is equipped with the second interface group connected with inductive connection component;Shock-absorbing buffer element is equipped between general adapter element and quick-release buckle element;Quick-release buckle element is equipped with multiple, symmetrically distributed in general adapter element bottom, connect inductive connection component;Inductive connection component, including the buckle seat connected with quick-release buckle element, tension detection element and locking element, tension detection element and locking element form temporary locking structure;Mounting assembly, including the locking top plate of cooperation fixed with locking element, and the life buoy rope hole of life buoy rope hole being equipped in locking top plate bottom surface, the rope of life buoy that binds passes through life buoy rope hole, with tension detection element fixed.The utility model sequentially constitutes three-layer structure using three components, can release life buoy by remote control, can also automatically release when personnel pulls life buoy downward, can accurately and quickly provide rescue for personnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drone payload, and in particular to a device for attaching a lifebuoy to a drone. Background Technology

[0002] When someone drowns in a natural environment, it is extremely difficult to rescue them by manually throwing a lifebuoy because their location may be constantly changing. Existing drone-based lifebuoy delivery systems rely on the drone flying close enough to drop the lifebuoy as close as possible to the drowning person. However, this method is not guaranteed to ensure that people sheltering in trees during floods can reach the lifebuoy. There are also solutions that use ropes to suspend the lifebuoy directly from the drone, but people's instinct for survival will cause them to pull the lifebuoy tightly, thus pulling the drone into the water. Therefore, how to place the lifebuoy most accurately next to the drowning person and prevent people from pulling the lifebuoy down and dragging the drone down is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device for use on drones that can carry and deploy lifebuoys.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this utility model propose a device for mounting a lifebuoy on a drone, comprising:

[0005] The adapter assembly is composed of a universal adapter element, a shock-absorbing and buffering element, and a quick-release buckle element in sequence; the universal adapter element has a first interface group at the top for connecting with the drone, and a second interface group at the bottom for connecting with the sensing connection assembly.

[0006] The shock-absorbing and buffering element is located between the universal adapter element and the quick-release buckle element; there are multiple quick-release buckle elements, symmetrically distributed at the bottom of the universal adapter element, which are connected to the sensing connection assembly;

[0007] The sensing connection assembly includes a snap seat, a tension detection element, and a locking element connected to the quick-release snap element, wherein the tension detection element and the locking element form a temporary locking structure.

[0008] The mounting assembly includes a locking top plate that is fixed in conjunction with a locking element, and a lifebuoy rope hole located on the bottom surface of the locking top plate. The rope for securing the lifebuoy passes through the lifebuoy rope hole and is fixed to a tension detection element.

[0009] The drone-mounted lifebuoy device according to this utility model embodiment adopts a three-layer structure composed of three components in sequence. It can release the lifebuoy remotely or automatically when a person pulls down on the lifebuoy, providing precise and rapid rescue to the person.

[0010] In addition, the drone-mounted lifebuoy device proposed in the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] Optionally, the first interface group consists of multiple sets of standard threaded holes, which can be compatible with drones on the market through threaded holes in different positions, and the second interface group consists of four through holes.

[0012] Optionally, the shock-absorbing element is a flat pad made of silicone, which is fixed to a universal adapter element by chemical bonding.

[0013] Optionally, the tension detection element includes a tension transmission shaft and a tension sensor. The tension sensor is connected in series in the cavity formed by the transmission shaft. The tension transmission shaft is elastically deformed by axial force and emits an electrical signal.

[0014] Optionally, the locking element includes a miniature electromagnet, a locking tongue, and a return spring. Under the action of the return spring, the locking tongue is engaged in the corresponding locking groove formed on the locking top plate to maintain the connection between the mounting assembly and the sensing connection assembly.

[0015] Optionally, the rope is equipped with an adjustable buckle to adjust the free length of the rope and reduce the free swing of the lifebuoy during flight. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 Structural view according to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 2 Structural view according to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 3 Structural view according to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 3 .

[0019] Label Explanation:

[0020] Adapter assembly 1, Adapter element 11, Quick-release latch element 12

[0021] Inductive connection component 2, buckle seat 21, tension detection element 22, locking element 23

[0022] Mounting component 3 locks the top plate 31 and the life ring rope hole 32. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] This utility model uses three components arranged in a three-layer structure. It can release the lifebuoy remotely or automatically when people pull down on it, providing precise and rapid rescue.

[0025] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0026] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 A device for mounting a lifebuoy on a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0028] The adapter assembly 1 is composed of a universal adapter element 11, a shock-absorbing buffer element, and a quick-release buckle element 12 arranged sequentially. The universal adapter element 11 has a first interface group at the top for connecting to the drone, and a second interface group at the bottom for connecting to the two inductive connection components. The first interface group consists of multiple sets of standard threaded holes, which can be compatible with drones on the market through the threaded holes in different positions. The second interface group consists of four through holes. In a specific embodiment, the universal adapter element 11 is an adapter plate made of aerospace aluminum alloy with dimensions of 120×120×5mm. The first interface group includes various threaded holes, such as M3 / M4 / M5, to adapt to more than 90% of small and medium-sized drones on the market (such as DJI Mavic 3, Inspire 2, agricultural-grade T20, etc.). The threaded holes are distributed in a 5×5 threaded hole matrix with a hole spacing of 15mm. In addition to the advantage of convenient adaptation to different drones, the threaded hole matrix can also reduce the weight of the universal adapter element 11 and increase the drone's flight time. The second interface group is machined into four φ4mm positioning holes, which are accurately and firmly connected to the two induction connection group pieces.

[0029] The shock-absorbing buffer element is located between the universal adapter element 11 and the quick-release buckle element 12 to reduce the interference of the drone flight vibration on the tensile force detection element 22 and ensure the tensile force detection accuracy. Specifically, the shock-absorbing buffer element is a flat pad made of silicone, which is fixed to the universal adapter element 11 by chemical adhesive. In one embodiment, the specific size is 120×120×3mm.

[0030] Multiple quick-release buckle elements 12 are symmetrically distributed at the bottom of the universal adapter element 11, connecting the two inductive connection groups. The material is glass fiber reinforced nylon, and the size of each buckle is 30×20×15. They are symmetrically distributed around the adapter plate and engage with the buckle seat 21 of the two inductive connection groups through a "press-lock" structure. When disassembling, the buckle can be separated by pressing it, and the assembly time is ≤10 seconds.

[0031] The sensing connection assembly 2 includes a buckle seat 21 connected to the quick-release buckle element 12, a tension detection element 22, and a locking element 23. The tension detection element 22 and the locking element 23 form a temporary locking structure. Specifically, the buckle seat 21 has a positioning pin that corresponds one-to-one with the second interface group for accurate positioning, while the quick-release buckle can be snapped into the buckle seat 21.

[0032] Specifically, the locking element 23 includes a miniature electromagnet, a locking tongue, and a return spring. Under the action of the return spring, the locking tongue engages with the corresponding locking groove formed in the locking top plate 31, maintaining the connection between the mounting assembly 3 and the sensing connection assembly 2.

[0033] One configuration of the locking groove of the locking top plate 31 is as follows: the side facing the latch seat 21 protrudes upward to form a ring, and the ring protrudes radially outward at the top to form a convex ring, thus forming a locking groove between the convex ring and the locking top plate 31; correspondingly, the bottom surface of the latch seat 21 also has a circular groove with sufficient depth and width for the ring to engage, so that when the ring engages in the circular groove, the locking tongue can extend into the locking groove, preventing the locking top plate 31 from disengaging from the latch seat 21; the locking tongue is configured in a flap-like structure on the latch seat 21. 1. The bottom surface has a torsion spring as the return spring and an electromagnet as the fixing force that keeps the latch close to the bottom surface of the latch seat 21. There are two ways to do this: First, the torsion spring drives the latch away from the latch seat 21, while the electromagnet acts in the opposite way. When the electromagnet works, it cancels the force of the torsion spring, fixing the latch to the bottom surface of the latch seat 21 and maintaining the locked state, thereby fixing the mounting component 3. When the electromagnet is controlled by the outside and stops providing magnetic attraction, the latch springs open under the action of the torsion spring, releasing the mounting component 3.

[0034] Another approach is to use a torsion spring and an electromagnet in the same direction, both of which bring the locking tongue close to the bottom surface of the buckle seat 21. However, when the two work together, their combined force is needed to fix the mounting component 3. When the electromagnet no longer has an attractive force, the torsion spring can no longer maintain the mass of the mounting component 3, and the mounting component 3 will naturally fall off. The purpose of this design is to reduce the design specifications and energy consumption of the electromagnet.

[0035] Optionally, the tension detection element 22 includes a tension transmission shaft and a tension sensor. The tension sensor is connected in series in the cavity corresponding to the transmission shaft. The tension transmission shaft elastically deforms under axial force, generating an electrical signal. In a specific embodiment, the tension sensor is connected in series on the tension transmission shaft.

[0036] The tension transmission shaft runs through the center of the second layer, connecting to the top of the first-layer adapter plate (transmitting the drone's suspension force) and temporarily connecting to the third-layer mounting frame (transmitting the lifebuoy's tension force) via a magnetic element at the bottom. The magnetic attraction force of the magnetic element is designed to be slightly greater than the upper limit of the drag force designed for the mounting assembly 3. This ensures that when a person in the water tries to pull the lifebuoy, the drag force is accurately transmitted while also ensuring that the mounting assembly 3 can detach within the drone's load limit. To avoid the tension required for detachment doubling due to synchronized action with the locking element 23, the magnetic element and locking element 23 act independently. That is, the magnetic force of the magnetic element independently fixes the mounting assembly 3 to the tension transmission shaft. When the tension sensor receives a sufficiently large tension value, the locking element 23 is also set to the released state, so that the locking element 23 will not hinder the detachment of the mounting assembly 3 again. The tension sensor is connected in series in the middle of the transmission shaft to ensure that the tension is completely detected by the sensor.

[0037] It also includes a backup manual unlocking component, installed on the side of the second layer. When automatic unlocking fails (such as sensor failure), a command can be sent via the ground remote controller to trigger the locking component to release, thereby achieving manual unlocking and improving reliability.

[0038] The mounting assembly 3 includes a locking top plate 31 that is fixed in conjunction with the locking element 23, and a lifebuoy rope hole 32 located on the bottom surface of the locking top plate 31. The rope for tying the lifebuoy passes through the lifebuoy rope hole 32 and is fixed to the tension detection element 22.

[0039] The top plate 31 is machined with a "locking hole" (φ8mm) to cooperate with the second locking tongue to achieve locking; a "rope threading hole" (φ10mm) is opened in the center for passing the hanging rope; the bottom is designed with 3 rope hooks, evenly distributed at 120° to prevent the lifebuoy from tilting.

[0040] The rope hook is an open hook with the opening facing upwards. The purpose of this design is to allow the person in the water to quickly separate the locking top plate 31 from the lifebuoy after it falls off together.

[0041] The locking top plate 31 can also be made of a material with a density of less than 1. Alternatively, the locking top plate 31 can be made into a structure with an overall density of less than 1 by means of internal hollowing and sealing, so that it also has buoyancy and can provide additional buoyancy for people who fall into the water together with the life ring when necessary.

[0042] The rope should be lightweight (density 0.92g / cm³). 3 A high-strength (breaking tensile strength ≥300N) PE rope is used. One end is passed through the threading hole of the locking base by "rope knot + heat shrink tubing fixation". The other end is divided into 3 strands and tied to 3 hanging points on the life ring. Life rings with hanging points are existing technology, so the specific structure of the life ring will not be described in detail. This ensures that the life ring is evenly stressed and avoids unilateral tilting that could cause unlocking jamming.

[0043] Optionally, the rope is equipped with an adjustable buckle to adjust the free length of the rope and reduce the free swing of the lifebuoy during flight.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", 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 are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a lifebuoy on a drone, characterized in that, include The adapter assembly is composed of a universal adapter element, a shock-absorbing and buffering element, and a quick-release buckle element in sequence; the universal adapter element has a first interface group at the top for connecting with the drone, and a second interface group at the bottom for connecting with the sensing connection assembly. The shock-absorbing and buffering element is located between the universal adapter element and the quick-release buckle element; there are multiple quick-release buckle elements, symmetrically distributed at the bottom of the universal adapter element, which are connected to the sensing connection assembly; The sensing connection assembly includes a snap seat, a tension detection element, and a locking element connected to the quick-release snap element, wherein the tension detection element and the locking element form a temporary locking structure. The mounting assembly includes a locking top plate that is fixed in conjunction with a locking element, and a lifebuoy rope hole located on the bottom surface of the locking top plate. The rope for securing the lifebuoy passes through the lifebuoy rope hole and is fixed to a tension detection element.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lifebuoy mounting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first interface group consists of multiple sets of standard threaded holes, which can be compatible with drones on the market through threaded holes in different positions. The second interface group consists of four through holes.

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lifebuoy mounting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing and buffering element is a flat pad made of silicone, which is fixed to a universal adapter element by chemical bonding.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lifebuoy mounting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tensile force detection element includes a tensile force transmission shaft and a tensile force sensor. The tensile force sensor is connected in series in the cavity formed by the transmission shaft. The tensile force transmission shaft is elastically deformed by axial force and emits an electrical signal.

5. A drone-mounted lifebuoy device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element includes a miniature electromagnet, a locking tongue, and a return spring. Under the action of the return spring, the locking tongue is engaged in the corresponding locking groove formed in the locking top plate to maintain the connection between the mounting component and the sensing connection component.

6. A drone-mounted lifebuoy device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rope is equipped with an adjustable buckle to reduce the free swing of the lifebuoy during flight.

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