Payload transport device

Abstract

FIELD: equipment for ultra-light aircraft.SUBSTANCE: devices for installing, moving and uncoupling loads. The payload transportation device contains a housing, upper and lower platform adapters, and two clips. The housing is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with projections located on two opposite side faces. The extensions are made with grooves. There are two trapezoidal ridges on the upper and lower bases of the housing. The area between the ridges located on the lower base of the housing forms a trapezoidal groove for attaching the lower platform adapter. The upper platform adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, the lower base of which is made with two trapezoidal grooves corresponding to the trapezoidal ridges located on the upper base of the housing. The lower platform adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, on the upper base of which there is a trapezoidal ridge corresponding to the trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform adapter of the housing.EFFECT: payload transportation device ensures a high service life.3 cl, 8 dwg

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to the field of equipment for ultra-light aircraft, in particular, to devices for installing, moving and unhooking bulky loads during their transportation to hard-to-reach areas.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] A payload release device (RU Patent 2374139, IPC B64D 1 / 02, published November 27, 2009, Bulletin No. 33) is known. It comprises a housing, a power source, a pusher, a converter of energy into the pusher's linear motion, a locking rod, and a release mechanism. The pusher is connected to the locking rod, the free end of which is designed as a collet. The lock is opened by an electromagnet and activation of the power source, resulting in the lever releasing the pusher, which releases the object at an initial velocity.

[0005] The disadvantage of this technical solution is the complexity of the design and non-optimal weight and size characteristics.

[0006] A payload release device is known (patent RU 2587318, IPC B64D 1 / 10, published 10.04.2016, Bulletin No. 17), comprising a main part, a working area, and an actuator mounting area. The main part is attached to one of the lower fixed surfaces of the aircraft in the actuator mounting area and by an additional bolt in the working area of ​​the main part. The working area of ​​the main part has a groove in its lower part for installing a load-bearing ring. An operating pin enters the working area of ​​the main part, intersects the groove, and passes the working area of ​​the main part along the center of the lateral plane of the groove.

[0007] The disadvantage of this device is the unreliability of fixing the payload during transportation.

[0008] The closest in technical essence to the proposed invention is a device for releasing a payload from an unmanned aerial vehicle (patent RU 219374, IPC B64D 1 / 02, B64D 1 / 10, published 13.07.2023, Bulletin No. 20), comprising a base, brackets, a servo drive, a double-arm lever, a bolt, hinges, and a belt. The device converts the rotary motion of the servo drive into a reciprocating motion of the bolt, which actuates the double-arm lever, which releases the fastening element, allowing the load to separate under the force of gravity.

[0009] The disadvantages of this technical solution are: insufficient structural rigidity; the use of a significant number of dissimilar fasteners; lack of protection for moving elements; low reliability of the double-arm lever design; and a short technical service life of the device (up to five cycles).

[0010] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0011] The technical objective of the invention is to increase its performance when transporting loads weighing up to 6 kg, and to be able to adjust the load fastening in field conditions.

[0012] The technical result of the invention is to ensure a high technical resource of the payload transportation device.

[0013] The technical result is achieved due to the fact that the payload transportation device, containing a housing, according to the invention is provided with upper and lower platform adapters, two clips, at least two stops, wherein the housing is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with extensions located on two opposite side faces, the extensions are made with grooves, on the upper and lower bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing there are two trapezoidal ridges, respectively, which are symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the side faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing, on which the extensions are installed, and also symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing, the area between the trapezoidal ridges located on the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing,forms a trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter, the upper platform-adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, the lower base of which is made with two trapezoidal grooves corresponding to trapezoidal ridges located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body, the lower platform-adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, on the upper base of which a trapezoidal ridge is located corresponding to the trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter of the body, on the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter, at least one pair of trapezoidal grooves is symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the lateral faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter, the shape of which corresponds to the trapezoidal ridges of the stops, wherein each stop is a rectangular parallelepiped,on the upper base of which a trapezoidal ridge is located, each clip is a flat part, in the lower part of which at least one through hole is made for fastening the tape, and the upper part of the clip is inserted into the corresponding groove of the housing extension, the lower platform-adapter is connected to the housing by connecting the trapezoidal ridge of the lower platform-adapter and the trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter of the housing, the stops are made with the possibility of installation in the trapezoidal grooves of the lower platform-adapter, the upper platform-adapter is connected to the housing by connecting the trapezoidal grooves of the upper platform-adapter with the corresponding trapezoidal ridges located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing.

[0014] Also, the upper platform adapter can be made with fasteners located on its two opposite side edges.

[0015] Additionally, the through hole of the clip can be rectangular.

[0016] Brief description of drawings

[0017] The essence of the invention is explained by graphic materials, where Fig. 1 shows a front view of a payload transport device and the following designations are adopted:

[0018] 1 - body;

[0019] 2 - upper platform adapter;

[0020] 3 - lower platform adapter;

[0021] 4 - stop;

[0022] 5 - fastener, for example, a screw connection (for example, an M3x16 screw);

[0023] 6 - clip (for textile tape).

[0024] Fig. 2 shows the body 1 (see Fig. 1) and the following designations are adopted:

[0025] 7 - take-out;

[0026] 8 - groove;

[0027] 9 - trapezoid comb;

[0028] Fig. 3 shows the upper platform adapter 2 (see Fig. 1) and the following designations are adopted:

[0029] 10 - trapezoidal groove;

[0030] 11 - mounting hole 5.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows the lower platform adapter 3 (see Fig. 1) and the following designations are adopted:

[0032] 12 - trapezoid comb;

[0033] 13 - trapezoidal groove.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows the stop 4 (see Fig. 1) and the following designations are adopted:

[0035] 14 - trapezoid comb.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows clip 6 (see Fig. 1) and the following designations are adopted:

[0037] 15 - through hole.

[0038] Fig. 7 and 8 schematically show the installation of the upper platform adapter 2 on the body 1.

[0039] Implementation of the invention

[0040] The housing 1 (see Fig. 2) is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with projections 7 located on two opposite side faces (in the front part of the housing 1 in Fig. 1). The projections 7 are provided with grooves 8 for installing clips 6 in them, to which, in turn, a textile tape is attached (not shown in the drawings). On the upper and lower bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body 1, two trapezoidal ridges 9 are located, respectively. The trapezoidal ridges 9 are symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the lateral faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body 1, on which the extensions 7 are installed, and are also symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body 1. The area between the trapezoidal ridges 9, located on the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body 1, forms a trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter 3.

[0041] The upper platform-adapter 2 (see Fig. 3) is a rectangular parallelepiped, the lower base of which is formed with two trapezoidal grooves 10, corresponding to trapezoidal ridges 9, located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing 1. Trapezoidal grooves 10 are responsive to trapezoidal elements 9, and together form a dovetail joint. The upper platform-adapter 2 can be formed with holes 11 for fasteners 5, for example, in the form of a screw connection (for an M3x16 screw or another), located on its two opposite side edges. Fasteners 5 are performed for additional fixation of the upper platform-adapter 2 on the housing 1.

[0042] The lower platform-adapter 3 (see Fig. 4) is a rectangular parallelepiped, on the upper base of which a trapezoidal ridge 12 is located. The trapezoidal ridge 12 corresponds to a trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter 3 of the body 1. On the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter 3, at least one pair of trapezoidal grooves 13 is symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the side faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter 3, which are necessary for installing the stops 4. The trapezoidal grooves 13 correspond in shape to the trapezoidal ridges 14. The maximum number of trapezoidal grooves 13 is determined by the geometric dimensions of the lower platform-adapter 3 and the characteristics of the loads to be carried.

[0043] Stop 4 (see Fig. 5) is a rectangular parallelepiped with a trapezoidal ridge 14 on its upper base, corresponding to a trapezoidal groove 13 (which is a counterpart to the trapezoidal groove of the lower platform adapter 3). The payload transport device contains at least two stops 4. Their number is determined by the characteristics of the load being transported. Fewer than two stops 4 will not ensure reliable fastening of the payload being transported.

[0044] The clip 6 is a flat part, in the lower part of which (as shown in Fig. 1) at least one through hole 15 is made for fastening a strap, which can be, for example, a textile one (see Fig. 6). In this case, the shape of the hole 15 can be, for example, rectangular. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, two through holes 15 are shown as an example. The maximum number of holes 15 is determined by the geometric dimensions of the clip 6 and the characteristics of the loads to be transported. The payload transportation device contains two clips 6. The thickness of the clip 6 is selected in such a way as to ensure its fastening in the groove 8 of the extension 7 of the body 1, for example, according to the principle of fastening the pin (the upper part of the clip 6) in the eye (groove 8). The flat part of the clip 6 can be, for example, rectangular in shape, trapezoidal in shape, a composite shape of a rectangle and a trapezoid, etc.

[0045] When assembling the payload device, the upper part of the clip 6 is inserted into the corresponding groove 8 of the extension 7 of the body 1. The lower platform adapter 3 is installed in the lower part of the body 1 by connecting the trapezoidal ridge 12 and the trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform adapter 3 of the body 1, forming a dovetail joint. The stops 4 are installed in the trapezoidal grooves 13 of the lower platform adapter 3. The location of the stops 4 is determined by the centering and dimensions of the payload. The upper platform-adapter 2 is installed in the upper part of the housing 1. The fastening is carried out due to the fact that the trapezoidal grooves 10 of the upper platform-adapter 2 are connected with the corresponding trapezoidal ridges 9 located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the housing 1; additional fastening can be provided, for example, by screwing an M3x16 screw 5 into the hole 11 for fastening 5.

[0046] The payload transport device is designed to be attached to a carrier (aircraft). This attachment can be accomplished, for example, by installing a fastening system (screw connection or other connection) on the upper platform adapter 2, which mates with the carrier (not shown in the drawings).

[0047] Thanks to the presence of several trapezoidal grooves 13 in the lower platform adapter 3, various combinations of stops 4 can be installed within them, clamping the payload secured for transport. This ensures the payload can be securely fastened and adjusted for proper balance. Additionally, the payload can be secured with a textile strap (not shown in the drawings), which is secured in through holes 15. This allows for load fastening adjustments even in the field.

[0048] Upper platform-adapter 2, before being secured with fastener 5 (screw M3x16), can move freely relative to body 1 along trapezoidal ridges 9 (as if along a guide). This allows for the possibility of selecting the relative position of upper platform-adapter 2 and body 1 for proper balancing of the transport device with a payload relative to the aircraft, including an unmanned aerial vehicle. (See Figs. 7, 8).

[0049] Removal (detachment) of the payload is carried out by disconnecting clip 6 from body 1.

[0050] The payload transport device consists of a minimal number of parts, each with a robust design and geometry optimized for 3D printing. The geometry of the parts is designed with additive manufacturing in mind, including the orientation of the material layers to ensure the required strength characteristics. Assembly of the device requires a minimum number of tools and fasteners. A secure connection between the device and both the aircraft and the payload is ensured by the use of universal adapter platforms.

[0051] The invention's operability was confirmed experimentally. Its service life was verified by repeated payload transportation cycles until the device failed. One payload transportation cycle included attaching, transporting, and removing the payload. During ground tests, 50 payload transportation cycles with a 6 kg payload were performed. During flight tests, under conditions of launch vehicle motion with acceleration and wind loads, 10 successful payload transportation cycles of a similar mass were completed. In all tests, the invention confirmed its effectiveness and reliability.

[0052] The use of the invention ensures an increase in its performance when transporting loads weighing up to 6 kg, the ability to adjust the load fastening in field conditions, and a high technical resource of the payload transportation device.

Claims

1. A payload transport device comprising a housing characterized in that it is equipped with upper and lower adapter platforms, two clips, at least two stops, wherein the body is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with projections located on two opposite lateral faces, the projections are made with grooves, on the upper and lower bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body there are two trapezoidal ridges, respectively, which are symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the lateral faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body, on which the projections are installed, and also symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry parallel to the bases of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body, the area between the trapezoidal ridges located on the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body forms a trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform adapter, the upper platform-adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, the lower base of which is made with two trapezoidal grooves corresponding to the trapezoidal ridges located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body, the lower platform-adapter is a rectangular parallelepiped, on the upper base of which a trapezoidal ridge is located, corresponding to a trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter of the housing, on the lower base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter, at least one pair of trapezoidal grooves, corresponding in shape to the trapezoidal ridges of the stops, are symmetrically located relative to the plane of symmetry, parallel to the lateral faces of the rectangular parallelepiped of the lower platform-adapter, where each stop is a rectangular parallelepiped, on the upper base of which a trapezoidal ridge is located, each clip is a flat piece, in the lower part of which there is at least one through hole for fastening the tape, and the upper part of the clip is inserted into the corresponding groove of the housing extension, the lower platform-adapter is connected to the body by means of a connection of the trapezoidal ridge of the lower platform-adapter and the trapezoidal groove for fastening the lower platform-adapter of the body, the stops are designed with the possibility of installation in the trapezoidal grooves of the lower platform of the adapter, the upper platform-adapter is connected to the body by connecting the trapezoidal grooves of the upper platform-adapter with the corresponding trapezoidal ridges located on the upper base of the rectangular parallelepiped of the body.

2. A payload transport device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the upper platform adapter is made with fasteners located on its two opposite side edges.

3. A device for transporting a payload according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the through hole of the clip is rectangular.

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