Load release assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a load release assembly (10) for transporting and releasing at least one load connected to at least one carrier (50) from one point to another point by at least one aircraft.

Description

[0001] LOAD RELEASE ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a load release assembly for transporting and releasing at least one load connected to at least one carrier from one point to another point by at least one aircraft.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Aircraft load transport systems are systems that generally use large-capacity planes, unmanned aerial vehicles or other aircraft usually for quickly transporting large amounts of material from one place to another for commercial or military purposes. These systems are often used for the quick transportation of emergency relief supplies, merchandise, postal shipments, and sometimes military equipment.

[0006] Load release mechanisms are systems especially used in aircraft, designed to release or unload loads quickly and effectively. Such mechanisms are often used in military and humanitarian operations, but they can also be used in commercial applications.

[0007] In the present transport / release mechanisms, after the load is transmitted to the desired point, the load is either released in the air and lowered to the ground with a parachute, or is released from the aircraft descending to the ground by means of electrical systems or personnel on the ground. In the first of these methods mentioned, the load cannot be lowered precisely to the desired point. When electrical systems are used, situations may arise where the load cannot be released due to inappropriate weather conditions or in case of malfunctions. When personnel are used, the labor force of a person who is needed at critical moments or should not be present in a dangerous situation is required.

[0008] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems demand ameliorative innovations in the relevant technical field.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a load release assembly to eliminate the above- mentioned disadvantages and bring the new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] An object of the invention is to introduce a load release assembly that allows the load to be automatically released when contacting a surface.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to introduce a load release assembly that eliminates the possibility of outside intervention.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a load release assembly that is protected against undesirable substances such as dust and dirt.

[0013] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention relates to a load release assembly. Accordingly, the novelty of the invention is that the load release assembly comprises at least one movable group that can move on the y-axis, with at least one holder connected to said aircraft at one end, the load release assembly comprises at least one fixed group with at least one outer body in which said movable group is located, the movable group comprises at least one middle body connected to at least one end of said holder, the load release assembly comprises at least a first elastic element that partially surrounds a portion of said middle body, the load release assembly comprises at least one inner body located in the lower neighboring part of the middle body with respect to the y-axis, the load release assembly comprises at least a second elastic element between said inner body and the middle body, the load release assembly comprises at least one clamp located in the outer body which can pivot in the plane normal to the y-axis in order to grab and release the carrier, the load release assembly comprises at least a third elastic element connected to said clamp to continuously apply force to the clamp thus enabling pivoting in the plane normal to the y-axis, the inner body comprises at least one compression part (353) that exerts force on said third elastic element, the inner body comprises at least one protrusion extending in the direction of the -y-axis, the load release assembly comprises at least one lock, to lock the movement of the movable group on the y-axis, the outer body, the middle body and the inner body comprise at least one hole, at least one path and at least one channel, respectively, through which said lock can pass, said path comprises at least one locking region which locks the movement in the y-axis, through which the lock passes with the partial rotational movement around the y-axis as a result of the movement of the movable group in the y-axis. Thus, a load release assembly is obtained that is protected against external interventions, has a long lifespan by preventing unwanted substances from entering the mechanism, minimizes the need for maintenance and repair, and can automatically release the load upon contact with the ground without requiring a user.

[0014] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the load release assembly comprises at least one bearing located between the outer body and the clamp, and that said bearing is in the form of a ring. Thus, the clamps can be connected such that there is freedom of rotation relative to each other.

[0015] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the load release assembly comprises two clamps, and the clamp is in the form of a half-ring.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the path comprises at least one threshold. Thus, the lock element cannot be removed from the locking region as a result of any intervention other than user intervention.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the lock is essentially a pin. Therefore, the lock element is accessible and low-cost.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the path is essentially a comma-shaped groove. Thus, a configuration suitable for the pin can be obtained and locking can be carried out simply.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that its first elastic element is a spring, its second elastic element is a spring, and its third elastic element is a spring. Thus, it is possible to compress the clamps and return the mechanism to its original state.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a representative exploded view of the load release assembly of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a representative rear view of the load release assembly of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a representative side cross-sectional view of the load release assembly of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a representative view of the load release assembly of the invention in the loading phase.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows a representative side cross-sectional view of the load release assembly of the invention in the loading phase.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a representative view of the load release assembly of the invention in the loading phase.

[0026] Fig. 7 shows a representative side cross-sectional view of the load release assembly of the invention in the loading phase.

[0027] Fig. 8 shows a representative front cross-sectional view of the load release assembly of the invention in the loading phase.

[0028] Fig. 9 shows a representative front view of the movable group of the load release assembly of the invention in the transportation phase, in which the movable group locked, without the outer body.

[0029] Fig. 10 shows a representative side cross-sectional view of the movable group of the load release assembly of the invention in the transportation phase, in which the movable group is locked.

[0030] Fig. 11 shows a representative side cross-sectional view of the load release assembly of the invention in the release phase.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In this detailed description, the load release assembly (10) of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect. Fig. 1 shows a representative exploded view of the load release assembly (10) of the invention. The load release assembly (10) is connected with aircraft, especially unmanned aerial vehicles, and enables the transfer of loads with weight from one point to another point. The load mentioned here can be any load such as an object with a weight, a person. The load release assembly (10) can be used not only with aircraft, but also in places where the load is lifted into the air, such as a crane. The load release assembly (10) ensures that the loads are automatically released on the desired ground without the need for a user. There is at least one carrier (50) that carries out the transportation of the load by connecting the load with the load release assembly (10).

[0033] The load release assembly (10) fulfills its function by cooperation of two different groups. Accordingly, the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one fixed group (20) and at least one movable group (30). Said movable group (30) and said fixed group (20) cooperate to ensure that the load is connected to the load release assembly (10), that the movable group is locked (40) during transport after the load is connected, and that the load is released after contact with a ground, and that afterwards the user unlocks and returns the movable group (30) to its starting point. Therefore, there is a loading phase (I) in which the load is loaded, a transportation phase (II) in which the aircraft takes off and transports the load, and a release phase (III) in which the load is released upon contact of the load with a ground.

[0034] The fixed group (20) comprises at least one outer body (21 ). Said outer body (21 ) is in the form of a hollow cylinder. In alternative embodiments, said outer body (21 ) can also have square, triangular or various polygonal geometries. The outer body (21 ) essentially houses the components required for the load release assembly (10). The outer body (21 ) comprises at least one opening at at least one end. In the preferred embodiment of the outer body (21 ), there are openings at both ends. The outer body (21 ) comprises at least one hole (211 ). Said hole (211 ) is located along the outer body (21 ) on the axis perpendicular to the y-axis. The hole (21 1 ) is in circular form. In alternative embodiments, the hole (211 ) can be in various geometries such as square and triangle. The hole (211 ) is provided on both opposite surfaces of the outer body (21 ). Since the outer body (21 ) comprises only two openings, the outer body (21 ) is closed to the outside. This prevents foreign substances from entering the load release assembly (10) during transport and even reduces air friction occurring during flight. The fixed group (20) comprises at least one bearing (24). Said bearing (24) is located in the opening of the outer body (21 ) that opens downwards with respect to the y-axis, such that said bearing (24) remains within the outer body (21 ). The bearing (24) is in the form of a ring, allowing the carrier (50) to pass through its center.

[0035] The fixed group (20) comprises at least one clamp (23). Said clamp (23) is in the form of a half ring when viewed in the direction of the y-axis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two clamps (23). The clamps (23) are located on the bearing (24) and connected to the bearing (24) with the freedom to rotate around the y-axis. Both clamps (23) can move independently of each other.

[0036] The fixed group (20) comprises at least a third elastic element (22) that can be inserted into the hole located at at least one end of the clamp (23). Said third elastic element (22) is in the form of a semicircle when viewed in the direction of the y-axis and has ends extending in the y-axis to pass through the hole at the end of the clamps (23). The third elastic element (22) is essentially a spring configured to force the clamps (23) to open continuously. Therefore, from the points of connection to the clamps (23), the third elastic element (22) allows the rotation of the clamps (23) around the y-axis from the point where it connects the clamps (23) to each other.

[0037] Therefore, these elements forming the fixed group (20) are fixed. By being fixed, it is meant that they do not move in the direction of the y-axis.

[0038] The movable group (30) comprises at least one holder (31 ). Said holder (31 ) enables the load release assembly (10) to be connected to the aircraft. The holder (31 ) is essentially an eyebolt. The holder (31 ) is connected to at least a middle body (33) at at least one end. Said middle body (33) is located in the outer body (21 ). The middle body (33) has freedom to move in the y-axis direction within the outer body (21 ). Therefore, the movement of the holder (31 ) on the y-axis is also possible. The part that forms the upper opening of the outer body (21 ) prevents the middle body (33) from exiting the outer body (21 ). For this reason, as soon as the aircraft takes off, the holder (31) pulls the middle body (33) upwards, while the middle body (33) does not exit the outer body (21 ). Furthermore, the middle body (33) is a hollow cylinder with two different diameters.

[0039] The movable group (30) comprises at least a first elastic element (32) located in the outer body (21 ) between the upper surface of the outer body (21 ) and the middle body (33). Said upper surface (not shown in the figures) is the surface of the outer body (21 ) on which the eyebolt, i.e. the holder (31 ), sits. Said first elastic element (32) also has freedom of movement in the direction of the y-axis. The first elastic element (32) is a spring positioned to surround at least part of the middle body (33). With the movement of the middle body (33) on the +y-axis (+y), the first elastic element (32) can be compressed.

[0040] The middle body (33) comprises at least one path (331 ). Said path (331 ) is a groove located on two opposite surfaces of the middle body (33). The path (331 ) is essentially a comma-shaped hole. Thus, the path (331 ) in the middle body (33) located in the outer body (21 ) allows at least one lock to pass through the hole (211 ) in the outer (21 ) body, and exit from the other surface of the outer body (21 ). Said lock (40) is essentially a pin. To be clearer, the pin (40) passes through the middle body (33) and the outer body (21 ), passing through and the hole (21 1 ) and the path (331 ) aligned with each other.

[0041] The path (331 ) comprises at least one locking region (3312). Said locking region (3312) is the region where the lock (40), that is, the pin, locks the movement of the movable group (30) on the y-axis. The transition of the lock (40) to the locking region (3312) is only possible if the lock (40) crosses at least a threshold (3311 ). Said threshold (3311) is a structure that extends on the -y-axis (-y).

[0042] The load release assembly (10) comprises at least one inner body (35). Said inner body (35) is partially located within the middle body (33). The inner body (35) is also a cylindrical structure with two different diameters like the middle body (33). There is at least one compression part (353) in the lower part of the inner body (35), that is, in the lower portion relative to the -y-axis (-y). Said compression part (353) is partially U- shaped when viewed from the axis perpendicular to the y-axis. Said compression part (353) allows the third elastic element (22) to be rotated around the y-axis. In other words, the compression part (353) is in a form that allows the third elastic element (22) to be opened by moving on the +y-axis (+y) and the third elastic element (22) to be compressed by moving on the -y-axis (-y). As can be seen in Figure 8, the compression part (353) curves to get closer to the central axis of the load release assembly (10) as it moves in the direction of the +y-axis (+y). In this way, with the movement on the y-axis, the third elastic element (22) can relax and compress by contacting this curve. The inner body (35) comprises at least one channel (351 ). Said channel (351 ) is a hole located along the inner body (35) on the axis perpendicular to the y-axis, extending in the direction of the y-axis. The width of the channel (351 ) is not smaller than the diameter of the lock (40). The channel (351) is provided on both opposite surfaces of the inner body (35).

[0043] The inner body (35) also comprises at least one protrusion (352). Said protrusion (352) is a structure extending from the inner body (35) in the -y-axis (-y) direction. The user pushes the inner body (35) from the protrusion (352) by means of the carrier (50), forcing the entire movable group to move on the +y-axis (+y).

[0044] The movable group (30) comprises at least a second elastic element (34). Said second elastic element (34) is located in the middle body (33). The second elastic element (34) is a spring. The second elastic element (34) is provided in the middle body (33) to partially surround a portion of the inner body (35).

[0045] In the light of all of the described, the invention operates as follows:

[0046] Loading Phase: (I) Figure 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the loading phase (I). The user must first ensure that the movable group (30) is locked. Accordingly, the user connects the carrier (50) by pushing said carrier (50) on the +y-axis (+y) towards the load release assembly (10) from the opening under the outer body (21 ). While carrying out this movement, the carrier (50) contacts the protrusion (352) and pushes the inner body (35) on the +y-axis (+y). This movement of the inner body (35) is not prevented by the lock (40) since the channel (351 ) allows this movement. Then, the inner body (35) compresses the second elastic element (34) between it and the middle body (33) and moves in the +y-axis (+y), causing the middle body (33) to move in the +y-axis (+y). Here, it should be noted that the lock (40) passing through the hole (21 1 ) in the outer body (21 ) is not able to move on the y-axis due to the diameter of the hole (211 ) in the outer body (21 ). Taking this information into account, the lock (40) cannot move in the y-axis, however since the middle body (33) is attempted to be pushed in the +y-axis (+y), the lock (40) passing through the path (331 ) in the middle body (33) follows the path (331 ) and causes the middle body (33) to partially rotate around the y-axis. To be clearer, the lock (40) cannot move on the y-axis as it almost snap-fits into the hole (211 ) in the outer body (21 ), and the middle body (33) follows the lock (40) via the path (331 ). In other words, the lock (40) does not move, the middle body (33) moves according to the lock (40). In this way, the middle body (33) partially performs a rotation movement around the y-axis. When the lock (40) crosses the threshold (3311 ) and arrives at the locking region (3312), the movement of the middle body (33) ends. Not only the middle body (33), but also the entire movable group (30) is locked since the inner body (35) is also connected to the lock via the channel (351 ). In this case, since the inner body (35) moves upwards, the compression part (353) also does not compress the third elastic element (22). What prevents the clamps (23) from opening is the friction force between the clamps (23) and the carrier (50), which occurs when the load pulls the carrier (50) downwards. Therefore, the load is now ready to be transported.

[0047] Transportation Phase: (II) Figure 9 and 10 show the transportation phase (II). When the load is being transported, the carrier holding the load (50) is pulled downwards, and the eyebolt (31 ) pulls the middle body (33) upwards. During transportation, the process proceeds in this way until the load touches the ground. Of course, in the meantime, the first elastic element (32) trapped between the surface forming the upper opening of the outer body (21 ) and the surface of the middle body (33) formed due to the difference in diameter forces the middle body (33) to move continuously on the -y-axis (-y), but this movement does not occur due to the locking of the movable group (30). Furthermore, the lock (40) being in the locking region (3312) and the threshold (3311 ) being a structure extending on the -y-axis (-y) prevents the lock (40) from returning to its initial state. In this way, the mechanism can only be opened with the intervention of the user, and a safe transportation can be carried out.

[0048] Release Phase: (III) Figure 11 shows the load release assembly (10) in released-load state. While the load is being released, the force applied by the clamps (23) to rotate (i.e. trying to open continuously) when the carrier holding the load (50) moves on the +y-axis (+y) after the load touches the ground, overcomes the friction force between the clamps (23) and the carrier (50), causing the clamps (23) to open. Therefore, the load is released.

[0049] As a result, a load release assembly (10) has been introduced that has a long lifespan and allows the load to be released upon contact with the ground, can adapt to harsh weather conditions during load transport by aircraft, block undesirable substances such as moisture, dust, and dirt, and prevent external intervention to the mechanism. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0050] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN DRAWING

[0051] 10 Load Release Assembly

[0052] 20 Fixed Group

[0053] 21 Outer Body

[0054] 211 Hole

[0055] 22 Third Elastic Element

[0056] 23 Clamp

[0057] 24 Bearing

[0058] 30 Movable Group

[0059] 31 Holder

[0060] 32 First Elastic Element

[0061] 33 Middle Body

[0062] 331 Path

[0063] 3311 Threshold

[0064] 3312 Locking Region

[0065] 34 Second Elastic Element

[0066] 35 Inner Body

[0067] 351 Channel

[0068] 352 Protrusion

[0069] 353 Compression Part

[0070] 40 Lock

[0071] 50 Carrier

[0072] (+y) Y-Axis

[0073] (-y) Y-Axis

[0074] (I) Loading Phase

[0075] (II) Transportation Phase

[0076] (III) Release Phase

Claims

CLAIMS1. A load release assembly (10) for transporting and releasing at least one load connected to at least one carrier (50) from one point to another point by at least one aircraft, characterized in that the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one movable group (30) that can move on the y-axis, with at least one holder (31 ) connected to said aircraft at one end, the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one fixed group (20) with at least one outer body (21 ) in which said movable group (30) is located, the movable group (30) comprises at least one middle body (33) connected to at least one end of said holder (31 ), the load release assembly (10) comprises at least a first elastic element (32) that partially surrounds a portion of said middle body (33), the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one inner body (35) located in the lower neighboring part of the middle body (33) with respect to the y-axis, the load release assembly (10) comprises at least a second elastic element (34) between said inner body (35) and the middle body (33), the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one clamp (23) located in the outer body (21 ), which can rotate around the y-axis in order to grab and release the carrier (50), the load release assembly (10) comprises at least a third elastic element (22) connected to said clamp (23) to continuously apply force to the clamp (23) thus enabling pivoting around the y-axis, the inner body (35) comprises at least one compression part (353) that exerts force on said third elastic element (22), the inner body (35) comprises at least one protrusion (352) extending in the direction of the -y-axis (-y), the load release assembly (10) comprises at least one lock (40), to lock the movement of the movable group (30) on the y-axis, the outer body (21 ), the middle body (33) and the inner body (35) comprise at least one hole (211 ), at least one path (331 ) and at least one channel (351 ), respectively, through which said lock (40) can pass, said path (331 ) comprises at least one locking region (3312) which locks the movement in the y-axis, through which the lock (40) passes with the partialrotational movement around the y-axis as a result of the movement of the movable group (30) in the y-axis.

2. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the load release assembly (10) comprises a bearing (24) located between the outer body (21) and the clamp (23).

3. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that said bearing (24) is in the form of a ring.

4. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the load release assembly (10) comprises two clamps (23).

5. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the clamp (23) is in the form of a half ring.

6. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the path (331) comprises at least one threshold (3311).

7. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that said threshold (3311 ) is a protrusion extending in the -y-axis (-y).

8. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the lock (40) is essentially a pin.

9. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the path (331) is essentially a comma-shaped groove.

10. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first elastic element (32) is a spring.

11. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the second elastic element (34) is a spring.

12. A load release assembly (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the third elastic element (22) is a spring.

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