Damage avoidance system for unmanned aerial vehicle using stored energy from descent
US10096255B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/104
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and system that may perform one or more techniques for protecting objects from damage resulting from an unintended or uncontrolled impact by a UAV. As described herein, various implementations utilize a damage avoidance system that detects a risk of damage to an object caused by an impact from a UAV that has lost control and takes steps to reduce or eliminate that risk. For example, the damage avoidance system may detect that the UAV has lost power and/or is falling at a rapid rate of descent such that, upon impact, there is a risk of damage to an object with which the UAV may collide. Upon detecting the risk of damage and prior to impact, the damage avoidance system activates a damage avoidance system having one or more protection elements that work in concert to reduce or prevent damage to the object upon impact by the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.