Systems and methods to interchangeably couple tool systems with unmanned vehicles

US10246187B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• Robert L. Cantrell · Herndon, US
• John P. Thompson · Bentonville, US
• David C. Winkle · Berryville, US
• Michael D. Atchley · Springdale, US
• Donald R. High · Noel, US
• Todd D. Mattingly · Bentonville, US
• Brian G. McHale · Chadderton, GB
• John J. O'Brien · Farmington, US
• John F. Simon · Pembroke Pines, US
• Nathan G. Jones · Bentonville, US
• Robert C. Taylor · Mount Olive, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 8, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 2, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U2201/104
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.