Adjustable configurations for aerial vehicle safety
US10676176B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerial vehicle may include adjustable configurations to selectively provide protection for propellers of the aerial vehicle. Portions of the wing and/or the tail plane of the aerial vehicle may be reconfigured to an extended configuration around a periphery of one or more propellers during generally vertical flight or hovering operations, when delivery a payload, and/or upon detecting objects in proximity. Likewise, the portions of the wing and/or the tail plane may be reconfigured to a retracted configuration that eliminates or minimizes adverse aerodynamic effects during generally horizontal flight operations, when operating at high altitude, and/or upon detecting no objects in proximity. During the reconfiguration, portions of the leading edge of the wing may be extended or retracted, and/or portions of the tail plane may be extended, retracted, and/or rotated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.