Propulsion system for a buoyant aerial vehicle
US10780969B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A buoyant aerial vehicle includes: a balloon configured to store a gas; a payload coupled to the balloon; and a propulsion unit coupled to the payload by a tether. The propulsion unit includes: a fuselage having a substantially longitudinal shape, a first end, and a second end; a primary airfoil coupled to the fuselage; a secondary airfoil coupled to the fuselage at one of the first end or the second end; and a thrust generating device disposed at one of the first end or the second end and configured to move the propulsion unit relative to the payload along a propulsion flight path. The movement of the propulsion unit imparts movement of the buoyant aerial vehicle along a vehicle flight path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.