Airframe-embedded ultrasonic transducers
US10901077B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/104
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aerial vehicles may be outfitted with one or more ultrasonic anemometers, each having ultrasonic transducers embedded into external surfaces. The transducers may be aligned and configured to transmit acoustic signals to one another, and receive acoustic signals from one another, along one or more paths or axes. Elapsed times of signals transmitted and received by pairs of transducers may be used to determine air speeds along the paths or axes. Where two or more pairs of transducers are provided, a net vector may be derived based on air speeds determined along the paths or axes between the pairs of the transducers, and used to generate control signals for maintaining the aerial vehicle on a desired course, at a desired speed or altitude, or in a desired orientation. The transducers may be dedicated for use in an anemometer, or may serve multiple purposes, and may be reoriented or reconfigured as necessary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.