Adjustable shrouds for propeller safety
US11124286B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerial vehicle may include adjustable shrouds to selectively provide protection for propellers of the aerial vehicle. The adjustable shrouds may be moved 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 adjustable shrouds may be moved 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. The adjustable shrouds may include various designs, such as fan shrouds, telescoping shrouds, folding shrouds, and deployable arm shrouds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.