Vehicle docking systems, payload transfer systems, and related methods
US11174027B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Vehicle docking systems, payload transfer systems, and related methods. A vehicle docking system includes a vehicle with a plurality of docking insert units and a docking platform with a plurality of docking receptor units. Each docking receptor unit is configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. A method of utilizing a vehicle docking system includes bringing a vehicle to a docked position on a docking platform and securing the vehicle in the docked position. The docking platform includes a plurality of docking receptor units and the vehicle includes a plurality of docking insert units, each docking receptor unit configured to receive a corresponding docking insert unit. The securing the vehicle in the docked position includes transitioning each docking receptor unit from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. A payload transfer system includes a payload engagement system and a vehicle docking system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.