Inspection method using a perching UAV with a releasable crawler
US11584458B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2019 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G5/57
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of inspection or maintenance of a curved ferromagnetic surface using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a releasable crawler is provided. The method includes: flying the UAV from an initial position to a pre-perching position in a vicinity of the ferromagnetic surface; autonomously perching the UAV on the ferromagnetic surface; maintaining magnetic attachment of the perched UAV to the ferromagnetic surface; releasing the crawler from the magnetically attached UAV onto the ferromagnetic surface; moving the crawler over the curved ferromagnetic surface while maintaining magnetic attachment of the released crawler to the ferromagnetic surface; inspecting or maintaining the ferromagnetic surface using the magnetically attached crawler; and re-docking the released crawler with the perched UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.