Bi-stable and switchable magnetic legs for UAV landing on curved surfaces
US11584516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/26
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to land, take off, and magnetically perch on a ferromagnetic cylindrical surface is provided. The UAV includes a body and articulated magnetic legs configured to land and magnetically perch the UAV on the cylindrical surface. Each magnetic leg has a fixed portion coupled to the body and a pivoting portion pivotably coupled to the fixed portion at a pivot axis. The pivoting portion includes a switchable magnet and a single articulation joint that provides the pivoting portion with a single degree of freedom about the pivot axis to passively orient the pivoting portion inward and tangent to the cylindrical surface in response to the pivoting portion contacting the cylindrical surface during the landing, and to passively maintain the inward orientation of the pivoting portion during the takeoff.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.