Systems and methods for aerodynamic deployment of wing structures
US11814165B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/31
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes launching a UAV and deploying at least one portion of a wing assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the at least one portion of the wing assembly extends away from a body of the UAV. Deploying the portion of the wing assembly, which may be an outboard portion of a wing assembly, includes deflecting an aerodynamic control surface on the at least one portion of the wing assembly to cause an aerodynamic force to move the portion of the wing assembly into the deployed configuration without assistance from a spring or motor. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a UAV having a body and a plurality of wing assemblies carried by the body, at least a portion of a wing assembly is deployable using aerodynamic forces and without assistance form a spring or motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.