Lateral propulsion systems and architectures for high altitude balloons
US11851154B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D35/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.