Power module and clutch mechanism for unmanned aircraft systems
US12240621B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2022 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U50/19
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One variation of a system for generating thrust at an aerial vehicle includes: a primary electric motor; a rotor coupled to the motor; an internal-combustion engine; a disengagement mechanism interposed between the motor and an output shaft of the internal-combustion engine; an cooling shroud defining a shroud inlet between the rotor and the internal-combustion engine, extending over the internal-combustion engine, and defining a cooling shroud outlet opposite the rotor; a cooling fan coupled and configured to displace air through the cooling shroud; and a local controller configured to receive a rotor speed command specifying a target rotor speed, adjust a throttle setpoint of the internal-combustion engine according to the target rotor speed and a state of charge of a battery in the aerial vehicle, and drive the primary electric motor to selectively output torque to the rotor and to regeneratively brake the rotor according to the target rotor speed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.