Automated docking of unmanned aerial vehicle
US12409949B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D2111/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are systems for automated docking of an unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, some systems include an unmanned aerial vehicle including a propulsion mechanism, a battery, and a processing apparatus; and a dock including a landing surface with a funnel geometry shaped to fit a bottom surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle at a base of the funnel, wherein tapered sides of the funnel form corners at the base of the funnel, and a battery charger configured to charge the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle while the unmanned aerial vehicle is on the landing surface, wherein conducting contacts of the battery charger are on the landing surface, positioned at the bottom of the funnel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.