Patent · US Active

Wingless hovering of micro air vehicle

US8382029B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
18References
35Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 2008
Grant dateFeb 26, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 24, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/10
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a Wingless Hovering Micro Air Vehicle and its Power Source Unit. Embodiments can operate at reasonable power levels for hovering and withstanding expected wind gusts. Embodiments can have a diameter less than 15 cm. Embodiments can have one or more smooth (continuous curvature) surface and can be operated using electromagnetic and electrohydrodynamic principles. The wingless design of specific embodiments can allow operation with no rotating or moving components. Additional embodiments can allow active response to the surrounding flow conditions. The issue of low lift to drag ratio and degradation of airfoil efficiency due to the inability of laminar boundary layers attachment can also be significantly reduced, or eliminated. The electromagnetic force can be generated by applying a pulsed (alternating/rf) voltage between a set of grounded and powered electrodes separated by a polymer insulator, dielectric, or other material with insulating properties.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.