Unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) recovery system
US8464981B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U70/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A UAV recovery system including a recovery cart; a guide mechanism for defining the path of the cart; a base station for capturing a UAV tailhook; a momentum transfer system driven by the inertia of the UAV through the arresting member to move the recovery cart along the guide mechanism away from the base station in the same direction as the UAV; an acceleration control device for converging the speeds and positions of the UAV and cart for enabling engagement of the cart and UAV as their relative speeds approach zero; and a brake system for stopping the recovery cart when the cart and UAV are engaged. Also disclosed is a UAV having a tailhook pivotably mounted on the UAV at the center of gravity of the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.