System and method for multiple aircraft lifting a common payload
US8761968B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method are provided for controlling a plurality of aircraft to lift a common payload. The system comprises of multiple aircraft tethered to a common payload, where the group of aircraft form a swarm that is controlled by a pilot station. Each aircraft is autonomously stabilized and guided through a swarm avionics unit, which further includes sensor, communication, and processing hardware. At the pilot station, a pilot remotely enters payload destinations, which is processed and communicated to each aircraft. The method for controlling a multi-aircraft lifting system includes of inputting the desired location of the payload, and determining a series of intermediary payload waypoints. Next, these payload waypoints are used by the swarm waypoint controller to generate individual waypoints for each aircraft. A flight controller for each aircraft moves the aircraft to these individual waypoints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.