All-electric multirotor full-scale aircraft for commuting, personal transportation, and security/surveillance
US9242728B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for a full-scale vertical takeoff and landing manned or unmanned electric aircraft, having an all-electric, non-hydrocarbon-powered lift and propulsion system, an integrated avionics system for navigation and guidance, and simple joystick and throttle controls to provide the operator with ‘drive by wire’ style direction control. The vehicle employs counter-rotating sets of propellers and lift is provided by multiple pairs of small electric motors driving directly-connected, counter-rotating sets of propellers. Automatic computer monitoring by one or a plurality of programmed redundant digital motor management computer or autopilot controls each motor-controller and motor to produce pitch, bank and elevation, while simultaneously restricting the flight regime that the pilot can command. Sensed multi-axis information and parameter values about vehicle state are used to provide stable vehicle control and to detect when stable vehicle operating limits are about to be exceeded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.