Self propelled device with magnetic coupling
US9457730B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/01
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system including one or more motors. The internal drive system acts to provide power to an interior surface of the spherical housing, thereby causing the self-propelled device to move. A biasing assembly can be included to enable the internal drive system to continuously engage an inner surface of the spherical housing. An external accessory magnetically interacts with interior magnetic components through the spherical housing such that as the self-propelled device rotates and maneuvers, the accessory component maintains a positional relationship to a top portion of the self-propelled device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.