System and method for managing unmanned aerial vehicles
US9623760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the mobile platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.