Multicopter with detachable wing
US9623969B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can operate both as a conventional multicopter with no wing attached, or, it can operate as a winged multicopter. The detachable wing design used in the invention provides versatility without compromising performance; the wing attachment receptacles add no weight to the wingless multicopter configuration because they also function as the leg receptacles. In one embodiment, the base multicopter configuration is a quad-copter with four propeller drives. Four tubular receptacles, two forward and two aft, provide attachment points for the vertical struts of a detachable rectangular shaped wing, these vertical struts also function as the legs of the multicopter. The wing is fabricated using lightweight struts and rip stop nylon fabric which can be easily folded into a compact shape using quick release pins. In another embodiment, the wing is fabricated using a foam core. In both embodiments, the angle of the detachable wing can be adjusted to optimize lift and drag in the forward thrust, tilted position of the multicopter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.