Autonomous aerial cable inspection system
US9753461B1 · kind B1 · utility
31Cited by
2References
12Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerial inspection system is provided, including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having an articulated arm coupled thereto. An end effector is coupled to a second end of the articulated arm, the end effector sized and shaped to extend at least partially around an aerial cable in close proximity. One or more sensors are positioned along an inner surface of the end effector, and provide feedback to a control unit. In response, the control unit adjusts a position of at least one of the UAV, the articulated arm, and the end effector such that the end effector maintains a close, non-contact position with respect to the cable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.