Directed fragmentation for unmanned airborne vehicles
US9828097B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Directed fragmentation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. In one embodiment, the UAV includes various components, such one or more motors, batteries, sensors, a housing, casing or shell, and a payload for delivery. Additionally, the UAV includes a flight controller and a fragmentation controller. The flight controller determines a flight path and controls a flight operation of the UAV. During the flight operation, the fragmentation controller develops a fragmentation sequence for one or more of the components based on the flight path, the flight conditions, and terrain topology information, among other factors. The fragmentation controller can also detect a disruption in the flight operation of the UAV and, in response, direct fragmentation of one or more of the components apart from the UAV. In that way, a controlled, directed fragmentation of the UAV can be accomplished upon any disruption to the flight operation of the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.