Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment of passive control stabilizers
US9938001B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A passive control system can be implemented that converts an active control system on a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a passive control system. In the event that a system health of an active control system on the UAV is compromised, or in other instances, a passive control mechanism can be deployed to restore at least some in-flight stability. In various examples, the passive control system can monitor UAV attitude, velocity, and position to determine an active control system health. In other examples, the passive control system may receive an indication from the active control system itself. In some examples, the passive control mechanisms may include increasing an offset of a center of thrust and the center of gravity of the UAV. In other examples, the passive control mechanisms may include deploying control surfaces that induce a drag force that impedes translational and rotational movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.