B64U20/40

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO INTERCHANGEABLY COUPLE TOOL SYSTEMS WITH UNMANNED VEHICLES

In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.

Method for operating a radio-controlled flying hovercraft
09904292 · 2018-02-27 · ·

A homeostatic flying hovercraft preferably utilizes at least two pairs of counter-rotating ducted fans to generate lift like a hovercraft and utilizes a homeostatic hover control system to create a flying craft that is easily controlled. The homeostatic hover control system provides true homeostasis of the craft with a true fly-by-wire flight control and control-by-wire system control.

Reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system

A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base. A method of configuring an aircraft having a set of rotors on a mission to carry a payload comprises the steps of determining properties of the payload including at least mass properties, determining the manner in which the payload will be coupled to the aircraft, determining configuration for each of the rotors in the set of rotors at least partially in consideration of the properties of the payload, and positioning the set of rotors in the configuration for the aircraft to perform the mission.

Aerial vehicle with deployable components

An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.

Aerial vehicle with deployable components

An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.

GROUND MOVEMENT SYSTEM PLUGIN FOR VTOL UAVS
20180044000 · 2018-02-15 ·

A ground movement plug-in (GMP) apparatus for providing ground propulsion to an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV). In an embodiment, the GMP apparatus includes a frame configured to mechanically couple with the UAV, a plurality of wheels, at least one of which is actuatable by a motor, and a controller operably coupled to the motor to control propulsion of the GMP apparatus.

Rotary and fixed wing convertible aircraft with monocopters
12157587 · 2024-12-03 · ·

Systems, methods and devices for rotary and fixed wing convertible aircraft with monocopters. A monocopter flying device may include a main body and a wing pivotally coupled to the main body. A wing actuator operably coupled to the wing may be configured to pivot the wing about its longitudinal axis. The flying device may include a propulsion unit pivotally coupled to the main body that includes a motor and a propeller having a hub and radially extending blades. A propulsion unit actuator may be configured to pivot the propulsion unit about an axis non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the propellor. The flying device may include a control system including one or more processors configured to control operation of the devices. The flying devices may connect together to form a flying system having multiple flight modes with varying orientations. The flying system may disaggregate the flying devices in flight.

Rotary and fixed wing convertible aircraft with monocopters
12157587 · 2024-12-03 · ·

Systems, methods and devices for rotary and fixed wing convertible aircraft with monocopters. A monocopter flying device may include a main body and a wing pivotally coupled to the main body. A wing actuator operably coupled to the wing may be configured to pivot the wing about its longitudinal axis. The flying device may include a propulsion unit pivotally coupled to the main body that includes a motor and a propeller having a hub and radially extending blades. A propulsion unit actuator may be configured to pivot the propulsion unit about an axis non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the propellor. The flying device may include a control system including one or more processors configured to control operation of the devices. The flying devices may connect together to form a flying system having multiple flight modes with varying orientations. The flying system may disaggregate the flying devices in flight.

Ground Support Equipment For A High Altitude Long Endurance Aircraft
20240417105 · 2024-12-19 ·

Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.

Convertible unmanned aerial vehicle

The embodiments is an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes: an airframe; and a fixed-wing assembly and a rotor assembly, both replaceably connected to the airframe. The fixed-wing assembly is connected to the airframe to form a vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle and the rotor assembly is connected to the airframe to form a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle, thereby implementing an unmanned aerial vehicle that can switch between the vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle and the multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle.