Abstract
Disclosed are transportable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) facilities. The facilities comprise a housing for holding a UAV, where the housing defines a landing area for the UAV. The facilities also comprise a structure for reducing wind speed across the landing area.
Claims
1. A UAV facility, comprising: a transportable housing for holding a UAV, the housing defining a landing area for the UAV; and a structure comprising wind-reducing netting for reducing wind speed across the landing area.
2. The UAV facility of claim 1, wherein the structure further comprises one or more rigid elements to support the wind-reducing netting.
3. The UAV facility of any preceding claim, wherein the housing delimits an aperture through which to receive at least part of the UAV.
4. The UAV facility of claim 3, comprising a moveable platform, wherein the moveable platform defines at least part of the landing area and is arranged to move the UAV through the aperture.
5. The UAV facility of any preceding claim, comprising a UAV positioning mechanism arranged on the housing, the UAV positioning mechanism being configured to position the UAV on the landing area.
6. The UAV facility of any preceding claim, wherein the wind-reducing netting is arranged such that an obtuse angle is subtended between the wind-reducing netting and the landing area.
7. The UAV facility of any preceding claim, wherein the wind-reducing netting is arranged to substantially surround the landing area.
8. The UAV facility of any preceding claim, wherein the structure is erectable.
9. The UAV facility of claim 8, wherein the structure is erectable into a first configuration, wherein: in the first configuration, the wind-reducing netting extends away from the landing area in a direction above the landing surface.
10. A UAV facility, comprising: a transportable housing for holding a UAV, the housing defining a landing area for the UAV; and an erectable wind-porous structure for reducing wind speed across the landing area.
11. The UAV facility of claim 10, wherein the structure comprises a panel which has a first end and a second end, and which is connected to the housing via a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly is arranged to facilitate movement of the panel with respect to the landing area, the movement being between at least a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position, the panel extends away from the landing area in a direction above the landing area, such that the first end of the panel is arranged at a first height; and in the second position the first end of the panel is arranged at a second height, lower than the first height.
12. The UAV facility of claim 10 or 11, wherein: in the first position, an obtuse angle is subtended between the structure and the landing area.
13. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 or 12, wherein: the connector assembly comprises a hinge to hingedly connect the panel to the housing, thereby facilitating rotational movement between the first position and second position; and in the second position, the panel is arranged substantially on top of the landing area.
14. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 or 12, wherein: the housing comprises a side surface; and in the second position, the panel is arranged substantially adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, at least a portion of the side surface.
15. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the panel is a first panel and the structure further comprises a second panel, wherein: the housing comprises a side surface, and in the second position, the first panel is arranged substantially adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, at least a portion of the side surface; and in the second position, the second panel is arranged substantially on top of the landing area.
16. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 or 12, comprising an enclosure extending beneath the landing area; wherein, in the second position, the panel is arranged at least partially within the enclosure.
17. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 or 12, wherein: in the second position, at least a portion of the panel extends away from the landing area in a direction above the landing area, such that the first end of the panel is arranged at the second height.
18. The UAV facility of claim 17, wherein: the panel comprises a lower panel portion comprising the second end, and an upper panel portion comprising the first end; the connector assembly comprises a hinge to hingedly connect the upper panel portion to the lower panel portion and to facilitate rotational movement between the first position and the second position; in the first position, the lower panel portion and the upper panel portion are substantially coplanar; and in the second position, the upper panel portion is rotated towards the lower panel portion.
19. The UAV facility of claim 17, wherein: the connector assembly facilitates a sliding movement between the first position and the second position.
20. The UAV facility of claim 19, wherein: the panel comprises a lower panel portion comprising the second end, and an upper panel portion comprising the first end; in the first position, the upper panel portion is arranged further above the landing area than the lower panel portion; and in the second position, the upper panel portion is translated towards the lower panel portion.
21. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 20, comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor weather conditions; and a controller, configured to: receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; and cause the panel to move between at least the first position and the second position, based on the sensor data.
22. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 21, comprising: a communications system, configured to: receive a data signal from a remote computing system; and cause the panel to move between at least the first position and the second position, based on the data signal.
23. The UAV facility of any of claims 10 to 22, wherein the erectable wind-porous structure comprises a wind-porous element which has a porosity between 0.1-0.7.
24. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 22, wherein: in the first position the first end is arranged further above the landing area than the second end; the panel is wind-porous; and the porosity of the panel generally increases from the second end towards the first end.
25. The UAV facility of claim 24, wherein the panel comprises two or more regions, each region having a different porosity.
26. The UAV facility of claim 25, wherein the panel comprises a first region having a porosity of about 0.1, a second region having a porosity of about 0.3 and a third region having a porosity of about 0.5.
27. The UAV facility of any of claims 10 to 22, wherein: the structure delimits a plurality of adjustable apertures; and a porosity of the structure is adjustable by varying the size of the apertures.
28. The UAV facility of claim 27, comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor weather conditions; and a controller, configured to: receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; and adjust the size of the apertures, based on the sensor data.
29. The UAV facility of claims 27 or 28, comprising: a communications system, configured to: receive a data signal from a remote computing system; and adjust the size of the apertures, based on the data signal.
30. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 29, comprising: a drive mechanism, arranged to: adjust a distance between the second end of the panel and the landing area when the panel is arranged in the first position.
31. The UAV facility of any of claims 10 to 30, wherein the structure comprises: a plurality of panels for reducing wind speed across the landing area.
32. The UAV facility of claim 31, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged to substantially surround the landing area.
33. The UAV facility of claim 32, wherein the landing area defines a shape having four sides, and the plurality of panels comprise four panels for reducing wind speed across the landing area, the four panels being arranged substantially along the four sides.
34. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 33, wherein the housing delimits an aperture through which to receive at least part of the UAV.
35. The UAV facility of claim 34, comprising a moveable platform, wherein the moveable platform defines at least part of the landing area and is arranged to move the UAV through the aperture.
36. The UAV facility of any of claims 11 to 35, comprising a UAV positioning mechanism arranged on the housing, the UAV positioning mechanism being configured to position the UAV on the landing area.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unmanned aerial vehicle facility in accordance with an example;
[0057] FIG. 2A is a side view of a UAV located on a moveable platform in accordance with an example;
[0058] FIG. 2B is a side view of a UAV having been moved inside a housing by lowering the moveable platform of FIG. 2A;
[0059] FIGS. 3A-B, 4A-B, 5A-B, 6A-C, 7A-D, 8A-D, and 9A-B are side views of example UAV facilities having an erectable structure;
[0060] FIG. 10 is a side view of a porous structure in accordance with an example;
[0061] FIG. 11A is a side view of a porous structure having a porosity gradient in accordance with a first example;
[0062] FIG. 11B is a side view of a porous structure having a porosity gradient in accordance with a second example;
[0063] FIG. 12 is a side view of a structure having adjustable apertures in accordance with an example; and
[0064] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side views of a UAV facility having a structure which is moveable with respect to the landing area;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Disclosed are example UAV facilities. A UAV facility is a unit which can house a UAV, store packages, provide a landing surface, or act as a UAV battery charging/replacement unit.
[0066] FIG. 1 depicts an example UAV facility 100. The facility 100 comprises a transportable housing 102 for holding a UAV 104. The housing 102 defines a landing area/surface 106 upon which the UAV 104 can land. The housing 102 comprises a number of side surfaces 108. In this example there are four side surfaces, a base, and an upper surface, where the upper surface defines the landing area. In the example of FIG. 1, the landing area is rectangular, and therefore has four sides, or edges. Other shaped landing areas are envisaged. In this example, the housing 102 is mounted or attached to a number of wheels 116 to provide the transportability. As mentioned previously, the facility may be towed by a vehicle, or it may be a vehicle itself.
[0067] The housing 102 defines a volume within which packages, UAVs, batteries, and/or other objects can be stored. Packages may be received within the housing via one or more ingress ports 110. Once loaded into the housing 102, the packages may be moved to a particular location within the housing 102 before being loaded onto a UAV 104.
[0068] The housing may delimit an aperture 112 through which at least part of the UAV 104 may pass. For example, the UAV 104 may enter the housing 102 via the aperture 112. Alternatively, the UAV may lower a coupling mechanism through the aperture 112. A package 206, shown initially on a loading surface 208, may be attachable to the coupling mechanism.
[0069] In one example, a moveable platform (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) forms part of the landing surface 106, and is therefore positionable within the aperture 112. FIG. 2A depicts a side view of the UAV facility 100. The UAV 104 has landed on the surface 106 and is positioned upon a moveable platform 202. In some examples, the UAV facility comprises a UAV positioning mechanism (not shown) arranged on top of the housing 102. A UAV positioning mechanism is useful to position the UAV on the landing area 106. For example, the positioning mechanism may move the UAV from an initial landing position to a desired position, such as on top of the moveable platform 202.
[0070] The platform 202 may be lowered into the housing 102 by moving one or more bars 204. The bars 204 may be telescopic, for example, and can retract in length to move the platform 202 into the housing 102. A drive system (not shown) may control the lowering and raising of the moveable platform 202. For example, a controller (not shown) may instruct or cause the bars 204 to operate once the UAV 104 is positioned on the moveable platform 202. In this arrangement, the housing aperture 112 is in a closed position.
[0071] In some examples, the moveable platform 202 also delimits an aperture. In FIG. 2A, the platform aperture is closed by one or more members 210, so is not visible. The one or more members 210 are therefore in a closed configuration, in which they form part of the landing surface 106 in FIG. 2A. The drive system may be arranged to move the one or more members 210 into an open configuration.
[0072] FIG. 2B shows the moveable platform 202 in a lowered position. The bars 204 have retracted in length such that the platform 202 and UAV 104 are located within the housing 102. The one or more members 210 have also been moved into an open configuration by the drive system. For example, the one or more members 210 have been withdrawn into a compartment within the moveable platform 202, so that the platform aperture 212 is open. In another example, one or more members 210 may act like a trapdoor and hinged with respect to the moveable platform 202. A coupling mechanism, attached to one end of a tether, has been lowered from a compartment within the UAV 104 to engage the package 206. FIG. 2B therefore shows the package 206 as it is being lifted through the platform aperture 212 and into the UAV compartment. Once received within the UAV compartment, the platform 202 may be raised again to allow the UAV 104 to take flight and deliver the package 206 to a destination.
[0073] Returning again to FIG. 1, the UAV facility 100 comprises a structure 114 for reducing wind speed across the landing area 106. The structure 114 may be a single part, or may be comprised of a plurality of parts. The structure 114 acts to shelter the UAV 104 from wind during landing and takeoff, and when the UAV 104 is resting upon the landing surface 106.
[0074] In a first embodiment, the structure 114 comprises wind-reducing netting for reducing wind speed across the landing area. For example, the netting may be suspended between, or wrapped around one or more rigid elements which support the netting when erected. In certain examples, the structure is erectable.
[0075] In a second embodiment, the structure 114 is an erectable wind-porous structure for reducing wind speed across the landing area. Thus, the structure 114 can be arranged in two or more different positions/configurations.
[0076] FIGS. 3A-9 depict a variety of example structures which are erectable and can therefore be adjusted.
[0077] FIG. 3A depicts a front view of an example UAV facility 100 and corresponds to a view as seen in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 1. The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 314. The panels 314 may be wind-porous. In another example, the structure may comprise one or more nets suspended between one or more rigid elements. In FIG. 3A, only two side panels 314 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0078] The panels 314 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 320. In this example, the connector assemblies 320 comprise one or more hinges to allow the panels 314 to rotate with respect to the landing area 106.
[0079] In FIG. 3A, the panels 314 are arranged such that an obtuse angle 316 is subtended between the panels and the landing surface 106. In other examples, however, the panels 314 may be arranged substantially vertically, in the positions indicated by dashed lines. In a further example, the panels 314 may be arranged such that an acute angle is subtended between the panels and the landing surface 106.
[0080] The panels 314 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 3A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and a first, upper end 314a of the panel is arranged at a first height 318 above the ground. In this position, the panels 314 act to reduce wind speed across the landing area 106. Preferably, the panels 314 extend above the landing area by a distance such that the first end 314a extends above the UAV 104. The panels also comprise a second, lower, end 314b, which is on an opposite side from the first end 314a. In this example, the second ends 314b of the panels 314 are connected to the hinges 320.
[0081] The hinges 320 facilitate rotational movement of the panels 314 with respect to the landing area 106. For example, the panels 314 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 3A to a second, folded, position shown in FIG. 3B. For example, the panels 314 can rotate towards the landing area 106. FIG. 3B depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 3A after the panels 314 have been moved into the second position. In this position, the panels 314 are arranged on top of the landing area 106. For example, both panels may rest on the landing area 106, or one panel may rest on top of another panel. The front and rear panels (not shown) may also be rotated towards the landing area 106 in a similar fashion. In this second position the first end 314a of each panel 314 is arranged at a second height 322, which is lower than the first height 318. The panels 314 may be arranged in this second position when the UAV facility 100 is not being used, such as during transport of the facility 100. This second position provides a more aerodynamic profile during transportation.
[0082] FIG. 4A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. Unlike the example of FIG. 3A, the UAV facility of this example is arranged such that the panels rotate away from the landing area 106 into a second position in which the panels are adjacent to the side surfaces 108 of the housing 102, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0083] The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 414. In another example, the structure may comprise one or more nets suspended between one or more rigid elements. As with FIGS. 3A and 3B, only two side panels 414 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0084] The panels 414 are arranged such that an obtuse angle is subtended between the panels and the landing surface 106. In other examples, however, the panels 414 may be arranged substantially vertically or be arranged such that an acute angle is subtended between the panels and the landing surface 106.
[0085] As with FIGS. 3A and 3B, the panels 414 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 420. such as one or more hinges to allow the panels 414 to rotate with respect to the landing area 106.
[0086] The panels 414 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 4A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and a first, upper end 414a of the panel is arranged at a first height 418 above the ground. In this position, the panels 414 act to reduce wind speed across the landing area 106. The panels also comprise a second, lower, end 414b, which is on an opposite side from the first end 414a.
[0087] The hinges 420 facilitate rotational movement of the panels 414 with respect to the landing area 106. For example, the panels 414 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 4A to a second, folded, position shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the panels 414 can rotate away from the landing area 106. FIG. 4B depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 4A after the panels 414 have been moved into the second position. In this position, the panels 414 are arranged adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, at least a portion of a side surface 108 of the housing 102. The front and rear panels (not shown) may also be rotated away from the landing area 106 in a similar fashion. In this second position the first end 414a of each panel 414 is arranged at a second height 422, which is lower than the first height 418. The panels 414 may be arranged in this second position when the UAV facility 100 is not being used, such as during transport of the facility 100. This second position provides a more aerodynamic profile during transportation.
[0088] FIG. 5A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. Unlike the example of FIGS. 3B and 4B, the UAV facility of this example is arranged such that one or more panels rotate into a second position in which the panels are adjacent to the side surfaces 108 of the housing 102, and one or more other panels rotate into a second position in which the panels are on top of the landing area 106. This configuration is particularly advantageous in situations where the shape or size of the panels do not permit all of the panels to be folded on top of the landing area 106 or down the sides of the housing 102.
[0089] The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising two or more panels 514. As for the examples described with reference to FIGS. 3A-4B, the structure may comprise two or more nets suspended between rigid elements. In FIG. 5A, a front panel is depicted. The panel comprises a first end 514a that is longer in length than a second end 514b. At least one side panel is also present, but is obscured from view. A rear panel may also be present in some examples. The panel 514 is shaped like an isosceles trapezium such that the base angles 516 are equal. This means that the side panels are arranged so that an obtuse angle of equal measure is subtended between the side panel and the landing area. In a particular example, the base angles 516 are substantially equal to 45 degrees because such an angle has been found to reduce the abrupt onset of turbulence.
[0090] The panels 514 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 520. In this example, the connector assemblies 520 comprise one or more hinges to allow the panels 514 to rotate with respect to the landing area 106.
[0091] The panels 514 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 5A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and first, upper ends 514a of the panels are arranged at a first height 518 above the ground. In this position, the panels 514 act to reduce wind speed across the landing area 106.
[0092] As with the examples described with reference to FIGS. 3A-4B, the hinges 520 facilitate rotational movement of the panels 514 with respect to the landing area 106. For example, the front and/or rear panels 514 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 5A towards the landing area into a second, folded, position shown in FIG. 5B. The side panels 514 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 5A away from the landing area into a second, folded, position shown in FIG. 5B. This configuration provides a particularly aerodynamic profile in situations where the UAV facility 100 is transported in a direction out of the page. In other examples however, the front/rear panels 514 can rotate away from the landing area 106 and the side panels 514 can rotate towards, and on top of, the landing area 106.
[0093] FIG. 5B depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 5A after the panels 514 have been moved into the second position. In this position, the side panels 514 are arranged adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, at least a portion of a side surface 108 of the housing 102. The front and rear panels are arranged substantially on top of the landing area 106. In this second position the first end 514a of the side panels 514 are arranged at a second height 522, which is lower than the first height 518. The first end 514a of the front and rear panels 514 are arranged at a third height 524, which is lower than the first height 518 but higher than the second height 522.
[0094] FIG. 6A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. Unlike the example of FIGS. 3A-5B, the UAV facility of this example is arranged such that one or more panels may be stored within an enclosure located directly beneath the landing area. This configuration is particularly advantageous to reduce wind resistance during transportation of the UAV facility.
[0095] As with the examples described with reference to FIGS. 3A-5B, the example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 614. In another example, the structure may comprise one or more nets suspended between rigid elements. In FIG. 6A, only two side panels 614 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0096] The panels 614 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 620. In this example, the connector assemblies 620 comprise one or more hinges to allow the panels 614 to rotate with respect to the landing area 106. Unlike the examples depicted in FIGS. 3A-5B, the connector assemblies 620 of this example further comprise a mechanism to allow the panels 614 to translate such that they may be moved at least partially into the enclosure 626. Other types of connector assemblies 620 may be used which allow the panels 614 to be moved into the enclosure 626.
[0097] The enclosure 626, which is part of the housing, is formed directly beneath the landing area 106. The enclosure 626 may remain open once the panels 614 are stowed within the enclosure, or the housing 102 may comprise one or more doors to close the enclosure 626.
[0098] The panels 614 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 6A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and first, upper ends 614a of the panels are arranged at a first height 618 above the ground. In this position, the panels 614 act to reduce wind speed across the landing area 106. In this example, second ends 614b of the panels 614 are connected to the connector assembly 620.
[0099] The connector assemblies 620 facilitate rotational movement of the panels 614 with respect to the landing area 106. For example, the panels 614 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 6A away from the landing area into an intermediate position shown in FIG. 6B.
[0100] FIG. 6B depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 6A after the panels 614 have been moved into the intermediate position. In this position, the panels 614 are arranged substantially parallel with the landing area 106 and the first ends 614a of the side panels 614 are arranged at a second height 622, which is lower than the first height 618.
[0101] The connector assemblies 620 also facilitate translational/linear movement of the panels 614 with respect to the landing area 106. For example, the panels 614 can slide from the intermediate position of FIG. 6B and into the enclosure 626 located underneath the landing area 106 into the position shown in FIG. 6C.
[0102] FIG. 6C depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 6A after the panels 614 have been moved into a second position. In this position, the panels 614 are arranged underneath, and are substantially parallel with, the landing area 106. In this position the first end 614a of the side panels 614 are arranged at the second height 622. In some examples, the panels 614 may be fully housed within the enclosure 626. In other examples, at least a portion of the panel 614 may extend out of the enclosure 626.
[0103] FIG. 7A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. Unlike the previous examples, the UAV facility of this example comprises panels which have an upper panel portion and a lower panel portion which are pivotable with respect to each other. The upper panel portion can be rotated relative to the lower panel portion to reduce the overall height of the structure. The lower panel portion can remain in its original position such that a portion of the panel still extends away from the landing area.
[0104] The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 714, each having an upper panel portion 728 and a lower panel portion 730. In FIG. 7A, only two side panels 714 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0105] In FIG. 7A, the panels 714 are arranged such that an obtuse angle is subtended between the panels and the landing surface 106. In other examples, however, the panels 714 may be arranged substantially vertically.
[0106] The panels 714 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 7A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and a first, upper end 714a of the upper panel portion 728 is arranged at a first height 718 above the ground. The lower panel portion 730 and the upper panel portion 728 are said to be substantially coplanar because an angle subtended between the panel portions 728, 730 is approximately 180 degrees. The lower panel portion 730 comprises a second, lower, end 714b, which is on an opposite side of the panel 714 from the first end 714a.
[0107] The panels 714 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies. In this example, the connector assemblies 720 comprise two connectors 720a, 720b. The first connector 720a connects the lower panel portion 730 to the housing 102. The second connector 720b, such as a hinge, connects the lower panel portion 730 to the upper panel portion 728 and allows the two portions 728, 730 to rotate with respect to each other. In some examples, the first connector 720a is also a hinge, so that the whole panel 714 may rotate with respect to the landing surface.
[0108] As mentioned, the second connector 720b facilitates rotational movement of the upper panel portion 728 with respect to the landing area 106 and the lower panel portion 730. For example, the upper panel portion 728 can rotate/pivot from the first position of FIG. 7A towards the lower panel portion 730 to a second, folded, position shown in FIG. 7B. In this position, an acute angle is subtended between the panel portions 728, 730. The front and rear panels (not shown) may also behave in a similar fashion. In this second position the first end 714a of each panel 714 is arranged at a second height 722, which is lower than the first height 718. The panels 714 may be arranged in this second position when the UAV facility 100 is not being used, such as during transport of the facility 100, or at times when the wind speed is relatively slow. This second position provides less protection, but increases the airspace volume above the landing area.
[0109] FIG. 7C corresponds to a view as seen in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 7A. The upper panel portion 728 in this example has a length dimension that is greater than that of the lower panel portion 730. In other examples the upper and lower panel portions have substantially the same length. FIG. 7D shows the upper panel portion 728 after being rotated into the second position.
[0110] FIG. 8A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. Unlike the previous examples, the UAV facility of this example is arranged such that the connector assemblies facilitate a sliding, linear movement of the panels. This allows the overall height of the structure to be reduced.
[0111] As with the examples described with reference to FIGS. 3A-7D, the example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 814. In another example, the structure may comprise one or more nets suspended between one or more rigid elements. In FIG. 8A, only two side panels 814 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0112] In FIG. 8A, the panels 814 are arranged substantially vertically in a first, erected, position. In this position, the panels 814 extend away from the landing area 106 and a first, upper end 814a of the panel is arranged at a first height 818 above the ground. In this position, the panels 814 act to reduce wind speed across the landing area 106. The panels also comprise a second, lower, end 814b, which is on an opposite side from the first end 814a.
[0113] The panels 814 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 820. In this example, the connector assemblies 820 facilitate linear movement of the panels 814. For example, a connector assembly may comprise one or more guide rails, and the panel 814 is guided along the one or more guide rails.
[0114] As mentioned, the connector assemblies 820 facilitate a sliding movement of the panels 814. For example, the panels 814 can slide linearly from the first position of FIG. 8A to a second, reduced height position shown in FIG. 8B. In this second position, at least a portion of the panels 814 is arranged adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, at least a portion of a side surface 108 of the housing 102. A portion of the panels 814 may also extend away from the landing area to provide an element of wind protection. In other examples however, the first end 814a may be level with, or below the landing area 106. In any case, in this second position the first end 814a of each panel 814 is arranged at a second height 822, which is lower than the first height 818.
[0115] FIG. 8C corresponds to a view as seen in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D shows a side panel 814 after being moved into the second, reduced height, position.
[0116] FIG. 9A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. In a similar way to the examples of FIGS. 7A-8D, the height of the structure can be reduced. However, in contrast to those examples, the structure of this example is telescopic in nature, so that a portion of the structure can be translated linearly to a lower height.
[0117] The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 914, each having an upper panel portion 928 and a lower panel portion 930. In FIG. 9A, only two side panels 914 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0118] The panels 914 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 9A. In this position, the panels extend away from the landing area 106 and the upper panel portion 928 is arranged further above the landing area 106 than the lower panel portion 930. A first, upper end 914a of the upper panel portion 928 is arranged at a first height 918 above the ground. In this example, the lower panel portion 930 is wider than the upper panel portion 928 so that the upper panel portion 928 can be received within it. In other arrangements, the lower panel portion 930 may be narrower than the upper panel portion 928 so that the lower panel portion 928 is received within the upper panel portion 928. The lower panel portion 930 comprises a second, lower, end 914b, which is on an opposite side of the panel 914 to the first end 914a.
[0119] The panels 914 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 920. The connector assemblies 920 facilitate a sliding movement between a first, maximum height position, and a second, reduced height position. For example, the upper panel portion 928 can slide linearly from the first position of FIG. 9A to a second, reduced height position shown in FIG. 9B. In this second position, at least a portion of the panels 914 extend away from the landing area to provide an element of wind protection and the first ends 914a of each panel 914 are arranged at a second height 922, which is lower than the first height 918. The panels 914 may be arranged in this second position when the UAV facility 100 is not being used, such as during transport of the facility 100, or at times when the wind speed is relatively slow. This second position provides less protection, but provides less obstruction during landing and takeoff of the UAV.
[0120] In the examples described in relation to the FIGS. 3A-9B, the structures can be manually moved between the first and second positions. However, in other examples, the movement of the structures can be at least partially automated. For example, the UAV facility may comprise a controller, such as a processor, and a drive mechanism which causes the movement of the erectable structure between the two positions. The controller may instruct the drive mechanism to cause the structure to be moved between the first and second positions. The drive mechanism may comprise one or more motors, or actuators, for example, which operate to move the structure.
[0121] Returning to FIG. 1, the example UAV facility 100 further comprises one or more sensors 150 configured to monitor weather conditions. Based on sensor data received from the sensors 150, a controller can cause the structure to move between the first position and the second position. For example, one or more panels may initially be in the second, folded, configuration. The sensors 150 may detect an increase in wind speed, and the controller may determine that the panels need to be erected. Accordingly, the controller instructs the drive mechanism to erect the panels in order to provide protection from the wind.
[0122] Alternatively, or additionally, the example UAV facility 100 also comprises a communications system 152 (shown depicted in FIG. 1). The communications system 152 can receive a data signal from a remote computing system and cause the structure to move between the first position and the second position, based on the data signal. For example, a human operator located at the remote computing system may cause a signal to be sent to the UAV facility 100 to cause the structure to move. In another example, the signal may be sent without instruction from a human. For example, weather data received or measured at the remote computing system may trigger the signal to be sent.
[0123] As mentioned, the structure described in FIGS. 1-9B comprises a wind porous element to allow wind to permeate through the structure. For example, the panels described in FIGS. 3A-9B may be wind porous. FIG. 10 depicts an example panel 1014 that is wind porous. The panel comprises a solid portion 1002, and a plurality of apertures/voids 1004. The apertures may be provided by drilling or cutting holes in an initially solid panel 1014 until the required porosity is achieved. Alternatively, the panel 1014 may be initially formed or molded with apertures present. The apertures in FIG. 10 are distributed evenly across the panel 1014.
[0124] FIG. 11A depicts another panel 1114 that is wind porous. Unlike the panel of FIG. 10, the apertures are not evenly distributed across the surface of the panel. Instead, the porosity of the panel 1114 generally increases from the second, lower, end 1114b of the panel towards the first, upper end 1114a. Accordingly, the panel 1114 has a porosity gradient along the panel 1114, where the panel 1114 is more porous at the upper end 1114a. In one example, the porosity may be close to 0 the second end 1114b, and be closer towards 1 (such as 0.7) at the first end 1114a.
[0125] FIG. 11B depicts another panel 1116 that is wind porous and has a porosity gradient that increases from the second, lower end 1116b of the panel towards the first, upper end 1116a. In this example the panel comprises three distinct regions 1118a, 1118b and 1118c. Within each region the apertures are substantially equally distributed so that the porosity within each region is uniform (in FIG. 11B the apertures are omitted for illustrative purposes). However, the porosity differs between each of the three distinct regions 1118a, 1118b and 1118c. In one example, the lower region 1118c has a porosity of about 0.1, the middle region 1118b has a porosity of about 0.3 and the upper region 1118c has a porosity of about 0.5. For example, the lower region 1118c has a porosity of 0.07, the middle region 1118b has a porosity of 0.29 and the upper region 1118c has a porosity of 0.46. It has been found that such porosity values are particularly effective at reducing wind speed from about 30 mph to less than about 10 mph. At this reduced windspeed level certain UAVs can fly with little disturbance.
[0126] Although the example of FIG. 11B comprises three distinct regions of differing porosity, there may be two or more distinct regions having different porosities.
[0127] FIG. 12 depicts another panel 1214 that can be wind porous. Unlike the panels of FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B, the panel 1214 comprises a plurality of apertures that are closeable. The panel 1214 comprises a solid portion 1202, and a plurality of adjustable size apertures/voids 1204a-c. The apertures may be provided by valves, for example, which can open and close. Aperture 1204a is shown to be fully closed, aperture 1204b is shown to be fully open, and aperture 1204c is shown to be partially open. Movable members may move to close respective apertures, for example. In some examples, the apertures can either be open or closed. In other examples, the aperture size can be selected by partially opening the aperture. By opening or closing apertures and/or adjusting the aperture size, the porosity of the panel can be set to a desired level. Different wind conditions may favor different porosities, for example. Similarly, a porosity gradient can be provided by opening more apertures at one end of the panel.
[0128] In one example, the moveable members which close the apertures are themselves porous. Accordingly, even when all of the apertures are closed, the panel 1214 may still have an inherent porosity. In one variant, the porosity of the respective moveable members varies as a function of location between the first and second ends 1214a, 1214b of the panel 1214. Accordingly, even when all of the apertures are closed, the panel 1214 may have an inherent porosity gradient.
[0129] In a specific example, the aperture size can be varied based the weather conditions measured by one or more sensors 150 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, a controller can cause the aperture size to be adjusted based on the sensor data. Similarly, the aperture size can be varied based on a data signal received from a remote computing system. For example, the communications system 152 (shown in FIG. 1) may receive a data signal instructing the aperture size to be adjusted. Alternatively, the data signal may comprise weather data, and the communications system 152 determines whether to adjust the aperture size based on the received weather data.
[0130] FIG. 13A depicts a front view of another example UAV facility 100. The features of this example may be incorporated into any of those examples described in FIGS. 3A-9B. In this example, the structure can be moved to adjust the distance between the structure and the landing area. For example, the lower end of the structure can me moved further away from, or closer to the landing area.
[0131] The example facility 100 comprises a structure comprising one or more panels 1314. In another example, the structure may comprise one or more nets suspended between rigid elements. In FIG. 13A, only two side panels 1314 are depicted. Similar front and rear panels may also be present, but are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0132] The panels 1314 are attached to the housing 102 via respective connector assemblies 1320. The connector assemblies 1320 comprise a mechanism to allow the panels 1314 to translate so that they may be moved away from the landing area 106. For example, the connector assemblies may comprise one or more extension members 1326 which move along a guide rail.
[0133] The panels 1314 are arranged in a first, erected, position in FIG. 13A. In this position, the second end 1314b of the panel is arranged directly adjacent to an edge 106a of the landing area. A drive mechanism (not shown) may be configured to adjust a distance between the second end 1314b of the panel 1314 and the landing area 106 when the panel is arranged in this first position.
[0134] FIG. 13B depicts the UAV facility 100 of FIG. 13A after the drive mechanism has caused the panels 1314 to be moved away from the landing area 106. In this position, the distance between the second end 1314b of the panel 1314 and the edge 106a of the landing area has increased when compared to the position of FIG. 13A. Moving the panels 1314 further and away from the landing area 106 can control and adjust the turbulence at different positions across the landing area 106.
[0135] In some examples, the drive mechanism adjusts the distance between the second end 1314b of the panel and the landing area 106 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors 150 (shown in FIG. 1). In other examples, the drive mechanism adjusts the distance between the second end 1314b of the panel and the landing area 106 based on a data signal received from a remote computing system via communications system 152 (also shown in FIG. 1).
[0136] In the above embodiments, the UAV facility is considered to be transportable. For example, the housing is transportable. Other embodiments are envisaged where the UAV facility is stationary, and not transportable. For example, the UAV facility may not comprise wheels. In such embodiments, the structure for reducing wind speed across the landing area can include any or all of the above described features.
[0137] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined in the accompanying claims.
