Inverted Drone

Abstract

A rotorcraft in which lift and thrust can be supplied by rotors, and specifically a drone comprising a camera that is used for making optical and/or sound recordings, especially during (live) events, such as concerts, gatherings, dance events, etc. The camera gives an impression of the events and is capable of recording specific details thereof, such as individual people.

Claims

1. An inverted drone comprising: at least one rotor; and at least one optical camera; and a retention means for limiting downward movement of the drone; and wherein the at least one rotor provides a downward force.

2. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the retention means comprises at least one line.

3. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the retention means continuously provides an upward force.

4. The drone according to claim 1, additionally comprising a spatial position specifier.

5. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotor comprises an inner section and an outer section, a first means for generating air flow in the inner section, and a second means for generating air flow in the outer section.

6. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the force of one or more of the at least one rotor is adaptable.

7. The drone according to claim 1, wherein a length of the retention means is adaptable.

8. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the retention means further comprise an acceleration limiter.

9. The drone according to claim 1, additionally comprising an attachment means for attaching the retention means, wherein the attachment means comprises a spherical section, a hook on top of the spherical section for attaching the retention means, a circular structure for maintain the spherical section in place, and a hollow inner section.

10. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotor is tiltable.

11. A method of operating the drone of claim 1, comprising moving the drone freely over an area underneath, wherein the drone is connected to an overhanging structure.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the drone is moved indoors or outdoors.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method is for making recordings of a concert, for providing crowd entertainment, or an event.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the retention means are moveably attached to the overhanging structure, or wherein the drone including the retention means is moveably attached to the overhanging structure, or wherein the drone including the retention means is attached to a moveable overhanging structure, or combinations thereof.

Description

SUMMARY OF FIGURES

[0022] The invention although described in detailed explanatory context may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0023] In the figures:

[0024] 100 Drone (UAS)

[0025] 10 Retention means

[0026] 11 friction plates

[0027] 15 Optical camera

[0028] 20 Inversed propeller

[0029] 26 rotation of propeller

[0030] 27 downward thrust

[0031] 30 Cable

[0032] 36 tension in cable

[0033] 40 Pulley for (un)winding the cable

[0034] 41 cable retraction system

[0035] 45 Seat belt component

[0036] 47 Connection shaft

[0037] 50 Electrical Engine

[0038] 60 Amp regulator

[0039] 61 AC current

[0040] 70 Suspension

[0041] 71 Suspensions ring

[0042] 75 rail structure

[0043] 76 attachment to surrounding environment

[0044] 81 Central rotor

[0045] 82 Peripheral rotor

[0046] 84 Inner section

[0047] 85 Outer section

[0048] 90 Stage

[0049] 91 Sound control booth

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a suspended drone.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an attachment means.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows details of the present drone.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows an advanced rotor set-up.

[0054] FIGS. 5a-b, left (side view) and right (top view) show suspended drones.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an artist impression of the present drone.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a suspended drone.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows details of the present cable retraction system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The present invention relates in a first aspect to a drone according to claim 1.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the retention means comprises at least one line, preferably a retractable line. In a preferred embodiment two or three lines are used. Each line is typically attached to an electromotor for retracting and relieving the line. The motors and lines are cooperating with one and another; in a way one could consider the multiple lines as one line. In order to prevent wear and to prolong a lifetime of the electromotor preferably a clutch is provided per motor. It is noted that elongation of the line itself is typically limited to a total of a few centimetres at the most over a typical length of 5-50 m. The flexibility allows the drone to mover relatively freely. The line, and likewise retention means, is preferably as light as possible. On the other hand, in view of safety, the retention means is as strong as possible; from a practical point of view the system should be capable of carrying its own weight, that of the drone, and compensating the downward force of the drone. In view of safety the strength is based on a multitude of said combined forces and weights. Typically it should be capable of withstanding a force of 1000 N, which is for most cases over-dimensioned as a typical mass is 10-500 N, more often 50-200 N. The retention means may make use of reinforced lines. Also lightweight high strength polymers and the like may be used, such as Dyneema®.

[0060] The line may further be provided with a controller, such as an electrical controller. The controller may e.g. actively control and regulate an upward force of the line exerted on the drone. It is noted that attaching a line to the UAS turned out to be very tricky in terms of ensuring that the line did not get entangled in the rotors.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the retention means continuously provides an upward force. The constantly provided force may be caused by a spring attached to a line, which line is attached to the drone, such as the above line. The spring preferably is a circular or elliptical spring, such as a clock spring. The spring may be in a housing, the housing having an opening and a reel for receiving the line. Such also provides a mechanism for automatically winding and unwinding a line, making the drone safer in use by reducing a chance of an accident. Alternative systems having a similar functionality may also be used.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment the present drone comprises a spatial position specifier. By knowing a spatial position of the drone one can move the drone from that position, e.g. towards a position of interest. The position of interest can be identified using e.g. a remote position control system, which control system is in wired or wireless contact with the drone. Likewise the position of the drone can be manipulated through optical means, such as by virtual reality glasses, which optical means reflect an area of interest from a controlling human being, such as by means of to the controller coupled viewing information. Likewise also a DJ may control the drone, such as by hand movement. As such the drone may form part of an event.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment the present drone comprises a gimbal to which the camera is connected, preferably allowing rotation over multiple axes. The gimbal preferably is a so-called Cardan suspension.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the retention means provide a force that increases from a top most position of the drone to a lowest position of the drone. The above spring is an example thereof.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment the present drone further comprises a means for providing energy, such as an electrical line. The electrical line may be combined with the retention means. Also a battery or the like may be provided.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the force of one or more of the at least one rotor is adaptable. Preferably the total force in a given direction is adaptable, preferably by a control unit. Thereby the drone can be moved around at a selected speed, altitude, trajectory, direction, etc.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone a length of the retention means is adaptable. Such can e.g. be established by the above housing and reel. It is preferred to have a variable length of the retention means in order to provide almost free movement of the drone, apart from the given boundary and safety conditions typically being present.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the retention means further comprise an acceleration limiter. The limiter prevents the drone from moving unexpectedly or unwantedly in a certain direction, and in particular in a direction of a crowd or people. The limiter may be in the form of a safety belt, preventing acceleration above a certain threshold level. As such the safety is further improved. The limiter may obtain information on acceleration from a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or the like.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the drone comprises a removable casing or the like, which casing can be adapted in view of an event where the present drone might be used.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the present drone comprises an attachment means for attaching the retention means, wherein the attachment means comprises a spherical section, a hook on top of the spherical section for attaching the retention means, a circular structure for maintain the spherical section in place, and a hollow inner section. It has been found that such an attachment means is very secure and safe and practically never fails in its function. The attachment means is therefore preferably welded to the drone. The attachment is found to be very durable.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the present drone the at least one rotor comprises an inner section and an outer section. The inner section and outer section may be fully or partially separated, such as by a wall, a membrane, a partial wall, a mesh, etc. The inner section has a relative area of 1-50% of the total area (area inner section plus area outer section), preferably 2-35%, such as 4-25%. The at least one rotor further comprises a first means for generating air flow in the inner section, as well as a second means for generating air flow in the outer section. The first and second air flow means may be combined into one integrated means. In an example the first means is an inner rotor, and the second means is an outer rotor. The first means for generating air flow in the inner section provide a 2-10 times lower air flow (e.g. based on a power of 0.1-10 Nm/s) than the second means for providing air flow in the outer section (e.g. based on a power of 0.2-100 Nm/s). As such the rotor is operated more efficient (such as 20-500% more efficient, typically 5-100% more efficient, such as 10-50% more efficient) and it produces less noise (−3-−30 dB). As a consequence, a smaller rotor, and a hence a smaller drone can be used.

[0072] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a use of the present drone according to claim 11. Therein the drone is attached to an overhanging structure, such as a roof, interconnecting wires, a mechanical structure, one or more mounting cables, and a crane. As such, the drone can move relatively freely over an area underneath, such as over an event.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the present use is indoors, or outdoors. As such events taking place at a given location can be covered. For outdoor situations, a crane may be preferred, whereas for indoor situation mechanical structures may be preferred.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the present use is for making recordings of a concert, an event, a light show, for providing light, etc.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of the present use the retention means are moveably attached to the overhanging structure, or wherein the drone including the retention means is moveably attached to the overhanging structure, or wherein the drone including the retention means is attached to a moveable overhanging structure, or combinations thereof. Therewith, in a given situation the drone can make recordings without being limited too much by the overhanging structure.

[0076] The one or more of the above examples and embodiments may be combined, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0077] The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a suspended drone. The drone 100 is attached to a cable 30, by suspension means 70. The rotors 20 provide a downward force, indicated by arrows, whereas the cable provides an upward force, indicated by a single arrow. The drone comprises an optical camera 15 (not shown), typically at a lower side thereof.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a suspension means 70 for the drone. The suspension means is incorporated in the drone, typically by welding. On a top side a ring 71 is provided for attaching the cable 30. A preferred attachment is a pinball attachment, which consists of a ball embedded in a three quarter hollow ball, as shown in the drawing below. The inner ball has a hook welded to it, into which the cable can be attached.

[0080] FIG. 3 shows details of the present drone. The drone (not visible) is attached to cable 30. The cable is attached to a retention means or system. The present retention means (RS) may comprise more components than just an electrical engine 50. The force generated by an electrical engine may be adaptable. This will ensure agility in accordance with the environment. The length of the cable may differ from one venue to another, hence creating different weights from the cable. Moreover, over time, the friction of the components in the RS will vary. An adaptable force from the engine ensures proper use of the fail safe system (FSS) throughout its lifetime. To achieve this variable, an amp regulator 60 is preferred, being provided with an AC current 61. The amp regulator adjusts the intensity of power delivered to the engine, hence giving a variable force generated by the electrical engine. However, as little the chance may be, failure of the amp regulator may occur during flight. To prevent disastrous outcome, in addition a seat belt concept 45 may be applied. The blades on the UAS are oriented inversely compared to a more common setup, pushing the UAS downwards. If failure occurs in the amp regulator, the UAS could plummet to the ground. In a similar manner a seatbelt works, if the acceleration is greater than a set value, the “seatbelt” component will immediately block the descent of the UAS. Further a shaft 47 for connecting the electrical engine to the pulley is provided. The pulley 40 comprises an unwinded part of the cable, and typically a spring like element, for automatically winding the cable.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows an advanced rotor set-up. A further research is performed for improving conventional propellers or in other words, replace the propellers by a potentially more efficient, less noisy, lighter, and less turbulent propeller system. FIG. 4 is a representation of the airstream of the improved turbofan. Above and below is the air pushed by a bypass (outer section 85) and in in the middle (inner section 84) is the air pushed by the core. The width of the areas (the height) are meant to be proportional to the flow and the length (from side to side) is proportional to the velocity of the airstream. The propellers are improved in terms of velocity of the air stream and an amount of air displaced. FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the present propeller system. Therein a central rotor 81 and a peripheral rotor 82 are provided. Notice that the core and the bypass air flows and velocities are inverse from a conventional system: the bypass air velocity is larger than the core air velocity, and as a consequence the amount of air having a large velocity compared to the amount of air having a low velocity is increase, by 20-500%.

[0082] FIGS. 5a-b, left (side view) and right (top view) show suspended drones. The whole FSS, including drone 100, cable 30, and retention means 10, may need to be attached in the venues. There are various possibilities: one (FIG. 5a, left is a side view, right is a top view) which consists of a cable attached from above the stage 90 to the sound control pod 91, with the RS 10 mounted upon that cable and capable of moving along using the thrust of the UAS; a second (FIG. 5b, left is a side view, right is a top view) which consists of a centralised hooked RS 10. For ease of understanding, the first type of attachment will be referred to as “cable mounting” and the latter as “central mounting”. The top and side view drawings picturing these two possibilities are shown. Do note that for the second attachment method, the drawings show an attachment to the ceiling, but for outdoor venues a crane can easily be used instead of the roof.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows an artist impression of the present drone. Therein a drone 100 is visible, connected to a cable 30. The cable 30 is connected to a retention means 10. The whole system is connected to a rail system 75, which may be attached to the ceiling and/or to the walls.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows a suspended drone. Therein an attachment 76 to a surrounding environment is shown. Further a cable retraction system 41, attached to the surrounding environment is present. A cable 30 between the drone and cable retraction system is shown. Due to gravitational forces and thrust of the drone typically tension 36 in the cable 30 is present. The rotors 20 of the drone 100 provide downward thrust 27. The rotors rotate 26.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows details of the present cable retraction system 41, which is an example of the retention means. Therein an electrical motor 50, friction plates 11 and a cable spool 40 is provided. From the cable spool, a cable 30 is attached to the present drone, having rotors 20 which provide downward thrust.

[0086] The figures have been further detailed throughout the description.