Perching attachment for unmanned aircraft
First Claim
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1. An aerial vehicle system comprising:
- a flight system configured to generate propulsive force and lift;
a protective framework, wherein the flight system is at least partially enclosed by the protective framework; and
an attachment mechanism secured to the protective framework and configured to selectively attach to a structure to provide stable perching of the aerial vehicle system, wherein the attachment mechanism is an electro-permanent magnet device comprising;
a permanent magnet and;
an electromagnet positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet.
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Abstract
An aerial vehicle system includes a flight system configured to generate propulsive force and lift, a protective framework, and an attachment mechanism secured to the protective framework and configured to selectively attach to a structure to provide stable perching of the aerial vehicle system. The attachment mechanism is an electro-permanent magnet device or a talon-like grip. The flight system is at least partially enclosed by the protective framework.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An aerial vehicle system comprising:
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a flight system configured to generate propulsive force and lift; a protective framework, wherein the flight system is at least partially enclosed by the protective framework; and an attachment mechanism secured to the protective framework and configured to selectively attach to a structure to provide stable perching of the aerial vehicle system, wherein the attachment mechanism is an electro-permanent magnet device comprising; a permanent magnet and; an electromagnet positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of operating an aerial vehicle, the method comprising:
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flying the aerial vehicle to a perching location, wherein the aerial vehicle comprises a flight system configured to generate propulsive force and lift; a protective framework, wherein the flight system is at least partially enclosed by the protective framework; and an attachment mechanism secured to the protective framework and configured to selectively attach to a structure to provide stable perching of the aerial vehicle system, wherein the attachment mechanism is an electro-permanent magnet device comprising; a permanent magnet and; an electromagnet; magnetically attracting the aerial vehicle to a perch with the permanent magnet magnetic field to create a perching engagement between the aerial vehicle and the perch; generating an opposing magnetic field with the electromagnet, wherein the opposing magnetic field cancels out at least a portion of the permanent magnetic field; and disengaging the aerial vehicle from the perch. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification