Multicopter with boom-mounted rotors

• US 10,183,747 B1
• Filed: 08/26/2016
• Issued: 01/22/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
• Inventors: Longhi, Aldo Daniele, Reichert, Todd, Robertson, Cameron, Roop, Joseph, Saunders, Christopher Scott, Vawter, Zachais
• Primary Examiner(s): Davis, Richard G
• Application Number:
  US15/249,074
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/061 Frames
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 13/18 using automatic pilot
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 2025/325 specially adapted for helicopters
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 25/54 Floats
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 27/08 with two or more rotors
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/19 using electrically powered motors
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/00 Launching, take-off or landing arrangements

Abstract

A multicopter with boom mounted rotors is disclosed. In various embodiments, a multicopter includes multiple rotors, each mounted substantially horizontally on a distal end of a boom. The multicopter further includes a plurality of boom extensions, each boom extension being associated with a corresponding boom and each boom extension being configured to extend an associated distal end of said corresponding boom by an amount determined based at least in part on a swept area associated with a rotor mounted at or near said associated distal end. The multicopter includes a material, such as netting, secured to the aircraft and of a size sufficient to reach a far end of one or more of said boom extensions.

Claims

1. A multicopter aircraft, comprising:

multiple rotors, each mounted substantially horizontally on a distal end of a boom;

a plurality of boom extensions, each boom extension being associated with a corresponding boom and each boom extension being configured to extend an associated distal end of said corresponding boom by an amount determined based at least in part on a swept area associated with a rotor mounted at or near said associated distal end; and

a material secured to said aircraft and of a size sufficient to reach a far end of one or more of said boom extensions, wherein the material separates an occupant of said aircraft from the multiple rotors.

2. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the material extends over swept areas associated with the multiple rotors.

3. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the multicopter has a length of 100 inches or less.

4. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the multiple rotors surround a fuselage of the aircraft.

5. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein a fuselage of the aircraft comprises a seat and a steering mechanism.

6. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising a flight computer configured to prevent the aircraft from tilting past a threshold angle.

7. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the plurality of boom extensions are removable.

8. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising two parallel booms and two booms perpendicular to the two parallel booms, wherein the two parallel booms are attached to the two perpendicular booms.

9. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising two parallel booms and two booms perpendicular to the two parallel booms, wherein a fuselage is enclosed by the two parallel booms and the two perpendicular booms.

10. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein in the event a rotor of the multiple rotors ceases to function, the remaining rotors of the multiple rotors are sufficient to fly the aircraft in a level position.

11. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein pairs of rotors of the multiple rotors rotate in opposite directions from each other to minimize torque.

12. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the multiple rotors are angled to enhance torque in directional flight.

13. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising a fuselage with a triangulated frame that prevents or reduces twisting.

14. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein a fuselage of the aircraft is unenclosed.

15. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft is adapted to fly over water.

16. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft comprises flotation devices.

17. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft comprises flotation devices that are attached underneath junctures of booms of the aircraft.

18. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising flotation devices filled with air.

19. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising flotation devices, wherein each of the flotation devices includes curved ends.

20. The aircraft of claim 1, comprising flotation devices that are curved to minimize interference with the multiple rotors'"'"' wash.