Maneuvering a package following in-flight release from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
First Claim
1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
- a frame;
one or more propulsion units coupled to the frame;
a package coupling structure to selectively couple a package to the UAV during transport of the package by the UAV; and
an actuation device coupled to the frame and package coupling structure, the actuation device including a line coupled to a flywheel assembly having a first axis of rotation and a motor coupled to the flywheel assembly, the motor causing the flywheel assembly to rotate about the first axis of rotation, a spool having a second axis of rotation, the spool coupled to the flywheel assembly and coupled to one end of the line, the actuation device configured to lower the package from the UAV by paying out the line and impart a lateral trajectory of the package different than a lateral trajectory of the UAV via rotation of the flywheel assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A package launch system can be implemented to propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a generally vertically descent trajectory, while the UAV is in motion. The package launch system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, flywheels, coils, and springs can generate the force that establishes the vertical descent path of the package. Further, the package delivery system can also monitor the package during its vertical descent. The package can be equipped with one or more control surfaces. Instructions can be transmitted from the UAV via an RF module that cause the one or more controls surfaces to alter the vertical descent path of the package to avoid obstructions or to regain a stable orientation.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
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a frame; one or more propulsion units coupled to the frame; a package coupling structure to selectively couple a package to the UAV during transport of the package by the UAV; and an actuation device coupled to the frame and package coupling structure, the actuation device including a line coupled to a flywheel assembly having a first axis of rotation and a motor coupled to the flywheel assembly, the motor causing the flywheel assembly to rotate about the first axis of rotation, a spool having a second axis of rotation, the spool coupled to the flywheel assembly and coupled to one end of the line, the actuation device configured to lower the package from the UAV by paying out the line and impart a lateral trajectory of the package different than a lateral trajectory of the UAV via rotation of the flywheel assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A package deployment mechanism, comprising:
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a flywheel having a first axis of rotation; a spool coupled to the flywheel, the spool having a second axis of rotation and configured to pay out the line; a line coupled to the flywheel and coupled directly or indirectly to a package; and a motor coupled to the flywheel causing the flywheel to rotate about the first axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the flywheel causes a predetermined force to be imparted onto the package. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A package launch mechanism, comprising:
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a flywheel having a first axis of rotation; a spool coupled to the flywheel, the spool having a second axis of rotation; a line having a first end and a second end, the first end of the line coupled to the spool and the second end of the line coupled directly or indirectly to a package, a portion of the line wound around the spool; and a motor coupled to the flywheel causing the flywheel to rotate about the first axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the flywheel about the first axis of rotation causes a predetermined force to be imparted onto the package. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification