Apparatus and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle servicing of modular device assembly
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of modules, each module comprising;
a communications port;
a control circuitry; and
one or more contact points configured to couple the plurality of modules;
wherein, when the plurality of modules are coupled via the one or more contact points, the communications port in the each module connect to form a bus for communications between the plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules form concentric rings when coupled and the each module is an individual ring within the concentric rings, and wherein the each module of the plurality of modules is individually removable and replaceable by an unmanned aerial vehicle.
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Abstract
Particular embodiments described herein provide for modular device assemblies and methods for enabling maintenance and servicing, particularly by an unmanned aerial vehicle. A device assembly comprises a plurality of modules, each module having control circuitry, a communications port and contact points to couple the modules. When the modules are coupled, the communications ports are connected to create a bus for communications between the modules. The modular device structure where modules are removable and replaceable allows for an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform maintenance on the device.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
a plurality of modules, each module comprising; a communications port; a control circuitry; and one or more contact points configured to couple the plurality of modules; wherein, when the plurality of modules are coupled via the one or more contact points, the communications port in the each module connect to form a bus for communications between the plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules form concentric rings when coupled and the each module is an individual ring within the concentric rings, and wherein the each module of the plurality of modules is individually removable and replaceable by an unmanned aerial vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for using an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform maintenance on a modular device, the system comprising:
a modular device comprising; a plurality of modules, each module comprising; a communications port; a control circuitry; and one or more contact points configured to couple the plurality of modules; wherein, when the plurality of modules are coupled via the one or more contact points, the communications port in the each module connect to form a bus for communications between the plurality of modules; and a communication circuitry configured to transmit a signal indicating a request to perform maintenance on the modular device; and an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to; receive the request to perform maintenance on the modular device; acquire a hardware for the modular device; navigate to the modular device; and perform maintenance on the hardware of the modular device, wherein performing maintenance on the hardware of the modular device includes removing and replacing an individual module of the plurality of modules. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
Specification