Transformable aerial vehicle
First Claim
1. A transformable aerial vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
- a central body comprising a flight control system and supporting a payload beneath the central body;
at least two transformable frame assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion coupled to the central body and a distal portion;
an actuation assembly configured to transform the at least two transformable frame assemblies between a first configuration and a second configuration; and
a plurality of propulsion units operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle, wherein the plurality of propulsion units are mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies,wherein the first configuration (1) permits the at least two transformable frame assemblies to support the transformable aerial vehicle resting on a surface with the payload not contacting the surface, (2) causes obstruction within a range of 360 degrees around the payload by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (3) positions the distal portion lower with respect to the central body,wherein the second configuration (1) provides a 360 degree angle around the payload that is unobstructed by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (2) positions the distal portion higher with respect to the central body, andwherein each of the plurality of propulsion units is configured to provide thrust along a thrust axis, said thrust axis being orthogonal to the surface in said first configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
106 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A transformable aerial vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
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a central body comprising a flight control system and supporting a payload beneath the central body; at least two transformable frame assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly configured to transform the at least two transformable frame assemblies between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a plurality of propulsion units operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle, wherein the plurality of propulsion units are mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies, wherein the first configuration (1) permits the at least two transformable frame assemblies to support the transformable aerial vehicle resting on a surface with the payload not contacting the surface, (2) causes obstruction within a range of 360 degrees around the payload by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (3) positions the distal portion lower with respect to the central body, wherein the second configuration (1) provides a 360 degree angle around the payload that is unobstructed by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (2) positions the distal portion higher with respect to the central body, and wherein each of the plurality of propulsion units is configured to provide thrust along a thrust axis, said thrust axis being orthogonal to the surface in said first configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for controlling a transformable aerial vehicle, said method comprising:
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providing a transformable aerial vehicle comprising a central body comprising a flight control system and at least two transformable frame assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion coupled to the central body and a distal portion; operating a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies to move the transformable aerial vehicle; and driving an actuation assembly mounted on the central body to automatically transform the at least two transformable frame assemblies between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a signal from one or more sensors in communication with the transformable aerial vehicle, wherein; (a) the first configuration and the second configuration provide the at least two transformable frame assemblies at different vertical angles with respect to one another, and wherein the signal indicates whether (1) the UAV is about to land or (2) the UAV is at a suitable altitude for aerial photography; (b) the first configuration permits the at least two transformable frame assemblies to support the transformable aerial vehicle resting on a surface when the signal indicates that the UAV is about to land, and wherein the second configuration increases the functional space beneath the central body when the signal indicates the UAV is at a suitable altitude for aerial photography;
or(c) the first configuration includes the plurality of propulsion units being positioned below the central body when the signal indicates that the UAV is about to land, and wherein the second configuration includes the plurality of propulsion units being positioned above the central body when the signal indicates the UAV is at a suitable altitude for aerial photography. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification