Systems and methods for maneuvering a package following in-flight release from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
First Claim
1. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) comprising:
- a launch mechanism coupled to the UAV, the launch mechanism configured to apply a predetermined force to a package, the predetermined force to cause the package to be projected from the UAV in a second direction, the second direction being different from a first direction of travel of the UAV, and commence a vertical descent path toward a delivery destination;
a coupling structure that is coupled to the launch mechanism, the coupling structure configured to selectively couple the package to the launch mechanism during transport of the package by the UAV; and
a package launch system communicatively coupled to at least the launch mechanism of the UAV, the package launch system to determine at least one of the predetermined force or the second direction to release the package from the UAV.
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Abstract
A package delivery system can be implemented to forcefully propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), while the UAV is in motion. The UAV can apply a force onto the package that alters its descent trajectory from a parabolic path to a vertical descent path. The package delivery system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, pneumatic actuators, electromagnets, spring coils, and parachutes 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
20 Claims
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1. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) comprising:
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a launch mechanism coupled to the UAV, the launch mechanism configured to apply a predetermined force to a package, the predetermined force to cause the package to be projected from the UAV in a second direction, the second direction being different from a first direction of travel of the UAV, and commence a vertical descent path toward a delivery destination; a coupling structure that is coupled to the launch mechanism, the coupling structure configured to selectively couple the package to the launch mechanism during transport of the package by the UAV; and a package launch system communicatively coupled to at least the launch mechanism of the UAV, the package launch system to determine at least one of the predetermined force or the second direction to release the package from the UAV. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A package projection apparatus comprising:
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a launch mechanism coupled to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the launch mechanism configured to apply a predetermined force to a package while the UAV is in-flight, the predetermined force to cause the package to be projected from the UAV; and a package launch controller coupled to the UAV to cause activation of the launch mechanism, the package launch controller determining the predetermined force. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus comprising:
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a package coupling structure to selectively couple a package to a vehicle during transport of the package by the vehicle; and a launch mechanism coupled to the package coupling structure, the launch mechanism imparting a predetermined force on the coupling structure, the predetermined force to cause the package to be released from the vehicle in a second direction, the second direction being different from a first direction of travel of the vehicle after the package is uncoupled from the package coupling structure. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification