Drone with extendable and rotatable wing and multiple

Abstract

The application provides a drone with extendable and rotatable wings and a multi-accessory fixed panel. The extendable wings help increase the lift of the drone and reduce air resistance on the drone. The multi-accessory securing panel allows various tools and items to be temporarily and selectively secured to the drone. A plurality of accessories may be secured to the drone by a ground-based rotation transmitting unit. The drone may have a removable front nose and legs that receive power from a power unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A drone having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory attachment panels is provided. The extendable wings help increase the lift of the drone and reduce air drag on the drone. The multiple accessory attachment panels allow various tools and items to be temporarily and selectively attached to the drone. Multiple accessories can be attached to the drone via a ground-based rotating transfer unit. The drone can have a removable front nose and legs that receive power from a power unit. Background Art

[0002] UAVs with movable wings are known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10407168 to Hutson discloses a UAV with a landing control device, which is arranged to rotate the wings into an automatic rotating descent configuration, thereby causing the UAV to enter a diving attitude and rotate about the long axis of the UAV, and also jointly control the pivot angle of the wings so as to be able to control the descent rate and lateral movement during the automatic rotating descent. The landing control device can be a landing turntable, which includes a pivot frame fixed to the UAV body and arranged to rotate about a turntable axis, which extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. The landing turntable can include: a first wing motor, the first wing motor is arranged to pivot the first wing about a wing pivot axis extending parallel to the turntable axis; and a second wing motor, the second wing motor is arranged to pivot the second wing about the wing pivot axis independently of the pivoting of the first wing.

[0003] Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 10,526,065 to Thomassey discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle having a carrier structure, at least three lift-propulsion rotors, and a control system that transmits at least one power supply to at least three motors driving said at least three rotors, said at least three rotors being longitudinally and transversely spaced from each other, wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a wing carrying two wing halves symmetrical about a front-to-rear symmetry plane P of said unmanned aerial vehicle for at least increasing the lift of said unmanned aerial vehicle. Each of said two wing halves comprises: at least one movable part adapted to move with at least a first degree of freedom relative to said carrier structure of said unmanned aerial vehicle so as to rotate about a first pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal direction X of said unmanned aerial vehicle; and two first electric actuators capable of respectively actuating each of said movable parts of one of said two wing halves.

[0004] However, these patents do not describe a drone with extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory fixing panels that are easy to use. Moreover, these patents do not describe a drone with extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory fixing panels that allow various tools and items to be temporarily and selectively fixed to the drone. Summary of the invention

[0005] A drone having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory attachment panels is provided. The extendable wings help increase the lift of the drone and reduce air drag on the drone. The multiple accessory attachment panels allow various tools and items to be temporarily and selectively attached to the drone. Multiple accessories can be attached to the drone via a ground-based rotating transfer unit. The drone can have a removable front nose and legs that receive power from a power unit.

[0006] An advantage of the drone of the present invention having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory fixing panels is that the drone of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in agriculture.

[0007] Another advantage of the drone of the present invention having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory mounting panels is that the drone of the present invention allows an endless supply of interchangeable tools and items to be selectively mounted on the drone.

[0008] Yet another advantage of the drone of the present invention having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory mounting panels is that the drone of the present invention is highly stable and can be maneuvered quickly and efficiently.

[0009] An advantage of the drone of the present invention is that the drone of the present invention can receive various accessory units via a ground-based rotating transfer unit having a rotating tray.

[0010] Another advantage of the drone of the present invention is that the drone of the present invention can have adjustable legs, which can be connected to a power unit for supplying power to the drone.

[0011] Yet another advantage of the drone of the present invention is that the drone of the present invention can have a removable front nose piece with a high resolution camera with a sensor.

[0012] In order to more fully understand the above features and advantages of the drone assembly and system of the present invention, reference should be made to the detailed description and detailed drawings. Moreover, additional features and advantages of the present invention are introduced in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and will become clear from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A view of the bottom of the drone is shown, wherein the fixed panel is visible and fixed to the drone.

[0014] Figure 2 A view from the top of a drone in one embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A front view of a drone in one embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 An exploded view of a drone body is shown with the wing in a first orientation and a wing extension unit is shown in the process of being attached to the wing.

[0017] Figure 5 A view of the drone body is shown with the wings in a second (or "folded") orientation.

[0018] Figure 6 A perspective view of a drone is shown with two of the drone's four wings rotated along the wing X-axis.

[0019] Figure 7 An exploded view of the top of the drone body is shown, with the generally hollow interior of the drone visible.

[0020] Figure 8 A perspective view of a drone leg is shown in one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 A perspective view of the top panel of the drone is shown.

[0022] Fig.10 A perspective view of a fixed panel on the bottom of a drone in one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Fig.11 One form of tool (clamping device) that can be inserted into the opening of the fixed panel is shown.

[0024] Fig.12 A front view showing the tool (gripping device) effectively secured to the drone.

[0025] Fig.13 A perspective view of the legs of the drone is shown in a first position.

[0026] Fig.14 Indicates the second position Fig.13 Perspective view of the outriggers of a drone.

[0027] Fig.15 A perspective view of a ground based rotary transfer unit is shown with multiple pallets visible.

[0028] Fig.16 It indicated Fig.15 A ground-based rotary transfer unit in which a drone has landed on the top tray and is in the process of receiving or removing one of the drone's various accessories.

[0029] Fig.17 One embodiment of an attachment that may be secured to a drone is shown. Fig.17The attachment in is a spray mechanism for a drone, such as might be used in agriculture.

[0030] Fig.18 A removable nose piece of a drone is shown in one embodiment.

[0031] Fig.19 A pin system of a drone wing is shown in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A drone having extendable and rotatable wings and multiple accessory attachment panels is provided. The extendable wings help increase the lift of the drone and reduce air drag on the drone. The multiple accessory attachment panels allow various tools and items to be temporarily and selectively attached to the drone. Multiple accessories can be attached to the drone via a ground-based rotating transfer unit. The drone can have a removable front nose and legs that receive power from a power unit.

[0033] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in one embodiment, a drone 1 is provided. The drone 1 may have a top 2, a bottom 3, a front 4, a rear 5, a first side 6, a second side 7, and a generally hollow inner portion 8 ( Figure 7 ). In one embodiment, the drone 1 can have multiple wings 10. The figures show a drone 1 with four wings 10; however, a greater or lesser number of wings 10 can be implemented in the drone 1. The propellers 11 and propeller guards 12 can be removably attached to the drone 1. The legs 150 can be fixed to the bottom 3 of the drone 1. In one embodiment, the legs 150 have electrical contacts 151 and are in electrical communication with electrical components on the charging pad. Moreover, the legs 150 can receive power from the charging pad to power the drone between flights.

[0034] Reference below Fig.13 and 14 In an embodiment, the legs 150 can each have a body portion 154 having a recessed portion 155 that is similar in shape to (but slightly larger than) the bottom unit 153 of the leg 150. In particular, the bottom unit 153 of the leg 150 can be moved from a storage first orientation (such as Fig.14 shown) rotated at least 180 degrees to Fig.13The second orientation shown is used to land the drone 1 and power the drone 1. When the drone 1 is in flight, the bottom unit 153 of the leg 150 rotates upward and enters the main body 154 of the leg 150 to reduce drag. When the drone 1 is ready to land, the bottom unit 153 rotates downward from the recessed portion 155 approximately one hundred and eighty degrees to enable the drone 1 to land. The tip 151 of the bottom unit 153 can be powered and can be used to charge the drone 1 from a charging pad (not shown).

[0035] Reference below Figure 4 and 5 In an embodiment, the wings 10 may each have a proximal end 15 and a distal end 16. The proximal end 15 of the wing 10 may be fixed to the body 20 of the drone 1, and the distal end 16 of the wing 10 may be a portion of the wing 10 that is located away from the body 20 of the drone 1. Preferably, the wing 10 has a proximal end 15 that is wider than the distal end 16 so that the wing 10 is slightly triangular shaped, thereby making the wing 10 more stable. A wing extension unit 30 may be attached to each distal end 16 of the wing 10. In an embodiment, there may also be a foldable and removable unit ( Figure 4 ) (indicated next to the wing extension 30). These foldable and removable units can further increase the lift of the drone while in flight.

[0036] The wing extension unit 30 can be moved from a first position ( Figure 5 ) rotates to the second position ( Figure 4 ). In the first position, the wing extension unit 30 is rotated to a position near the body 20 of the drone 1 to make the drone 1 more compact for storage and transportation. In the second position, the wing extension unit 30 can be rotated along the same axis 33 of the wing 10. In this second position ( Figure 4 ), the UAV 1 can fly.

[0037] In an embodiment, the wing extension unit 30 can be locked by a locking pivot pin 230 ( Fig.19 ) and rotate from the distal end 16 of the wing 10. In particular, a permanent first pin 240 can be located on the wing 10 and connected to the wing extension unit 30. The permanent first pin 240 can allow the wing extension unit 30 to rotate approximately 90 degrees relative to the wing 10. The permanent first pin 240 can not be removed from the drone 10. The locking pivot pin 230 can be attached to the drone 1 or removed from the drone 1. When inserted into the opening 231 on the wing 10, the locking pivot pin 230 can prevent the wing extension unit 230 from rotating relative to the wing 10 along the X-axis 33. When the locking pivot pin 230 is removed from the opening 231 of the wing 10, the wing extension unit 30 can then be rotated relative to the wing 10 (e.g., from Figure 4 Rotate to Figure 5 ). A locking pivot pin 230 may be associated with each wing 10. In an embodiment, both pins 230 and 240 are aluminum pins for added strength and lightweight properties.

[0038] The wing extension unit 30 may have a front portion 31 and a rear portion 32. The rear portion 32 of the wing extension unit 30 may be the end of the wing extension unit 30 that contacts the wing 10 and when the wing extension unit 30 is in the second position ( Figure 4 ), the front part 31 of the wing extension unit 30 may be further away from the main body 20 of the drone 1 than the rear part 32. A pivot unit 37 may be located at the front part 31 of the wing extension unit 30, which pivot unit 37 rotates along an axis 38. Thus, the propeller 11 may rotate as described below. The rotation is generated by a servo motor located in the drone 1.

[0039] Figure 6 It is shown that the propeller guard 12 (where the propeller 11 is not shown in this figure) can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees about the X-axis 33. Thus, the drone 1 can be maneuvered very quickly in almost any direction, with much faster maneuvers than a standard fixed propeller drone.

[0040] Reference below Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In an embodiment, the top 2 of the drone 1 may have a top panel 80. The top panel 80 may have a top surface 81, a bottom surface 82, a front 83, a rear 84, a first side 85, and a second side 86. The top panel 80 may be inserted into an opening 100 of the drone 1, which exposes the interior portion 8 of the drone 1. Since the interior 8 of the drone 1 is substantially hollow, the drone 1 may be lightweight and may receive an accessory 400 (described below), and may help balance the drone 1 when the accessory 400 is secured.

[0041] In an embodiment, the bottom surface 82 of the top panel 80 may have a metal strip 90 (or plate). The metal strip 90 is preferably located at or near the outer perimeter of the top panel 80 (or may cover a majority of the panel if it is a plate). The metal strip 90 may be magnetic and metallic, and may allow electrical contact and communication with a second electrical strip 95 (which may also be magnetic) that surrounds an opening 100 in the top 2 of the drone 1. Allowing a user to quickly and easily remove the top panel 80 enables the user to quickly access the electrical components 110 located in the interior 8 of the drone 1 for making changes.

[0042] In one embodiment, the drone 1 may be a hybrid drone 1 that utilizes a fuel tank and a rechargeable battery in flight. In an embodiment, the metal strip 90 (or plate) may be a copper plate that may provide an electrical connection to the electronics within the drone. Thus, the metal strip 90 (or plate) may replace some or all of the wires within the drone in order to eliminate and reduce the weight and complexity of the electrical system. Due to the strip or plate, the perimeter of the top panel 80 is metal, thereby allowing electrical connection between two or more components within the drone.

[0043] In an embodiment, the drone 1 may have a fixed panel 300 ( Fig.10 The fixed panel 300 may have a top 301 ( Figure 1 ), bottom 302, front 303, rear 304, first side 305 and second side 306. Opening 307 may be located on the fixing panel 300. In an embodiment, the fixing panel 300 may be temporarily and removably fixed to the bottom 2 of the drone 1.

[0044] The opening 307 of the fixed panel 300 may receive a tool or other item 400 . Fig.11 A gripping mechanism is shown as a tool 400, but various other items or tools 400 may be used in conjunction with the drone 1. The tool 400 may have a standard hook 401 that is received within the opening 307 of the fixed panel 300. Due to the standard hook 401, a wide variety of items / tools may be used in connection with the drone 1.

[0045] Fig.17 An alternative embodiment of a tool (or “accessory”) 408 that may be attached to the fixed panel 300 of the drone 1 is shown. Fig.17 The tools / accessories represent sprayers, seeders, cutters, etc. Fig.17 The tool / accessory may be used to spray, for example, chemicals or water on crops, or may be used to spray seeds on the ground. Fig.17 The tool / accessory of the robot may have, for example, multiple robot arm units 410, 411 connected to a hook unit 401. In an embodiment, the units may rotate or move relative to each other so as to allow an operator to precisely control the tool / accessory. Fig.12 Another alternative embodiment of a tool / accessory 400 fixed to the drone 1 is shown. The tool / accessory 400 can be used to grasp and carry items.

[0046] In an embodiment, since the drone 1 has a generally hollow interior 8, a portion of the tool 400 (particularly the hook 401) may be located in the interior body 8 of the drone 1 during use. Since a portion of the tool 400 is located in the interior 8 of the drone 1 body, the drone 1 is more suitably balanced and stable when flying.

[0047] Reference below Fig.15 and 16 In an embodiment, the drone 1 can be used in conjunction with a ground-based rotary transfer unit 500. The ground-based rotary transfer unit 500 can have a wheel 505 that rotates along a central axis. The wheel 505 can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees around the central axis. A plurality of trays 510 can be located on the wheel 505. The trays 510 can each contain, for example, a specific one of the plurality of tools / accessories 400. Fig.15 510. It should be noted that each tray 510 can be loaded with different tools / accessories 400 with different functions. When the user rotates the wheel 505 (including remotely), once the drone 1 is hovering over and attached to the ground-based rotating transfer unit 500, the user can select which tool / accessory 400 to secure to the drone 1 (e.g., Fig.16 More specifically, the drone 1 may hover over and / or land on the ground-based rotary transfer unit 400 to swap out, pick up, or drop off a tool / accessory 400 from a tray 510 of the ground-based rotary transfer unit 500.

[0048] Reference below Fig.18 In an embodiment, the drone 1 may have a removable nose 600. The removable nose 600 may have, for example, at least one camera 601 and a sensor 602. Allowing the nose 600 to be removed from the drone 1 enables the camera 601 and sensor 602 to be easily swapped out for a replacement camera 601 and sensor 602 having different functions and uses. The camera 601 may be, for example, a high-resolution camera. Due to the easily removable nose 600, an operator may quickly swap out the nose 600 as a single unit. In one embodiment, the nose 600 is attached to the drone 1 by magnets. In an alternative embodiment, a simple fixing mechanism (e.g., a screw) is used to fix the nose 600 to the body of the drone 1. The nose unit 600 may also be loaded on the rotating tray 510 of the ground-based rotating transfer unit 500.

[0049] In an embodiment, each wing 30 of the drone 1 may have an optional parachute 700 ( Figure 1 ), the parachute is compactly stored within or on top of the wing to reduce damage in the event of a power outage or if the drone 1 is somehow rendered inoperable.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without reducing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A drone, comprising: a body having an interior; A wing connected to the main body; a wing extension unit, the wing extension unit being attached to the wing; a first pivot pin inserted into the wing extension unit and extending into the wing of the main body, wherein the first pivot pin allows the wing extension unit to rotate relative to the wing of the main body; a second pivot pin removably inserted into the wing extension unit and extending into the wing of the main body, wherein the second pivot pin prevents the wing extension unit from rotating relative to the wing of the main body; and The wing extension unit can be rotated relative to the wing only when the second pivot pin is not inserted into the wing extension unit and the wing.

2. The drone according to claim 1, further comprising: A top portion of the main body, wherein the top portion of the main body has a removal panel cover that exposes the interior of the main body, wherein the removal panel cover has a metal perimeter that allows electrical connections between electrical components located within the interior of the main housing.

3. The drone according to claim 1, wherein: The wing extension unit is rotatable relative to the wing of the main body along a first axis and is rotatable relative to the wing of the main body along a second axis.

4. The drone according to claim 1, further comprising: A propeller is attached to the first wing extension unit.

5. The drone according to claim 4, further comprising: A guard at least partially surrounds the propeller.

6. The drone according to claim 1, further comprising: An axis of the wing, wherein in a first position the axis of the wing extension unit and the axis of the wing are identical, and in a second position the axis of the wing and the axis of the wing extension unit are different.

7. The drone according to claim 1, further comprising: A nose unit is located at the front of the main body.

8. The drone according to claim 7, further comprising: A camera and light are located within the nose unit of the subject.

9. The drone according to claim 7, wherein: A nose unit is removably secured to the front portion of the body.

10. The drone according to claim 1, further comprising: The bottom of the main body, wherein the bottom of the main body has a fixing mechanism, and the fixing mechanism fixes the removable tool.

11. The drone according to claim 10, wherein: The tool is the gripping mechanism.

12. The drone of claim 10, wherein: A tool is a spraying mechanism for spraying a liquid.

13. The drone of claim 1, further comprising: A leg is located on the bottom of the main body, wherein the leg has a first unit and a second unit.

14. The drone of claim 13, wherein: The leg moves from a first position in which the first unit of the leg is folded within the opening of the second unit of the leg to a second position in which the first unit of the leg is not folded within the opening of the second unit of the leg.

15. The drone of claim 1, further comprising: The leg has a bottom, and the bottom of the leg is metallic and can conduct electricity.

16. A drone attachment system, the drone attachment system comprising: Drones; as well as A ground-based transfer unit, wherein the ground-based transfer unit receives the drone and selectively attaches the tool mechanism to the drone when the drone contacts the ground-based transfer unit.

17. The drone attachment system of claim 16, wherein: The ground-based transfer unit has a rotating wheel, wherein the rotating wheel has a plurality of pallets, and the plurality of pallets temporarily hold the tool means.

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