US011117649B2

( 12 ) United States Patent ( 10) Patent No .: US 11,117,649 B2

Alley et al . (45) Date of Patent : Sep. 14, 2021
(54) FOLDABLE PROPELLER BLADE WITH ( 56 ) References Cited
LOCKING MECHANISM
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
( 71 ) Applicant: Area - I Inc. , Kennesaw , GA (US ) 1,496,723 A * 6/1924 Miller B64C 11/28
416/124
( 72 ) Inventors: Nicholas Robert Alley , Kennesaw , GA 2,017,291 A 10/1935 Pfleger
(US ) ; Joshua Lemming Steele , ( Continued )
Kennesaw , GA (US ) ; Jesse Owen
Williams , Kennesaw , GA (US ); Daniel FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
Kuehme , Kennesaw , GA (US )
AU 2016351357 A1 5/2018
( 73 ) Assignee : Area - I Inc. , Kennesaw , GA (US ) CA 2793114 A1 6/2013
( Continued )
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
U.S.C. 154 (b ) by 53 days.
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Apr. 26 ,
( 21 ) Appl. No .: 15 /471,877 2018 cited in Application No. PCT/US18 / 24891 , 7 pgs .
( Continued )
( 22 ) Filed : Mar. 28 , 2017
Primary Examiner Christopher P Ellis
( 65 ) Prior Publication Data (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm -
Bekiares Eliezer LLP
US 2017/0197702 A1 Jul . 13 , 2017 (57 ) ABSTRACT
Related U.S. Application Data An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components
(UAVDC ) is disclosed . The UAVDC may comprise a fuse
( 63 ) Continuation - in -part of application No. 15 /388,396 , lage , at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In
filed on Dec. 26 , 2016 , now Pat . No. 9,902,488 , and some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a
a continuation -in - part of application No. 15 /388,433 , propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC
may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For
filed on Dec. 22 , 2016 , now Pat. No. 10,494,081 , and
( Continued ) example , in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may
comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage
(51 ) Int. Ci . and the at least one control surface stowed against the
B64C 11/28 ( 2006.01 ) fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may
B64C 39/02 ( 2006.01 ) comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage
( 52 ) U.S. CI . and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage.
CPC B64C 11/28 ( 2013.01 ) ; B64C 39/024
In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the
at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the
(2013.01 ) ; B64C 2201/021 (2013.01 ) ; B64C deployed arrangement. The UAVDC may also comprise a
2201/102 (2013.01 ) ; B64C 2201/165 (2013.01 ) foldable propeller blade with a locking mechanism . Foldable
( 58 ) Field of Classification Search propeller blades may have a stowed configuration and a
CPC ....... B64C 11/28 ; B64C 2201/024 ; B64C deployed configuration , and the foldable propeller blades
2201/108 ; B64C 2201/165 ; B64C may pivot about a hinge to move between configurations . A
2201/102 foldable propeller blade in a deployed configuration may
( Continued ) (Continued )

1620 1605
1630
1605 1720

1645
1725
1610 -
1626
1615 1635
1630
 US 11,117,649 B2
Page 2

experience forward folding motion due to forces acting upon 8,492,692

8,505,430
B2
B2
7/2013 Fisher
8/2013 Miralles et al .
it . A locking mechanism for example, a ratchet and pawl 8,783,604 B2 7/2014 Sanderson et al .
may lock a foldable propeller blade into a configuration . In 8,876,039 B2 11/2014 Lubenow et al.
a locked arrangement, a UAVDC may comprise at least one 9,296,270 B2 3/2016 Parks et al .
foldable propeller that locks into place to prevent forward 9,545,991 B1 1/2017 Alley et al .
folding tendency. 9,555,873 B1 1/2017 Alley et al .
9,580,165 B1 2/2017 Alley et al .
14 Claims , 31 Drawing Sheets 9,616,991 B2 * 4/2017 Wirasnik B64C 11/28
9,701,406 B2 * 7/2017 Robertson B64C 29/0033
9,902,487 B2 * 2/2018 Alley B64C 11/28
9,902,488 B2 * 2/2018 Alley B64C 3/546
10,494,081 B2 * 12/2019 Alley B64C 5/12
Related U.S. Application Data 2003/0094536 A1 5/2003 LaBiche
2004/0251383 A1 12/2004 McDonnell
a continuation - in -part of application No. 15 /388,478 , 2005/0218260 A1 10/2005 Corder et al .
2006/0255205 Al * 11/2006 Gleich B64C 39/024
filed on Dec. 22 , 2016 , now Pat . No. 9,902,487 . 244/49
( 60 ) Provisional application No. 62/ 254,098 , filed on Nov. 2009/0206193 Al 8/2009 File
2009/0249906 Al 10/2009 Chen et al .
11 , 2015 . 2009/0302151 A1 12/2009 Holmes
( 58 ) Field of Classification Search 2010/0048069 A1 * 2/2010 Duncan B63H 3/04
USPC 244/49 440/50
See application file for complete search history. 2010/0072325 A1 * 3/2010 Sambell B64C 11/28
244/7 A
References Cited 2011/0001016 Al 1/2011 Skillen et al .
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416/131 244/135 A
2,416,178 A * 2/1947 Kearns, Jr. B64C 11/28 2015/0225072 Al 8/2015 Torre
403/53 2015/0274290 A1 * 10/2015 Fenny B640 27/50
2,712,421 A 7/1955 Naumann 244 / 17.25
2,784,573 A * 3/1957 Anderson F16D 3/16 2016/0001879 A1 * 1/2016 Johannesson B64C 27/50
464/106 416/142
2,999,657 A 9/1961 Clark 2016/0152329 Al * 6/2016 Tzeng B64C 29/0033
3,069,115 A 12/1962 Strang 416/134 R
3,250,494 A 5/1966 Peterson 2016/0264232 A1 * 9/2016 Briancourt B64C 3/56
3,709,634 A * 1/1973 Lorenz B63H 1/22 2016/0304194 A1 * 10/2016 Bevirt B64C 29/0033
416/142 2016/0318600 A1 * 11/2016 Wirasnik B64C 11/28
3,981,613 A * 9/1976 Ehrenskjold B63H 1/24 2016/0347441 A1 * 12/2016 Wainfan B64C 11/28
416/142 2017/0197702 A1 7/2017 Alley et al .
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416/143 2018/0057161 A1 * 3/2018 Groninga B64C 39/08
4,730,793 A 3/1988 Thurber, Jr. et al . 2018/0057162 A1 * 3/2018 Robertson B64C 29/02
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5,192,037 A 3/1993 Moorefield 2019/0023374 A1 * 1/2019 Kahlon B64C 3/56
5,645,249 A 7/1997 Hein 2019/0055003 A1 * 2/2019 Luo B64C 11/28
5,671,899 A 9/1997 Nicholas et al . 2019/0061914 A1 * 2/2019 Heranger B64C 11/28
6,056,237 A 5/2000 Woodland
6,065,933 A * 5/2000 Secord B63H 1/22 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
416/142
6,119,976 A 9/2000 Rogers CA 2828726 A1 4/2014
6,260,797 B1 7/2001 Palmer CA 3005149 Al 5/2017
6,905,093 B2 6/2005 Dryer et al . EP 2604510 A2 10/2017
6,923,404 B1 8/2005 Liu et al . EP 3374260 A1 9/2018
6,978,970 B2 12/2005 Purcell, Jr. GB 582802 A * 11/1946 B64C 27/50
7,584,925 B2 9/2009 Miller et al . IL 262910 A2 6/2013
7,642,492 B2 1/2010 Parine et al . IL 262914 12/2018
7,762,500 B1 7/2010 Dhall WO 2017037698 Al 3/2017
7,770,857 B2 * 8/2010 Ruddy F16M 11/2021 WO 2017082954 A1 5/2017
248 / 125.9 WO 2018183535 A1 10/2018
7,789,343 B2 9/2010 Sarh et al .
7,841,559 B1 11/2010 O'Shea
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
7,866,610 B2 1/2011 Bousfield
8,089,034 B2 1/2012 Hammerquist
8,113,962 B2 * 2/2012 Bentrim F16D 3/42 International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Oct. 10 ,
464/112 2019 cited in Application No. PCT / US18 /24891 , 6 pgs .
8,256,715 B2 9/2012 Ballard et al .
8,376,279 B2 2/2013 Parks et al . * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 1 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

102
120 135

125
110
1A
.
FIG

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106 140
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 2 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

104
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 3 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

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FIG
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 4 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

200

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255
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FIG
y

110

205
210
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 5 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

200 T.

wa

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2B
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FIG

110

225
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 6 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

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200
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 7 of 31 US ll , ll7.649 B2

265
52

200
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220

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FIG

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215 270

11

y
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255
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14, 2021 Sheet 8 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

305
A A

325

315
SA-ection
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-ection FIG
3
.
331 330 330
332

320 325
310
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 9 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

130
416 405 415
410
FIG . 4A

125

440
455
416 425 405
415 410

S
430

FIG . 4B
125
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 10 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

420 430
410 125 FIG . 4C
445

440

430
ti
425
410
415
420

C 445

FIG . 4D
125
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 11 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

425

FIG . 4E
485

ti *

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425

FIG . 4F
485 .

125

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FIG . 4G
485

125
S.*****
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 12 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

510

125
505 485 5
.
FIG

485 125
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 13 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

605

106 FIG
.
6A
615
610

ermente***rin

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crepartotieocntion
140
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 14 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

630

140

07

FIG . 6B

635

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VO

FIG . 6C
U.S. Patent Sep. 14, 2021 Sheet 15 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

140
140 650
640 645
650 655

6D
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FIG
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.
FIG

675
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 16 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

705

7
.
FIG

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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 17 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

135

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510

FIG . 8
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 18 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

908

9
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FIG
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14, 2021 Sheet 19 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

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FIG
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 20 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1 05

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11A
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FIG
1 20 1 15
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 21 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1 10

135

11B
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FIG

1 20 1 15
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 22 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1 30 ******** 1 25

135

FIG
11C
.
1 10
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 23 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

120
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12A
.
FIG
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 24 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1230 1235 1240

12B
.
FIG
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 25 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

13 0
1315 415 13
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FIG
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140
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 26 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2
1400
Start
1405

1410
Launch the Air Vehicle

1420
Deploy Flight Components

1430
Perform Mission ??

1440
Terminate Mission

FIG . 14
1450
End
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 27 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

-1500
-1508 UAVDC CONTROLLER
1
1
SYSTEM MEMORY 1

ROM / RAM 1504

1 |
1 |
OPERATING SYSTEM 1 1
1
1
1505 REMOVABLE STORAGE
1 11509
-1502 1
1 PROGRAMMING 1 1
1
MODULES NON -REMOVABLE
STORAGE
11510
PROCESSING UNIT 1
1
1 1506
1 INPUT DEVICE (S )
CONTROLLER 11512
1
1
APPLICATION 1
I
1520
OUTPUT DEVICE ( S )
1514
1
1
1
COMMUNICATION
1 CONNECTION ( S )
1
1 1516
1
1
1
PROGRAM DATA
1507 1 1
1

1518 11
OTHER UAVDC DEVICES
AND COMPONENTS,
FIG . 15
U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 28 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1620 1605

1645

FIG . 16A 1630

1645a
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1635
1625

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,
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pripra

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1730
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FIG . 16B
U.S. Patent Sep. 14, 2021 Sheet 29 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1610 1615
1625 1626

16D
.
FIG
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1630

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.
FIG
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 30 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1630 1615
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U.S. Patent Sep. 14 , 2021 Sheet 31 of 31 US 11,117,649 B2

1630
1605 1710 1730

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FIG . 17D 1635

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 US 11,117,649 B2
1 2
FOLDABLE PROPELLER BLADE WITH the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped
LOCKING MECHANISM to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.
In various embodiments , a UAVDC with a telescoping
RELATED APPLICATIONS wing system may be provided. The telescoping wing system
5 may comprise a first wing section comprising a substantially
The present application is a continuation - in -part of: hollow interior, a second wing section configured to be
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 388,396 , filed on Dec. stowed within the interior of the first wing section . The
22 , 2016 , in the name of Area - I Inc. and entitled second wing section may comprise an actuator configured to
" AERIAL VEHICLE WITH DEPLOYABLE COM drive a belt coupled to the internal surface of the first wing
PONENTS ," ; 10 section such that, upon actuation , a displacement of the
attached segment of the belt causes the first wing section to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 388,433 , filed on Dec. traverse
22 , 2016 , in the name of Area - I Inc. and entitled at least a portion of a length of the second wing
“ AERIAL VEHICLE WITH DEPLOYABLE COM section .
PONENTS , ”, is hereby incorporated by reference; and In the first configuration , the first wing section and the
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 /388,478, filed on Dec. 15 second wing section may form a first wingspan in a first
22 , 2016 , in the name of Area - I Inc. and entitled arrangement, the first arrangement comprising the second
“ AERIAL VEHICLE WITH DEPLOYABLE COM wing section stowed within the interior of the first wing
PONENTS , ” , is hereby incorporated by reference. section . In a second configuration, the first wing section and
The above referenced applications claim the benefit of the second wing section may form a second wingspan in a
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/254,098 filed Nov. 11 , 20 second arrangement, the second arrangement comprising the
2015 , which , in turn , serves as the priority date for the first wing section displaced along at least a portion of the
present application. It is intended that each of the referenced length of the second wing section .
applications may be applicable to the concepts and embodi Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclo
ments disclosed herein , even if such concepts and embodi sure, the UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, and at least one
ments are disclosed in the referenced applications with 25 stabilizer
axis . The configured
at least oneto stabilizer
pivot aboutmaya first axis and a second
be configurable in at
different limitations and configurations and described using least the following arrangements: a compact arrangement
different examples and terminology .
comprising, wherein the at least one stabilizer is stowed
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE against the fuselage, and a deployed arrangement, wherein
30 the least one stabilizer is deployed from the fuselage by
The present disclosure generally relates to unmanned pivoting about the first axis .
aerial vehicles . The UAVDC may further comprise a pushrod configured
to pivot the least one stabilizer about the second axis. In
BACKGROUND some embodiments, the UAVDC may comprise a flexible
35 fairing at the base of the stabilizer configured to enable the
Unmanned aerial vehicles may be used for a plurality of stabilizer to pivot about second axis while maintaining an
applications. Such applications comprise commercial appli- aerodynamic efficiency .
cations including surveillance and filming, and for military In yet further embodiments, the UAVDC may comprise a
applications , reconnaissance and tactical missions . In certain fuselage comprising a modular payload section ; at least one
circumstances, compact configurations can be beneficial to 40 wing configurable in a first arrangement and a second
enabling particular types of missions . For example, compact arrangement, wherein the first arrangement comprises the at
configurations reduce space and enable various deployment least one wing stowed against the fuselage, and wherein the
options . However, current compact configurations are lim- second arrangement comprises the wings deployed for flight
ited in flight range , endurance, and payload capacity. at a first deployment angle; a fairing positioned relatively at
45 a base of the at least one wing, the fairing being constructed
BRIEF OVERVIEW of a flexible material comprising at least one slit and at least
one cutout designed to enabling a sweeping of the at least
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an one wing from the first arrangement to the second arrange
improved aerial vehicle with deployable components. This ment, the fairing being configurable in : a first configuration
brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of 50 to accommodate the first arrangement, and a second con
concepts in a simplified form that are further described figuration to accommodate the second arrangement; an
below in the Detailed Description . This brief overview is not actuator coupled to a sweeping gearbox configured to actu
intended to identify key features or essential features of the ate the sweeping of the at least one wing from the first
claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended arrangement to the second arrangement
to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope . 55 As will be detailed below, it should be understood that a
An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components single wing may be comprised of two left and right wing
( UAVDC ) is disclosed . The UAVDC may comprise a fuse- sections (a first section and a second section) . The two wing
lage , at least one wing, and at least one stabilizer. In some sections may, throughout the present disclosure , be referred
embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propul- to as two wings or two wing segments. Accordingly, in some
sion means and / or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be 60 embodiments, the two wings may stacked against the fuse
configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a lage in the first arrangement, the stacked configuration
compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at comprising a top wing and a bottom wing with the top wing
least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least vertically offset from the bottom wing in the first arrange
one stabilizer stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed ment. In yet further embodiments, at a transition from the
arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one 65 first arrangement to the second arrangement, the two wings
wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one stabilizer may be configured to telescope to expand a wing span in the
deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, second arrangement.
 US 11,117,649 B2
3 4
Embodiments of the present disclosure may further com- explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the
prise at least one control surface (e.g. a stabilizer) configured present disclosure . In the drawings:
to deploy from a first stabilizer configuration stowed against FIG . 1A illustrates an unmanned aerial vehicle with
the fuselage to a second stabilizer configuration deployed for 5 deployable components in a first configuration ;
flight at a second deployment angle. FIG . 1B illustrates the unmanned aerial vehicle with
In some embodiments, deployment of the at least one deployable components in a second configuration ;
stabilizer may employ at least one spring , wherein the at FIG . 1C illustrates the unmanned aerial vehicle with
least one spring is configured to force the at least one deployable components in a third configuration ;
stabilizer from the first stabilizer configuration to the second 10 FIG . 2A illustrates a cut - away view of a sweeping gear
stabilizer configuration.
The UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion mecha boxFIGcoupled . 2B
to an actuator ;
illustrates a view of the sweeping gearbox ;
nism . In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanism may FIG . 2C illustrates another view of the sweeping gearbox
comprise a propeller, wherein the propeller comprises at and a direction of wing sweeping ;
least one blade configured to fold into a first propeller
arrangement and expand in a second propeller arrangement. 15 enabling the sweeping gearbox toschematic
FIG . 2D illustrates a set of drawings for
allow wings to have
The fuselage may comprise at least one groove configured to
receive at least one blade of the propeller in the first dihedral and incidence when deployed and to lay flat while
propeller arrangement, and the propeller may be configured stowed ;
to unfold to the second propeller arrangement by means of FIG . 3 illustrates an example of telescoping wings ;
at least one of the following: propeller blade springs, aero- 20 FIG . 4A illustrates an example of stabilizers in a first
dynamic force , or a centripetal force from a rotation of the configuration ;
propeller. FIG . 4B illustrates an example of the stabilizers in a
The UAVDC may further comprise one or more foldable second configuration;
propeller blades . A foldable propeller blade may pivot or FIG . 4C illustrates another view of the stabilizers in the
excurse about a hinge from a stowed to a deployed configu- 25 first configuration ;
ration ( and vice versa ) . A foldable propeller blade may FIG . 4D illustrates another view of the stabilizers in the
experience unwanted forward folding due to forces acting second configuration ;
upon the foldable propeller blade . In some embodiments , a FIG . 4E illustrates an example of stabilizers in a first pivot
foldable propeller blade may comprise a locking mechanism angle;
to prevent forward folding. A locking mechanism can com- 30 FIG . 4F illustrates an example of stabilizers in a second
prise various means for preventing motion, such as pin and pivot angle;
ramp , ratchet and pawl , magnetic, and spring-based systems. FIG . 4G illustrates an example of stabilizers in a third
In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may engage pivot angle;
when one or more foldable propeller blades enter a deployed FIG . 5 illustrates an example of deployable propeller
configuration . This may keep propeller blades in a deployed 35 blades and a direction of deployment;
configuration even if counteracting forces would tend to FIG . 6A illustrates an example of a modular payload ;
push foldable propeller blades back towards a stowed con- FIG . 6B illustrates an example of a modular payload with
figuration . deployable components in a first configuration ;
Both the foregoing brief overview and the following FIG . 6C illustrates an example of the modular payload
detailed description provide examples and are explanatory 40 with deployable components in a second configuration;
only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the FIG . 6D illustrates an example of another modular pay
following detailed description should not be considered to load in a compact configuration;
be restrictive . Further, features or variations may be pro- FIG . 6E illustrates an example of the modular payload in
vided in addition to those set forth herein . For example, a deployed configuration ;
embodiments may be directed to various feature combina- 45 FIG . 7 illustrates potential positions for an antenna;
tions and sub - combinations described in the detailed FIG . 8 illustrates a propeller and associated components;
description . FIG . 9 illustrates grooves in the fuselage configured to
receive propeller blades in a folded configuration ;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG . 10A illustrates a propeller blade confined by wings ;
50 FIG . 10B illustrates a deployed propeller blade oriented
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in with a free stream ;
and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various FIG . 11A illustrates a fairing in a first configuration ;
embodiments of the present disclosure . The drawings con- FIG . 11B illustrates the fairing in a second configuration;
tain representations of various trademarks and copyrights FIG . 11C illustrates the fairing comprising magnets;
owned by the Applicants. In addition , the drawings may 55 FIG . 12A illustrates components for controlling ailerons;
contain other marks owned by third parties and are being FIG . 12B illustrates a plurality of configurations for the
used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various ailerons;
trademarks and copyrights represented herein , except those FIG . 13 illustrates one example of internal configuration
belonging to their respective owners , are vested in and the of the UAVDC ;
property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain and reserve 60 FIG . 14 illustrates a method for using the unmanned aerial
all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein , vehicle with deployable components;
and grant permission to reproduce the material only in FIG . 15 is a block diagram of a system including a
connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for computing device for enabling operation of the apparatus ;
no other purpose. FIG . 16A illustrates an exemplary UAVDC having a
Furthermore , the drawings may contain text or captions 65 foldable propeller blade ;
that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclo- FIG . 16B illustrates an exemplary propeller assembly
sure . This text is included for illustrative, non - limiting, with a locking mechanism ;
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9

5 6
FIG . 16C illustrates another view of an exemplary pro- term herein . To the extent that the meaning of a term used
peller assembly with a locking mechanism ; herein as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the
FIG . 16D illustrates another view of an exemplary pro contextual use of such term differs in any way from any
peller assembly with a locking mechanism ; particular dictionary definition of such term , it is intended
FIG . 17A illustrates an exemplary locking mechanisms that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary
artisan should prevail.
with a tab and ramp configuration;
FIG . 17B illustrates another exemplary locking mecha- Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. $ 112 , 16 , no claim
nism with a tab and ramp configuration; element is intended to be read in accordance with this
FIG . 17C illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “ means for” or
with a ratchet and pawl configuration; 10 “ step for ” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon
FIG . 17D illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpre
with a spring -pin and ramp configuration ; tation of such claim element.
FIG . 17E illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein ,
with a spring -pin and hole configuration in the radial plane; “ a ” and “ an ” each generally denotes “ at least one, ” but does
??

and 15 not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates

FIG . 17F illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism otherwise . When used herein to join a list of items , “ or ”
with a spring -pin and hole configuration in the axial direc- denotes “ at least one of the items , ” but does not exclude a
tion . plurality of items of the list . Finally, when used herein to join
a list of items, " and ” denotes “ all of the items of the list.”
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 20 The following detailed description refers to the accom
panying drawings. Wherever possible , the same reference
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by numbers are used in the drawings and the following descrip
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present tion to refer to the same or similar elements. While many
disclosure has broad utility and application . As should be embodiments of the disclosure may be described , modifi
understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a 25 cations, adaptations, and other implementations are possible .
plurality of the above - disclosed aspects of the disclosure and For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may
may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the
above - disclosed features . Furthermore, any embodiment methods described herein may be modified by substituting,
discussed and identified as being “ preferred ” is considered reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods.
to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the 30 Accordingly, the following detailed description does not
embodiments of the present disclosure . Other embodiments limit the disclosure. Instead , the proper scope of the disclo
also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in sure is defined by the appended claims . The present disclo
providing a full and enabling disclosure . Moreover, many sure contains headers . It should be understood that these
embodiments, such as adaptations, variations , modifications, headers are used as references and are not to be construed as
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by 35 limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the
the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope header.
of the present disclosure . The present disclosure includes many aspects and fea
Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in tures . Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to ,
detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be and are described in , the context of unmanned aerial
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary 40 vehicles, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
of the present disclosure , and are made merely for the limited to use only in this context. For example, embodi
purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure . The ments of the present disclosure may be employed on manned
detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is and unmanned aerial vehicles.
not intended , nor is to be construed , to limit the scope of I. Overview
patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing 45 This overview is provided to introduce a selection of
here from , which scope is to be defined by the claims and the concepts in a simplified form that are further described
equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent below . This overview is not intended to identify key features
protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this
found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject
itself. 50 matter's scope.
Thus, for example , any sequence ( s ) and / or temporal order An improved unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable
of steps of various processes or methods that are described components (UAVDC ) is provided in the various embodi
herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it ments disclosed herein . Various aspects of the UAVDC lead
should be understood that , although steps of various pro- to improvements over conventional unmanned aerial
cesses or methods may be shown and described as being in 55 vehicles , including, but not limited to , for example ,
a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes improved portability, deployment, post -deployment transi
or methods are not limited to being carried out in any tion to flight control, aerodynamic efficiency and flight
particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. endurance, payload capacity, and maximized mission capa
Indeed , the steps in such processes or methods generally bility over conventional unmanned aerial vehicles . As will
may be carried out in various different sequences and orders 60 be detailed below, the UAVDC of the present disclosure
while still falling within the scope of the present invention . includes a number of features that lead to the aforemen
Accordingly , it is intended that the scope of patent protection tioned improvements, including, but not limited to , for
is to be defined by the issued claim ( s ) rather than the example, trailing -edge hinged ailerons , deployable stabiliz
description set forth herein . ers , gearbox , fairing , and sweeping and telescoping wing
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used 65 implementations.
herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would under- The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrange
stand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such ments . A first configuration may be a compact arrangement
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7 8
suitable in , for example, storage and launching embodi- enable the UAVDC to continuously maintain controlled
ments, while a second configuration may be a deployed flight during transitions from the first configuration to the
arrangement suitable in , for example, launch recovery and third configuration.
flight, and a third configuration may be an expanded con- In the first configuration , prior to deployment, the afore
figuration suitable in , for example, high -endurance flight. As 5 mentioned wings 110, stabilizers 125 , and propeller 135 may
will be detailed below, the UAVDC may be fully functional be stowed against a fuselage 106 of the UAVDC ( i.e. , folded
and operable in intermediary configurations between these and out of the way during vehicle launch ). Fairing 130 may
three configurations to provide some of the advantages of flex to accommodate wings 110 in their stowed configura
the improved UAVDC at higher airspeeds. tion and then be configured to flex in a way so as to
FIG . 1A illustrates an example of a first configuration 10 launched
accommodate a sweeping motion of wings 110. Once
( e.g. , compact arrangement 102 ) . Compact arrangement 102 figuration, the UAVDC may transform from the first con
into the second configuration . In the second
may enable convenient storage and transportation of the configuration , wings 110 may be deployed by way of an
UAVDC . In addition , compact arrangement 102 may enable outward sweeping motion (with fairing 130 flexing in a way
certain
a tube or a release from , for example , an aircraft's weapons/ outward sweeping motionmotion
launch methods , such as a launch from , for example, 15 to enable the sweeping ) . FIG . 2C illustrates an
250. As will be further detailed
bomb bay or wing attachment. below, outward sweeping motion 250 may be enabled by,
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure , but not limited to , for example, a sweeping gearbox coupled
the UAVDC may be deployed after launch into the deployed to an actuator. FIGS . 2A - 2C illustrate an example of a
arrangement that is suitable to survive the high aerodynamic 20 sweeping gearbox 205 coupled to an actuator 210. Further,
loads of launch recovery and high- speed flight. During the sweeping motion 250 of wings 110 may enable configurable
flight, the UAVDC may be further deployed into the wing angles to optimize aerodynamics. Fairing 130 may be
expanded arrangement that is suitable for efficient, long- designed to accommodate wings 110 in the stored configu
endurance flight. It should be understood that the term ration as well as sweeping motion 250. Further, fairing 130
“ deploy ” and “ deployment may refer to the deployable 25 may close around wings 110 in order to maintain the
components moving from one UAVDC configuration to aerodynamic integrity of the UAVDC , as shown in FIG .
another. 11B .
FIG . 1B illustrates an example of a second configuration By implementing a gearbox 205 configured to sweep
( e.g. deployed arrangement 104 ). By using a deployed wings 110 as well as orient wings 110 with optimal dihedral
arrangement 104 , embodiments may be able sustain the 30 angles 265 and angles of incidence 275 , embodiments of the
higher aerodynamics loads associated with flight at a high present disclosure may provide improvements over conven
airspeed or high - g pull -up maneuvers . In this way, at least tional systems . For example, in conventional systems, air
one of the intermediary configurations ( e.g. , the deployed crafts that implement sweeping wings and wing angle
arrangement 104 ) may be used in a launch recovery, wherein adjustments require use of secondary mechanics to orient the
the UAVDC has been launched and has not slowed to an 35 wing angles. Such secondary mechanics add to weight and
airspeed that the third configuration can sustain . Further- cost , as well as provide additional modes of failure .
more , the deployed arrangement may be able to sustain Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclo
high - speed flight more efficiently than the expanded sure , wings 110 may further be configured to telescope (i.e. ,
arrangement. expand in length ) in the third configuration. Such telescop
FIG . 1C illustrates an example of a third configuration 40 ing wings may comprise a fixed inner section and one or
( e.g. , an expanded arrangement 105 ) . By using the expanded more substantially hollow outer sections that slide along
arrangement the UAVDC may be able to achieve an adjacent sections to provide a longer wingspan once
increased level of aerodynamic efficiency ( i.e. flight endur- deployed. FIG . 3 illustrates an example of telescoping wings
ance ) as well as an increased payload weight capacity. In 110 comprising a fixed inner section 305 that attaches to
various embodiments, the second configuration ( e.g. , 45 fuselage 106 and an outer section 310. In further embodi
deployed arrangement 104 ) and the third configuration ( e.g. , ments, a plurality of nested outer wing sections may be
expanded arrangement 105 ) may be referred to as a common implemented . In this way, wings 110 may be stored in a
arrangement, but having wingspans that depend on the compact arrangement 102 and later extend (i.e. , telescope) to
extent of the telescoped displacement of the wings . provide additional lift during the expanded arrangement
As will be detailed below, during transformation from 50 105. As will be detailed below , a telescoping mechanism
compact arrangement 102 to expanded arrangement 105 , a (“ telescoping means” ) consistent with embodiments of the
UAVDC consistent with embodiments of the present disclo- present disclosure may employ, for example, a belt system
sure may implement, but not be limited to , at least one of the 315 , a scissors mechanism , or a piston mechanism to extend
following: wings 110 that may be configured to sweep and /or retract the wings.
and / or telescope , one or more trailing -edge hinged control 55 The telescoping means consistent with embodiments of
surfaces that enable roll control (" ailerons ” ) 120 , one or the present disclosure enable a maximized wing span while
more fold -away actuating stabilizers 125 , one or more maintaining roll control throughout the transition between
flexible aerodynamic fairings 130 , one or more propulsion configurations. For example, as the inner section is fixed , the
mechanisms ( e.g. , fold - away propeller 135 ) , and a modular outer sections may comprise a substantially hollow interior
payload 140 . 60 so as to enable the fixed inner section to reside within the
In further embodiments, the UAVDC may comprise inter- interior of the outer section . The outer section may then slide
mediary configurations between the first configuration and outwards ( i.e. , telescopes ) , away from fuselage 106 , thereby
second configuration or the second configuration and the exposing the fixed inner section as it telescopes . The trail
third configuration. In the intermediary configurations, ing - edge mounted control surfaces ( e.g. , ailerons 120 ) are
wings 110 may be at various stages of sweep or telescoping . 65 mounted to the outer section and are therefore exposed and
It should be understood that the use of trailing -edge ailerons operable throughout the deployment and telescoping pro
120 and externally telescoped outer wing panels 310 may cess ; in this way, the wingspan of the UAVDC can expand
 US 11,117,649 B2
9 10
while continually maintaining controlled flight during the may deploy from a first stabilizer configuration 450 to a
transition (e.g. , regardless of the outer section position second stabilizer configuration 455 by rotating about axis
relative to the inner section position) . 430 , as shown in FIGS . 4A - 4D . Once in the second stabilizer
In some embodiments , inner section 305 connects to the configuration 455 , stabilizer 125 can further serve as a
fuselage 106 , while outer section 310 may be telescoped 5 control surface , providing flight control by pivoting about
outward from fuselage 106. Trailing -edge ailerons 120 may axis 425. As will be detailed below , deployment about axis
connect to outer section 310 to enable roll control. In this 430 may be implemented via , for example, pre -loaded
way, trailing -edge ailerons 120 may provide roll control springs 405. In further embodiments, stabilizers 125 may be
even when wings 110 are not extended . Trailing -edge aile- deployed upon interfacing with air resistance. For example ,
rons 120 may be connected by a hinge at a rear-most point 10 when stabilizers 125 interface with an airstream , a resulting
of the wing in order to maximize an internal volume of the drag force may cause stabilizers 125 to move into a deployed
outer section 310 , which, in turn , maximizes the overall span configuration . Servos 410 may actuate the stabilizers 125
of the wing 110 in its third configuration. In various embodi- about axis 425 once stabilizers 125 are deployed. FIGS .
ments, other configurations of wing control surfaces, such as 4E - 4G illustrate the stabilizer 125 in the deployed configu
spoilers, may be implemented within the spirit and scope of 15 ration, at various pivot angle about axis 425 .
the present disclosure. Deployable control surfaces, embodied in the present
By implementing hollow outer telescoping wing section disclosure as stabilizers 125 , are improved over conven
310 and trailing - edge hinged aileron 120 , a plurality of tional systems, for example, by enabling automatic deploy
improvements are introduced . A typical telescoping wing ment without requiring controlling components (e.g. , actua
utilizes telescoping outer panels that are stored within the 20 tors and linkages) to adjust. Further, by implementing a
fixed inner panel, this precludes the use of ailerons mounted flexible fairing, the aerodynamic efficiencies may be
to the outer panels until the wing panels reach a telescoped improved . It should be understood that not all embodiments
state . Furthermore, conventional aileron implementations of the UAVDC may comprise each of the aforementioned
are configured within the wing surface itself, thereby reduce components, while other embodiments of the UAVDC may
the amount of internal volume available in the wing . The 25 comprise additional components, and yet other embodi
reduced internal volume decreases the available depth of an ments still may comprise various combinations of the
interior wing section placement in a telescoping wing sys- embodiments described in the present disclosure .
tem , thereby leading to a smaller displacement in a tele- Propeller 135 of the UAVDC may deploy upon interfac
scoped configuration . In this way , conventional roll control ing with the air resistance . In further embodiments, springs
surfaces may reduce the final length of a telescoped wing . 30 and / or centripetal force from a rotation of propeller 135 may
Attaching trailing -edge hinged ailerons 120 to the outer be implemented in deploying propeller 135. FIG . 5 illus
section 310 of the telescoping wing 110 enables the inner trates an example of propeller 135 and a direction of
section 305 of telescoping wing 110 to be stowed further deployment 505 for propeller blades 510 .
within the interior of outer section 310 while still providing A UAVDC consistent with embodiments of the present
the necessary roll control to maintain flight in the deployed 35 disclosure may be configured to receive a modular payload
arrangement, before the wings are telescoped . In turn , when 140. In some embodiments, modular payload 140 may
wings 110 are telescoped, the displacement of the outer remain fixed in both the first and second configuration. By
section 310 is increased by a range greater than that of other way of non -limiting example , modular payload 140 may be
telescoping wing systems, thereby leading to the benefits of configured into the UAVDC , serving as a nose of fuselage
increased wingspan over a conventional aerial vehicle 40 106. FIG . 6A illustrates an example of a plurality ofmodular
capable of compact configurations. Further still , extending payloads 140 configured to be attached to fuselage 106 in a
outer section 310 of the telescoping wing 110 from the fixed position 605. To facilitate modularity, modular payload
fuselage further enables the trailing - edge hinged ailerons 140 may comprise hooks 610 configured to hook around
120 to provide increased roll control of the UAVDC . pins 615 in a twist -to - lock fashion . In this way, modular
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, 45 payload 140 may be inserted into fuselage 106. A ridge 620
the control surfaces (e.g. , trailing -edge hinged ailerons 120 ) may orient modular payload and provide a flush transition
may be operable in all of the UAVDC's configurations. That from modular payload 140 to fuselage 106. Further, pins 615
is , the control surfaces may be operable in the compact may comprise screw threads to tighten around a nut, thus
arrangement 102 , the deployed arrangement 104 , and in the securing hooks 610 , and accordingly, modular payload 140 ,
expanded arrangement 105. Furthermore, the control sur- 50 in place . In further embodiments, modular payload 140 may
faces may be operable during the transitionary phases comprise protrusions that are configured to fit into slots
between each of those arrangement. embedded within fuselage 106. Modular payload 140 may
For example, trailing -edge hinged ailerons 120 may be be inserted into fuselage 106 along slots configured to
operable in between the first configuration (e.g. , compact receive the protrusions and turned to lock modular payload
arrangement 102 ) and the deployed arrangement 104 ( e.g. , 55 140 to fuselage 106 .
engaged in operation at approximately a 45 -degree sweep ) While modular payload 140 may be locked in a fixed
in order to provide post - launch stabilization for the UAVDC . position 605 , it may comprise deployable components
Moreover, trailing -edge hinged ailerons 120 may be oper- within , as shown in FIGS . 6B and 6C , illustrating modular
able when the UAVDC is in the deployed arrangement 104 payload in a first configuration 630 and a second configu
to provide flight control, as well as the transitionary stage 60 ration 635 , respectively.
between the deployed arrangement 104 and the expanded In other embodiments, modular payload 140 may have at
arrangement 105. Finally, trailing -edge hinged ailerons 120 least two configurations for location with respect to fuselage
may be operable in the expanded arrangement 105 to 106. FIG . 6D illustrates another example of a modular
provide additional , more effective flight control. payload 140 in a first position 640 ; FIG . 6E illustrates
One or more stabilizers 125 of the UAVDC may be 65 modular payload 140 in a second position 645. For example,
deployed in the intermediary configurations, second con- modular payload 140 may be arranged in first position 640
figuration, and / or the third configuration . Stabilizers 125 when the UAVDC is in the first configuration ( " compact
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11 12
configuration ” ), and deployed into a second position 645 controller, which, in turn , may operate the UAVDC accord
while in the second configuration . By way of non- limiting ingly. Furthermore , the antenna 705 may be used to com
example , the modular payload may be a sensing device 650 municate various data from the UAVDC to , for example , the
configured to a boom 655 telescoping out of the fuselage. remotely located operator.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide 5 Data may include , but not be limited to , for example,
improvements over conventional unmanned aerial vehicles sensor data collected by various sensors on - board the
including , but not limited to the following examples: UAVDC ( e.g. , sensors within modular payload 140 ) . In yet
Improved aerodynamic efficiency which increases flight further embodiments , the data may include telemetric data
endurance; for the UAVDC , including , but not limited to , for example,
Increased payload capacity ; 10 global positioning data, accelerometer data , gyroscopic data ,
Launch and transition to flight without the assistance of velocity data , and the like . In some embodiments, the
external aerodynamic treatments such as a parachute or aforementioned data may be collected, processed, and
balloon ; and encrypted by the on - board controller prior to its communi
Maximized mission capability (i.e. its modular payload cation .
and reconfigurable and highly efficient airframe enable 15 It should be understood that the UAVDC may be config
the UAVDC to efficiently perform a wider array of ured with various propulsion mechanisms, and that propeller
missions such as , for example, but not limited to , 135 illustrated in FIG . 8 is just one illustrated variation.
Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) , Sig- Other propulsion mechanisms may include, but are not
nals Intelligence ( SIGINT ) , weather, geophysical, envi- limited to , rockets , jet engines and compressed gas jets .
ronmental, and the like . 20 Moreover , in some embodiments , no propulsion may be
Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed required at all , as the UAVDC may have characteristics of a
description provide examples and are explanatory only. glider. In such embodiments, the UAVDC may be launched
Accordingly, the foregoing overview and the following from , for example, a tube or released from , for example, an
detailed description should not be considered to be restric- airplane within gliding range of its mission target. The
tive . Further, features or variations may be provided in 25 various properties of the UAVDC , as described in various
addition to those set forth herein . For example, embodiments embodiments herein , may provide the UAVDC with suffi
may be directed to various feature combinations and sub- cient flight time ( upon , for example , deployment as detailed
combinations described in the detailed description . below with reference to FIG . 14 ) to accomplish its mission
II . Configuration without requiring additional propulsion .
FIG . 1C illustrates an UAVDC consistent with embodi- 30 Propeller 135 may comprise propeller blades 510 that fold
ments of the present disclosure . Embodiments of the present against fuselage 106. While propeller 135 is shown as
disclosure may comprise a fuselage 106 , one or more having two propeller blades 510 , it should be understood
antennas 705 , power source 1310 , wings 110 that may be that more or fewer propeller blades may be utilized . For
configured to sweep and / or telescope , stabilizers 125 , and
example , only a single propeller blade may be used . As
payload 140. Further embodiments may comprise a propul- 35 illustrated in FIG . 9 , fuselage 106 may comprise grooves
sion mechanism , such as , for example, propeller 135 . 905 configured to receive propeller blades 510 in a folded
Fuselage 106 may be comprised of, but not limited to , for configuration. During flight, propeller 135 may be unfolded
example , carbon fiber . Further, fuselage 106 may be com- by means of, for example, air pressure (e.g. due to drag)
prised of, but not limited to , for example, a composite against the propeller or centripetal force from rotation of
material (e.g. , fiberglass, Kevlar, Spectra ). In various 40 propeller 135. In other embodiments, propeller 135 may be
embodiments, plastics may be used , including, but not unfolded by using springs ( e.g. , torsion springs 805 ) to
limited to 3D printed plastics . Fuselage 106 may take an enable rapid deployment, thus preventing propeller blades
aerodynamic configuration to facilitate speed and reduced 510 from hitting the stabilizers 125 before propeller 135 is
air resistance . completely unfolded.
Referring now to FIG . 7 , antenna 705 may be positioned 45 Although many of the figures illustrate propeller 135 in a
in various portions of the UAVDC . For example , antenna rear -mounted position , it should be understood that, in
705 may be fixed, and, in some embodiments, may be embodiments where a propulsion mechanism is provided ,
conformal ( i.e. , built into the skin of fuselage 106 ) . Alter- propeller 135 may be configured at different positions of the
natively, antenna 705 may be deployable. For example, UAVDC . For example, in some embodiments, propeller 135
antenna 705 may be configured to deploy out from the 50 may mount to the front of the UAVDC instead of the rear .
fuselage ( e.g. , via a spring) on a hinge. As another example, FIGS . 6D and 6E illustrate an embodiment of a UAVDC
as illustrated in FIG . 7 , antenna 705 may be built into at least
comprising a tractor propeller 675 mounting to the front of
one of stabilizers 125. In this way , when stabilizers 125 are the UAVDC .
deployed, antenna 705 may also be deployed. In further Moreover, the positioning of propeller 135 may be
embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS . 6D and 6E , modu- 55 impacted by the deployment of wings 110. Referring to FIG .
lar payload 140 may be embodied as antenna 705. In this 10A , propeller blade 1005 is mounted to fuselage 106 ,
way, antenna 705 may be attached to boom 655 and con- trapped beneath wings 110. During a launch of the UAVDC
figured to extend from fuselage 106. In yet further embodi- in the first configuration, air drag or springs 805 may force
ments, a plurality of antennas may be integrated within the propeller blade 1005 in the top position (e.g. , mounted to the
UAVDC . 60 top of fuselage 106 ) towards its deployed state . Such deploy
Antenna 705 may be in operable communication with an ment of propeller blade 1005 , however, may be obstructed
on -board controller, as further detailed with reference to by wings 110 stowed immediately above , as illustrated in the
FIG . 15. In this way , antenna 705 may both send and receive first configuration .
data to and from a remote location ( e.g. , a UAVDC opera- The remaining propeller blade 1010 not obstructed by
tor) . For example , antenna 705 may be used to receive 65 wings 110 may not be impeded from deployment, and
control signals from a remotely -located operator. The con- therefore may deploy into the second configuration as
trol signals may be processed and decrypted by the on -board designed . In order to prevent damage from the tendency of
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9

13 14
the remaining propeller blade 1010 to windmill while the well as each wing's attachment to worm gear 220 ( or “ wing
propeller blade 1005 is still trapped , the hinge travel 1015 of pivot” ). As such , gearbox 205 may comprise two pivot axes
the blades may be extended to allow blade 1010 to fold back around which the wings may sweep . FIG . 2D illustrates a
to a position 1020 that aligns blade 1010 with the free stream schematic for illustrating geometry to enable a gearbox 205 .
as shown in FIG . 10B . 5 For example, the axis of rotation may be oriented such that
Referring back to FIG . 1A , the UAVDC may have a wing its angle in the Y - Z plane 270 , as shown in reference to axes
arrangement comprised of a single wing with two wing 255 , may match an angle of attachment 265 to worm gear
sections . The wing arrangement may be segmented in a left 220. Further the angle in the X - Z plane 260 may match an
wing section and a right wing section to enable variable angle of attachment 275 to worm gear 220. With this
sweep at approximately a lateral plane of symmetry between 10 configuration, wings 110 may be stowed flat with respect to
the left wing section and the right wing section . In some each other and with respect to the fuselage , while deployed
embodiments, the wing sections may be a left wing and a with optimal dihedral and incidence angles. The optimal
right wing (e.g. , wings 110 ) . Still consistent with embodi- dihedral angle may be the combination of the angle in the
ments of the present disclosure , however, the wing arrange- X - Z plane 260 and the angle of attachment 265 ; the optimal
ment may be a single wing comprised of the two wing 15 angle of incidence may be the combination of the angle in
sections . the X -Y plane and the angle of attachment 275. In this way ,
The wing arrangement being configurable in a first a single mechanism may both sweep wings 110 and orient
arrangement ( e.g. , corresponding to the first configuration of wings 110 to desired dihedral angles and angles of inci
the UAVDC ), a second arrangement (e.g. , corresponding to dence. The single mechanism for sweeping and orienting
the second or third configuration of the UAVDC ), and a third 20 wings may reduce weight and complexity, thus increasing
arrangement. In the first arrangement, the left wing section endurance and decreasing cost .
and the right wing section may be stowed against the The UAVDC may comprise fairing 130 to reduce drag
fuselage at a first sweep deployment angle . In the second while enabling the outward sweeping motion 250 of wings
arrangement, the wing arrangement may be fully deployed 110. FIGS . 11A and 11B illustrate fairing 130 in a first
for flight at a second sweep deployment angle . A third 25 configuration 1105 and a second configuration 1110 , respec
arrangement may comprise the wing sections at any wing tively . Fairing 130 may be made of a flexible material ( e.g. ,
deployment angle in between the first sweep deployment fiberglass) such that it may bend out of the way as wings 110
angle and the second sweep deployment angle. sweep . In various embodiments, other materials may be
To enable the sweep deployment angle , the UAVDC may used , including, but not limited to carbon fiber, Kevlar, and
comprise a sweeping gearbox configured to pivot the left 30 sheet metal . Fairing 130 may comprise wing hole cutouts
wing section and the right wing section to enable the wing 1115 to fit around wings 110's profile as wings 110 reach
arrangement to sweep from the first arrangement to the second configuration 1110 .
second arrangement at any sweep deployment angle . The As illustrated in FIG . 11A , fairing 130 in first configura
UAVDC may comprise an actuator coupled to the sweeping tion 1105 may be resting upon the sweeping wings 110 in
gearbox configured to actuate the sweeping of the wing 35 compact arrangement 102 and undergoing tension from
arrangement at any sweep deployment angle . being held in a strained (“ buckled ” ) state . Slits 1120 may be
Throughout the sweeping motion , fairing 130 may be implemented in fairing 130 to enable fairing 130 to flex
configured to change from an open configuration to a closed adequately to accommodate sweeping wings 110 incompact
configuration . Fairing 130 may begin in an open configu- arrangement 102. Upon the UAVDC entering second con
ration by flexing to allow the first wing section and the 40 figuration ( e.g. , expanded arrangement 105 ) , fairing 130
second wing section to be stowed under the fairing in the may flex as illustrated in FIG . 11B to close around the wing
first arrangement, and move to a closed configuration to as wings 110 reach wing hole cutouts 1115. In second
provide aerodynamic and / or environmental advantages in configuration 1110 , fairing 130 may be in an unstrained state
the second arrangement. as it securely fits around wing 110 to minimize drag. If
The wings 110 may be stowed in a launch configuration 45 fairing 130 comprises a fibrous composite material, it may
as shown in first configuration 102. In some embodiments, be desirable to use a fiber orientation to facilitate buckling
the launch configuration of wings 110 may comprise a and flexibility in the laminate ( e.g. using +/- 45 degree plies
vertical offset. Wings 110 may be swept to a flight configu- may exhibit greater flexibility and buckle easily in 0 and 90
ration by sweeping gearbox 205 (e.g. , a sweeping means ). degree directions ) .
For example, actuator 210 attached to sweeping gearbox 205 50 In further embodiments, magnets 1125 may be employed
may comprise a worm gear 220 coupled to each wing and a to further lock fairing 130 around the swept wings 110 , as
worm 225 coupled to worm gears 220 and configured to shown in FIG . 11C . Magnets 1125 may be located on
spread the wings in sweeping motion 250. Sweeping gear- fuselage 106. Magnets of opposite polarity or a magnetic
box 205 may sit on wing mount 215. Various other means metal 1130 may be on fairing 130 to receive magnets 1125's
may be used in sweeping wings 110 , including, but not 55 magnetic attraction . In further embodiments, the location of
limited to , springs. In some embodiments, wings 110 may the magnets 1125 and corresponding magnetic metal 1130
not need to be fully swept in order to enable flight. For may be reversed.
example , the UAVDC may be capable of flight at an angle As wings 110 are being swept , or, in some embodiments,
less than full sweep . after wings 110 have completely been swept , wings 110 may
Gearbox 205 may be configured such that wings 110 may 60 telescope . For example, inner section 305 may attach to
be stored in the launch configuration with a first set of angles fuselage 106 of the UAVDC . Inner section 305 may be
with respect to each other (e.g. , flat with respect to each stowed at least partially within outer section 310 during the
other) and with respect to the fuselage ( e.g. , flat with respect compact first configuration. Outer section 310 may comprise
to the fuselage ). Gearbox 205 may further be configured to a substantially hollow interior. An exterior surface of interior
cause wings 110 to be deployed with optimal incidence 65 section 305 may be stowed against and interior surface of the
angles and dihedral angles in the swept configuration. This exterior section 310. To reach the second configuration,
may be achieved by orienting each wing's axis of rotation as outer section 310 may slide along inner section 305 to
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15 16
extend outwards from the fuselage 106. As outer section 310 may have an optimized profile and an increased span that
slides along inner section 305 , an increasing portion of inner would otherwise be limited by the more commonly -used
section 305 may be exposed . The wingspan of wings 110 ailerons. For example, inner section 305 may, when stowed
may be approximately the length of outer section 310 and within the first compact configuration, overlap at least a
the exposed portion of interior section 305. Both inner 5 portion of the length of the trailing edge aileron attachment
section 305 and outer section 310 may employ an aerody- to outer section 310. In this way , a ratio of the surface area
namic profile to provide lift during flight. Some embodi- between the inner section 305 and outer section 310 may be
ments may utilize belt system 315 for telescoping wings 110 . increased . Maximizing wing span can significantly increase
Belt system 315 may comprise belt pulleys 325 , which airframe efficiency , flight endurance, and payload capacity .
may attach to the inner wing section 305 ( “ second section ” ). 10 Hinge types that may enable such trailing edge ailerons 120
At least one pulley 325 may be driven by an actuator 320 . include , but are not limited to , a living hinge, or other flexure
In further embodiments, a plurality of pulleys 325 may be bearing
driven by a plurality of actuators 320. Belt 330 may loop Further, by mounting ailerons 120 to the outer section 310
around pulleys 325. Notches in belt 330 may enable actuator extending away from fuselage 106 , ailerons 120 may enable
320 to move belt 330. One of the straight lengths 331 of belt 15 roll control throughout the wing deployment phase. This
330 may be contained within the inner wing section 305 , means the UAVDC may be flown with positive roll control
while the other length 332 of belt 330 may be contained in regardless of outer section 310's position relative to inner
a groove on the bottom of the inner wing section 305 section 305 , which can be beneficial during launch and flight
( “ second section ” ) that is exposed to the outer wing section recovery phases where transition to stable flight can be
310 (“ first section ” ) prior to the telescoping of wings 110. 20 carried out with lower structural loads on the air frame when
To enable telescoping, belt 330 may be attached to at least the wings are configured in their non - telescoped position .
a portion of outer wing section 310 along length 332. In this This may also be beneficial as the span may be reduced or
way, actuator 320's rotation not only causes a movement of increased in flight, to maximize aerodynamic efficiency
belt 330 but also a displacement of outer wing section 310 without losing roll control. FIG . 12A shows a configuration
due to its attachment to belt 330. Accordingly, actuation in 25 of components for controlling the ailerons. Each aileron 120
direction 335 would cause section 310 to be extended may be positioned by a servo 1320 , as illustrated in FIG . 13 ,
outward from the fuselage 106 , thereby increasing the through a linkage 1210. Each servo 1320 may, in some
wingspan of the UAVDC . As outer section 310 travels embodiments, be positioned within outer wing section 310 .
outward , inner section 305 is simultaneously withdrawn In further embodiments, ailerons 120 may be operated by
from the interior of outer section 310 , increasing the wing- 30 other means, including, but not limited to , gears or shafts.
span of the UAVDC . Accordingly, as wings 110 are tele- Each servo 1320 may be controlled by controller 1500
scoped , length 332 may become exposed but the groove may FIG . 12B illustrates possible configurations for ailerons
prevent the belt 330 from protruding from the bottom of the 120 , including, but not limited to , a tucked position 1230 ,
exposed inner wing section 305 . which minimizes stowed volume, a partially folded position
Attaching outer section 310 to length 332 may be imple- 35 1235 , and a fully deployed position 1240. Servo 1320 may
mented by, for example , but not limited to , a clamp, screw be operated through a control wire positioned within outer
or adhesive . In some embodiments, belt 330 may comprise wing section 310 and inner wing section 305. The control
a length of fiber - reinforced rubber material . By stripping wire may extend from fuselage 106 via inner wing section
rubber from each end of the belt to expose fibers, further 305. An end of wing section 305 may comprise an opening
attachment mechanisms for attaching belt 330 to outer 40 through which the control wire may extend into the interior
section 310 may be available . For example, the exposed of outer wing section 310 , connecting to servo 1320. In
fibers may be tied to the outer wing section 310 ( e.g. , to various embodiments, the wire may comprise sufficient
holes in outer wing section 310 ) . The tied fibers may further length to accommodate the telescoping of the wings . While
be secured, for example, with an adhesive. In this way , ends the wings are not telescoped, the control wire may be
of belt 330 may be attached to create a connected loop 45 spooled or neatly folded within either of the wing sections .
without the use of a coupler clamping the ends, thereby FIGS . 4A - 4D illustrate an embodiment of a deployable
eliminating bulky parts commonly used in the art. pivoting control surface embodied as a stabilizer 125. While
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, this disclosure uses the term “ stabilizers” in reference to
belt system 315 may provide a lighter and / or a more deployable pivoting and / or pitching control surfaces , it
compact mechanism for telescoping over conventional tele- 50 should be understood that such controls surfaces may not be
scoping systems . In some embodiments, the telescoping of limited to stabilizers. For example, deployable pivoting
the wings may be reversed by reversing direction 335 of control surfaces implementing the same components may be
actuator 320 to retract wings 110. In further embodiments used in other ways , including, but not limited to , wings .
consistent with the present disclosure, components of belt In some embodiments, stabilizers 125 may be moved into
system 315 may be reversed , such that outer wing section 55 the flight configuration by other means , including, but not
310 may be affixed to fuselage 106 and inner wing section limited to , air drag. In further embodiments, stabilizers 125
305 maybe telescoped outward . In yet further embodiments, may be spring -loaded such that they move into the flight
a similar belt system may be implemented for extending a configuration upon launch . For example, torsion springs 405
boom from fuselage 106. For example, instead of attaching may move stabilizers 125 into the flight configuration .
belt 330 to outer wing section 310 , belt 330 may attach to the 60 Stabilizers 125 may be used to provide flight control by
boom . servos 410 operating push rods 415 and control horns 416
Wings 110 may comprise ailerons 120. In some embodi- which pivot the stabilizer about axis 425. For example,
ments, ailerons 120 may be attached via a hinge 1215 to the servos 410 may cause stabilizers 125 to rotate around axis
trailing edge of outer section 310. In this way, ailerons 120 425 by pivoting within hinge 420. Further, stabilizers 125
may minimize interference with outer section 310's internal 65 may comprise fairings 485. Fairings 485 may be embodied
volume as compared to conventional ailerons. By optimiz- as a flexible material (e.g. a rubber or elastomer) configured
ing outer section 310's internal volume , inner section 305 to go around shaft 445 for enabling a pitching motion while
 US 11,117,649 B2
17 18
maintaining aerodynamic efficiency as shown in FIGS . 4E comprise a controller for operating the deployable compo
through 4G . As stated above , stabilizers 125 may comprise nents as well as well as performing other mission details,
one or more antennas 705 such that deployment of stabiliz- including, but not limited to , flight control, payload opera
ers 125 may further deploy one or more antennas 705 . tion , and communication . As such, controller 1500 may be
Stabilizers 125 may move into the flight configuration by 5 in operative configuration and communication with, for
pivoting around axis 430. In this way, axis 430 may be example , but not be limited to , modular payload 140 ,
constant relative to fuselage 106 in transition from first sweeping gearbox actuator 210 , control mechanisms for
configuration 450 to second configuration 455. Further, by ailerons 120 (e.g. , servos 1320 ) , servos 410 for stabilizers
aligning control horn 416's centerline with axis 430 during 125 , a motor 1315 to drive the propeller 135 , power source
deployment, servos 410 need not move during transition 440 10 1310 , inertial measurement unit , global positioning system ,
from first configuration 450 to second configuration 455 , as various telemetry sensors , and antenna 705 , as well as all
further shown in FIGS . 4A and 4B . other units . As will be detailed with reference to FIG . 15 ,
Servos 410 may be configured to move push rods 415 controller 1500 may comprise a remote communication
coupled to control horns 416 on the at least one stabilizer for module to enable remotely operation as described above
deflecting/rotating the at least one stabilizer about its span-
wise axis . Control horns 416 , in turn , may be configured to
15 troller
with reference to antenna 705. In other embodiments, con
1500 may be completely self -operating upon con
remain in a relatively fixed position as the at least one figuration. In this way, the UAVDC may be self -piloting .
stabilizer deploys into flight configuration (the second con- Furthermore, although stages are disclosed with reference
figuration ). to controller 1500 , it should be understood that a plurality of
FIGS. 4E -4G illustrate a stabilizer fairing 485. Stabilizer 20 other components may enable the operation of method 1400 ,
fairing 485 may be used to cover the various components including, but not limited to , other computing components,
that enable the least one stabilizer to be deflected / rotated mechanical components, environment properties ( e.g. , air
about its spanwise axis to provide positive flight control resistance), remote operators, and the like .
while in the second stabilizer configuration 455. Stabilizer Further still , although the stages illustrated by the flow
fairing 485 may comprise a flexible material, such as , for 25 charts are disclosed in a particular order, it should be
example, rubber. As such, stabilizer fairing 485 may reduce understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative pur
drag on various components, including, but not limited to poses only. Stages may be combined, separated , reordered ,
shaft 445 , while flexing to enable the full range of motion of and various intermediary stages may exist . Accordingly, it
stabilizer 125 . should be understood that the various stages illustrated
A number of internal components may be mounted within 30 within the flow chart may be , in various embodiments,
an interior 1305 of fuselage 106. FIG . 13 illustrates one performed in arrangements that differ from the ones illus
example of internal configuration of the UAVDC in which a trated . Moreover, various stages may be added or removed
power source 1310 may be positioned within the interior of from the flow charts without altering or deterring from the
fuselage 106. Power source 1310 may comprise, for fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems
example, a fuel tank or one or more batteries. Various 35 disclosed herein .
components of the UAVDC may be connected to power Method 1400 may begin at starting block 1405 and
source 1310 , including , but not limited to , modular payload proceed to stage 1410 , where the UAVDC may be launched .
140 , controller 1500 , sweeping gearbox actuator 210 , con- For example, the UAVDC may be fired from a tube launched
trol mechanisms for ailerons (e.g. , servos 1320 ) , servos 410 from a craft or dropped from a carrier aerial vehicle . The
for stabilizers 125 , a motor 1315 to drive the propeller 135 , 40 compact arrangement 102 of the UAVDC's first configura
and antenna 705. Embodiments of the UAVDC comprising tion (as specified, for example, with reference to FIG . 1A)
a propulsion device ( e.g. , propeller 135 ) may be powered by may enable the UAVDC to be tube -launched as , for
alternative power sources , such as , for example, an internal example, a missile . In some embodiments, once dropped
combustion engine. In such embodiments , a fuel source for from a carrier aerial vehicle , the UAVDC may be aerody
the internal combustion engine ( e.g. , gas tank ) may be 45 namically designed (as illustrated ) and with such a weight
positioned within interior 1305 of fuselage 106 . distribution that it may self -orient from a tumbling drop into
Internal components may further include, for example , a dive.
but not be limited to , the following components, which will From stage 1410 , where the UAVDC is launched , method
be further detailed with reference to section III below, 1400 may proceed to stage 1420 where the flight compo
sweeping gearbox 205 and actuator 210 employed to sweep 50 nents may be deployed . The deployment of flight compo
wings 110 ; control mechanisms for ailerons 120 (e.g. , servos nents, though disclosed in a particular order for illustrative
1320 ) for operating ailerons 120 and servos 410 for oper- purposes, may occur in other arrangements.
ating stabilizers 125 ) ; a motor 1315 for driving propeller Upon launch , the stabilizers 125 and propeller 135 may
135 ; driveshaft 1330 for coupling motor 1315 to propeller deploy. In applicable embodiments, springs 405 and springs
135 and an on - board controller 1500 for controlling the 55 805 , may deploy stabilizers 125 and propeller blades 510 ,
deployment, flight, and operation of the UAVDC . The respectively. In other embodiments, the air resistance at
illustrated configuration of internal components is just one launch and the stowed arrangement of stabilizers 125 ( e.g. ,
possible configuration, and other embodiments are possible . first stabilizer configuration 450 ) and propeller blades 510
The interior components may be distributed to balance the create a force in a vector of expansion , thereby causing
weight in an optimal way for flight. 60 stabilizers 125 and propeller blades 510 to deploy in a
III . Operation deployed arrangement ( e.g., second stabilizer configuration
FIG . 14 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages 455 ) .
involved in a method 1400 consistent with an embodiment Controller 1500 (e.g. , on - board computing- device) may
of the disclosure for operating the UAVDC . Method 1400 automatically engage actuators and the wing deployment
may be implemented using , at least in part, a controller 1500 65 mechanisms instantly or after a set amount of time has
( e.g. , on board computing device ) as described in more passed since the launch . In other embodiments, engagement
detail below with respect to FIG . 15. Controller 1500 may may occur upon certain reading from on -board sensors ( e.g. ,
 US 11,117,649 B2
9

19 20
including , but not limited to , sensors deployed in modular that it may be self - destructed upon mission completion.
payload 140 ) . For example, wing deployment and extension After stage 1440 , method 1400 may end at stage 1450 .
may be dependent on certain in - flight factors such as , for IV . On -Board System Architecture
example, velocity, acceleration , and leveling of the UAVDC . The UAVDC may comprise, but not be limited to , an
Controller 1500 may be configured to trigger deployment of 5 on -board computing module. The computing module may
various components upon the satisfaction of certain pre - set be in operative configuration and communication with , for
conditions . Such conditions may be defined prior to deploy example , but not be limited to , modular payload 140 ,
ment. sweeping gearbox actuator 210 , control mechanisms for
Actuator 210 may drive sweeping gearbox 205 to sweep ailerons 120 (e.g. , servos 1320 ) , servos 410 for stabilizers
wings 110. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may be 10 1310 125, a, global
motor positioning
1315 to drivesystem
the propeller
, various 135 , powersensors
telemetry source,
capable of controlling sustained flight once wings 110 sweep and antenna 705. Further, the computing device may be in
out 45 degrees. As wings 110 reach full sweep , wings 110 operative communication with another computing device
may move within wing hole cutouts 1115 of fairing 130 , consistent with the description herein , and may comprise,
which has opened due to the strain of the sweeping motion 15 but not be limited to , a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet, or
250 , and relocked with the aid of magnets positioned within
the fuselage. Accordingly, fairing 130 may automatically mobile may be
telecommunications device . Such remote devices
used to control and / or configure on -board computing
snap shut around the profile of wings 110 to improve module ( e.g. , deployment conditions, mission controls, and
aerodynamics. Magnets 1125 may further lock fairing 130 the like).
around wings 110 . 20 Moreover, the UAVDC may be in operative communica
As wings 110 begin sweeping, or after wings 110 are fully tion with a centralized server, such as , for example, a cloud
swept, wings 110 may begin telescoping . For example, belt computing service . Although operation has been described
system 315 may pull outer section 310 along inner section to be performed, in part, by a controller 1500 , it should be
305 to telescope wings 110. The wing sweep angles and understood that, in some embodiments, different operations
telescoped positions may further be dynamically adjusted in 25 may be performed by different networked elements in opera
flight. tive communication with controller 1500 .
Further, in embodiments where deployable, modular pay- Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a
load 140 may deploy from its first arrangement to its second system having a memory storage and a processing unit . The
arrangement. For example, modular payload 140 may com- processing unit may be coupled to the memory storage ,
prise a plurality of sensing devices better situated for per- 30 wherein the processing unit is configured to perform the
formance at a deployed position (e.g. , an extended boom) . stages of method 1400 .
Such deployment may occur upon the post -launch stabili- FIG . 15 is a block diagram of a system including con
zation segment of the UAVDC's flight. troller 1500. Consistent with an embodiment of the disclo
From stage 1420 , where the flight components are sure, the aforementioned memory storage and processing
deployed and UAVDC flight is stabilized , method 1400 may 35 unit may be implemented in a computing device, such as
proceed to stage 1430 , where the UAVDC may be used to controller 1500 of FIG . 15. Any suitable combination of
perform a mission . During all stages of flight, the UAVDC hardware, software , or firmware may be used to implement
may be in operable communication with an operator via the memory storage and processing unit. For example, the
antenna 705. The operator may receive various readings memory storage and processing unit may be implemented
from the various components of the UAVDC . 40 with controller 1500 or any of other UAVDC devices and
In some embodiments , the operator may control the components 1518 , in combination with controller 1500 .
operation of the UAVDC during the mission . For example, Other UAVDC devices and components 1518 may com
the operator may be able to control the flight components , prise , for example , but not be limited to , modular payload
including, but not limited to , the wing deployment mecha- 140 , sweeping gearbox actuator 210 , control mechanisms
nisms ( e.g. , sweeping gearbox 205 , actuator 210 , and belt 45 for ailerons 120 ( e.g. , servos 1320 ) , servos 410 for stabiliz
system 315 ) , propeller 135 , stabilizers 125 , ailerons 120 , and ers 125 , a motor 1315 to drive the propeller 135 , power
further deployable components ( e.g. telescoping boom 710 source 1310 , global positioning system , various telemetry
for antenna 705 , and boom 655 for antenna 650 ) . In other sensors , and antenna 705. The aforementioned system ,
embodiments , on -board controller 1500 may be pre-config- device , and processors are examples and other systems,
ured with mission control data . 50 devices, and processors may comprise the aforementioned
Embodiments of the UAVDC may be used for a plurality memory storage and processing unit, consistent with
of missions including, but not limited to , data capture , embodiments of the disclosure .
payload deployment, and providing a telecommunications With reference to FIG . 15 , a system consistent with an
relay. In addition to communicating for flight control, embodiment of the disclosure may include a computing
embodiments of the UAVDC may be controlled in data 55 device , such as controller 1500. In a basic configuration,
capture and transmission . In further embodiments , the controller 1500 may include at least one processing unit
UAVDC may enable the operator to release modular payload 1502 and a system memory 1504. Depending on the con
140 . figuration and type of computing device, system memory
From stage 1430 , where the UAVDC is used to perform 1504 may comprise, but is not limited to , volatile (e.g.
a mission , method 1400 may proceed to stage 1440 , where 60 random access memory (RAM )), non - volatile (e.g. read
the mission is terminated . For example, the mission may be only memory (ROM ) ), flash memory , or any combination.
terminated by flying the UAVDC to a recapture location System memory 1504 may include operating system 1505 ,
where it may be recovered . Further, the UAVDC may one or more programming modules 1506 , and may include
terminate a mission by crash landing. For example , the a program data 1507. Operating system 1505 , for example,
UAVDC may be flown into rocks or a hard surface in order 65 may be suitable for controlling controller 1500's operation.
to destroy functional components . In further embodiments, In one embodiment, programming modules 1506 may
the UAVDC may be equipped with an explosive device such include flight control application 1520. Furthermore,
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21 22
embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunc- Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure ,
tion with a graphics library , other operating systems , or any program modules may include routines , programs, compo
other application program and is not limited to any particular nents, data structures, and other types of structures that may
application or system . This basic configuration is illustrated perform particular tasks or that may implement particular
in FIG . 15 by those components within a dashed line 1508. 5 abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the disclo
Controller 1500 may have additional features or function- sure may be practiced with other computer system configu
ality. For example, controller 1500 may also include addi- rations, including hand -held devices , multiprocessor sys
tional data storage devices ( removable and / or non - remov- tems , microprocessor -based or programmable consumer
able ) such as , for example, magnetic disks , optical disks, or 10
electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the
tape . Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG . 15 by a like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced
removable storage 1509 and a non - removable storage 1510 . in distributed computing environments where tasks are
Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvola- performed by remote processing devices that are linked
tile , removable and non -removable media implemented in through a communications network . In a distributed com
any method or technology for storage of information , such 15 puting environment, program modules may be located in
as computer readable instructions, data structures, program both local and remote memory storage devices.
modules, or other data . System memory 1504 , removable Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be
storage 1509 , and non - removable storage 1510 are all com- practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete elec
puter storage media examples (i.e. , memory storage . ) Com- tronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips
puter storage media may include, but is not limited to , RAM , 20 containing logic gates , a circuit utilizing a microprocessor,
ROM , electrically erasable read -only memory ( EEPROM ) , or on a single chip containing electronic elements or micro
flash memory or other memory technology, CD - ROM , digi- processors . Embodiments of the disclosure may also be
tal versatile disks (DVD ) or other optical storage, magnetic practiced using other technologies capable of performing
cassettes, magnetic tape , magnetic disk storage or other logical operations such as , for example, AND , OR , and
magnetic storage devices , or any other medium which can be 25 NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical ,
used to store information and which can be accessed by fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition , embodiments
controller 1500. Any such computer storage media may be of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose
part of device 1500. Controller 1500 may also be operative computer or in any other circuits or systems .
with input device ( s) 1512 such as a keyboard, a mouse , a Embodiments of the disclosure , for example, may be
pen , a sound input device , a touch input device , etc. Input 30 implemented as a computer process (method ), a computing
device ( s) 1512 may be used to , for example, manually system , or as an article of manufacture , such as a computer
access and program controller 1500. Output device ( s ) 1514 program product or computer readable media. The computer
such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be program product may be a computer storage media readable
included . The aforementioned devices are examples and by a computer system and encoding a computer program of
others may be used . 35 instructions for executing a computer process . The computer
Controller 1500 may also contain a communication con- program product may also be a propagated signal on a
nection 1516 that may allow device 1500 to communicate carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a
with other UAVDC devices and components 1518 ( e.g. , computer program of instructions for executing a computer
antenna 705 ) , such as over an encrypted network in a process. Accordingly , the present disclosure may be embod
distributed computing environment. Communication con- 40 ied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware ,
nection 1516 is one example of communication media . resident software, micro -code, etc. ) . In other words, embodi
Communication media may typically be embodied by com- ments of the present disclosure may take the form of a
puter readable instructions, data structures, program mod- computer program product on a computer -usable or com
ules , or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a puter - readable storage medium having computer - usable or
carrier wave or other transport mechanism , and includes any 45 computer - readable program code embodied in the medium
information delivery media . The term “ modulated data sig- for use by or in connection with an instruction execution
nal ” may describe a signal that has one or more character- system . A computer- usable or computer - readable medium
istics set or changed in such a manner as to encode infor- may be any medium that can contain, store , communicate ,
mation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation , propagate, or transport the program for use by or in con
communication media may include wired media such as a 50 nection with the instruction execution system , apparatus , or
wired network or direct - wired con
onnection , and wireless device .
media such as acoustic , radio frequency (RF ) , infrared , and The computer- usable or computer -readable medium may
other wireless media . The term computer readable media as be , for example but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic ,
used herein may include both storage media and communi- optical , electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system ,
cation media . 55 apparatus, device , or propagation medium . More specific
As stated above, a number of program modules and data computer -readable medium examples ( a non - exhaustive
files may be stored in system memory 1504 , including list ) , the computer - readable medium may include the fol
operating system 1505. While executing on processing unit lowing : an electrical connection having one or more wires ,
1502 , programming modules 1506 ( e.g. , controller applica- a portable computer diskette, a random access memory
tion 1520 ) may perform processes including , for example, 60 (RAM ), a read -only memory ( ROM) , an erasable program
one or more of stages or portions of stages of method 1400 mable read -only memory (EPROM or Flash memory ), an
as described above . Controller application 1520 may be optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read -only memory
configured to operate UAVDC devices and components (CD - ROM) . Note that the computer -usable or computer
1518 and receive instructions from , for example, commu- readable medium could even be paper or another suitable
nications connections module 1516. The aforementioned 65 medium upon which the program is printed , as the program
process is an example, and processing unit 1502 may can be electronically captured , via , for instance, optical
perform other processes . scanning of the paper or other medium , then compiled,
 US 11,117,649 B2
23 24
interpreted , or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if connect the foldable propeller blade 1605 to the fuselage
necessary , and then stored in a computer memory . 106 and allow outward egress ( or “ hinge travel ”) 1630 of the
Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are foldable propeller blade 1605. Keeping a foldable propeller
described above with reference to block diagrams and /or blade 1605 in a desired deployed configuration can be
operational illustrations of methods, systems , and computer 5 complicated by forces that may tend to push the foldable
program products according to embodiments of the disclo- propeller blade 1605 back toward the fuselage 106 in a
sure . The functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out forward folding motion 1620. To counteract such forward
of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two folding motion 1620 ( and /or for other reasons) a vehicle
blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed sub- comprising at least one foldable propeller blade 1605 may
stantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be 10 further comprise a locking mechanism 1615 .
executed in the reverse order, depending upon the function- A locking mechanism 1615 may be used to resist forward
ality /acts involved . folding motion 1620 of a foldable propeller blade 1605 ,
While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been keeping the foldable propeller blade 1605 in a deployed
described , other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, configuration . Locking mechanisms 1615 can comprise a
although embodiments of the present disclosure have been 15 diverse array of components and means for preventing
described as being associated with data stored in memory motion , including but not limited to ) ramps, clamps , guides,
and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or pins , springs , pegs , tabs , latches , clasps , holes, cavities ,
read from other types of computer - readable media , such as depressions, indentations, protrusions, systems having
secondary storage devices , like hard disks , solid state stor- threaded members, ratchet mechanisms, hinges , detents,
age (e.g. , USB drive ), or a CD - ROM , a carrier wave from 20 carabiners, hook and loop systems , mechanically interfacing
the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM . Further, the fasteners, expandable or contractable materials, magnets,
disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, electromagnetic latching mechanisms, and adhesives .
including by reordering stages and /or inserting or deleting One or more locking mechanisms 1615 may be employed
stages , without departing from the disclosure. between a foldable propeller blade 1605 and hub 1625 ,
V. Locking Blade Configuration 25 between either the translating surfaces ( in the “ radial plane ”
FIGS . 16A - D and 17A - F illustrate various aspects and 1635 ) or rotating surfaces (in the “ axial direction” 1640 ) , or
configurations of a foldable propeller blade 1605 with a both . The axial direction 1640 can be described , in certain
locking mechanism 1615. A UAVDC or other aerial vehicle embodiments, as the through direction of a hinge 1610
may comprise at least one (e.g. 1 , 2 , 3 , ) foldable mechanism about which a foldable propeller blade 1605 can
propeller blade 1605. A propeller 135 or propeller blade 510 , 30 rotate as it moves , e.g. , from a stowed configuration to a
1005 , 1010 may also be , or be referred to as , a foldable deployed configuration or vice versa . The radial plane 1635
propeller blade 1605 . can be described , in certain embodiments, as a the plane in
A foldable propeller blade 1605 can have different con- which hinge travel 1630 can occur, or as the plane perpen
figurations. In some embodiments, one or more foldable dicular to the axial direction 1640 , through which a foldable
propeller blades 1605 can have a stowed configuration, 35 propeller blade 1605 can trace an arc as it moves , e.g. , from
wherein the outer tips of the one or more foldable propeller a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration or vice
blades 1605 may be positioned substantially on , in , or near versa .
the fuselage 106 , and a deployed configuration, wherein the For example , a locking mechanism 1615 operating in the
outer tips of the one or more foldable propeller blades 1605 radial plane 1635 can include a spring -pin 1730 and ramp
may be positioned away from the fuselage 106. They may be 40 1710 , as conceptually illustrated in FIG . 17D . For another
deployed in this manner in order to rotate in such a way as example , a locking mechanism 1615 operating in the axial
to provide a thrust or stabilizing effect for the vehicle . direction 1640 can include a spring -pin 1730 and hole 1740 ,
Hinge travel 1630 is depicted in FIGS . 16A - D as a with the direction of spring - pin insertion 1745 being sub
“ front- to -back ” or “ fore - to -aft ” arc traced by the outer tip of stantially aligned with the axial direction 1640 , as concep
the foldable propeller blade 1605 , wherein the outer tip starts 45 tually illustrated in FIG . 17F .
in a stowed configuration close to the fuselage 106 and In some embodiments , a ramp 1710 ( retractable or fixed )
relatively nearer to the front ( or “ fore ”) of the vehicle, and and tab 1715 system can force one -way travel of a foldable
moves to a deployed configuration away from the fuselage propeller blade 1605 ( e.g. from a stowed to a deployed
106 and relatively farther from the front of the vehiclei.e . configuration ) and thus act as a locking mechanism 1615. In
towards the back (or “ aft ” ) of the vehicle. This is one 50 a manner consistent with depictions in FIGS . 17A , B , and D ,
possible configuration consistent with various embodiments, a ramp 1710 can be positioned on a foldable propeller blade
although others are possible , including configurations in 1605 , on an edge surface in the area of the hinge 1610 or
which deployment of a foldable propeller blade 1605 causes hinge assembly 1645 , such that a protruding element such as
the outer tip to trace a “ back - to - front” or “ aft to fore ” arc, a a tab 1715 ( or peg , protrusion, spring -pin 1730 , etc.) can
helical , spiral or irregular path , a telescoping path ( i.e. 55 travel smoothly along the ramp 1710 as the foldable pro
outward from the fuselage 106 ) , or various combinations peller blade 1605 makes its egress, until the tab 1715 reaches
thereof. a discontinuity (i.e. edge ) point of the ramp 1710 , where
A foldable propeller blade 1605 , when in a stowed con- upon the contacting end of the tab 1715 can drop into a
figuration, can have a folding arrangement along the thrust “ stuck ” or “ jammed ” position that can prevent the foldable
axis , which can include straight, angled, curved , helical , 60 propeller blade 1605 from rotating back towards its initial
arrangements with respect to the fuselage 106 and / or the position . The foldable propeller blade 1605 can thus be
thrust axis. A stowed configuration can have one or more locked into , e.g. , a deployed position , even though forces
foldable propeller blades 1605 that are recessed , latched , acting on the foldable propeller blade 1605 may tend to push
pinned , retracted ( i.e. telescoped inward ), etc. with respect to it back toward the position of the stowed configuration.
the fuselage 106 . 65 With respect to the constituent parts of a locking mecha
Deployment of a foldable propeller blade 1605 can occur nism 1615 , there is a plethora of practicable components and
by way of a hinge 1610 ( or hinge assembly 1645 ) that can means for preventing motion, some of which are listed
 US 11,117,649 B2
25 26
below. This recitation is not exhaustive, and is merely Referring now to FIG . 16C , there is illustrated another
illustrative of some suitable components and variations view of an exemplary propeller assembly, consistent with an
thereof. embodiment. Foldable propeller blades 1605 can deploy in
A “ ramp ” 1710 can include one or more ramped surfaces, the direction of hinge travel 1630 , whereupon a locking
grooves, guides, tabs , indentations, or protrusions. In some 5 mechanism 1615 can prevent forward folding motion 1620 .
embodiments, such features can push or guide one or more The locking mechanism 1615 can operate between rotating
foldable propeller blades 1605 into a stowed or deployed surfaces — for example in hinge assembly 1645c , a spring
configuration. 1735 can exert a force upon one side of the foldable
A “ spring ” 1735 or “ spring mechanism ” can include one propeller blade 1605 in the axial direction 1640 , engaging
or more torsion springs , tension springs , compression 10 ratchet 1720 (having a one-way interlocking tooth surface in
springs , configurations such as coil , flat, leaf, machined ,
volute , wave , or other types of springs . A spring mechanism the radial plane 1635 ) on the other side of the foldable
can comprise, and can include components that comprise, propeller
have its
blade 1605. Note that hinge assembly 1645b may
own axial and radial orientation, and may have a
any suitable material, including pure and alloyed metals ,
locking mechanism
polymers, ceramic materials, composite materials, and com- 15 the locking mechanism 1615 that is the same as or different from
binations thereof. 1615 of hinge assembly 1645c.
An “ elastomer component can include an elastomeric Referring now to FIG . 16D , there is illustrated another
material that can twist , stretch , compress, or otherwise be view of an exemplary propeller assembly, consistent with an
physically configured to store potential energy that can push embodiment, which shows the direction ofhinge travel 1630
ordeployed
guide aconfiguration
foldable propeller
.
blade 1605 into a folded or 20 and deployed configuration of one or more foldable propel
ler blades 1605 , one or more of which can be locked in place
An " actuator” can include electrical, hydraulic, pneu- by locking mechanism 1615 .
matic , mechanical, thermal, magnetic, shape memory, and Referring now to FIG . 17A , there is shown a conceptual
any other suitable type of actuator. illustration of an exemplary locking mechanism 1615 with a
A “ ratchet ” 1720 and “ pawl” 1725 can incorporate, e.g. , 25 tab 1715 and ramp 1710 configuration .
a tab 1715 , spring 1735 , hook , or other suitably configured Referring now to FIG . 17B , there is shown a conceptual
mechanism as the pawl 1725 , such that when engaged the illustration of another exemplary locking mechanism 1615
ratchet 1720 moves only in one direction . with a tab 1715 and ramp 1710 configuration. The direction
A “ spring -pin” 1730 or “ spring- loaded pin ” can interface of hinge travel 1630 depicted in FIG . 17B is opposite that of
with
springa -driven
hole 1740
) pinor a1730
rampenters
1710 the
suchhole
that the
1740deployed (i.e. 30 FIG. 17A, because the tab 1715 in FIG. 17B can act in the
or wedges
against the ramp 1710 , preventing movement along ( i.e. manner tab 1715
of a latch or hook against ramp 1710 , whereas the
in FIG . 17A can act in the manner of a jamming
translation ) or about ( i.e. rotation ) one or more axes. element .
A “ jamming element" can be configured such that a Referring now to FIG . 17C , there is shown a conceptual
frictional force or physical blocking prevents forward fold- 35 illustration
ing motion 1620 of one or more foldable propeller blades ratchet 1720ofand an exemplary locking mechanism 1615 with a
pawl 1725 configuration .
1605 , such as with , e.g. , a ramp 1710 , wedge, cam , pin ,
block, spring tab , etc. Referring now to FIG . 17D , there is shown a conceptual
A "magnet” can include one magnet or a system of illustration of an exemplary locking mechanism 1615 with a
magnets, can comprise any operative material, such as 40 spring- pin 1730 and ramp 1710 configuration.
neodymium ( i.e. NdFeB ) , alnico , ceramic , ferrite, as well as Referring now to FIG . 17E , there is shown a conceptual
electromagnets. illustration of an exemplary locking mechanism 1615 with a
Referring now to FIG . 16A , there is illustrated an exem- spring - pin 1730 and hole 1740 configuration.
plary aerial vehicle consistent with an embodiment. The Referring now to FIG . 17F, there is shown a conceptual
aerial vehicle can have one or more foldable propeller blades 45 illustration of an exemplary locking mechanism 1615 with a
1605 that can rotate about a hinge 1610 ( shown as part of a spring - pin 1730 and hole 1740 configuration . The spring -pin
hinge assembly 1645 ) , moving from a stowed configuration 1730 in FIG . 17F is not shown, as its direction of spring- pin
to a deployed configuration along the direction of hinge insertion 1745 is out of plane ( that is , acting in the axial
travel 1630. A foldable propeller blade 1605 can experience direction 1640 and travelling through the radial plane 1635 ) .
forces that could , in the absence of a locking mechanism 50 FIG . 17E depicts a spring - pin 1730 operating in the radial
1615 , tend to cause a forward folding motion 1620 .
Referring now to FIG . 16B , there is illustrated an exem plane 1635. Conversely, FIG . 17F depicts a spring - pin 1730
plary propeller assembly consistent with an embodiment. A the axial direction
with the of spring -pin insertion 1745 operating in
foldable propeller blade 1605 can be connected by a hinge propeller blade 16051640
direction
, and
( this can be through the foldable
may align substantially with the
1610 to a hub 1625 (which itself can be connected directly 55 through direction of the hinge 1610 ) .
or indirectly to the fuselage 106 ) . The through direction of Embodiments can include or combine any of the features
the hinge 1610 in hinge assembly 1645a can be labeled as
described herein . For example, in an embodiment with two
the axial direction 1640 ( for the hinge assembly 1645a of foldable
that foldable propeller blade 1605 ) , whereas the plane per propeller blades 1605 , the folding arrangement,
pendicular can be labeled the radial plane 1635 . 60 interface between foldable propeller blade 1605 and fuse
A sectional view 1606 of another exemplary foldable lage 106 , means for keeping the foldable propeller blade
propeller blade 1605 shows the hub interior 1626 , as well as 1605 stowed , hinge assembly 1645 , locking mechanism
a locking mechanism 1615 comprising a spring - pin 1730 1615 , etc. can vary between the two foldable propeller
( with the spring 1735 partially recessed into the hub 1625 ) blades 1605. The specific embodiments depicted in the
that can interact with a ramp 1710 to allow rotation to a 65 drawings are not intended to limit the universe of combi
deployed configuration and prevent forward folding motion nations and configurations that may be present in other
1620 back to a stowed configuration . embodiments.
 US 11,117,649 B2
27 28
The following is claimed : a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration,
1. At least one foldable propeller blade configured to an wherein the at least one foldable propeller blade is
aerial vehicle in a pusher configuration , comprising: a means configured to transition from the stowed configuration
that enables a forward folding configuration against a fuse 5 to the deployed configuration upon an auto -deployment
lage of the aerial vehicle and a locking mechanism to due to , at least in part, a flow of a fluid generating a
prevent the forward folding, force against the at least one foldable propeller blade
wherein the at least one foldable propeller blade, in the towards the deployed configuration, and
forward folding configuration, is disposed between the a locking mechanism designed to prevent re - entry into the
fuselage of the aerial vehicle and at least one wing 10 stowed configuration once in the deployed configura
component of the aerial vehicle . tion ;
2. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 1 , wherein the at least one foldable propeller blade , in a
wherein the aerial vehicle has a compact configuration. forward folding configuration , is disposed between a
3. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim fuselage of the aerial vehicle and at least one wing
wherein the aerial vehicle is designed for volume - limited 15 9. The at leastofone
component the aerial vehicle.
foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
storage applications .
wherein the stowed
4. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 1 , arrangement along a thrust configuration comprises a folding
wherein the aerial vehicle is designed to have deployable axis .
components . 10. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
5. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 1 , wherein a direction of hinge travel in deployment is fore
wherein the locking mechanism is designed to prevent 20 to -11. aft .
The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
forward folding. wherein a direction of hinge travel in deployment is aft- to
6. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 5 ,
wherein the locking mechanism further comprises at least fore12.. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
one of:
a ratchet and pawl ; 25 wherein the locking mechanism activates upon the auto
a ratchet and spring ; deployment from the stowed configuration to the deployed
a spring tab and ramp ; configuration .
a hook; 13. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
a spring - loaded pin ; wherein the auto -deployment is further due to at least one of:
a ball detent; 30 centrifugal force ;
two or more ramped surfaces in contact with each other; one or more ramps ;
a radially ramped surface ; one or more spring mechanisms;
an actuated pin ; one or more elastomeric components; and
a jamming element; and one or more actuators .
a magnet . 35 14. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 8 ,
7. The at least one foldable propeller blade of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises at least
wherein the at least one foldable propeller blade experiences onea of :
ratchet and pawl;
at least one of: deployment and resisting forward folding, a ratchet and spring ;
due to at least one of:
flow of one or more fluids; 40 a spring tab and ramp ;
centrifugal force : a hook ;
one or more locking mechanisms; a spring -loaded pin ;
one or more ramps ; a ball detent;
one or more spring mechanisms; two or more ramped surfaces in contact with each other;
one or more elastomeric components; and 45 a radially ramped surface ;
one or more actuators . an actuated pin ;
8. At least one foldable propeller blade configured as part a jamming element; and
of an aerial vehicle , the at least one foldable propeller blade a magnet.
comprising : * *