System, method and apparatus for providing a work platform for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle
AssigneeValmont Industries, Inc.
InventorsJacob Lahmann, Angela R. Chamberlain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a system for use with UAVs to allow for mechanical activities at-height on elevated structures. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes multiple tool types which allow for a wide variety of mechanical activities to be performed. As discussed further herein, the present invention further includes methods for introducing mechanical pressure, similar to a person providing a scrubbing or wiping motion. Additionally, the present invention includes methods to tighten, loosen or gauge the security of hardware and a docking system which allows attachment to structures and surfaces so that opposing forces can be applied.
Claims23
A tool platform for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the tool platform comprises:
- a positioning frame assembly;
- wherein the positioning frame assembly comprises:
- an upper positioning shaft;
- a lower positioning shaft;
- wherein the upper positioning shaft and the lower positioning shaft are horizontally aligned and parallel to each other;
- a right positioning shaft;
- and
- a left positioning shaft;
- wherein the right positioning shaft and the left positioning shaft are vertically aligned and parallel to each other;
- a first and second vertical tool arm positioning shafts;
- wherein the first and second vertical tool arm positioning shafts extend between the upper and lower positioning shafts;
- wherein the first and second vertical tool arm positioning shafts are attached respectively to a first pair of servo motors and a second pair of servo motors;
- wherein the first pair of servo motors are configured to move the first vertical tool arm positioning shaft between the right positioning shaft and the left positioning shaft;
- wherein the second pair of servo motors are configured to move the second vertical tool arm positioning shaft between the right positioning shaft and the left positioning shaft;
- a first tool arm shaft;
- a second tool arm shaft;
- a first yz-axis servo motor;
- wherein the first yz-axis servo motor is configured to move the first tool arm shaft along the first tool arm positioning shaft;
- a second yz-axis servo motor;
- wherein the second yz-axis servo motor is configured to move the second tool arm shaft along the second tool arm positioning shaft;
- wherein the first yz-axis servo motor is configured to move the first tool arm shaft perpendicular to a main axis of the positioning assembly;
- wherein the second yz-axis servo motor is configured to move the second tool arm shaft perpendicular to the main axis of the positioning assembly;
- a first tool;
- wherein the first tool is attached to the first tool arm shaft;
- a second tool;
- wherein the second tool is attached to the second tool arm shaft;
- a first counter-balance;
- wherein the first counter-balance is attached to the first tool arm shaft;
- a second counter-balance;
- wherein the second counter-balance is attached to the second tool arm shaft;
- a central positioning shaft;
- a tail section;
- wherein the tail section comprises:
- a center-of-gravity compensator vertical positioning servo, and
- a center-of-gravity compensator horizontal positioning servo;
- and
- a controller, wherein the controller comprises:
- a controller module;
- a transceiver;
- a target sensor;
- a motor controller;
- and
- a battery module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.