US 12,686,510 B2 · Repair of structures using unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for performing repair operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The methods are enabled by equipping the UAV with tools for rapidly repairing a large structure or object (e.g., an aircraft or a wind turbine blade) that is not easily accessible to maintenance personnel. In accordance with various embodiments disclosed below, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be equipped with an easily attachable/removable module that includes an additive repair tool. The additive repair tool is configured to add material to a body of material. For example, the additive repair tool may be configured to apply a sealant or other coating material in liquid form to a damage site on a surface of a structure or object (e.g., by spraying liquid or launching liquid-filled capsules onto the surface). In alternative embodiments, the additive repair tool is configured to adhere a tape to the damage site.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle and a launcher module coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle,

wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises:
a body frame;
a plurality of rotor motors mounted to the body frame;
and
a plurality of rotors operatively coupled to respective rotor motors of the plurality of rotor motors, and
wherein the launcher module comprises:
an inner ring mounted to the body frame of the unmanned aerial vehicle;
and
a rotatable launcher subassembly comprising an outer ring that is rotatably coupled to the inner ring and a launcher that is mounted to the outer ring,
wherein the launcher comprises a launcher barrel and a launching mechanism positioned and configured to impel a liquid-filled capsule through the launcher barrel.

7 more elements

An apparatus comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle and a launcher rotatably coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle,

wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises:
a body frame;
at least one rotor motor mounted to the body frame;
and
at least one rotor operatively coupled to the at least one rotor motor;
an inner ring mounted to the body frame;
and
an outer ring that is rotatably coupled to the inner ring, wherein the launcher is mounted to the outer ring,
wherein the launcher is rotatable about a pitch axis, and comprises a launcher barrel and a launching mechanism positioned and configured to impel a liquid-filled capsule through the launcher barrel.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Repair of structures using unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Repair of structures using unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20