DK202001082A1 - Landing Platform for a Drone - Google Patents

Abstract

A landing platform (100) for a drone (102) is disclosed. The platform (100) comprises a body (104) having a landing surface (106) on a top and a wheel assembly (108 and 110). The wheel assembly (108 and 110) is coupled to electrical motors via gears or hydraulics to enable the platform (100) to autonomously propel itself via a control system, wherein the electrical motors are securely disposed in the body (104) and configured to electrically connect to batteries. The control system is configured to control the operation of the platform (100) by collecting information and data from sensors, a GPS sensor, and cameras. The platform (100) is configured to autonomously self-propel to different locations and provide electrical power for charging drone’s power sources from the batteries via the control system, while driving to the desired location and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range asper desired.

Description

DK 2020 01082 A1 1

LANDING PLATFORM FOR A DRONE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention disclosed herein generally relates to a lading platform. More particularly, the present invention relates to a landing platform, having a landing surface for effectively interfacing with an unmanned drone and/or a manned drone to enable efficient and proper landing, wherein the landing platform is a autonomous and self- propelled and can continue to the desired destination, or in the desired direction, having a charging or battery station for the drone, to enable continuous flight operations, after charging and extended operational range.

BACKGROUND Flying objects such as drones are becoming increasingly common in use nowadays for many applications. Drones or micro-air vehicles are now widespread in recreational activities, military and police applications, industrial applications, and other applications. The drones could be piloted by a pilot and could also be autonomous or semi-autonomous using preprogrammed coordinates, GPS navigation, etc. to fly in a predetermined route. Accordingly, one of the problems encountered nowadays relates to issues associated with the autonomous landing, when it is desired that such landing take place at a precise location on a landing platform. Many different solutions have been offered, including various ways to safely land the drone during the landing procedure, or the provision of cumbersome appendices to be attached to the drone, all of which render the process complex, problematic, lack precision, and expensive. However, when the drone is deployed over harsh surfaces or terrain (e.g. mountains) or over large areas of land. In such cases, the pilot or operator would have

, DK 2020 01082 A1 difficulty finding a control position (e.g., the physical location of the operator) to allow the operator to successfully control the drone. For instance, harsh surfaces or large areas of land will generally not allow the operator to maintain the drone within a viewing range to successfully operate the drone.

In the light of above-mentioned problems, there is a need for a landing platform for effectively interfacing with the drone in order to enable efficient and proper landing. There is also a need for a landing platform having a landing surface and wheel assemblies with one or more electrical motors powered by batteries. Further, there is also a need for a landing platform with a charging or battery station that offers an attractive solution in circumstances where rapid deployment and continuous flight tasks with an extended operational range are desired.

2 DK 2020 01082 A1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention discloses a landing platform having a landing surface, for effectively interfacing with an unmanned drone and/or a manned drone, to enable efficient and proper landing, wherein the landing platform is autonomous and self- propelled, having a charging or battery station for the drone, that offers an attractive solution in circumstances of rapid deployment, continuous flight operations, and extended operational range is desired.

In one embodiment, the landing platform is configured to provide a landing surface for the drone having a circular shell shaped structure, but the invention is not limited to only one drone, other landing platforms could have other landing surfaces. In one embodiment, the landing platform is configured to maneuver, direct the drone and position itself near and below a descending drone. In one embodiment, the landing — platform is configured to receive at least one drone. The drone could be used for different applications such as, but not limited to, personal transportation, emergency services etc.

In one embodiment, the landing platform comprises a body having a landing surface on a top portion and a wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the wheel assembly could be coupled to one or more electrical motors via gears, hydraulics etc. To enable the landing platform autonomously to propel itself via a control system. The electrical motors are securely disposed in the body and electrically connect to one or more batteries. In one embodiment, the control system is configured to control the operation of the landing platform by collecting information and data from one or more sensors, a GPS sensor, and cameras. In one embodiment, the control system is securely and operatively disposed in

2 DK 2020 01082 A1 the body of the landing platform. In one embodiment, the landing platform is autonomous and self-propel to different locations and provide electrical power for charging drone’s power sources from the batteries via the control system, while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging and extended operational range as per desired. In one embodiment, the control system or computer processes the information and operates the platform's functions such as, but not limited to, brakes, gas, steering, and lighting functions.

In one embodiment, the sensors are configured to efficiently collect information and data from surrounding environment of the landing platform and send to the control system. In one embodiment, the sensors include at least any one or combination of, but not limited to, a lidar, a radar, a laser rangefinder, and magnetic sensors. In one embodiment, the cameras are configured to capture data and information surrounding environment of the landing platform and identify or read signs, traffic lights, and road — stripes.

In one embodiment, the drone is configured to identify or find the landing platform via GPS and a camera on the drone reads a shape/symbol on the top of the landing platform to check and confirm the direction of the landing platform. The drone changed the direction according to the landing platforms shape/symbol, then slowly descents to land on the landing surface and continues keeping an eye on the distance and reading the shape/symbol of the landing surface to make small adjustments while landing.

In one embodiment, the landing platform is further configured to detect type of drone via sensors or a mechanical impact when the drone is successfully landed on the landing surface. In one embodiment, the control system is further configured to check whether the drone is required to lock to the landing platform and also check charging levels of the drone. If charging is required, the control system activates the power connection, between the landing platform and drone, the connection could be stationary

. DK 2020 01082 A1 on the landing surface, when the drone lands it slides over a socket to connect, the drone could mechanical connect to the landing platform or vice versa, or the drone and landing platform could have wireless charging plates, which is configured to electrically connect to the drone for supplying electrical power to charge power sources of the drone, thereby charging drone's power sources while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired. When the drone is secured to the landing platform, the landing platform could continue to charge, and drive to the desired destination or in the desired direction.

In one embodiment, the landing platform further comprises a locking/securing device, which is configured to securely and automatically lock the drone to the landing platform when the control system sends a command or signal to the locking device. In one embodiment, the locking device is at least any one of, but not limited to, one or more electrically, hydraulic, pneumatic driven mechanical hook or a gripping device depending of the type/model of the drone. In one embodiment, the locking device is configured to grip/hook at least one or more parts of the drone based on the type/model of the drone. In one embodiment, the landing platform further comprises a electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection, configured to connect the drone for supplying electrical power, charging the power sources of the drone when the control system sends a command or a signal to the charging mechanism/device, thereby charging the drone’s power sources while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational — range as per desired. After securing, the drone to the landing platform and the charger on board the platform is connect to drone's power source. The charger is electrically connected to, but not limited to, the platform’s battery, a separate battery, or an external power supply. In one embodiment, the landing platform further comprises steering gear, brakes, brake boosters, lightings and a servo device. In one embodiment, the lightings

. DK 2020 01082 A1 could be affixed on, but not limited to, the front, rear, sides and top of the landing platform.

In one embodiment, the landing platforms further comprise at least four recesses at upper sides of the landing platform. In one embodiment, the landing platforms are configured to enable to superpose on one another to form at least one stack in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, the landing platform is made of at least any one or combination of materials include, but not limited to, metals, plastic, rubber, composites and ceramics. In one embodiment, the landing platform could be required oils and cool liquids.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DK 2020 01082 A1 7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a landing platform for a drone in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a locking/securing device of the landing platform in extended position in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the locking/securing device of the landing platform in an extended position in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a locking/securing device of the landing platform in a locked position in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the landing platform provided with an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection in extended position in one embodiment of the present invention.

2 DK 2020 01082 A1 FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the landing platform provided with wireless charging plates in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the landing platforms — superpose on one another to form a stack in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the landing platform having a landing surface in another embodiment of the present invention.

2 DK 2020 01082 A1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, a landing platform 100 for a manned or unmanned drone 102 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is configured to provide a landing surface 106 (shown in FIG. 5) for the drone 102 having a but not limited to a circular shell shaped structure. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is configured to maneuver and position itself near and below a descending drone 102. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is configured to receive at least one drone 102. In another embodiment, the landing platform 100 is configured to receive a cabin for people, cargo, tools etc., (example a autonomous pickup truck with a landing surface on its bed). The drone 102 could be used for different applications such as, but not limited to, personal transportation, emergency services etc. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 comprises a body 104 having a landing surface 106 on a top portion and a wheel assembly (108 and 110). In one embodiment, the wheel assembly (108 and 110) are coupled to one or more electrical motors via gears, hydraulics etc. to enable the landing platform (100) to autonomously propel itself via a control system. The electrical motors are securely disposed in the body 104 and configured to electrically connect to one or more batteries. In one embodiment, the control system is configured to control the operation of the landing platform 100 by collecting information and data from one or more sensors, a GPS sensor, and cameras. In one embodiment, the control system is securely and operatively disposed in the body 104 of the landing platform 100. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is configured to autonomously self-propel to different locations and provide electrical power for charging drone’s power sources from the batteries via the control system, while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired. In one embodiment, the control system or computer processes the information and operates the platform's functions such as, but not limited to, brakes, gas, steering, and lighting functions.

1 DK 2020 01082 A1 In one embodiment, the sensors 118 are configured to efficiently collect information and data from surrounding environment of the landing platform 100 and send to the control system. In one embodiment, the sensors 118 include at least any one or combination of, but not limited to, lidar, radar, laser rangefinders, and magnetic sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors 118 are securely disposed on, but not limited to, the sides, back and front portion of the platform 100. In one embodiment, the cameras 116 are configured to capture data and information surrounding environment of the landing platform 100 and identify or read signs, traffic lights, and road stripes. In one embodiment, the cameras 116 could be, but not limited to, wide angle cameras with round lenses and securely positioned on, but not limited to, both sides, back and front portions of the platform 100. In one embodiment, the drone 102 is configured to identify or find the landing platform 100 via GPS and camera of the drone 102 reads symbol 112 (shown in FIG. 9) — or the shape on the top of the landing platform 100 to check and confirm the direction of the landing platform 100. Then the drone 102 changes the direction according to the landing platform 100 then the drone 102 then slowly descents to land on the landing surface 106 and continues keeping an eye on the distance and reading the shape/symbol of the landing surface to make small adjustments while landing.

In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is further configured to detect type of drone via sensors 118 or a mechanical impact when the drone 102 is successfully landed on the landing surface 106. In one embodiment, the control system is further configured to check whether the drone 102 is required to lock to the landing platform 100 and also check the charging levels of the drone 102. If charging is required then the control system activates the charging mechanism/device, which is configured to electrically connect or wirelessly connect to the drone 102 for supplying electrical power to charge power sources of the drone 102, thereby charging drone’s power sources while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired. In one

1 DK 2020 01082 A1 embodiment, the landing platform 100 further comprises an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 (shown in FIGs. 4 and 5). In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 further comprises steering gear, brakes, brake boosters, lightings 126, and a servo device. In one embodiment, the lightings 126 could be affixed on, but not limited to, the front, rear, sides and top portion of the landing platform 100. Referring to FIGs. 2-4, the drone 102 is securely locked to the landing platform 100 using a locking/securing device 120 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 further comprises a locking device 120, which is configured to securely and automatically lock the drone 102 to the landing platform 100 when the control system sends a command or signal to the locking device 120. In one embodiment, the locking device 120 is at least any one of, but not limited to, one or more electrically, hydraulic, pneumatic driven mechanical hook or a gripping device depending of the type/model of the drone. In one embodiment, the locking device 120 is configured to grip/hook at least one or more parts of the drone 102 based on the type/model of the drone 102. In one embodiment, the locking device 120 is further configured to move to two unlocked positions and one locked position as respectively shown in FIGs. 2, 3, and

4. In some embodiments, the locking device 120 is further configured to lock other type of drones.

Referring to FIGs. 5-6, a top perspective view of the landing platform 100 provided with an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 is operatively disposed at the bottom of the landing surface 106 of the platform 100. In one embodiment, the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 is configured to connect the drone 102 for supplying electrical power, charging the power sources of the drone 102 when the control system sends a command or a signal to the charging mechanism/device, thereby charging the drone’s power sources, while driving to the

DK 2020 01082 A1 desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired. After securing, the drone 102 to the landing platform 100 and the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection or charger 122 on board the platform 100 is connected to drone's 5 power source. The charger 122 is electrically connected to, but not limited to, the platform’s 100 battery, a separate battery, or an external power supply. In one embodiment, the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 is further configured to move or slide downward and upward from the landing surface 106. In one embodiment, the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection 122 could be, but not limited to, a mechanical arm. It could just be a power plug that goes op from the platform 100 into the drone 102 or it could be some wireless charging plates as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of the landing platform 100 provided with wireless charging plates 128 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wireless charging plates 128 are securely affixed to the landing surface 106 of the landing platform 100. In one embodiment, the wireless charging plates 128 are configured to wirelessly supply electrical power to charge the power sources of the drone

102.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the landing platforms 100 superposes on one another to form a stack in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the landing platforms 100 further comprise at least four recesses 114 at upper sides of the landing platform 100. In one embodiment, the landing platforms 100 are configured to — enable to superpose on one another to form at least one stack in a vertical direction as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 is made of at least any one or combination of materials include, but not limited to, metals, plastic, rubber, composites and ceramics. In one embodiment, the landing platform 100 could be required oils and cool liquids.

DK 2020 01082 A1 Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view of the landing platform 200 for, but not limited to drone design, in another embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the landing platform 200 having a body 204 provided with a landing surface 206 at the top portion. In another embodiment, the landing surface 206 of the landing platform 200 is configured to safely receive any type of drone. In one embodiment, the landing platform 200 further comprises a symbol 112 on a top portion for enabling a drone to identify or find the direction of the landing platform 200, thereby safely and precisely landing the drone on the landing surface 206 using a global positioning system (GPS). In one embodiment, the landing platform 200 further comprises a wheel assembly (208 and 210) coupled to one or more electrical motors via gears, hydraulics etc. to enable the landing platform 200 to autonomous propel itself via a control system, wherein the electrical motors are securely disposed in the body 204 and configured to electrically connect to one or more batteries.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the concept has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects.

Claims (10)

DK 2020 01082 A1 1 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A landing platform (100) for a drone (102), comprising: a body (104) having a landing surface (106) on a top portion, wherein the landing surface (106) is configured to receive at least one drone (102); a wheel assembly (108 and 110) coupled to one or more electrical motors via gears or hydraulics, to enable the landing platform (100) to autonomously propel itself via a control system, wherein the electrical motors are securely disposed in the body (104) and configured to electrically connect to one or more batteries, wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the landing platform (100) by collecting information and data from one or more sensors (118), a GPS sensor, and cameras (116). wherein the landing platform (100) is configured to autonomous self- propel to different locations and provide electrical power for charging drone’s power sources from the batteries via the control system, while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired.

2. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, further comprises a shape/symbol (112) on a top portion of the landing platform (100) for enabling the drone (102) to identify or find the direction of the landing platform (100), thereby safely and precisely landing the drone (102) on the landing surface (106) using a global positioning system (GPS) and range finders.

DK 2020 01082 A1 2

3. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, further comprises a locking/securing device (120), configured to securely and automatically lock the drone (102) to the landing platform (100) when the control system sends a command or signal to the locking/securing device.

4. The landing platform (100) of claim 3, wherein the locking/securing device (120) is at least any one of an electrically, hydraulic or pneumatic driven mechanical hook or a gripping device.

5. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, wherein the sensors (118) are configured to efficiently collect information and data from surrounding environment of the landing platform (100) and send to the control system.

6. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, wherein the sensors (118) include at least any one or combination of a lidar, a radar, a laser rangefinder, cameras (116), and magnetic Sensors.

7. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, wherein the cameras (116) are configured to capture data and information surrounding environment of the landing platform (100) and identify or read signs, traffic, traffic lights, and road stripes etc.

8. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, further comprises an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical driven power connection (122) configured to electrically connect to the drone (102) for supplying electrical power to charge power sources of the drone (102), thereby charging drone’s power sources while driving to the desired location or in the desired direction and enabling continuous flight operations after charging with an extended operational range as per desired.

DK 2020 01082 A1 3

9. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, further comprises at least four recesses (114) at upper sides of the landing platform (100), configured to enable to superpose on one another to form at least one stack in a vertical direction.

10. The landing platform (100) of claim 1, is made of at least any one or combination of materials include, metals, plastic, rubber, composites and ceramics.