Application (pre-grant publication)
UNTETHERED ROBOT WITH HYBRID AIR AND WATER POWER FOR HOVERING AND QUICK AIRBORNE MOVEMENTS
- Number
- 20210229823
- Published
- 2021-07-29
- Filed
- 2020-01-24
- Assignee
- Disney Enterprises, Inc.
- Inventors
- Peloquin; Richard-Alexandre, Christensen; David Loyal, Pope; Morgan Thomas, Imahara; Grant, Dohi; Tony
- CPC
- B64D31/06; B64U10/13; B64U30/20; B64U50/13; B64U60/50; B64U70/80
- Verdict
- Medium Hardware
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
The keeper's note
Untethered hovering robot with hybrid air/water power.
Abstract
A robot including a hybrid fan-based and fluid-based propulsion system to provide thrust, such as deceleration during fall to create a smooth landing or to provide a quick reduction in velocity, and to provide actuation/controlled motion, such as to hover after quick deceleration and to control orientation or pose. The hybrid propulsion system uses discharging of pressurized fluid and exhausted gas (or fluid in some cases) from ducted fans (or propellers, impellers, and the like) to provide controlled thrust and/or lift forces. The hybrid propulsion system uses of pressurized fluid for generating larger or primary thrust and quick changes in velocity. The hybrid propulsion system includes a fan-based propulsion assembly with ducted fans that use environmental air (or fluids) to provide lower or secondary thrust. Both types of propulsion can be integrated into a robot or robotic figure to move the robot during flight (e.g., during falling or hovering).
Background
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Description.
The present description relates, in general, to robots (or animatronic devices, as these terms may be used interchangeably herein) and control over movements or actuation of such robots while airborne and/or upon landing. More particularly, the present description relates to robots and robot control methods using thrust-based propulsion and/or actuation of a robot while airborne and/or during (and even after) landing in which the propulsion or power is provided by a hybrid system or combination of air and water (or liquid) power. 2. Relevant Background.
Ground-based robots often are fixed in a single position or are mobile with wheels or tracks to roll on a surface or legs to walk about a space. However, robots that can fly through a space are more challenging as executing artistic movements such as quick deceleration and hovering to simulate theatrical rocket-like landing are difficult to control and actuate under the constant influence of gravity while at the same time emphasizing safety, cost effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. In-flight movements and stable or controlled landings for a flying robot have recently come into demand to provide unique and surprising entertainment to audiences in settings where it may difficult to utilize live performers.
Jumping robots are one class of robots that implement aerobatic maneuvers after launching from the ground. Efforts at controlling a jumping robot's moveme