Flying vehicle systems and methods
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.
1. An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:
a chassis;
a power supply mounted to the chassis;
a control system operable to receive power from the power supply;
a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis;
a plurality of rotors mounted to the plurality of arms;
a support structure mounted atop the chassis, the support structure comprising a plurality of arches that intersect one another at an apex region; and
a ranging and detection device mounted to the support structure, wherein the ranging and detection device is in communication with the control system.
2. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a recessed seat; and
wherein the ranging and detection device is mounted in the recessed seat.
3. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the recessed seat is formed in the apex region of the support structure.
4. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of struts that define the plurality of arches; and
wherein each strut is aligned with a central axis of a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms.
5. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a curved cap covering the support structure.
6. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of openings, each opening defined at least in part by a corresponding reinforcing rib.
7. An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:
a chassis;
a control system;
a plurality of rotors operable to generate lift under control of the control system;
a support structure mounted to the chassis, the support structure comprising an apex region and a pair of arches that intersect within the apex region; and
an outward-facing ranging and detection device positioned in the apex region and in communication with the control system;
wherein the control system is configured to control flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle based at least in part upon information generated by the outward-facing ranging and detection device.
8. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the apex region comprises a recessed seat; and
wherein the outward-facing ranging and detection device is mounted in the recessed seat.
9. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of arms;
wherein each rotor is mounted to a corresponding one of the arms;
wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of struts; and
wherein each strut is aligned with a central axis of a corresponding one of the arms.
10. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 7 , further comprising a curved cap covering the support structure.
11. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the curved cap further covers the outward-facing ranging and detection device.
12. An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:
a chassis;
a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, each arm comprising a corresponding rotor;
a control system operable to control the rotors;
a support structure mounted atop the chassis, the support structure comprising a recessed seat and a plurality of arches that intersect one another; and
an electronic component positioned in the recessed seat and in communication with the control system.
13. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the electronic component comprises a ranging and detection device.
14. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the recessed seat is formed in an apex region of the support structure.
15. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the control system is mounted to the chassis below the support structure.
16. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , further comprising a curved cap covering the support structure.
17. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of struts that define the plurality of arches; and
wherein each strut is aligned with a central axis of a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms.
18. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the support structure is rigid and configured to discourage flexing of the chassis.
19. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein a central vertical axis of the unmanned aerial vehicle passes through the recessed seat.