VEHICLE

This application is a cognate application of the provisional specification filed at the Indian Patent Office under Application No. 202121046908 on 14/10/2021 and provisional specification filed at the Indian Patent Office under Application No. 202221002455 on 15/01/2022.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to conveyance means for aerial vehicles.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art. Traditional means of aerial transportation employ aero-planes or helicopters which require intense infrastructure when in used. Offering a solution for transportation with the available means often requires complex plans to be laid out. Further, the timeframe required for completion of these plans is quite long. In today’s rapidly developing world, the time required for completing any transport related project is a critical parameter. Moreover, it is necessary that the number of humans/objects to be transported is suitably quantified to justify the cost and space requirement required for operating the vehicle. As a result, the traditional means of aerial transport do not serve remote areas that are away from designated stops.

Although some transportation means are available that can reach remote areas of operation so as to deliver goods. However, setting up the infrastructure for such transportation means is highly costly. Further, it is found that the setup of the infrastructure for these transportation means becomes very complicated when a water body, a terrain or the like comes in the pathway of these remote areas. Therefore, the conventional transportation means do not ensure last mile connectivity.

There is, therefore, felt a need for a cable-powered conveyance system for an aerial vehicle that alleviates the aforementioned problems.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that is fast, cost-efficient and economic.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that eliminates the requirement of complex infrastructure.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system having a vehicle that can reach all corners of residential, commercial and recreational areas.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that has a potential to be used as a means of public transport.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that has long range of operation.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that can be used for transport of medicines and emergency supplies. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that facilitates last mile connectivity.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that can efficiently handle and deliver goods.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable powered transportation system that is ergonomically designed with modern amenities for passenger’s comfort.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a cable-powered conveyance system for an aerial vehicle.

The system comprises a structure defined by a plurality of columns, erected along a predefined path, and electrically conductive cables spanning across the columns.

The aerial vehicle comprises a body, driving means provided in the body and power collecting means extending from the body. The body is configured to receive persons and/or objects therein. The driving means is configured to drive the vehicle on the cables. The power collecting means is configured to engage with the cables to draw electric power from the cables. The power collecting means is coupled with the driving means for transferring power drawn thereto. The vehicle further comprises at least one detachable battery coupled with the driving means. The battery is configured to power the driving means when the vehicle is disconnected from the system. In an embodiment, the power collecting means includes a commutator configured to engage with the conductive cables, in an operative configuration thereof, to draw power from the cables.

In another embodiment, the commutator is configured to be electrically coupled with the driving means to transfer power to the driving means.

In yet another embodiment, the commutator is coupled to the driving means with the help of a tethering means.

In another embodiment, the driving means includes at least one fan, mounted on the vehicle body, for maneuvering the vehicle in an operative configuration thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the driving means include at least one actuating means for actuating the fan.

In one embodiment, the commutator includes guide wheels configured to facilitate displacement of the commutator on the cables, when the vehicle is driven on the cables.

In another embodiment, the commutator is configured to be folded in an inoperative configuration of the power collecting means. The commutator is further configured to be released in an operative configuration of the power collecting means.

In yet another embodiment, the power collecting means is coupled to the battery for transferring power to the battery.

In an embodiment, the battery is charged with the help of conductive wires.

In another embodiment, the battery is wirelessly charged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING A cable powered transportation system of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a schematic of a cable powered transportation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 - System

10 - Road

20 - Structure

30A, 30B - Wire(s) 40 - Contact Surface/ Commutator

40A, 40B - Electromagnetic Strips

45 - Power -Cables

50 - Power Drawing Means

60 - Vehicle 62 - Battery

63 - Motor

65 - Fan(s)

70 - Transformer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, specific processes specific apparatus structures, and unique techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

A cable-powered conveyance system (100) for an aerial vehicle (60) of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2.

In an embodiment, the aerial vehicle (60) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (60).

The system (100) comprises a structure (20) defined by a plurality of columns, erected along a predefined path (10). In an embodiment, the structure (20) is a fence. The system (100) further comprises electrically conductive cables (30A, 30B) spanning across the columns. In an embodiment, the structure (20) includes pole transformers (70).

The conductive cables (30A, 30B) include a positive cable and a ground cable.

In an embodiment, the electrically conductive cables (30A, 30B) are of conductive materials selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminium, iron, steel, brass, nickel, tin, and the like. The cables (30A, 30B) are configured to be connected to an AC source such as the transformer (70) or a DC source such as solar panels, DC generators, battery (62) energy storage systems (100), etc. In an embodiment, the AC source or the DC source are mounted on the columns. In one embodiment, electric poles or streetlight poles can be adapted to function as the structure (20), at places, such as remote area, where providing an altogether new structure (20) is difficult.

The aerial vehicle (60) comprises a body for receiving persons and/or objects therein. The vehicle (60) further comprises driving means, power collecting means (50) and at least one detachable battery (62). The driving means is provided in the body, and is configured to drive the vehicle (60) on the cables (30A, 30B). The power collecting means (50) is configured to extend from the body. The power collecting means (50) is configured to engage with the cables (30A, 30B) to draw electric power from the cables (30A, 30B). The power collecting means (50) is coupled with the driving means for transferring power drawn thereto. The battery (62) is coupled with the driving means. The battery (62) is configured to power the driving means when the vehicle (60) is disconnected from the system (100).

In an embodiment, the battery (62) helps in driving the vehicle (60) in remote areas or in case of obstructions such as water bodies, roads, railway crossing that breaks the continuity of the structure, and because of which the vehicle (60) is disconnected from the system. In another embodiment, the battery (62) helps in driving the vehicle when the system (100) suffers from power failure. In yet another embodiment, the battery (62) is configured to drive the vehicle for at least thirty minutes (the battery capacity may vary depending on the external load exerted on vehicle (60)).

In an embodiment, the power collecting means (50) includes a commutator (40) configured to engage with the conductive cables (30A, 30B), in an operative configuration thereof, to draw power from the cables (30A, 30B). In another embodiment, the commutator (40) is configured to be electrically coupled with the driving means to transfer power to the driving means.

In one embodiment, the commutator (40) is further provided with electromagnetic strips (40A, 40B) configured to ensure continuous and stable contact with the cables (30A, 30B). More specifically, the electromagnetic strips (40A, 40B) are configured to generate an electromagnetic force of attraction with the cables (30A, 30B), in order to guide the movement of the commutator (40) along the length of the cables (30A, 30B). In another embodiment, the cables (30A, 30B) are of ferromagnetic magnetic material.

In another embodiment, the commutator (40) includes at least one pair of foldable leg mechanism configured to connect the commutator (40) with the vehicle (60). The mechanism allows raising or lowering of the vehicle (60) to increase or decrease the proximity of the vehicle (60) from the commutator (40). In yet another embodiment, the leg mechanism is connected to motors configured to be activated to actuate the mechanism.

The commutator (40) is configured to draw AC current or DC current according to the nature of the current supply available at a particular location.

In another embodiment, the commutator (40) is coupled to the driving means with the help of a tethering means (45). In yet another embodiment, the tethering means (45) is a power cable which includes a positive wire and a ground wire, which helps in transferring electric power from the commutator (40) to the driving means.

The driving means is configured to enable displacement of the vehicle (60) on the cable till the time the power collecting means (50) draws electric power from the cables (30A, 30B). In one embodiment, the driving means includes at least one fan (65), mounted on the vehicle body. The fan (65) is configured to maneuver the vehicle (60) in an operative configuration thereof. The fan (65) is configured to provide the motive force required for driving the vehicle (60). In another embodiment, the driving means includes a plurality of turbines for maneuvering the vehicle (60).

In another embodiment, the driving means include at least one actuating means for actuating the fan (65). In another embodiment, the actuating means is a motor (63).

In an embodiment, the commutator (40) includes guide wheels configured to facilitate displacement of the commutator (40) on the cables (30A, 30B), when the vehicle (60) is driven on the cables (30A, 30B). In another embodiment, the commutator (40) includes rollers or sliding blocks for being displaced on the cables (30A, 30B).

In one embodiment, the driving means is controlled by a control unit. In another embodiment, a single control unit is configured to control the movement of a plurality of vehicles (60). In an inoperative configuration of the power collecting means (50) i.e., during takeoff stage of the vehicle (60), the commutator (40) is configured to be folded into the vehicle (60). Conversely, in an operative configuration of the power collecting means (50) i.e., during touch-down of the vehicle (60), the commutator (40) is configured to be released from the vehicle (60). In an embodiment, the vehicle (60) includes a housing for the commutator (40). The housing enables the commutator (40) to be folded and fitted therein.

In an embodiment, the power collecting means (50) is coupled to the battery (62) for transferring power to the battery (62). In another embodiment, the battery (62) is charged with the help of conductive wires. In still another embodiment, the battery (62) is wirelessly charged.

In an embodiment, the vehicle (60) body is of fire-retardant and water-proof material. In case, the vehicle (60) is configured to carry humans, the vehicle (60) is ergonomically designed with amenities that ensure the passenger’s comfort. In another embodiment, the vehicle (60) ’s passenger carrying capacity ranges from one to at least ten. In another case, the vehicle (60) is available in different models/configuration for catering to different needs of transportation of the passengers or goods of perishable, non-perishable, refrigerated or medical nature.

In an embodiment, the driving means employs a driver driven mode as well as an auto-pilot mode for driving the vehicle (60). In another embodiment, the vehicle (60) is configured to be in continuous communication with earth stations all along the length of its journey, and is configured to be controlled with the help of Hi-Tech Al machineries.

The system (100) and the vehicle (60) help in eliminating the need for complicated and costly infrastructure required for driving the vehicle. Further, if the system (100) and the vehicle (60) eliminate traffic constraints while ensuring last mile connectivity. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a cable-powered conveyance system for an aerial vehicle that:

• is fast, cost-efficient and economic;

• eliminates requirement of complicated and costly infrastructure;

• can be driven by renewable energy;

• eliminates traffic constraints;

• ensures last mile connectivity;

• can deliver goods as well as occupants; and

• is ergonomically designed having modern amenities for passenger’s comfort.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.