CONTAINMENT APPARATUS FOR AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING THE SAME

A containment apparatus and a method for installing the same is provided. The containment apparatus includes a plurality of panels, each of which extends along a height and comprises a panel perimeter including a plurality of perimeter portions, and a panel interior disposed within the panel perimeter. The plurality of perimeter portions includes an attachment border, a coil border, and a set of opposing side portions, which define a respective panel width therebetween. When the containment apparatus is in the installed position, the attachment border of a respective panel is operatively attached to the roof of a structure, such that the plurality of panels and at least one of the exterior walls of the structure cooperate to define a periphery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) containment area. The UAV containment area defines a controlled environment, directly adjacent to the structure, within which UAV may operate to inspect the structure.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to a containment apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a method for installing the same. More specifically, a containment apparatus installed on a pre-existing structure, which creates a controlled environment for the operation of a UAV completing an inspection of the pre-existing structure.

BACKGROUND

Inspecting structures such as commercial buildings, office buildings, multi-unit dwellings, single family homes, etc. for damage caused by weather or other sources can include significant time investments by inspection personnel trained to perform such inspections. Inspections of structures in highly populated or commercial areas can be particularly difficult due to the height of the relevant structures to be inspected.

As such, typical inspection procedures require significant build out of scaffolding or the like to allow the inspector to visually reach all areas of the structure for inspection. Further, such inspections also inherently require the inspector to physically climb on to the ledges and roof of the structure. Accordingly, such inspections are often lengthy and labor intensive, while also requiring extensive safety training for the inspection team.

Utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the inspection of structures such as commercial buildings, office buildings, multi-unit dwellings, single family homes, may reduce overall inspection time and enable the structure to be maintained in a safer condition. Utilizing a UAV can allow the operator to quickly and safely obtain detailed images and/or other sensory data regarding the subject structure. Further, large areas of a structure may be inspected via UAV in a shortened time period, and hard-to-reach inspection areas may be inspected via UAV without requiring equipment such as cranes or raised and suspended platforms, which require inspection personnel to physically climb the raised or suspended platform to visually reach the pertinent inspection areas. Use of a UAV thereby reduces the safety risk to inspection personnel.

While utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the inspection of structures such as commercial buildings, office buildings, multi-unit dwellings, single family homes, etc. for damage caused by weather or other sources, may reduce overall inspection time, allow hard-to-reach areas to be easily inspected, and enable the structure to be maintained in a safer condition, it is important to control the UAV during inspection to minimize the risk of damage to the UAV itself, and minimize the occurrence of contact between the UAV and surrounding people and property.

SUMMARY

A containment apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a method for installing the same is provided. The containment apparatus is configured to contain the UAV within a controlled environment or a predefined inspection space, during the inspection of a pre-existing structure.

The containment apparatus includes a plurality of panels configured for attachment to the roof or one of the exterior side walls of the pre-existing structure. Each of the respective panels comprises a panel perimeter including a plurality of perimeter portions, and a panel interior disposed within the panel perimeter between the panel perimeter portions. The plurality of perimeter portions includes an attachment border, a coil border, and a set of opposing side portions. The opposing side portions further define a respective panel width therebetween, and the attachment border and the coil border define a panel height, when the panel is in an installed position.

When the containment apparatus is in an installed position, the attachment border of a respective panel is operatively attached to the roof of the structure, via a parapet attachment having an extension member which extends outwardly a predefined distance from the roof, such that the respective panel is disposed laterally from the respective exterior wall of the structure an attachment distance. Said another way, when the panel is in the installed position, the respective panel forms a removable barrier to at least one of the exterior walls of the pre-existing structure.

Accordingly, when the containment apparatus is in the installed position, the plurality of panels and at least one of the exterior walls of the pre-existing structure cooperate to define a periphery of a UAV containment area, which defines a controlled environment, directly adjacent to the structure, within which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may complete an inspection of the pre-existing structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.

Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description.

The following discussion and accompanying figures discuss unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)12, which may include any unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a drone, unpiloted aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, etc. Although the UAV12is depicted as a drone in the associated Figures, these concepts may be applied to various types of UAVs12.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, a containment apparatus10for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12and a method100for installing the containment apparatus10on a pre-existing structure16is provided.

The containment apparatus10is configured to contain the UAV12performing an inspection of the pre-existing structure16for damage such as structural damage, weather damage, etc. Referring toFIG. 1, the containment apparatus10of the present disclosure is configured for attachment to a pre-existing structure16having a roof18and a plurality of exterior walls20. The pre-existing structure16can be a commercial building, office building, multi-unit dwelling, single family home, or another structure. The roof18can have a boundary24formed by a top edge28of the plurality of exterior walls20. Further, the roof boundary24forms a perimeter of the roof18. The roof18can further include a parapet26having two vertical sides30and a top side32. The parapet26may extend upward from the roof18to the top side32along an entirety of the boundary24.

Referring toFIG. 3, the parapet26may be configured to receive a parapet attachment25. The parapet attachment25can have a support structure27, which is disposed over the top side32of the parapet26and configured to clamp to the two vertical sides30of the parapet26. The parapet attachment25can further include an extension member29having a first end31proximate the support structure27and a second end33spaced apart from the support structure27. The extension member29extends outwardly from the roof boundary24an attachment distance90, such that the second end33is spaced apart the attachment distance90from the first end31.

Referring toFIG. 1, the pre-existing structure16may contain a damaged area22upon the roof18and/or one of the respective exterior walls20, which requires further inspection and/or assessment, but is difficult to reach or see clearly. Accordingly, utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12, an operator34can initiate an automatic scanning process of the pre-existing structure16and the damaged areas22thereof and quickly and safely obtain detailed image, video, or other sensory data regarding the damaged area22. Further, large areas of a structure16can be inspected via UAV12in a shortened time period, and hard-to-reach inspection areas can be inspected via UAV12without requiring equipment such as cranes or raised and suspended platforms, which require inspection personnel to physically climb the raised or suspended platform structure to visually reach the pertinent inspection areas. Use of a UAV12thereby reduces the safety risk to inspection personnel.

However, specific regulations governing the use of UAVs12place limitations on how and under what conditions such UAV12inspections of pre-existing structures16may be performed. Accordingly, to comply with such regulations and requirements, the containment apparatus10of the present disclosure is configured to contain the UAV12within the UAV containment area72, which defines a controlled environment14, directly adjacent to the structure16, within which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12can operate in a controlled manner, for example, to complete an inspection of the pre-existing structure16and identify damaged areas22thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the containment apparatus10includes one or more panels36. In the example shown, a plurality of panels36can include at least a first panel36aand a second panel36b.Each of the panels36includes a panel perimeter and a panel interior42. The panel perimeter can have a plurality of perimeter portions44,46,48. The panel perimeter portions44,46,48of each panel36include an attachment border44, a coil border46, and a set of opposing side portions48. The set of opposing side portions48define a panel width50therebetween. When the panel36occupies an installed position60, the coil border46is disposed opposite the attachment border44, such that the panel36extends along a height38defined between the attachment border44and the coil border46.

By way of example, the attachment border44and the opposing side portions48can be comprised of a rope or cable. For example, the rope or cable comprising the attachment border44and the opposing side portions48can be formed of a polymeric material, a metallic material, or a combination of these, such as a polymer coated wire cable or wire reinforced rope. In one example, the rope can be a twisted polypropylene rope having a diameter of about ⅜ inch and a tensile strength of about 2440 test/lb. The example is non-limiting.

By way of example, the coil border46can be formed as a rigid member. The coil border46can be a tubular rigid member, a solid cylindrical member, or a solid polygonal prism. The coil border46can be formed of a polymeric or a metallic material or a combination thereof.

The panel interior42is disposed within the panel perimeter40between the panel perimeter portions44,46,48. In one example embodiment, the panel interior42comprises a mesh material. The mesh material can be a netting having a plurality of netting sections52. The netting sections52can have a diameter54from about four inches to about fourteen inches. In one example, the netting sections52may have a diameter54of from about four inches to about eight inches. In another example, the netting sections52may have a diameter54of from about six inches to about ten inches. In another example, the netting sections52may have a diameter54of from about eight inches to about twelve inches. In another example, the netting sections52may have a diameter54of from about ten inches to about fourteen inches.

The diameter54of the netting sections52may be selected based upon the type, size, and/or configuration of the UAV12. In order to ensure the UAV12is contained within the containment area72of the containment apparatus10, it is important that the netting sections52have a diameter54that is small enough that the UAV12cannot pass though the respective netting sections52, but a diameter54large enough that the propellers of the UAV12are caught in the netting upon contact therewith, thereby fixing the UAV12to the panel36, rather than allowing the UAV12to simply bounce off the panel36and become destabilized in flight.

In one example embodiment, the netting comprises a UV-resistant nylon material, namely a nylon material that maintains an ability to resist UV radiation, such that the material does not degrade over time or degrades at a more gradual rate when placed in direct contact with UV radiation or sunlight. For example, the netting can be a size #9 trammel walling Nylon net with UV resistance. In this example, the netting has a 10 mesh weight of 32 yards/lb. Further, in this example the diameter54of the netting section52is about fourteen inches. The netting can alternatively be a #21 knotted Nylon Seine net with UV resistance. In this example, the netting has a 42 mesh weight of nine square foot per pound (lb.). Further, in this example, the diameter54of the netting section52is about five inches.

Referring toFIG. 2, the attachment border44and the opposing side portions48are woven through the mesh material of the panel interior42. Further, the rigid coil border46is woven through the mesh material of the panel interior42or otherwise fixed to the panel interior42.

In one example, the plurality of panels36includes a first panel36aand a second panel36b,one of the opposing sides48of the first panel36aand one of the opposing sides48of the second panel36bare operatively coupled at a plurality of predefined panel attachment points68. The respective opposing sides48of the first panel36aand the second panel36bcan be coupled via a fastener, for example, a wire tie, hose tie, steggel tie, zap strap, or zip tie. Alternatively, the first panel36aand the second panel36bcan be coupled via a twine, such as a seine twine. In one example, the twine is a #18 twine, which may be tarred. The twine can be made of a polymeric material, such as Nylon or polypropylene or an organic material such as cotton, jute, sisal, or hemp. In one particular, non-limiting example, the twine is a #18 tarred Nylon Seine Twine.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4, the panel36can occupy one of a coiled position58and an installed position60. In the coiled position58, the respective panel36is disposed about the rigid member defined as the coil border46. In the coiled position58the panel36forms a transportable panel coil62. The transportable panel coil62is a rolled form of the panel36, wherein the panel36is rotationally disposed about the coil border46to form the transportable panel coil62, such that the coil border46is disposed at an interior rotational center C of the transportable panel coil62. When the panel36is embodied as a transportable panel coil62in the coiled position58, such a configuration provides for ease of movement and transport. The transportable panel coils62may be positioned in a predefined position proximate to one of the exterior walls20of the structure16and opposite the roof18. In one example, the transportable panel coils62are disposed laterally from the respective exterior wall20of the structure16a coil distance92.

In the installed position60, at least one of the panel perimeter portions44,48of a respective panel36is operatively attached to the roof18of the pre-existing structure16. More particularly, the attachment border44is operatively attached to the pre-existing structure16at the second end33of the parapet attachment25extension member27. In such an example, the panel36is laterally spaced apart from the respective exterior wall20of the structure16by at least the attachment distance90and extends along the height38between the coil border46and the attachment border44and forms a removable barrier to at least one of the exterior walls20of the structure16.

As shown inFIG. 1, when the plurality of panels36are in the installed position60, the plurality of panels36and at least one of the exterior walls20of the structure16cooperate to define a periphery of a UAV containment area72. The UAV containment area72defines a controlled environment, directly adjacent to the structure16, within which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12can be operated in a controlled manner, for example, to complete an inspection of the pre-existing structure16.

In an example embodiment, the periphery of the UAV containment area72is defined by the height38, the attachment distance90, the coil distance92, a predefined distance56, and a collective panel width74, wherein the collective panel width74is defined as the sum of the panel widths50of each of the respective panels of the plurality of panels36.

In one example, the coil distance92may be greater than the attachment distance90, such that the panel36is laterally spaced apart from the pre-existing structure16by a predefined distance56, which is between the attachment distance90and the coil distance92. In another example, each of the attachment distance90, the coil distance92, and the predefined distance56are equal. As such, in any example, the containment area72may be rectangular or non-rectangular, e.g., trapezoidal or triangular.

In one example embodiment, the panel width50is from about four feet to about twenty feet. In one example, the panel width50may be from about four feet to about twelve feet. In another example, the panel width50may be from about eight feet to about sixteen feet. In another example, the panel width50may be from about ten feet to about eighteen feet. In another example, the panel width50may be of from about twelve feet to about twenty feet.

In one example embodiment, the height38of the panel36in the installed position60is approximately equal to the predefined height of the structure16.

In one example embodiment, the predefined distance56can vary along the height38from about one foot to about twelve feet. As previously described, the predefined distance56can vary along the height38of the panels36from a coil distance92at the coil border46to an attachment distance90at the attachment border44. In one example, the predefined distance56may be from about two feet to about eight feet. In another example, the predefined distance56may be from about four feet to about eight feet. In another example, the predefined distance56may be from about six feet to about ten feet. In another example, the predefined distance56may be from about eight feet to about twelve feet.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, and with reference toFIGS. 2 and 4, a method of installation100for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12containment apparatus10on a pre-existing structure16having a roof18and a plurality of exterior side walls20is provided. The method comprises steps101through107as detailed inFIG. 5.

At step101a winch hoist76, a parapet attachment25, one or more winching members78, and a plurality of transportable panel coils62are provided. The winch hoist76can be a manually-operated, electronically controlled, or pneumatically controlled winch hoist76capable of lifting and lowering at least one of the respective panels36. In its simplest form, the winch hoist76consists of a spool or winch drum and attached hand crank. More elaborate designs have gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. Some winch hoists76can include a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet and pawl device that prevents the winch hoist76from unwinding unless the pawl is retracted.

More particularly, the winch hoist76can be used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the tension of the winching members78in order to lift and lower the respective panels36between the coiled position58and the installed position60. The winch hoist76can be disposed upon and operatively secured to the roof18of the pre-existing structure16as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the parapet attachment25can have a support structure27attachable to the parapet26. In a non-limiting example, the support structure27is disposed over the top side32of the parapet26and clamps to the two vertical sides30of the parapet26. The parapet attachment25can further include an extension member29having a first end31proximate the support structure27and a second end33spaced apart from the support structure27. The extension member29extends outwardly from the roof boundary24the attachment distance90, such that the predefined distance56is at least the attachment distance90at the attachment border44of the panel36.

Each of the winching members78is secured to the winch hoist76and to at least one of the parapet attachments25. The winching members78are extended downward from the roof18of the pre-existing structure16along at least one of the exterior walls20.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, each transportable panel coil62comprises a panel36occupying a coiled position58. Each of the panels36includes a panel perimeter40and a panel interior42. The panel perimeter40can have a plurality of perimeter portions44,46,48. The panel perimeter portions44,46,48of each panel36include an attachment border44, a coil border46, and a set of opposing side portions48. The set of opposing side portions48define a panel width50therebetween. The panel width50is equivalent to the coil width80of the transportable panel coils62.

When the panel36occupies the coiled position58, the coil border46is formed as a rigid member disposed at an interior rotational center C of one of the respective transportable panel coil62, such that the respective panel36is rotationally wound around the coil border46to form the transportable panel coil62.

The attachment border44is configured for attachment to the roof18of the pre-existing structure16. More particularly, when the panel36occupies the installed position60, the attachment border44is operatively connected to the second end33of the extension member29of the parapet attachment25and the coil border46is disposed opposite the attachment border44such that the panel height38is defined between the attachment border44and coil border46.

At step102, shown inFIG. 5, the transportable panel coils62are positioned in a predefined position proximate to one of the exterior walls20of the structure16and opposite the roof18. In one example, the transportable panel coils62are disposed laterally from the respective exterior wall20of the structure16the coil distance92. In one example, the coil distance92is equal or greater than the attachment distance90, such that in the installed position, the panels36are laterally spaced apart from the respective exterior wall20a predefined distance56, which is between the attachment distance90and the coil distance92.

At step103, the winching members78are extended from the winch hoist76, connected to the parapet attachment25, and further extended downward from the roof18and the parapet26and along the respective exterior wall20to the transportable panel coil62, e.g. the winching members78are let out via the winch hoist76until they reach the transportable panel coil62.

At step104, the winching members78are operatively attached to the attachment border44of the respective panel36. The winching members78can be operatively attached to the attachment border44via a fastener94or the like.

At step105, the panel36is transferred from the coiled position58to the installed position60. In the coiled position58, the panel36is embodied as one of the transportable panel coils62. In the installed position60, the attachment border44of the panel36is secured to the roof18at the second end33of the parapet extension member29, such that the panel36is extended along the height38between the attachment border44and the coil border46and forms a removable barrier to the respective exterior wall20, defining a containment area72therebetween.

Step105, is further defined inFIG. 6and includes the additional steps shown as steps201through204therein. At step201, the winch hoist76is powered to retract, e.g., pull in (wind up) the winching members78. As the winching members78are retracted by the winch hoist76the attachment border44of the panel36, which is operatively attached to the winching members78, is lifted along the respective exterior wall20toward the roof18of the structure16. As the attachment border44is lifted along the respective exterior wall20, the transportable panel coil62rotates about the coil border46or unwinds, as the panel36is transferred from a coiled position58to the installed position60, wherein the panel is extended along the height38between the attachment border44and the coil border46and forms a removable barrier to the respective exterior wall20.

Once the attachment border44reaches the roof18, at step202, the attachment border44is secured to the second end33of the extension member27of the parapet attachment25. The attachment border44can be operatively attached to the second end33of the extension member27via a clamp, fastener94, or other attachment apparatus.

At step203, the winching members78can be detached from the attachment border44of the respective panel36.

In an example wherein, the plurality of panels36includes a first panel36aand a second panel36b,the method100can further include operatively coupling the first panel36aand the second panel36bat a plurality of predefined panel attachment points68, as shown at step204. The respective opposing sides48of the first panel36aand the second panel36bcan be coupled via a fastener, for example, a wire tie, hose tie, steggel tie, zap strap, or zip tie. Alternatively, the first panel36aand the second panel36bcan be coupled via a rope or twine as previously described herein.

Once fully secured in the installed position60, the respective panel36extends along the height38and is disposed laterally from the respective exterior wall20of the structure16by the predefined distance56, so as to form a removable barrier to at least one of the exterior walls20of the structure16. The predefined distance56, can vary along the height38of the panel38between the attachment distance90at the attachment border44and the coil distance92at the coil border46. However, in any example, the predefined distance56is at least the attachment distance90.

In one example, the attachment distance90may be zero and, in turn, the predefined distance56at the attachment border44is also zero. In such an example, the attachment distance90may be zero, i.e., the attachment border44can be attached directly to the vertical sidewall of30of the parapet26, wherein no parapet attachment25is present. In this example, the coil distance92is be greater than the attachment distance90, such that the panel36is laterally spaced apart from the pre-existing structure16by a predefined distance56, which is between the attachment distance90and the coil distance92. In this example, the containment area72is trapezoidal or triangular; however, the predefined distance56, in this instance, the predefined distance56is maintained from about four to about eight feet in the area to be inspected to allow for the maneuvering the UAV12.

In another example, the panel36may be laterally spaced apart from the respective exterior wall20of the structure16by the attachment distance90, which is equal to a length of the extension member29, wherein the attachment border44is attached to second end33of the extension member29. In such an example, the extension member29extends outwardly from the roof boundary24by the attachment distance90, such that the predefined distance56is at least the attachment distance90. In this example, the predefined distance56may be from about one foot to about twelve feet. In this example, each of the attachment distance90, the coil distance92, and the predefined distance56may be equal or the coil distance92may be greater than the attachment distance90. As such, in such an example, the containment area72may be rectangular or non-rectangular, e.g., trapezoidal or triangular.

Accordingly, in the installed position60, the plurality of panels36and at least one of the exterior walls20of the structure16cooperate to define a periphery of a UAV containment area72defined by the height38, the predefined distance56, and a collective panel width74, wherein the collective panel width74is defined as the sum of the panel width50of each of the respective panels of the plurality of panels36. As such, the UAV containment area72defines a controlled environment, directly adjacent to the structure16, within which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)12can be operated in a controlled manner, for example, to complete an inspection of the pre-existing structure16and identify damaged areas22thereof.

Referring back toFIG. 5, the method further includes step106, namely, operating a UAV12, in a controlled manner, within the UAV containment area72, such that the UAV may, for example, perform an inspection of the structure16and collect data regarding the condition of the roof18and exterior walls20of the structure16disposed within the UAV containment area72. Further, during the inspection, an operator34can initiate an automatic scanning process of the pre-existing structure16and the damaged areas22thereof and quickly and safely obtain detailed image, video, or other sensory data regarding the damaged area22. The UAV12can then store, and/or transmit detailed image, video, or other sensory data, which can be transferred to another platform for inspection and analysis.

The method can further include step107, namely, transferring the panel36from the installed position60to the coiled position58. Step107can be completed at the end of the inspection when the UAV12is safely grounded.

Step107, is further defined inFIG. 7and includes the additional steps shown as steps301through303detailed therein.

At step301, the winching members78are extended from the winch hoist76, connected to the parapet attachment25, and are operatively re-attached to the attachment border44of the respective panel36. The winching members78can be operatively attached to the attachment border44via a fastener94or the like.

At step302, the attachment border44is detached from the parapet attachment extension member27.

At step303, the winch hoist76is powered to let out, wind out, or otherwise extend the winching members78downward from the roof18and the parapet26and along the respective exterior wall20. As the winching members78are let out or extended downward, the attachment border44is lowered along the respective exterior wall20of the structure16. As the attachment border44is lowered the coil member46is rotated, such that the panel36is rotated and coiled about the coil member46to return to the coiled position58, that is, to reform one of the transportable panel coils62for transport and job clean-up.