Patent Description:
In some embodiments, the plane in which the surface of the PCB lies is a first plane, and the surface of the PCB does not intersect any projection, in a second plane, of a rotation circumference of any propeller assembly of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the second plane being orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the propeller assembly.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the PCB is exposed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the PCB is covered by a coating, which may be transparent or translucent.

In some embodiments, the PCB has a nonrectangular shape. The nonrectangular shape may be any shape, such as, for example, the shape of an animal (e.g., a shark, a whale, a dog, a cat, a tiger, a fish, etc.). The PCB shape may provide an interesting design element to the UAV.

According to the claimed invention, the PCB comprises a mechanical feature configured to engage with a peripheral or a subassembly comprising the peripheral. For example, the mechanical feature may be a cutout in the PCB. In some such embodiments, the peripheral or peripheral subassembly may be slidably engaged in the cutout. In embodiments in which the peripheral or peripheral subassembly is slidably engaged in the cutout, the peripheral may be electrically coupled (e.g., connected) to the PCB. In some embodiments, the peripheral or peripheral subassembly is soldered to the PCB. The peripheral may be, for example, a camera.

In some embodiments, the UAV weighs less than about <NUM> kilogram (kg). For example, in some embodiments, the UAV is a micro-drone weighing no more than approximately <NUM> grams (g).

Some non claimed embodiments disclose a kit for a UAV that, after being assembled, has a yaw axis, a pitch axis, and a roll axis. The kit comprises four propeller assemblies, a base assembly configured to be coupled to each of the four propeller assemblies, and a PCB configured to be coupled to the base assembly. Each of the four propeller assemblies is configured to rotate about a respective one of a plurality of axes of rotation when the UAV has been assembled. The kit is configured such that when the PCB is coupled to the base assembly, a surface of the PCB lies in a plane defined by the yaw axis and the roll axis, and no portion of the PCB intersects any axis of rotation of any of the four propeller assemblies.

In some non claimed embodiments, the kit further comprises a plurality of motors already coupled to, or configured to be coupled to, the four propeller assemblies. In some embodiments, the base assembly comprises a plurality of motors that, after the UAV has been assembled, are coupled to the four propeller assemblies.

In some non claimed embodiments, the PCB of the kit has a nonrectangular shape. The nonrectangular shape may be any shape, such as, for example, the shape of an animal (e.g., a shark, a whale, a dog, a cat, a tiger, a fish, etc.).

In some non claimed embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the PCB of the kit is exposed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the PCB is covered by a coating, which may be transparent or translucent.

In some non claimed embodiments, the PCB of the kit comprises a mechanical feature configured to engage with a peripheral or a peripheral subassembly. For example, the mechanical feature may be a cutout in the PCB. In some such embodiments, the kit includes the peripheral, which may be, for example, a camera. In some embodiments that include a camera, the kit further comprises a protective ring coupled to or configured to be coupled to the camera.

In some non claimed embodiments, the combined weight of the four propeller assemblies, the base assembly, and the PCB of the kit is less than <NUM> kilogram (kg). For example, the kit may be for a micro-drone that, in assembled form, weighs no more than <NUM> grams (g).

In some non claimed embodiments, a kit for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises at least one propeller assembly, a base assembly coupled to or configured to be coupled to the at least one propeller assembly, and a printed circuit board coupled to or configured to be coupled to the base assembly. The printed circuit board comprises a mechanical feature (e.g., a cutout) configured to engage with a peripheral (e.g., a camera). In some non claimed embodiments, the kit includes the peripheral (e.g., a camera). In some non claimed embodiments, in which the peripheral is a camera, the kit includes a protective ring coupled to or configured to be coupled to the camera.

In some non claimed embodiments, the kit includes a plurality of motors coupled to or configured to be coupled to the four propeller assemblies. In some embodiments, the base assembly comprises a plurality of motors.

In some non claimed embodiments, the combined weight of the at least one propeller assembly, the base assembly, and the PCB of the kit is less than <NUM> kilogram (kg). For example, the kit may be for a micro-drone that, in assembled form, weighs no more than <NUM> grams (g).

Document D1 (<CIT>) relates to a utility model that relates to a power supply module, unmanned vehicles and remote control mobile device unmanned vehicles. The power supply module includes a mounting bracket, energy supply device and at least two functional modules. The mounting bracket sets up on the fuselage, the energy supply device is set up on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes at least two installation departments, at least two functional modules set up respectively on at least two installation departments, and respectively with energy supply device electric connection. The above mentioned power supply module's volume is less relatively and the dismounting is comparatively convenient.

Document D2 (<CIT>) relates to unmanned aerial vehicles and methods for providing the same. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to a support frame. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations with a continuous track for ground propulsion. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to payload clamps.

Document D3 (<CIT>) relates to an aircraft, in particular an unmanned aerial vehicle with wing-borne flight mode and hover flight mode, comprising a wing structure (<NUM>) having a left (<NUM>), middle (<NUM>), and right wing section (<NUM>). A support structure extends from the wing structure (<NUM>), and has an upper and lower support section. Each one of the left and right wing section (<NUM>, <NUM>), and upper and lower support section (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a thrust unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Left and right wingtip sections are rotatable relative to a left and right wing base section, respectively, around an axis extending substantially in a lengthwise direction of the wing structure. The thrust units (<NUM>,<NUM><NUM>) of the left and right wing sections (<NUM>, <NUM>) are provided at the respective wingtip sections, in particular at the extremities thereof.

Document D4 (<CIT>) relates to a utility model that relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial equipment and in particular relates to a miniature four-rotor aircraft for intelligent aerial photography. The miniature four-rotor aircraft comprises a rack and is characterized in that four layers of printed circuit boards of an integrated circuit are arranged on the rack, wherein motor mounting holes are formed in four corners of the rack; high-speed hollow cup motors are correspondingly mounted on the motor mounting holes; propeller blades are mounted on high-speed hollow cup motors; taking-off and shock-absorbing seats sleeve the tails of the high-speed hollow cup motors; a lithium battery is mounted on the rack; a camera viewing angle regulator is also arranged under the front of the rack; a camera is mounted on the camera viewing angle regulator; single-chip microcontrollers are arranged on the four layers of printed circuit boards; the peripheries of the single-chip microcontrollers are connected with a Micro SD card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) module, a USB transfer serial port, a camera, a <NUM>+PA wireless module, an attitude sensor and a motor driving module; the motor driving module is connected with the high-speed hollow cup motors.

Objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description of certain embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft without an on-board human pilot. UAVs have many uses, including in military, commercial (e.g., package deliveries, land surveys, etc.), scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other applications. One type of UAV is known as a "quadcopter," which has four rotors (also referred to herein as propellers). A UAV may include a camera that provides a first-person view (FPV) of the flight to a remotely-located viewer, such as, for example, the UAV's pilot or an observer. The viewer may view the flight using a display, such as, for example, a headset that presents the first-person view, thereby giving the viewer the sense that he or she is aboard the UAV.

A popular use of UAVs is for FPV drone racing, in which participants (pilots) control drones (e.g., small radio-controlled aircraft or quadcopters) flown through a course. Each pilot's objective is to complete the course as quickly as possible. The drones are equipped with cameras that wirelessly transmit live video streams to displays accessible to the pilots. The display may be, for example, a head-mounted display (e.g., a headset, goggles, etc.). The display shows a live-stream camera feed from the drone being flown by the pilot.

For drone racing and other applications, the flight characteristics of the UAV are important. Both the speed and maneuverability of the UAV can impact the user experience. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for UAV's with improved flight characteristics.

Disclosed herein are UAV designs providing such improved flight characteristics. Some embodiments described herein may provide a UAV with greater maneuverability than conventional UAVs. Some embodiments described herein may provide a UAV with more desirable aerodynamics than conventional UAVs. Some embodiments described herein may provide a UAV with greater modularity of its component parts than conventional UAVs. Based on these and other benefits, embodiments described herein may provide UAVs that better perform existing functions of UAVs and/or allow new uses of UAVs.

The embodiments of UAVs disclosed herein include a vertically-mounted printed circuit board (PCB). With the convention that the ground is horizontal, a vertically-mounted PCB is perpendicular to the ground when the UAV is level and at rest (e.g., on the ground or on another horizontal surface). In contrast, a horizontally-mounted PCB is parallel to the ground when the UAV is level and at rest. As used herein, the term "printed circuit board" (or "PCB") refers to a board that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components (including active (e.g., integrated circuits, etc.) and/or passive (e.g., resistors, inductors, capacitors, etc.)) using conductive tracks, pads, and/or other features etched from conductive sheets (typically copper) laminated onto a non-conductive substrate (e.g., silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, FR-<NUM> glass epoxy, etc.). The electronic components may be soldered to the PCB and/or embedded in the substrate. A PCB may be single-sided (with one conductive layer), double-sided (with two conductive layers), or multi-layer (with inner and outer conductive layers). The term "PCB" is used herein to refer to both assembled (i.e., populated with components) and unassembled (i.e., bare) PCBs.

The use of a vertically-mounted PCB in a UAV offers a number of potential advantages. For example, a vertically-mounted PCB improves the stability of the UAV, particularly when the UAV flies or hovers close to surfaces (e.g., the ground) and might otherwise be negatively impacted by ground effect (e.g., vibrations or instabilities caused when rotor tip vortices are disrupted by the ground). A vertically-mounted PCB also helps to stabilize the UAV and helps to prevent or mitigate unintentional rotation when the UAV flies in the forward direction. A vertically-mounted PCB provides advantages similar to those provided by an airplane's rudder to improve the UAV's tolerance to wind. In addition, a vertically-mounted PCB potentially enables the UAV to fly faster, which may be particularly advantageous for applications such as drone racing. For example, UAVs typically pitch forward during flight, which results in horizontally-mounted PCBs and other components presenting a significant surface area that causes air resistance. By mounting the PCB vertically, this resistance decreases because only the thin edge of the PCB presents a barrier to the air. Most of the air flows around the vertically-mounted PCB when the UAV flies in the forward direction, regardless of whether or how much the UAV pitches forward.

The embodiments of UAVs disclosed herein include novel peripheral attachment mechanisms that provide a simple, inexpensive way to attach peripherals to the UAV. The PCB of the UAV includes a mechanical feature to allow the connection of a peripheral (e.g., a vision sensor, such as a camera, LIDAR, or other vision system; an audio sensor, such as a microphone or other audio system, etc.) to the UAV. The mechanical feature may be, for example, a cutout in the PCB into which a peripheral or a peripheral subassembly containing the peripheral may be inserted.

The disclosures herein are applicable to UAVs of various sizes. The application of the disclosures herein to small and/or lightweight UAVs or micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) (i.e., miniature UAVs) is specifically contemplated and may be particularly advantageous. In particular, the disclosures herein may be particularly useful for UAVs weighing less than about <NUM> kilogram (kg).

<FIG> is a perspective right, front view of a UAV <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments, and <FIG> is a perspective left, rear view of the UAV <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. The UAV <NUM> is described herein relative to its principal axes, namely the yaw axis <NUM> (also known as the vertical axis), the pitch axis <NUM> (also known as the lateral axis), and the roll axis <NUM> (also known as the longitudinal axis). The yaw axis <NUM>, pitch axis <NUM>, and roll axis <NUM> intersect at the center of mass <NUM> of the UAV <NUM> (not labeled in <FIG>, but labeled in <FIG>). The plane coincident with (i.e., intersecting) the roll axis <NUM> and the pitch axis <NUM> is considered to be a horizontal plane. The plane coincident with the roll axis <NUM> and the yaw axis <NUM> and the plane coincident with the pitch axis <NUM> and the yaw axis <NUM> are both considered to be vertical planes. Herein, a plane is said to be "defined by" two specified axes if it is either coincident with those two axes or parallel to the plane that is coincident with those axes.

The UAV comprises a plurality (i.e., at least two) propeller assemblies <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the UAV <NUM> includes four propeller assemblies: 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D. Each of the propeller assemblies <NUM> comprises at least one rotor. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each propeller assembly <NUM> includes a pair of rotors facing one another. In other embodiments, the propeller assemblies <NUM> may include more than two rotors. The propeller assemblies <NUM> may comprise any suitable materials, such as, for example, plastic, carbon fiber, high-strength steel, a magnesium (Mg) alloy, an aluminum (Al) alloy, polymer composites, or any other suitable (e.g., light-weight) material. When the UAV <NUM> is in operation, each of the propeller assemblies <NUM> rotates about an axis of rotation <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates only the axes of rotation 122C and 122D for, respectively, the propeller assemblies 120C and 120D. <FIG>, discussed below, illustrates the axes of rotation 122A and 122B for, respectively, the propeller assemblies 120A and 120B. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation <NUM> of some or all of the propeller assemblies <NUM> is parallel to the yaw axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the axis of rotation <NUM> of at least one of the propeller assemblies <NUM> is at an angle to the yaw axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the axes of rotation <NUM> of all of the propeller assemblies <NUM> are at angles to the yaw axis <NUM>, where the angles may be the same or different.

Each of the propeller assemblies <NUM> optionally may be protected by a propeller guard (not illustrated). If included, the propeller guards may be substantially rigid structures, typically mounted substantially horizontally, that surround the rotors of the propeller assemblies <NUM> to protect the propeller assemblies <NUM> in the event of collisions between the UAV <NUM> and other objects (flying or stationary).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the propeller assemblies <NUM> is coupled to a base assembly <NUM>. The base assembly <NUM> may include, or be coupled to, four motors oriented, for example, in an "X"- or "H"-shaped pattern. Each motor is coupled to one of the propeller assemblies <NUM> and provides aerial propulsion to the UAV <NUM>. The speed of revolution of the motors may be controlled by a processor included in the circuitry <NUM>, discussed below. The base assembly <NUM> may also include, or be coupled to, other elements, including, for example, pads that contact a surface when the UAV <NUM> is at rest (e.g., not flying). The base assembly <NUM> may comprise any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, polymer composites, PCB, etc. The base assembly <NUM> may include conductors that provide power and/or other signals (e.g., control signals) to the motors that drive the plurality of propeller assemblies <NUM>. For example, the base assembly may comprise a PCB with traces that supply power and/or control signals to the motors that drive the plurality of propeller assemblies <NUM>.

The UAV <NUM> also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> coupled to the base assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> is mounted vertically in a plane defined by the yaw axis <NUM> and the roll axis <NUM>. Because the PCB <NUM> is mounted vertically and lies in a plane defined by the yaw axis <NUM> and the roll axis <NUM>, the PCB <NUM> does not intersect any (substantially vertical) axis of rotation <NUM> of any of the propeller assemblies <NUM> of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> is populated and includes circuitry <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include components mounted directly to the surface of the PCB <NUM>, and/or the circuitry <NUM> may be mounted to a daughter card that is coupled to the surface of the PCB <NUM> (e.g., through a socket or by soldering). The circuitry <NUM> may include a processor that may use differences in rotational speeds of the motors, and therefore the propeller assemblies <NUM>, to control the flight of the UAV <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, each propeller assembly <NUM> is provided facing another propeller assembly <NUM>. Propeller assemblies <NUM> that face each other may spin in opposite directions to prevent their lifting forces from canceling each other. For example, the propeller assemblies 120A and 120D may spin clockwise while the propeller assemblies 120B and 120C spin counterclockwise, or vice versa.

The circuitry <NUM> may include, for example, memory to store software run by a processor to control the UAV <NUM> and/or to communicate (e.g., using additional components, such as a transmitter and receiver) with a remote device (e.g., a display), to store data received from peripherals <NUM> of the UAV <NUM>, and/or to store commands or instructions received from a remote device (e.g., a remote user control device).

The circuitry <NUM> may include, for example, communication circuitry enabling the UAV <NUM> to communicate wirelessly (e.g., using radio-frequency (RF) signals) with a remote user control device (e.g., a device that enables a pilot to control the UAV <NUM>). For example, the circuitry <NUM> may include a receiver for receiving commands from the remote user control device. In addition or alternatively, the circuitry <NUM> may include a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote device (e.g., the remote user control device). For example, the circuitry <NUM> may transmit a live video stream from a camera mounted on the UAV <NUM> to a remote device. The UAV <NUM> may also include components in addition to circuitry <NUM> to enable the UAV <NUM> to transmit signals to or receive signals from a remote device. For example, the UAV <NUM> may include an antenna and wiring coupling the antenna to the transmitter/receiver.

In some embodiments, when the UAV <NUM> is fully assembled (i.e., in finished form, ready to fly), all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> is exposed (i.e., visible) in the fully-assembled UAV <NUM>. For example, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> may be covered by a transparent or translucent coating that allows at least some of the circuitry <NUM> to be seen. In other embodiments, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> is partially or entirely hidden. For example, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> may be covered by an opaque coating, or all or a portion of the PCB <NUM> may be inside of a housing that obscures the circuitry <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the PCB <NUM> has a nonrectangular shape. For example, the PCB <NUM> may have the shape of an animal. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the animal may be a shark. Other animal shapes are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosures herein. In general, the PCB <NUM> may have any desired shape, such as a regular shape (e.g., a rectangle, square, triangle) or an irregular shape. Thus, the PCB <NUM> may provide a whimsical design element to the UAV <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> is configured to allow the attachment of various components or devices (e.g., sensor devices) to the UAV <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> includes a mechanical feature to allow the connection of a peripheral <NUM> (e.g., a vision sensor, such as a camera, LIDAR, or other vision system; an audio sensor, such as a microphone or other audio system; etc.).

In some embodiments, the UAV <NUM> includes a peripheral <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral <NUM> is a camera. In some embodiments, the peripheral <NUM> mounts directly to the UAV <NUM> by engaging with a mechanical feature of the PCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral <NUM> is included in a peripheral subassembly <NUM>, and the peripheral subassembly <NUM> is coupled to the UAV <NUM> (e.g., by engaging with a mechanical feature of the UAV <NUM>, such as a mechanical feature of the PCB <NUM>). In some such embodiments, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> includes conductive traces printed onto or within the material making up the peripheral subassembly <NUM>. For example, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> may comprise a PCB. The conductive traces may provide electrical connections between the peripheral <NUM> mounted in the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and the circuitry <NUM> of the UAV <NUM> when the peripheral subassembly <NUM> is connected to the UAV <NUM>. For example, the conductive traces may provide power to the peripheral <NUM> and/or electrical connections between the peripheral <NUM> and a processor of the circuitry <NUM>.

In the example embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> engages with a mechanical feature of the PCB <NUM>, as shown in details A and B. For example, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> may slide into place in a cutout of the PCB <NUM>. The attachment point or points between the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> may provide electrical connections between components of the peripheral subassembly <NUM> (including the peripheral <NUM> itself) and the PCB <NUM>. For example, the PCB <NUM> may include electrical connection points (e.g., to engage with solder pads <NUM> of the peripheral <NUM> or peripheral assembly <NUM>), and the peripheral subassembly <NUM> or the peripheral <NUM> itself may include corresponding electrical connection points (e.g., solder pads <NUM>) that are configured to align with the electrical connection points of the PCB <NUM> when the peripheral <NUM> or peripheral subassembly <NUM> engages with the PCB <NUM>, thereby creating a closed electrical circuit between the peripheral(s) <NUM> (e.g., of the peripheral subassembly <NUM>) and the circuitry <NUM>. Thus, signals (e.g., control, data, etc.) and/or power may be transferred between peripherals <NUM> (e.g., of the peripheral subassembly <NUM>) and the circuitry <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the peripheral <NUM> is electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> through a mechanical connection made when the peripheral subassembly <NUM> engages with the mechanical feature of the PCB <NUM>. For example, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> may include pins or other contacts that engage with a socket or other component of the PCB <NUM> when the peripheral subassembly <NUM> engages with the mechanical feature. In some embodiments, after the peripheral subassembly <NUM> engages with the mechanical feature, one or more electrical connections are made through a bond or joint (e.g., solder). As another example, the peripheral <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> using a cable or wires. In some embodiments, the connection between the peripheral <NUM> and the UAV <NUM> is partially or completely wireless.

The UAV <NUM> also includes a power source, which may be, for example, a rechargeable battery. In embodiments in which the power source is a rechargeable battery, the battery may be removable to facilitate charging.

<FIG> is a left plan view of a UAV <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the PCB <NUM> lies in a plane defined by the yaw axis <NUM> and the roll axis <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the PCB <NUM> with a mechanical feature (illustrated as a cutout <NUM>) that enables a peripheral subassembly <NUM> (illustrated as including a camera as the peripheral <NUM>) to be mounted to the UAV <NUM> (also shown in detail C of <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the cutout <NUM> allows the peripheral subassembly <NUM> to slide into place laterally (i.e., from the side, perpendicularly to the PCB <NUM>). In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> has a form factor designed to fit within the cutout <NUM>. The cutout <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as having a particular shape, but it is to be appreciated that the cutout <NUM> may have alternative shapes. In general, the cutout <NUM> may have any suitable shape for engaging with the peripheral subassembly <NUM> (e.g., the cutout <NUM> may include a notch, a groove, a partial circle, a dovetail, etc.).

<FIG> is a top plan view of a UAV <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. In addition to features previously discussed in the context of other drawings herein, <FIG> illustrates the rotation circumferences <NUM> of each of the propeller assemblies <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates the rotation circumferences 124A, 124B, 124C, and 124D of, respectively, the propeller assemblies 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D. As shown in <FIG>, the vertically-mounted PCB <NUM> does not intersect any of the rotation circumferences <NUM>. Moreover, no surface of the PCB <NUM> intersects any projection of the rotation circumferences <NUM> onto any plane that is orthogonal to any of the axes of rotation <NUM>. In other words, if the rotation circumference <NUM> of any of the propeller assemblies 120A, 120B, 120C, or 120D were projected onto any arbitrary plane that is orthogonal to the corresponding axis of rotation 122A, 122B, 122C, or 122D, the PCB <NUM> would not intersect the projection.

The detail D of <FIG> illustrates the peripheral subassembly <NUM> in place and engaged with the PCB <NUM> by the mechanical feature of the PCB <NUM>. The peripheral subassembly <NUM> may have any shape and configuration suitable to secure the peripheral(s) <NUM> it contains to the UAV <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> comprises an element (e.g., a PCB) that, when the peripheral subassembly <NUM> is engaged with the UAV <NUM>, lies in a horizontal plane. It is to be understood that other peripheral subassembly <NUM> configurations, sizes, and shapes are also contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosures herein.

<FIG> is a front plan view of a UAV <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated by <FIG> and in detail E, the peripheral subassembly <NUM>, illustrated as having a camera as the peripheral <NUM>, is coupled to the PCB <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, when the peripheral subassembly <NUM> is engaged with the PCB <NUM>, the top and bottom of the peripheral <NUM> are secured by the PCB <NUM>, and the left and right of the peripheral <NUM> are secured by the peripheral subassembly <NUM>. Thus, the combination of the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> (with cutout <NUM>) enables the peripheral <NUM> to be mounted simply and securely to the UAV <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective right, front view of a UAV <NUM> having an optional peripheral protection device in accordance with some embodiments. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> includes a peripheral <NUM> that is a camera, and the UAV <NUM> includes a camera protective ring <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the camera protective ring <NUM> is configured to engage with the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and/or the PCB <NUM> to mitigate damage to the camera (e.g., to the lens of the camera) caused by collisions (e.g., with other flying objects or with stationary objects into which the UAV <NUM> flies). The camera protective ring <NUM> may be coupled to the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and/or PCB <NUM> using any suitable mechanism. For example, the camera protective ring <NUM> may include a plurality of notches shaped to allow the camera protective ring <NUM> to slide over protrusions of the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and/or the PCB <NUM>. As another example, the camera protective ring <NUM> may be secured to the UAV <NUM> by adhesive or a fastening mechanism (e.g., a screw, a snap, etc.). The camera protective ring <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, rubber, PCB (in which case it may also provide electrical connectivity), etc. It is to be appreciated that the camera protective ring <NUM> could alternatively be attached directly to the camera. Moreover, other protective devices may be included to protect other types of peripherals <NUM> that may be included in the peripheral subassembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a UAV <NUM> in accordance with some non claimed embodiments. The UAV <NUM> includes four propeller assemblies 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D, a base assembly <NUM>, and some or all of the other elements discussed previously in the description of the UAV <NUM>. In addition, the UAV <NUM> includes a PCB <NUM>. In the embodiment of the UAV <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> has a rectangular shape and is mounted horizontally (i.e., in a plane defined by the pitch axis <NUM> and the roll axis <NUM>). Although <FIG> illustrates a PCB <NUM> with a rectangular shape, it is to be appreciated that the PCB <NUM> may have any suitable shape, including regular geometric or irregular shapes. For example, the PCB <NUM> may have an oval shape, or it may be shaped like an object (e.g., a bird, a fish, a shark, etc.), or it may have any other selected shape that can be coupled to the base assembly <NUM> and does not interfere with the propeller assemblies <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> is illustrated without circuitry <NUM>, but it is to be understood that the PCB <NUM> may include circuitry <NUM> (i.e., the PCB <NUM> is populated), and this circuitry <NUM> may be as described previously in the discussion of the UAV <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the UAV <NUM> is fully assembled (i.e., in finished form, ready to fly), all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> is exposed (i.e., visible) in the fully-assembled UAV <NUM>. For example, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> may be covered by a transparent or translucent coating that allows at least some of the circuitry <NUM> to be seen. In other embodiments, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> is partially or entirely hidden. For example, all or a portion of the surface of the PCB <NUM> may be covered by an opaque coating, or all or a portion of the PCB <NUM> may be inside of a housing that obscures the circuitry <NUM>.

As shown in the detail G, the PCB <NUM> includes a mechanical feature, shown as a cutout <NUM>, that enables the peripheral subassembly <NUM> to be coupled to the PCB <NUM> (and therefore to the UAV <NUM>). The cutout <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a shape that is similar to the shape of the cutout <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but it is to be appreciated that the cutout <NUM> may have a different shape as explained previously. Moreover, although the peripheral <NUM> is illustrated as a camera, it is to be understood that other peripherals <NUM> are contemplated and may be coupled to the UAV <NUM> as described above.

<FIG> illustrate UAV <NUM> in accordance with some non claimed embodiments. The UAV <NUM> includes four propeller assemblies 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D, a base assembly <NUM>, and some or all of the other elements discussed previously in the description of the UAV <NUM>. In addition, the UAV <NUM> includes a PCB <NUM>. In the embodiment of the UAV <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> has a substantially square shape and is mounted horizontally (i.e., in a plane defined by the pitch axis <NUM> and the roll axis <NUM>) with one corner of the PCB <NUM> aligned with the roll axis <NUM>, and two corners of the PCB <NUM> aligned with the pitch axis <NUM>.

As shown in the detail H, the PCB <NUM> includes a mechanical feature, shown as a cutout <NUM>, that enables the peripheral subassembly <NUM> to be coupled to the PCB <NUM> (and therefore to the UAV <NUM>). The cutout <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a shape that is similar to the shape of the cutout <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but it is to be appreciated that the cutout <NUM> may have a different shape as explained previously. Furthermore, although the peripheral <NUM> is illustrated once again as a camera, it is to be understood that other peripherals <NUM> are contemplated and may be coupled to the UAV <NUM> as described above.

Although the drawings herein illustrate a cutout <NUM> as the mechanical feature enabling a peripheral <NUM> to be attached to the UAV <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, it is to be understood that other mechanical features may be used instead or in addition to a cutout <NUM>. For example, the mechanical feature may comprise a protrusion, where the protrusion that fits within a cutout, slot, or hole in the peripheral subassembly <NUM> or peripheral <NUM>; a hook providing a compressive fit with the peripheral subassembly <NUM> or peripheral <NUM>; a first portion of a joint (e.g., one of two parts of: a ball joint, a bridle joint, an open tenon joint, an open mortise and tenon joint, a tongue and fork joint, a dowel joint, a finger joint, a dovetail joint, dado joint, groove joint, tongue and groove joint, birdsmouth joint, cross lap joint, splice joint, biscuit joint, stitch and glue joint, etc.) that mates with a second portion of the joint on the peripheral subassembly <NUM> or the peripheral <NUM> itself; or a first portion of any permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary fastener (i.e., a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together) that has a suitable size and strength to affix the peripheral subassembly <NUM> (or the peripheral <NUM> itself) to the UAV <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is also to be understood that although the drawings herein illustrate a camera as the peripheral <NUM> in the peripheral subassembly <NUM>, the disclosures apply as well to other peripherals <NUM> that might be attached to the UAV <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the peripheral <NUM> may comprise one or more of: a clock, a timer (e.g., to detect time of flight), lidar, a light source (e.g., an OLED, a bulb, a LED, etc.), a radio transmitter, a Bluetooth module, an altimeter, a temperature sensor, a sample collector (e.g., to collect a sample of fluid, gas, soil, etc.), a mechanical device (e.g., to grip a payload or perform a task), an audio device (e.g., a microphone, a speaker, etc.), an accelerometer, a sensor, etc. In addition, a peripheral subassembly <NUM> may include or accommodate multiple peripherals <NUM> (e.g., a camera and an audio device).

It is also to be understood that although the drawings herein illustrate a peripheral subassembly <NUM>, the peripheral <NUM> may not need such a peripheral subassembly <NUM>. In such cases, the peripheral subassembly <NUM> and the peripheral <NUM> are one and the same.

To avoid obscuring the present disclosure unnecessarily, well-known components of the UAVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., motors, wireless transmitters and receivers, processors, etc.) are not illustrated and/or discussed in detail or, in some cases, at all.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and drawings and meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. As set forth explicitly herein, some terms may not comport with their ordinary or customary meanings.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" do not exclude plural referents unless otherwise specified. The word "or" is to be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise specified. Thus, the phrase "A or B" is to be interpreted as meaning all of the following: "both A and B," "A but not B," and "B but not A. " Any use of "and/or" herein does not mean that the word "or" alone connotes exclusivity.

As used herein, phrases of the form "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "one or more of A, B, and C" are interchangeable, and each encompasses all of the following meanings: "A only," "B only," "C only," "A and B but not C," "A and C but not B," "B and C but not A," and "all of A, B, and C.

The term "coupled" is used herein to express a direct connection as well as a connection through one or more intervening parts or structures. Elements that are "communicatively coupled" are capable of communicating but are not necessarily physically coupled. To the extent that the terms "include(s)," "having," "has," "with," and variants thereof are used in the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," i.e., meaning "including but not limited to. " The terms "exemplary" and "embodiment" are used to express examples, not preferences or requirements. The term "plurality" means "at least two. " The abbreviation "e.g." means "for example. " The abbreviation "i.e." means "that is.

The terms "over," "under," "between," and "on" are used herein refer to a relative position of one feature with respect to other features. For example, one feature disposed "over" or "under" another feature may be directly in contact with the other feature or may have intervening material. Moreover, one feature disposed "between" two features may be directly in contact with the two features or may have one or more intervening features or materials. In contrast, a first feature "on" a second feature is in contact with that second feature.

Claim 1:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (<NUM>) having a yaw axis (<NUM>), a pitch axis (<NUM>), and a roll axis (<NUM>), which intersect at a center of mass (<NUM>) of the unmanned aerial vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a plurality of propeller assemblies (<NUM>), each of the plurality of propeller assemblies (<NUM>) configured to rotate about a respective one of a plurality of axes of rotation (<NUM>);
a base assembly (<NUM>) in a first plane defined by the pitch axis (<NUM>) and the roll axis (<NUM>), wherein the base assembly (<NUM>) is coupled to each of the plurality of propeller assemblies (<NUM>); and
a vertically-mounted printed circuit board (<NUM>) coupled and perpendicular to the base assembly (<NUM>), wherein:
the vertically-mounted printed circuit board (<NUM>) lies in a second plane comprising the yaw axis (<NUM>) and the roll axis (<NUM>);
no portion of the vertically-mounted printed circuit board (<NUM>) intersects any of the axes of rotation (<NUM>) of the propeller assemblies (<NUM>), and
wherein the vertically-mounted printed circuit board (<NUM>) comprises a mechanical feature configured to engage with a peripheral (<NUM>) or a peripheral subassembly (<NUM>) comprising the peripheral.