	US 12,038,746 B2
	Modular and dynamically reconfigurable flying systems encompassing flying vehicle modules
Seyed Ali Hajimiri, Pasadena, CA (US)
Assigned to California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US)
Filed by California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US)
Filed on Sep. 27, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/586,549.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/885,395, filed on Aug. 12, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/879,684, filed on Jul. 29, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/879,703, filed on Jul. 29, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/717,220, filed on Aug. 10, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/711,402, filed on Jul. 27, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/711,392, filed on Jul. 27, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2020/0062398 A1, Feb. 27, 2020
Int. Cl. G05D 1/00 (2024.01); B64C 37/02 (2006.01); B64C 39/02 (2023.01); B64C 39/04 (2006.01); B64U 10/13 (2023.01); B64U 30/20 (2023.01); B64U 101/00 (2023.01); B64U 101/30 (2023.01)

CPC G05D 1/0027 (2013.01) [B64C 37/02 (2013.01); B64C 39/02 (2013.01); B64C 39/024 (2013.01); B64C 39/04 (2013.01); G05D 1/00 (2013.01); G05D 1/104 (2013.01); B64U 10/13 (2023.01); B64U 30/20 (2023.01); B64U 2101/00 (2023.01); B64U 2101/30 (2023.01); B64U 2201/102 (2023.01)]

15 Claims

1. A flying vehicle comprising:

a frame defining one or more sidewalls, wherein the frame has an open upper end and an open lower end;

a thrust unit secured within the frame and configured to provide lift for the flying vehicle;

a power unit in connection with the thrust unit;

a controller configured to transmit control signals to the thrust unit; and

a plurality of connectors positioned around an exterior surface of the frame, wherein the connectors are configured to engage external connectors of at least one adjacent flying vehicle, wherein the one or more connectors are configured to form a dynamically adjustable joint when engaged with external connectors of at least one adjacent flying vehicle, wherein the dynamically adjustable joint has a dynamically controllable rigidity adapted to be dynamically changed during flight so that the dynamically controllable rigidity has a first rigidity value during a first time interval while the flying vehicle is in flight and a second rigidity value during a second time interval while the flying vehicle is in flight, wherein said first value is different from said second value.