US 12,071,216 B2
Modular unmanned aerial vehicle connection system having insertable tabs
Greg Minarik, Brier, WA (US); Danny R. Nalley, Carnation, WA (US); Harold A. Brown, Carnation, WA (US); and Joel M. Reiter, Carnation, WA (US)
Assigned to Insitu, Inc., Bingen, WA (US)
Filed by Insitu, Inc., Bingen, WA (US)
Filed on Sep. 7, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/467,885.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/092,290, filed on Oct. 15, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0119090 A1, Apr. 21, 2022
Int. Cl. B64C 1/26 (2006.01); B64C 39/02 (2023.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 30/10 (2023.01); B64U 30/20 (2023.01); B64U 50/13 (2023.01)
CPC B64C 1/26 (2013.01) [B64C 39/024 (2013.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 30/10 (2023.01); B64U 30/20 (2023.01); B64U 50/13 (2023.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connection system for use with an aerial vehicle (AV), the connection system comprising:
a tab extending from one of an aerodynamic body or a frame of the AV, the tab having a dove-tailed cross-sectional profile including:
a narrow portion extending from the aerodynamic body or the frame at a first side of the tab, and
a wider portion at a distal end of the tab, the wider portion defining a flat surface at the distal end, the flat surface including an aperture to receive a lock pin, the flat surface at a second side of the tab that is opposite the first side; and
a slot to receive the tab, the slot positioned on the other of the aerodynamic body or the frame, the aerodynamic body moved relative to the frame along a direction that is opposite a forward direction of travel of the AV as the tab is inserted into the slot.