Essential Public Safety Controls for UAVs|AVs
Reasonable public safety controls like the one described in the patent filed by Disney in 2015, would be strongly advised and wise to be required by law or F.A.A. Regulations to be included on any unattended aerial vehicle (UAV) and aerial vehicles like flying cars, that are being tested now, and essential for public safety:
An external airbag and parachute apparatus designed to protect those inside and below a malfunctioning drone or flying car from impact is a safety mechanism that employs a combination of technologies to mitigate potential damage caused by aerial vehicle failures. Here's a general explanation of how such a system might work:
**1. Detection of Malfunction:** The system would be equipped with various sensors and monitoring devices to detect any malfunction or failure in the drone or flying car. These sensors could include gyroscopes, accelerometers, altitude sensors, and more.
**2. Rapid Response:** Upon detecting a malfunction, the system would need to respond quickly to ensure the safety of people and property on the ground.
**3. Airbag Deployment:** The first line of defense could be the deployment of external airbags. These airbags would rapidly inflate to create a cushioning effect, reducing the impact force when the vehicle descends. The airbags would be strategically positioned around the vehicle to maximize protection.
**4. Parachute Deployment:** In parallel with or following airbag deployment, a parachute system could be activated. Parachutes are effective in slowing down the descent of the malfunctioning vehicle, allowing for a more controlled landing.
**5. Controlled Descent:** The combination of airbags and parachutes would enable a controlled descent, reducing the risk of collateral damage and injury. The descent could be directed to a safe landing area away from populated areas.
**6. Emergency Notification:** Simultaneously, the system could send out emergency notifications to authorities, nearby vehicles, and the operator of the malfunctioning aerial vehicle, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken promptly.
**7. Redundancy and Safety Measures:** To enhance safety, the system would likely incorporate redundancy in sensors and deployment mechanisms, ensuring that it can function even in the event of partial failures.
**8. Remote Control Override:** In some cases, the system might also allow for remote control override, where a trained operator can take control of the malfunctioning vehicle and steer it away from populated areas.
It's important to note that while this concept is feasible based on existing technology and principles, the specific implementation may vary depending on factors such as the size and type of the aerial vehicle, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Additionally, any patented technology by Disney or other entities would have its unique features and designs, which might provide innovative solutions to the challenges of aerial vehicle safety.
Reference:
Patent Information
Publication number: US 20160332739
Patent Title: Impact absorption apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication date: 17 Nov 2016
Filing date: 15 May 2015
Inventors: Clifford Wong;
Original Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
https://patentyogi.com/latest-patents/disney/disney-invented-airbags-drones/