WO2024107123A1

WO2024107123A1 - Aerial vehicle control system and procedure for its use

Info

Publication number: WO2024107123A1
Application number: PCT/SI2023/050018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea DEGLI ESPOSTI
Original assignee: DEA Motorsport technologies d.o.o.
Priority date: 2022-11-18
Filing date: 2023-11-17
Publication date: 2024-05-23
Also published as: SI26272A

Abstract

The subject of invention is aerial vehicle drive system and procedure of its use, solving these technical problems: simplified learning and memorisation of driving system; simplified visualisation of flight system parameters with alarms to enable emergency landings; integration of alarm systems operating autonomously during flight in case of human error to maintain the pilot's integrity; integration of systems to be activated by the pilot to reset panic situations due to external factors. The aerial vehicle drive system comprises aerial vehicle climb controller (1), aerial vehicle descent controller (2), aerial vehicle rotation controller (3), aerial vehicle turn controller (4), aerial vehicle forward motion controller (5), aerial vehicle backward motion controller (6), aerial vehicle deceleration controller (7), panic switch (8), motor start switch (9), motor stop switch (10), instrument (14). It can also comprise additional drive switch (11), identification element (12), identification sensor (13), safety systems, alarm systems and flight parameter displays.

Description

AERIAL VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS USE

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Field of Technology

Aerial vehicle drive system; drone drive system; safety systems; alarm systems; flight parameter display; use of the aerial vehicle drive system.

Technical Problem

The purpose of the invention is to create a control system for any type of aerial vehicle, which can be simply and immediately learned and interpreted by the pilot by inserting the control and alarm systems in order to eliminate any risk for the pilot in the event of misinterpretation when using the aerial vehicle controllers, whereby removing the possibility of human error.

The use of aerial vehicle drive system is suitable for every aerial vehicle. It is the most suitable and useful for the aerial vehicle system used on drones as a means of rescue, assistance and transport. Drones are presented as aerial vehicles of the future, which can be used for fast and shot trips, avoiding traffic jams caused by accidents which prevent emergency vehicles from arriving at the location of accident. Doctors on board of a drone could reach people to be rescued immediately, since they could avoid traffic blocking the access routes to the location of accident and land in extremely small spaces or even on inclined surfaces, which is impossible with emergency helicopters due to their size. Drone can also be used by firefighters for reaching higher floors of buildings to check the situation or help people if necessary, while staying close to the building, since a drone is much simpler to control than a helicopter, using small propellers which move extremely small quantities of air. Furthermore, drones can be used by police departments to control risk areas or for chases, while in the future, it will definitely be used by anyone wishing to do so.

The invention follows the logic of driving to which human being are already accustomed to. Therefore, it is much easier to switch from a car to an aerial vehicle and vice versa. Moreover, the described invention features safety systems and alarms which simplify the operation of the aerial vehicle and prevent human error during flights.

This simple, logical and safe control system allows the aerial vehicle to be used by a vast number of people who will not be afraid to use the aerial vehicle because they will know that the system can be used immediately and easily, while ensuring protection against possible errors. The user learns how to use the system through simple simulators which simulate flight conditions and critical situations in order to psychologically prepare the user for a potential reaction in critical situations.

State of the Art

The knowledge and use of the drive system of current aerial vehicles requires a lot of teaching and learning, since it differs from controlling the means of transport known to typical users of conventional land vehicles. Some existing aerial vehicle control systems or parts of existing systems resemble the steering wheel of a car, for example the control column of an aeroplane, however, the complete system of flying vehicles is extremely complex and requires several hours of learning. The same applies to helicopters which are equipped with a rotor pitch lever, a rotational axis lever and a rotation control pedal, all of which are used to drive aerial vehicles. Apart from a set of pedals, these controls are not known to the average user of land vehicles in everyday use. The same applies to operating drones, which is based on the movement of levers and is left to the sensitivity of the operator who can control the movements only if he/she has memorised the controls and acquired the sensitivity and reflexes to move the levers.

Drones are the aerial vehicles for future mobility, and aerial vehicle drive system can be used on any aerial vehicle by making appropriate adjustments according to its specifications. The invention shows how the this aerial vehicle drive system is perfectly suited to simplify the learning and driving system of aerial vehicles, preferably drones, by integrating electronic control and alarm systems designed to eliminate human error during flight, to increase pilot safety, or to eliminate possible pilot errors and thereby protect the pilot's life.

Description of New Invention

The subject of the invention is the aerial vehicle drive system and the procedure of its use, which solve the following technical problems:

- simplified learning and memorisation of driving system;

- simplified visualisation of flight system parameters using related alarms for enabling emergency landings;

- integration of alarm systems which operate autonomously during a flight in the event of human error in order to maintain the integrity of the pilot;

- integration of systems which can be activated by the pilot in order to reset the panic situations as a result of any external factors.

The aerial vehicle drive system comprises the safety systems, alarm systems and flight parameter displays.

The driving system using the aerial vehicle drive system is similar to the driving system of land vehicles, which is well known to the majority of users who are skilled in its use. The aerial vehicle drive system is built into the aerial vehicle, preferably into the drone.

Aerial vehicles, preferably drones, are becoming increasingly useful even for safety, as they allow officials (e.g. police officers) to move in any direction and are not limited to roads, as is the case with road vehicles. Furthermore, aerial vehicles, preferably drones, ensure faster rescue and immediate intervention in the event of road traffic accidents by doctors who are capable of boarding an aerial vehicle, preferably a drone, and intervene anywhere in order to help people in severe distress, especially when the time of intervention is crucial for saving lives or reduce permanent injuries of people in need.

The small aerial vehicle allows vertical landing in even the most complex areas, which makes it a very useful aerial vehicle, including, for example, to inspect areas in the event of forest fires, to immediately assess the situation and to intervene at strategic points or save lives by sending help to burning areas, so that trapped people can be rescued in cases where helicopters cannot be used because of their size. The invention enables the use of aerial vehicles to an increasing number of people, simplifies the use of aerial vehicles and facilitates learning how to use aerial vehicles. Integrated control and alarm systems additionally simplify the use of aerial vehicles and ensure greater safety of their use.

The aerial vehicle drive system comprises the control devices used for operating an aerial vehicle, preferably a drone:

- the aerial vehicle climb controller;

- the aerial vehicle descent controller;

- the aerial vehicle rotation controller;

- the aerial vehicle turn controller;

- the aerial vehicle forward motion controller;

- the aerial vehicle rearward motion controller;

- the aerial vehicle deceleration controller.

The drive system is also equipped with safety devices, control devices and alarm devices.

The aerial vehicle drive system comprises: the aerial vehicle climb controller, the aerial vehicle descent controller, the aerial vehicle rotation controller, the aerial vehicle turn controller, the aerial vehicle forward motion controller, the aerial vehicle backward motion controller, the aerial vehicle deceleration controller, the panic switch, the motor start switch, the motor stop switch and the instrument.

Before starting the device, the aerial vehicle drive system is activated and the available energy parameters, such as the amount of fuel and battery charge, are checked by entering the identification code on the identification element and/or checking the fingerprints or optical verification on the identification sensor. If the values of the system parameters are within the prescribed limits, the ignition condition is met, after which the driver of the aerial vehicle fastens the seat belts and presses the motor start switch, preferably the “start” button, to start the motors of the aerial vehicle, preferably four or more motors. When the required speed of the aerial vehicle motors is reached, the aerial vehicle will climb to the preset height after a preset time. The aerial vehicle, preferably a drone, automatically continues its levelling by using altitude sensors or levelling calibration. Once the levelling is complete, all the instrument functions are activated and the aerial vehicle waits for the command on the aerial vehicle climb controller to lift the aerial vehicle. It is possible to prevent the leveling of the aerial vehicle if the conditions after landing are the same as with the subsequent take-off.

The aerial vehicle drive system is preferably equipped with a lock which prevents its use and is activated with a request for use by using an identification element by entering a numerical identification code, or an identification sensor by reading a fingerprint or scanning the retina.

After activation, the aerial vehicle drive system checks the flight parameters, both those relating to the aerial vehicle and those relating to the pilot. As a result, the amount of fuel in the aerial vehicle, the battery charge level and whether the parameters of electric motors are correct are pre-checked Moreover, the parameters of the additional propulsion systems are also be checked if the aerial vehicle contains additional propulsion systems.

When the pilot is in the correct position and the seat belts are fastened, he/she starts the motors, preferably four or more motors, by pressing the motor start switch. When the required power is reached after a preset time interval, for example 3 seconds, the aerial vehicle automatically lifts off. At this stage, the pilot is prevented from controlling the aerial vehicle until the aerial vehicle is at a preset distance from the ground at an adjustable value between 2 and 3 metres, after which the aerial vehicle drive system will continue the levelling by using altitude sensors and/or calibration levels.

Levelling is necessary as the pilot may be carrying a different load each time, for example tools or rescue equipment. The weight of the driver of the aerial vehicle if it is used by several users is a variable that needs to be quantified and adjusted correctly before take-off. When the levelling is complete, all the functions of the instrument are automatically activated, but not all flight functions. The only active flight function after the levelling will be the actual lifting of the aerial vehicle, which will allow an additional lift and activation of all flight functions. By varying the load on the aerial vehicle, the aerial vehicle is raised to a preset height above ground and is levelled by the levelling system by using the levelling sensors. Levelling is carried out by electronically moving one or more weights mounted on the rail or by varying the power of the motors. It is possible to prevent the leveling if the conditions after landing are the same as with the subsequent take-off.

The application and growing knowledge of electronics allows the use of increasingly efficient systems for every type and industry. The necessary analyses and controls are specified to update the aerial vehicle levelling in a very short time. Different approaches can be used for levelling, using interior electronic steering assistance. All these approaches use levelling sensors or calibration levels to quantify the height value at several points of the aerial vehicle, preferably at four points; however, the typology for obtaining the result is different.

In the aerial vehicle drive system, the balancing is performed by moving two masses sliding on special rails mounted under the aerial vehicle, with one rail allowing the mass to move from the rear to the front part of the aerial vehicle and the other rail allowing the mass to move from right to left. During its movement, the weight is electronically locked in place at a point on the rail which ensures the balance of the aerial vehicle. The second system acts on the power of the motors, increasing the power of the motors with higher load or reducing the power of other motors to ensure that the aerial vehicle is kept in the horizontal position.

After starting and levelling the aerial vehicle, it accepts the command for lifting via the aerial vehicle climb controller until the aerial vehicle is at the preset height above ground. The distance from the ground can be set; however, the minimum value is set to prevent accidents. When the minimum height of the aerial vehicle above the ground is reached, all the commands become active. The activation of all commands is linked to the set minimum height.

The aerial vehicle lifting controller preferably comprises a rotatable lever on the right-hand side of the control column, including a rotary potentiometer connected to the lever, which determines the power to be applied to the electric motors that provide the lift. The aerial vehicle lifting controller, which is used by the pilot to lift the aerial vehicle, consists of a lever attached to the control column on the right-hand side, which is pressed by hand. Finger pressure is applied to the lever attached at the front of the control column, which causes the lever to move, whereas the increased angle of the lever results in an increase in the power of all the motors providing the propulsion needed to fly, leading to a vertical climb. When the desired height is reached, the pilot simply releases the force with his/her fingers on the lever to stop the aerial vehicle at the specified height and the aerial vehicle waits for other commands.

Aerial vehicle descent controller allows the aerial vehicle to descend or land. If the aerial vehicle is flying at a height greater than the minimum height at a speed greater than zero and a command is given with the aerial vehicle descent controller, the aerial vehicle will descend to the minimum set height or climb if you use the climb command with the aerial vehicle climb controller. Only at zero speed will a descent command allow the aerial vehicle to land, while laser range sensors and altimeters automatically move the aerial vehicle until it comes to a stop on the ground. All commands will be active up to a preset height from the ground.

The aerial vehicle descent controller may be constructed as a device consisting of a rotatable lever on the left-hand side of the control column, a rotatable potentiometer connected to the lever, whereby the potentiometer determines the power to be taken from the electric motors that provide the descent or landing of the aerial vehicle.

The aerial vehicle descent controller is a device used for descending or landing the aerial vehicle and may consist of a lever mounted on the control column on the left-hand side, which is depressed by hand, a lever mounted on the front side of the control column, which is depressed with the fingers of the left hand, causing a change in the angle of the lever, which results in the reduction of power of all the motors providing the propulsion needed to fly, and leads to lowering the height of vertical flight. When the desired height is reached, the pilot releases the force with his/her fingers to stop the aerial vehicle at the specified height and the aerial vehicle waits for further commands. In order to descend, the aerial vehicle is allowed to fly linearly at a speed greater than zero up to a preset minimum height value. When approaching the minimum height value, the aerial vehicle automatically reduces its speed to zero. At minimum height and zero speed, activation of the device enables an automatic landing which is controlled by the aerial vehicle drive system by using sensors.

The aerial vehicle rotation controller is used to control either the rightward rotation of the aerial vehicle or the leftward rotation of the aerial vehicle.

The rightward rotation is a command that allows the aerial vehicle to rotate itself 360 degrees to the right. The command is active at zero speed when the aerial vehicle is at the minimum preset height, preferably 4 metres from the ground.

The leftward rotation is a command that allows the aerial vehicle to rotate itself 360 degrees to the left. The command is active at zero speed when the aerial vehicle is at the minimum preset height, preferably 4 metres from the ground.

The aerial vehicle rotation controller is preferably a device consisting of a cylindrical roller with a diameter of 30 mm and length of approximately 110 mm. The cylindrical roller is preferably integrated into the right-hand side of the command column, to which a rotary potentiometer that determines the direction and angle of rotation is connected. It remains disabled at speeds above zero for forward and rearward movements of the aerial vehicle.

The aerial vehicle rotation controller is a device which allows the aerial vehicle to rotate horizontally to the right or left, and is mounted on the command column, preferably on the right-hand side. It is always held with the right hand, and is constructed as a rotary cylinder. The aerial vehicle rotation controller is mounted on the command column at the top and bottom, and an internal spring automatically returns it to the zero position corresponding to the aerial vehicle in a straight direction. The internal rotation potentiometer determines the required angular rotation and is activated only when the minimum height is reached. It is deactivated below the minimum height and at speeds greater than zero. The aerial vehicle rotation controller allows the aerial vehicle to be oriented in the selected flight direction before the horizontal speed is activated. It is disabled at speeds above zero because such rotation with the addition of linear speed would make it unsafe for the pilot to control the aerial vehicle with another device during the flight. The aerial vehicle turn controller allows the commands to turn right and turn left.

Right turn is a command that allows the aerial vehicle to turn right during flight, and is active at speeds greater than zero and at heights greater than the minimum height. Left turn is a command that allows the aerial vehicle to turn left during flight, and is active at speeds greater than zero and at heights greater than the minimum height.

The aerial vehicle turn controller, preferably consisting of a control column connected to a potentiometer which determines the direction and radius of curvature when turning, is similar to the propulsion system of a land vehicle, and consists of a control column which in connection with a rotary potentiometer changes the power of the aerial vehicle motors when turned to both sides, and determines the rotation to the right or to the left. It is equipped with other driving devices, an instrument panel and various special buttons for switching the control and panic switch on and off.

The aerial vehicle forward motion controller controls a command that allows the aerial vehicle to move in a forward direction. It also controls the speed of movement and is switched off until the minimum height is reached, after which it becomes operational.

The aerial vehicle forward motion controller is preferably constructed as a right foot pedal connected to a potentiometer, which determines the forward movement and speed of the aerial vehicle. If the pilot removes his/her foot from the pedal, the aerial vehicle slowly decelerates to zero speed, while remaining at the set height.

The aerial vehicle forward motion controller is activated when the minimum height is reached, and allows the activation of the forward speed of the aerial vehicle. It preferably consists of a pedal activated by pressing with the right foot, while a potentiometer connected to a lever determines the desired speed of movement. When the pressure on the pedal is released, the internal spring returns the lever back to the initial rest position and the speed slowly returns back to zero. The forward speed is reactivated when pressing the pedal again.

The aerial vehicle rearward motion controller controls a command that allows the aerial vehicle to move in a rearward direction. It also controls the speed of movement and is switched off until the minimum height is reached, after which it becomes operational.

The aerial vehicle rearward motion controller is preferably constructed as a left foot pedal connected to a potentiometer, which determines the rearward movement and speed of the aerial vehicle. If the pilot removes his/her foot from the pedal, the aerial vehicle slowly decelerates to zero speed, while remaining at the set height.

The aerial vehicle rearward motion controller is activated when the minimum height is reached, and allows the activation of the rearward speed of the aerial vehicle. It preferably consists of a pedal activated by pressing with the left foot, while a potentiometer connected to a lever determines the desired speed of movement. When the pressure on the pedal is released, the internal spring returns the lever back to the initial rest position and the speed slowly returns back to zero. The rearward speed is reactivated when pressing the pedal again.

The aerial vehicle deceleration controller controls the execution of the command to reduce the speed of the aerial vehicle to zero in a more or less short time, depending on the load to which the sensor is subjected. Since the rearward movement is activated by the left foot, the immediate use of the brake pedal with the right foot disables the rearward movement command, even if it remains depressed, and the rearward movement command is reactivated immediately after brake inactivity.

The brake pedal, which is installed for use with the right foot on the left-hand side of the forward movement pedal, and is connected to a potentiometer, more significantly determines the reduction in forward speed to zero in both forward and backward directions, and remains at the set height. The device allows the aerial vehicle to be stopped from the flight speed to zero in an extremely short time, but without endangering the pilot. The aerial vehicle deceleration controller consists of a pedal installed to the left of the aerial vehicle forward motion controller, and is equipped with a potentiometer or measuring cell to detect the applied force calculated with respect to the angle of rotation, and a contrast spring to make the foot pressure more sensitive and calibrated. It is activated by the right foot.

When the aerial vehicle forward motion controller is activated, it is automatically deactivated because it is activated with the same foot. If the brake pedal is depressed with the right foot, the activation of the aerial vehicle rearward motion controller will be immediately cancelled, even if it is kept depressed with the left foot. By stopping the forward speed of the aerial vehicle, it is self-evident that the aerial vehicle, which has stopped during flight, will proceed in the desired direction once the brake pedal pressure is released and one of the other two pedals is activated.

The panic switch determines the stopping of the forward speed of the aerial vehicle and preferably consists of two buttons for immediate use with the right and left thumb. The panic switch is located in the centre of the control column. One button is on the right-hand side of the control column and the other on the left-hand side. The pilot can immediately press them with his/her thumbs in order to neutralise possible errors during flight that could actually cause the pilot to panic and consequently lose control while manoeuvring and using devices which have to be used to escape from a dangerous situation. Therefore, the control column is equipped with these buttons which, when pressed, turn off the driver's commands and turn on automatic control of the aerial vehicle. In this condition, the aerial vehicle is brought into a state of equilibrium and the speed is reduced to zero, which allows the pilot to restore safe conditions. After releasing the buttons, the pilot can continue driving the aerial vehicle. The panic switch provides a significant increase in safety and a reduction in the risk of accidents.

The motor start switch and the motor stop switch the electric motors of the aerial vehicle on and off. The switches are preferably constructed as buttons, preferably the motor start switch on the right-hand side and the motor stop switch on the left-hand side. These are the buttons that the pilot presses when he/she sits on the seat and fastens his/her seat belts to start the motors of the aerial vehicle and take off, and to stop the motors of the aerial vehicle after landing

The additional drive switch ensures that the additional drive is switched off and is preferably constructed as a button, preferably located to the left of the centre of the control column below the motor stop switch.

The additional drive is used to recharge batteries for the aerial vehicle, preferably drone. The weight of the battery reduces the transport capacity on board, which is why a smaller battery pack with a prescribed flight autonomy of, for example, thirty minutes and automatic start of the additional drive to recharge it is preferred.

The solution allows for a longer mileage and if the additional drive needs to be refilled, preferably the petrol tank of the internal combustion engine, the operation can be carried out in a shorter time for an immediate restart. The use of the additional drive allows longer flights and reaching inaccessible areas where the battery cannot be refilled to return, and the fuel for the additional drive can be supplied more easily. The situation also calms the pilot and relieves him of the anxiety associated with the discharge of the batteries. The start of the additional drive is automatically controlled by a system that detects the remaining battery charge, a reverse shutdown if there is a need to recharge the batteries at the point of arrival, or the pilot shall perform the shutdown of the additional drive himself by pressing the additional drive switch after landing.

An identification element, preferably in the form of a keypad, confirms by entering a code that the pilot is entitled to use the aerial vehicle. The entitlement to use the aerial vehicle can also be confirmed by an identification sensor for reading the fingerprint or retina. When the pilot boards the aerial vehicle, the identification element and/or the identification sensor is the first device to be used, which verifies whether the person using the keypad it has the necessary conditions to be able to use it. The person using the keypad must enter the secret code with the keypad and/or his/her fingerprints or retina must be saved in the identification sensor. The instrument is preferably in the constructed in the form of a display showing the values of the operating devices:

- For internal combustion engine: alarms, operating hours, fuel level, engine speed, water temperature, exhaust gas data, oxygen sensor values etc.

- For electric motor: charge value, aerial vehicle speed, battery charge level, alarms, speed of left-hand rear electric motor, speed of left-hand front electric motor, speed of right-hand front electric motor, speed of right-hand rear electric motor, alarms, temperature of left-hand rear motor, temperature of left-hand rear motor, temperature of left-hand front motor, temperature of right-hand front motor, temperature of righthand rear motor, altitude, pressure, temperature, humidity and other.

The instrument that displays and saves the flight parameters is preferably located in the upper part of the control column. The instrument monitors and records all flight parameters, from an unlimited set of parameters on electric motors and additional drive to flight conditions, as well as display of alarms when approaching safety limits on the motors and flight conditions.

In addition, a laser measuring tool is installed to detect if the aerial vehicle is stopped in the direction of motion when the laser encounters an obstacle at the set safety distance. Additional safety systems can also be installed.

Since the ground on which the aerial vehicle is used during flight is not level, laser and radar sensors constantly monitor the distance from the ground, houses, trees and obstacles in general, whereby automatically maintaining a preset distance.

Other sensors installed to measure the horizontal distance from potential obstacles are designed to neutralise possible human error by the pilot. In the event of a dangerous situation the horizontal speed is stopped immediately and the aerial vehicle is positioned at the current height, waiting for the pilot to resume his/her control activity.

An additional drive, preferably an internal combustion engine or hydrogen fuel cells, is a small unit that allows the batteries to be recharged during the flight, and it is automatically activated at preset battery charge levels. An internal combustion engine, preferably a two-stroke engine or a rotary (Wankel) engine, can be used as an additional drive.

The flight system includes the use of an additional drive with all the necessary visual surveillance and controls. A small additional drive on board, designed exclusively for recharging the batteries, is reasonable. When using an additional engine, there are no flight duration limits as a result of the battery charge.

If the additional drive needs to be supplied with fuel, this is carried out in a shorter time interval, which would not feasible if the batteries had to be recharged. The second advantage of the additional drive on board is when flying over hills and forests where it is not possible to recharge the batteries, but it is possible to find fuel for the additional drive, thus ensuring a safe return. Direct electronic fuel injection systems allow stationary engines to operate with low fuel consumption and minimum emissions when compared to those of passenger aircrafts.

The essence of the invention is further explained below with the description of the embodiment and attached figures, whereby the figures are part of this patent application and show the following:

Figure 1 shows the aerial vehicle climb controller 1, the aerial vehicle descent controller 2, the aerial vehicle rotation controller 3, the aerial vehicle turn controller 4, the aerial vehicle forward motion controller 5, the aerial vehicle backward motion controller 6, the aerial vehicle deceleration controller 7, the panic switch 8, the motor start switch 9, the motor stop switch 10, the additional drive switch 11, the identification element 12, the identification sensor 13, the instrument 14.

Figure 2 shows the aerial vehicle climb controller 1, aerial vehicle descent controller 2, aerial vehicle rotation controller 3, aerial vehicle turn controller 4, panic switch 8, motor start switch 9, motor stop switch 10, additional drive switch 11, identification element 12, identification sensor 13, instrument 14. Exemplary embodiment:

The aerial vehicle drive system comprises the aerial vehicle climb controller 1, the aerial vehicle descent controller 2, the aerial vehicle rotation controller 3, the aerial vehicle turn controller 4, the aerial vehicle forward motion controller 5, the aerial vehicle backward motion controller 6, the aerial vehicle deceleration controller 7, the panic switch 8, the motor start switch 9, the motor stop switch 10, the additional drive switch 11, the identification element 12, the identification sensor 13, the instrument 14.

A pilot using the aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle drive system must have credentialed for its use. The credentials are verified in accordance with the preferred method of control, by typing a code on the identification element 12 constructed in the form of a keypad and/or by fingerprint detection or by retinal scanning with the identification sensor 13.

If the pilot is accredited, the control panel is activated. The aerial vehicle drive system verifies all the parameters and devices. If the system confirms the parameters, the pilot can start the motors with the motor start switch 9 after fastening his/her seatbelt. The motors cannot be started if the system does not recognise the driver who is securely fastened with a seatbelt.

When the motors start and the required motor speed is reached, the aerial vehicle climbs to a height of 2 meters. The height can be configured up to 3 meters, whereby the pilot cannot perform any manoeuvres in this phase, as this entire phase is automatically controlled by the aerial vehicle drive system which will level the aerial vehicle once the selected height level has been reached. Aerial vehicle leveling is an extremely important operation which ensures that the aerial vehicle is perfectly level and balanced. This operation is necessary because the weight and its distribution vary when the aerial vehicle is used by more than one person, also because the aerial vehicle may be loaded, for example with rescue cases which may always have different weights depending on what they contain, or equipment necessary to carry out the user's activities.

Two systems are designed to balance this weight: In the first system, the balancing is performed by moving two masses sliding on dedicated rails mounted under the aerial vehicle, with one rail allowing the mass to move from the rear to the front part of the aerial vehicle and the other rail allowing the mass to move from right to left. The weights are electronically locked in their movement at a point on the rail that ensures balance. The second system increases the power of the motor that carry more weight of the aerial vehicle, thereby levelling the aerial vehicle and allowing it to stay level. The difference in motor power is maintained throughout the flight. On the side where the weight is lower, the power of the motors is reduced.

When the aerial vehicle drive system shows a green light, the aerial vehicle climb controller 1 is activated to allow the aerial vehicle to climb vertically. This is the only active device up to a minimum height of 4 metres, with a value configured above the minimum height. When the minimum height is exceeded, all the control functions are active. After the climb, the aerial vehicle rotation controller 3 is used to allow the aerial vehicle to rotate around its axis at zero speed by positioning the front part of the aerial vehicle in the direction of flight, whereas the command is immediately disabled when the aerial vehicle exceeds zero speed to ensure the safety of the pilot. After that, the pilot can use all active commands and devices to fly and, if he/she considers it appropriate, he/she can lift the aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle climb controller 1 by using the command “drone upwards”.

The aerial vehicle drive system detects the distance from the ground, and a safety distance from hard surfaces is maintained autonomously using the sensors with which the drone is equipped to detect the distance in both vertical and horizontal directions. Pressing the aerial vehicle forward motion controller 5 constructed in the form of a pedal will cause the aerial vehicle to proceed in a forward direction at a speed controlled by the pilot with the pedal. The aerial vehicle turn controller 4 allows the commands to turn right and turn left.

The controls are similar to those of a car and are easy for the user to understand and remember. The same applies to driving in the other three directions: left, forward and right, where the driver uses a system equipped with a control column.

The aerial vehicle deceleration braking controller 7 or aerial vehicle brake is also in the same position as in a car, which simplifies all the kinematics that the pilot has to perform. If foot pressure is released from the aerial vehicle forward controller 5, the aerial vehicle will gradually decelerate to zero speed. If the aerial vehicle forward controller 5 is pressed again, the aerial vehicle will regain speed. The aerial vehicle deceleration controller 7 is used when it is necessary to stop the aerial vehicle at a very short distance.

The left foot pedal is the aerial vehicle backward motion controller 6 and allows the aerial vehicle to move backwards if necessary.

The aerial vehicle descent controller 2 is provided on the left-hand side of the left lever to allow the aerial vehicle to change height and land. During flight, all functional parameters are visible to the pilot on the instrument 14 in the form of a data plate and are recorded in memory. The instrument 14 also displays possible alarms related to motor temperatures, battery charge and amount of fuel for additional drive.

The additional drive is activated automatically when the aerial vehicle drive system detects the need to recharge the batteries, and can be deactivated by pushing the additional drive switch 11 when the aerial vehicle lands.

The aerial vehicle drive system comprises two very important buttons to protect the driver's life, which together form the panic switch 8. The buttons are positioned on the control column on the right-hand and left-hand side of the control column, and can be pressed with the thumbs on both hands, since it may be possible that the driver is no longer feeling confident in making decisions as a result of a complex situation. This can happen because this aerial vehicle can be used by also people who are not very skilled in flying, and not only by professionally trained pilots. This is why the panic switch 8 is constructed, which, when pressed, cancels all the speeds of the aerial vehicle and balances the aerial vehicle at zero speed. In this situation, the pilot has time to calm down before resuming the flight.

When the aerial vehicle arrives at the destination, the pilot can start the landing procedure with his/her left hand by using the aerial vehicle descent controller 2 constructed in the form of a lever. The aerial vehicle approaches the ground and decelerates to the minimum height. When the drone is at the minimum height, only vertical flight up to 2 metres from the ground is allowed. At this height, the aerial vehicle drive system automatically controls the landing. When the pilot is on the ground, the motors are switched off by pressing the motor stop switch 10.

It is self-evident that the above described invention can be also used in other particular form not changing the substance of the invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS The aerial vehicle drive system, characterised in that it comprises the aerial vehicle climb controller (1), the aerial vehicle descent controller (2), the aerial vehicle rotation controller (3), the aerial vehicle turn controller (4), the aerial vehicle forward motion controller (5), the aerial vehicle backward motion controller (6) and the aerial vehicle deceleration controller (7). The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the panic switch (8). The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the motor start switch (9). The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the motor stop switch (10). The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the additional drive switch (11). The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the instrument (14). The device according to any claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises the identification element (12). The device according to any claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises the identification sensor (13). The device according to any claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises the safety systems. The device according to any claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises the alarm systems. The device according to any claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it comprises the flight parameter displays. The device according to any claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it is built into the aerial vehicle. The device according to any claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it is built into the drone. The device according to any claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the aerial vehicle climb controller (1) comprises a rotatable lever, including a rotary potentiometer connected to the lever, which determines the power to be applied to the electric motors that provide the climb. The device according to any claims 1 to 14, characterised in that aerial vehicle descent controller (2) comprises a rotatable lever and a rotatable potentiometer connected to the lever, whereby the potentiometer determines the power to be taken from the electric motors that provide the descent or landing of the aerial vehicle. The device according to any claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the aerial vehicle rotation controller (3) comprises a cylindrical roller to which a rotary potentiometer that determines the direction and angle of rotation is connected. The device according to any claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the aerial vehicle turn controller (4) consists of a control column which determines the direction and radius of curvature when turning, and is connected to a rotary potentiometer which changes the power of the aerial vehicle motors. The device according to any claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the aerial vehicle forward motion controller (5) is constructed as a pedal connected to a potentiometer, which determines the forward movement and speed of the aerial vehicle. The device according to any claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the aerial vehicle backward motion controller (6) is constructed as a pedal connected to a potentiometer, which determines the rearward movement and speed of the aerial vehicle. The device according to any claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the aerial vehicle deceleration controller (7) is constructed as a pedal and is equipped with a potentiometer or measuring cell to detect the applied force calculated with respect to the angle of rotation, and a contrast spring to make the foot pressure more sensitive and calibrated. The device according to any claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the panic switch (8) consists of two buttons which, when pressed, turn off the driver's commands and turn on automatic control of the aerial vehicle. The device according to any claims 1 to 21, characterised in that it comprises an additional drive. The device according to any claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the additional drive is an internal combustion engine. The device according to any claims 1 to 23, characterised in that it comprises the additional drive are hydrogen fuel cells. The method of use of the aerial vehicle drive system, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the aerial vehicle climb controller (1), the aerial vehicle descent controller (2), the aerial vehicle rotation controller (3), the aerial vehicle turn controller (4), the aerial vehicle forward motion controller (5), the aerial vehicle backward motion controller (6) and the aerial vehicle deceleration controller (7). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the panic switch (8). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the motor start switch (9). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the motor stop switch (10). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the additional drive switch (11). The method according to claim 24, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the identification element (12). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the identification sensor (13). The method according to claim 25, characterised in that it comprises the operation of the instrument (14). The method according to claims 25 to 32, characterised in that before starting the aerial vehicle, the aerial vehicle drive system is activated and the available energy parameters, such as the amount of fuel and battery charge, are checked by entering the identification code on the identification element (12) and/or checking the fingerprints or optical verification on the identification sensor (13). The method according to claims 25 to 33, characterised in that if the identification is successful and the values of the energy parameters are within the prescribed limits, the ignition condition is met, after which the driver of the aerial vehicle fastens the seat belts and presses the motor start switch (9) to start the motors. The method according to claims 25 to 34, characterised in that when the required motor speed of the aerial vehicle is reached, the aerial vehicle climbs to the preset height after a preset time. The method according to claims 25 to 35, characterised in that pilot is prevented from controlling the aerial vehicle until the aerial vehicle is at a preset distance from the ground. The method according to claims 25 to 36, characterised in that the aerial vehicle automatically continues its levelling by using altitude sensors or levelling calibration after climbing to a preset height. The method according to claims 25 to 37, characterised in that the levelling is carried out by electronically moving one or more weights mounted on the rail or by varying the power of the motors. The method according to claims 25 to 38, characterised in that once the levelling is complete, all the instrument (14) functions are activated and the aerial vehicle waits for the command on the aerial vehicle climb controller (1) to lift the aerial vehicle. The method according to claims 25 to 39, characterised in that the descent command 2 ; will allow the aerial vehicle to land only at zero speed, while laser range sensors and altimeters automatically move the aerial vehicle until it comes to a stop on the ground. The method according to claims 25 to 40, characterised in that the aerial vehicle rotation controller (3) allows the aerial vehicle to be oriented in the selected flight direction before the horizontal speed is activated, whereas it is disabled at aerial vehicle speeds above zero. The method according to claims 25 to 41, characterised in that the aerial vehicle forward motion controller (5) controls a command that allows the aerial vehicle to move in a forward direction, whereby it also controls the speed of movement and is switched off until the minimum height is reached, after which it becomes operational. The method according to claims 25 to 42, characterised in that the aerial vehicle rearward motion controller (6) controls a command that allows the aerial vehicle to move in a rearward direction, whereby it also controls the speed of movement and is switched off until the minimum height is reached, after which it becomes operational. The method according to claims 25 to 43, characterised in that the aerial vehicle deceleration controller (7) controls the execution of the command to reduce the speed of the aerial vehicle to zero in a more or less short time, depending on the load to which the sensor is subjected. The method according to any claims 25 to 44, characterised in that the additional drive is used to recharge batteries. The method according to any claims 25 to 45, characterised in that the start of the additional drive is automatically controlled by a system that detects the remaining battery charge. The method according to any claims 25 to 46, characterised in that the instrument (14) monitors and records all flight parameters, from an unlimited set of parameters on electric motors and additional drive to flight conditions, as well as display of alarms when approaching safety limits on the motors and flight conditions. The method according to any claims 25 to 47, characterised in that the laser and radar sensors constantly monitor the distance from the ground, houses, trees and obstacles in general, whereby automatically maintaining a preset distance from obstacles. The method according to any claims 25 to 48, characterised in that in the event of a dangerous situation the horizontal speed is stopped immediately and the aerial vehicle is positioned at the current height, waiting for the pilot to resume his/her control activity. The method according to any claims 25 to 49, characterised in that the additional drive is automatically activated at preset battery charge levels.