Magnetic detaching system for Modular UAVs with perching capabilities in industrial environments

Abstract

This article presents an automatic magnetic detaching system integrated in the perching mechanism of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. This system is prepared to be activated in emergencies, releasing the mechanism and letting the UAV to take off and fly away safely. This design has been particularly developed for using UAVs in the oil and gas industries. In these environments, emergencies are related to escapes of flammable gases. With the proposed design, the UAV can be aware of dangerous gas concentrations and escapes when it detects a rise in the level of these gases. All the power is held in the UAV, so the perching system remains mechanically stable but without dangerous power sources.