Extruded drum surface for storage of tether

摘要

A drum for storing an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to an aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station that includes a drum frame rotatable about a drum axis, a drum surface positioned over the drum frame comprising a spiral extrusion wrapped around the drum frame, wherein the extrusion has a cross-section having an upper surface that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrically conductive tether, and wherein the extrusion is adapted for dissipating heat generated through a transfer of electricity from the aerial vehicle to a ground station through the electrically conductive tether.

主权项

1. A drum for storing an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to an aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station, comprising:
a drum frame rotatable about a drum axis; a drum surface positioned over the drum frame comprising a spiral extrusion wrapped around the drum frame; wherein the extrusion has a cross-section having an upper surface that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrically conductive tether; and wherein a spacing is provided which allows air flow between longitudinally extending sides of adjacent wraps of the spiral extrusion, wherein the longitudinally extending sides of adjacent wraps are not in contact with each other.