Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Bug-Proof Air Data Probe Cover Technology

Publication ID: 24-11856939_0009_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Bug-Proof Air Data Probe Cover Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856939_0009_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856939_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,939.

Background and Problem Solved

The original 'Smart cover bug deterrent' patent addressed the problem of bug infestation in air data probes. However, these probes often operate in diverse and challenging environments, where the standard cover design may not be sufficient. This invention adapts the original concept to address the specific needs of these specialized environments, providing enhanced protection and reliability.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the original design, including environment-specific repellents, tamper-evident features, and fire-resistant materials. These adaptations provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of air data probe protection in specialized environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different repellent types, adjusting the sleeve design for varying probe head geometries, or integrating the cover with other air data probe components. Variations may also include adapting the covers for use with other types of sensors or probes.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in the aerospace, defense, and environmental monitoring industries, where reliable air data measurement is critical. The specialized covers can be marketed as premium products for customers operating in extreme environments, providing a competitive advantage in these niche markets.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01M29/34
A A01 A01M29/12
G G01 G01L19/147
G G01 G01P5/165
G G01 G01P13/025

Field of Art

Aerospace sensor protection and insect mitigation technologies, involving air data probe design, environmental adaptation, and protective coverings for precision instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in aerospace sensor design, environmental protection techniques, and materials engineering, familiar with sensor probe configurations and insect mitigation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core concept of probe protection, applying known environmental adaptation techniques to the existing insect repellent cover design. The modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches for specialized operational environments. Each variation demonstrates a straightforward application of known protective strategies to the existing probe cover technology.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Cover with reservoir for holding insect repellent
PTD Variation
Repellent adapted to withstand extreme cold temperatures
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that modifying repellent composition to function across temperature ranges is a routine materials engineering design choice with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Sleeve enclosing probe head
PTD Variation
Tamper-evident feature integrated into cover design
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security features to protective equipment is a standard engineering approach, representing an obvious solution to potential unauthorized probe access
Source Patent Element
Removable probe cover
PTD Variation
Cover designed specifically for easy removal and reuse in disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting existing protective technologies for specialized environments represents a predictable engineering optimization with clear functional benefits
Source Patent Element
Insect repellent reservoir in probe cover
PTD Variation
Fire-resistant cover materials for wildfire-prone environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting materials with enhanced environmental resistance is a standard engineering design approach with foreseeable performance improvements
Source Patent Element
Basic probe cover concept
PTD Variation
Repellent system adapted to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying protective technologies to enhance environmental resilience represents a routine engineering problem-solving strategy with predictable outcomes
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856939, the present disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in air data probe protective covers would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in aerospace sensor protection technologies, as the modifications represent straightforward adaptations of known protective strategies to specialized environmental contexts, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipating novel implementations through routine engineering design choices.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,939
TitleSmart cover bug deterrent
Assignee(s)Rosemount Aerospace Inc.