Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Air Probe Bug Prevention System

Publication ID: 24-11856939_0010_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Air Probe Bug Prevention System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856939_0010_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856939_0010_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 addresses the problem of bug ingress in air data probes, but it has limitations in terms of manual maintenance and limited adaptability to environmental conditions. The present invention overcomes these limitations by introducing autonomous maintenance capabilities, real-time sensing, and advanced self-cleaning mechanisms.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's autonomous maintenance capabilities, real-time sensing, and advanced self-cleaning mechanisms are novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent. The integration of these features enables a paradigm shift in air data probe maintenance, moving from manual to autonomous operation.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different types of sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, or alternative self-cleaning mechanisms, such as ultrasonic cleaning or air jets. Variations could include integrating the smart cover with other aircraft systems, such as weather radar or navigation systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Autonomous Air Data Probe Maintenance System has significant commercial potential in the aerospace industry, particularly for commercial and military aircraft manufacturers. The system's ability to minimize downtime and ensure accurate air data measurements can lead to improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased operational efficiency.

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

Aircraft sensor systems and environmental protection technologies, focusing on air data probe maintenance and insect mitigation strategies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An aerospace engineer with expertise in sensor design, environmental protection technologies, and aircraft instrumentation, holding at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field, with 3-5 years of experience in aircraft sensor system design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's autonomous maintenance and integrated sensing capabilities are logical extensions of the original air data probe cover design. The proposed variations represent predictable combinations of known techniques in sensor protection and environmental monitoring. The core problem of protecting air data probes from insects and environmental contamination remains consistent, with the PTD offering incremental technological improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Cover with insect repellent reservoir for air data probe
PTD Variation
Smart cover with integrated sensors and autonomous repellent deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding environmental sensing and automated repellent mechanisms is a predictable solution to enhance the original probe protection concept, using known sensor and control technologies
Source Patent Element
Static insect repellent cover design
PTD Variation
Networked air data probe system with inter-probe communication
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending single-probe protection to a networked system represents a standard engineering approach to improving system-wide performance and monitoring
Source Patent Element
Manual insect prevention method
PTD Variation
Self-cleaning mechanism integrated with probe cover
Obviousness Reasoning
Automating maintenance through self-cleaning is a predictable solution using known mechanical and sensor technologies to address probe contamination issues
Source Patent Element
Basic probe cover with single repellent reservoir
PTD Variation
Modular probe system with replaceable components and smart cover
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing modular systems with upgradeable components is a standard engineering approach to improving maintenance and adaptability of technical systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856939's disclosure of an air data probe cover with insect repellent capabilities, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through predictable combinations of known sensor, maintenance, and environmental protection technologies. The incremental improvements represent standard engineering solutions to existing technical challenges in aircraft sensor protection.

Original Patent Information

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