Solar Array Remote Acoustic Sensing in Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing technologies, including microphones and cameras, are inadequate in certain environments, such as vacuums or when human senses are impaired, for detecting objects or events of interest, and they often fail to provide timely information about approaching vehicles or other critical phenomena.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that uses electromagnetic signal detection-facilitated audio frequency modulation sensing (AFMS) devices to detect audio frequency modulated signals from objects, allowing for the generation of listening outputs independent of conventional acoustic sensing, capable of operating in vacuums and environments devoid of matter, and capable of providing synchronized audio and visual outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional acoustic sensing devices (microphones) are used, then they can detect sounds in normal environments, but they fail to operate in vacuums or environments devoid of matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional acoustic sensing (mechanical detection of air molecule movement) with electromagnetic signal detection. The system uses solar arrays or photodetectors to detect audio frequency modulations of optical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical acoustic sensors that cannot operate in vacuums. This substitution enables detection in environments devoid of matter while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier for acoustic information. Instead of directly detecting sound waves in air, the system detects audio frequency modulations on optical signals (light) that are reflected from or emitted by objects. This intermediary approach allows transmission and detection of acoustic information through electromagnetic fields rather than requiring direct acoustic coupling through matter.
2Loss of time
If conventional listening devices are used, then they can provide audio information, but they fail to provide timely information about approaching vehicles or critical phenomena in certain circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous detection of audio frequency modulations on optical signals from multiple directions simultaneously. The solar array or photodetector system continuously monitors optical signals reflected from objects, providing uninterrupted detection of approaching vehicles or critical phenomena without the limitations of conventional directional microphones or the need for active scanning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar arrays are used for acoustic sensing, then they can operate in space and provide remote acoustic sensing, but they require complex interface electronics and signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes solar arrays multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as power generation devices and as acoustic sensing elements. The same solar array that generates electrical power for the spacecraft can simultaneously detect audio frequency modulations of optical signals, eliminating the need for separate acoustic sensors and reducing overall system complexity despite the added sensing capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective detection and representation of audio frequency modulations from objects in various environments, including vacuums, providing timely and critical information about objects or events, such as approaching vehicles, through synchronized audio and visual outputs.
Implementation Method 1
solar array remote acoustic sensing (SARAS)... utilizing one or more solar arrays or cells, photodetectors, or other optical sensor device
Implementation Method 2
sensed audio-frequency light intensity fluctuations of an optical signal received by said solar array(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and method for obtaining or providing listening or detection of audio frequency modulated optical energy including, involving, utilizing, facilitating and/or providing an interface (including electronics) configured such that when operatively connected to individual or groups of elements of one or more solar arrays (or cells, photodetectors, or other optical sensor device), respectively, the interface and the solar array(s) together function, responsive to sensed audio-frequency light intensity fluctuations of an optical signal received by said solar array(s), as a remote acoustic sensor (RAS)-based device.