Windowless Microbolometer Array for Atmospheric Gas Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring upper atmosphere characteristics, such as gas density, temperature, and winds, face challenges including sensitivity loss in remote sensing and complexity in in-situ sensing, particularly at higher altitudes and with the need for sophisticated gas sensors and ionization.
Innovation Solution
A windowless microbolometer array is used to generate a pixel-based image of gas flow, allowing for the measurement of gas density, temperature, and wind vectors by interacting with a gas flow or molecular beam, integrated with a computing system to process and provide information on these characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If remote sensing methods are used to measure upper atmosphere characteristics, then measurements can be taken from a distance, but sensitivity is lost because measurement is performed over a large volume of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct phases: first, a collimator aperture defines a specific directional cone to select gas molecules from the upper atmosphere; second, the selected molecules are focused onto a microbolometer array detector. This segmentation transforms a volume-integrated measurement into a directional, spatially-resolved measurement, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining a manageable device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collimator aperture as an intermediary element between the upper atmosphere and the detector. This aperture acts as a spatial filter that selects only those gas molecules traveling within a specific angular range, effectively converting the remote atmospheric gas into a directed molecular beam that can be imaged with high sensitivity by the microbolometer array.
2Measurement precision
If in-situ sensing techniques are used to measure gas characteristics, then local measurements can be made, but more complex gas sensors are required and ionization of gas constituents is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gas sensing systems (such as pressure gauges, mass spectrometers, or ionization-based sensors) with a thermal detection system using a microbolometer array. The microbolometer detects the kinetic energy of incoming gas molecules through thermal effects, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, ionization sources, or complex signal processing systems while maintaining local measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical or mechanical measurements (required by traditional in-situ sensors) to thermal measurements. By detecting the temperature rise caused by kinetic energy transfer from impinging gas molecules, the system achieves simple, robust local gas sensing without requiring ionization or complex mechanical structures.
3Measurement precision
If pressure gauges or mass spectrometers are used for density measurements, then density can be measured, but the sensor becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microbolometer array that operates as a thermal detector with no moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional pressure gauges or mass spectrometers that require complex mechanisms, ionization sources, and regular calibration, the microbolometer provides a simple, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for density measurement through direct thermal detection of molecular beam intensity.
4Measurement precision
If moving mechanical baffles are used to modulate gas flow for wind measurements, then wind direction can be measured, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving mechanical baffles with a stationary microbolometer array detector. The array inherently captures spatial information about the molecular beam distribution, allowing wind direction and velocity measurements to be derived from the spatial pattern of thermal signals across the detector elements, eliminating all moving mechanical parts while maintaining measurement 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
This approach enables accurate and efficient measurement of upper atmosphere properties with a simpler, lighter, and more cost-effective sensor configuration, suitable for use on vehicles at high altitudes and other planetary bodies, improving tracking and reentry predictions.
Implementation Method 1
a windowless microbolometer array that interacts with a flow of gas such that a pixel-based image of the gas is generated when the flow of gas impinges upon the windowless microbolometer array
Data Source
AI summary
A windowless microbolometer for use in terrestrial applications and non-terrestrial applications is provided. The windowless microbolometer array may interact with a flow of gas such that a pixel-based image of the gas is generated when the flow of gas impinges upon the windowless microbolometer array. The windowless microbolometer array may also interact with a molecular beam to provide information related to density, shape, and propagation of the molecular beam.