Patent ID: 9714967
Date: 2017-07-25
CPC Classifications: G01M,G01N,G01R

Claim:
1. An integrated electrostatic sensor for detecting dust or debris in an engine, the sensor comprising: an outer housing comprising a body having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a sensing face and configured for securing the sensor to the engine; an electrode configured within the outer housing adjacent to the sensing face, wherein the electrode comprises an impedance of greater than about 1 G-Ohm, the electrode comprising a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged particles within the engine flow past the sensing face; an amplifier configured with the electrode, wherein the amplifier comprises a leakage current of from about 1 femtoampere to about 5 femtoampere and an operating temperature range of from about 100 degrees Celsius to about 250 degrees Celsius, the amplifier configured to detect a particulate level of the engine as a function of the electron movement; and a circuit board configured within the outer housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier, the circuit board configured to send one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the particulate level.