Umbrella and tent distributed equivalent ion weak ion lightning protection structure and discharge method

Abstract

The application discloses a distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure and a current discharge method for umbrellas and tents, and belongs to the technical field of outdoor safety protection. The lightning protection structure comprises multiple groups of microelectrode ionization units, an insulating packaging base, an embedded wiring layer and a surface current coating, is integrally and ultrathin embedded in a prefabricated groove of a supporting framework of an umbrella rib or a tent, and adopts a gradient arrangement mode of upper density and lower sparsity to balance the space electric field. The end of the microelectrode is arc passivated, no lightning rod tip is arranged, and no grounding electrode is matched. The application relies on the natural electric field of a thundercloud to drive the electrode to generate weak ionization, forms a wrapped ion barrier around the equipment to neutralize the potential difference between the cloud and the ground, and disperses and releases the residual induced charge in the form of a microampere-level weak current through the low-resistance coating, so that the original appearance and folding storage characteristics of the equipment are not changed, and no external power supply and no matching grounding electrode are needed. The application can be widely matched with various portable rod type equipment such as umbrellas, camping tents and outdoor awnings, and helps to reduce the lightning risk in open scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lightning protection technology for portable outdoor protective equipment, specifically relating to a distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure and discharge method for umbrellas and tents. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of outdoor camping, fishing, and high-altitude work, the demand for portable equipment such as umbrellas and tents for thunderstorm safety protection is becoming more and more prominent.

[0003] Current lightning protection solutions for civilian portable equipment mainly fall into two categories: The first type uses a single-point metal lightning rod in conjunction with an external grounding lead, relying on buried grounding electrodes for current discharge. In mountainous areas, beaches, and paved roads, effective grounding is impossible, rendering the protection completely ineffective. Furthermore, the metal tip can actively attract the electric field of thunderclouds, posing a safety hazard of attracting lightning. Representative technologies such as CN205100646U (lightning protection tent, metal ball electrode + down conductor deeply buried in the ground) and CN203194754U (lightning protection umbrella, wire connected to a ground-based metal ball weight) belong to this category.

[0004] The second type uses a fully insulated frame structure, which can only prevent the human body from directly contacting the conductor, but cannot weaken the surrounding electric field strength, and has no protective effect against induced lightning and side flashover.

[0005] Existing large-scale passive ion lightning arresting equipment (such as CN107910752B, equivalent ion lightning arresting unit and integrated lightning protection system) is mostly used in fixed scenarios such as power poles and base stations. It adopts a centralized multi-connector lightning rod structure and belongs to fixed equipment for power / base stations. It is large in size and heavy in weight, and requires fixed installation, which cannot meet the lightweight and ultra-thin requirements of foldable portable equipment. Although CN222953538U (portable microcurrent lightning arrester) has achieved portability, it is still essentially an external independent device, which uses convex plate tip discharge and does not disclose the distributed microelectrode array structure embedded in the prefabricated groove of the umbrella rib or tent frame.

[0006] CN204820577U (Lightning Protection Composite Fabric) uses lightning protection membrane components spliced ​​together to form a plasma lightning protection gas layer, which belongs to the lightning protection at the fabric level and does not involve the embedded microelectrode array in the skeleton.

[0007] In summary, there is currently no embedded, ungrounded, distributed, portable integrated lightning protection solution for civilian use in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure and discharge method for umbrellas and tents, solving the technical pain points of traditional portable equipment lightning protection relying on grounding, having the risk of attracting lightning, and being incompatible with mass-produced folding structures.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents includes multiple sets of microelectrode ionization units, an insulating encapsulation substrate, a wire wiring layer embedded in the skeleton, and a surface current equalization and guiding coating.

[0010] The insulating encapsulation substrate is embedded and fixed in a pre-made groove on the outer wall of the umbrella rib or tent support frame, with a thickness of 0.2~0.5mm and an outer surface flush with the outer wall of the frame. Multiple sets of microelectrode ionization units are arrayed along the axial direction of the frame and fixed inside the insulating encapsulation substrate. The electrode ends of each microelectrode ionization unit are rounded and passivated, and the electrode density at the top of the frame is higher than that at the bottom. The embedded wiring layer is laid along the axial direction of the frame, connecting all microelectrode ionization units in series to form a passive closed loop. The surface current equalization and guiding coating is applied to the outer surface of the insulating encapsulation substrate. It is a low-resistance nano-conductive coating with a sheet resistance of 10³~10. 5 Ω / □.

[0011] Furthermore, the radius of the arc at the electrode end of the microelectrode ionization unit is not less than 0.5 mm, and multiple micro-arc protrusions are provided on the electrode surface, with a protrusion height of 10~50 μm. The tips of the protrusions are also rounded and passivated. The micro-arc protrusions are used to increase the equivalent curvature of the electrode surface while maintaining the passivation of the blunt surface, thereby improving the weak ionization initiation sensitivity.

[0012] Furthermore, the insulating encapsulation substrate is a flexible weather-resistant polymer material, preferably one or more composites of polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyimide, with a thickness of 0.2~0.5 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, the surface flow-equalizing coating is one or more combinations of nano-tin oxide, indium tin oxide, or silver nanowire conductive coating, with a sheet resistance of 10³~10. 5 Ω / □.

[0014] Furthermore, the embedded wiring layer in the skeleton is made of copper, stainless steel, or alloy microwires, with a cross-sectional area of ​​no more than 0.1 mm².

[0015] A passive weak ionization discharge method based on the above-mentioned lightning protection structure includes the following steps:

[0016] S1 Electric field induction: When a thundercloud approaches, the intensity of the electric field in space increases, and the distributed microelectrode array senses the electric field of the thundercloud, forming a potential difference between the two ends of the electrodes; S2 Self-ionization: The air around the electrode undergoes corona-type weak ionization under the action of a strong electric field, releasing opposite charges and forming an enveloping ion barrier around the equipment. S3 Global Potential Neutralization: The ion barrier continuously neutralizes the downward charge of the thundercloud, weakens the local spatial electric field intensity, and interferes with the formation and development of the lightning leader; S4 Weak Current Dispersion Release: Residual induced charges are slowly dispersed into the surrounding air in the form of a microampere-level weak current through the surface flow equalization and guiding coating; S5 Dynamic Voltage Regulation: The gradient-arranged electrode array automatically balances the electric field intensity at different heights, maintaining the electric field around the equipment within a safe threshold.

[0017] Furthermore, the entire discharge process does not require external power supply and is driven entirely by the natural electric field of thunderclouds, with no active energy-consuming components; in step S2, the corona-type weak ionization is started when the electric field strength reaches 5~15kV / m.

[0018] Furthermore, the microelectrode ionization unit and the embedded wiring layer in the skeleton adopt a bend-resistant structural design, which is adapted to the repeated folding deformation of umbrellas or tents. In the folded storage state, the electrical path between each electrode remains conductive and will not be broken due to bending. The electrode array still retains the ionization response capability, which can provide basic protection for the equipment in the storage state.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0020] 1. Completely eliminates the grounding electrode design, freeing it from terrain limitations. Lightning protection can be achieved in scenarios without grounding conditions, such as mountains, beaches, and paved roads, which helps to broaden the safe use range of portable equipment; 2. It adopts a distributed blunt microelectrode array, without a concentrated metal lightning-attracting tip, and does not actively gather the electric field of the thundercloud, which in principle helps to avoid the lightning-attracting risk of traditional lightning rods; 3. The entire structure features an ultra-thin embedded design with a thickness of 0.2~0.5mm, flush with the original frame, without changing the equipment's shape, weight, or folding and storage characteristics. Existing production lines can be mass-produced with minor modifications. 4. Purely passive working mechanism: the core lightning protection ionization process does not require an external power supply or an active energy-consuming electronic control module, has zero power consumption and is maintenance-free, and its service life is synchronized with the equipment body; in other embodiments, an auxiliary power supply module can be added to power additional functions such as indicator lights and electric field monitoring, but the passive working mode of the core lightning protection structure is not changed. 5. Highly versatile, it can be directly adapted to various pole-type portable equipment such as umbrellas, camping tents, outdoor tarps, and fishing umbrellas. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the content described. Example 1

[0022] A distributed equivalent ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas is applied to straight-shaft golf umbrellas. The umbrella ribs are made of fiberglass, and each main rib has a pre-fabricated groove with a depth of approximately 0.3 mm on its outer side. The lightning protection structure includes multiple sets (e.g., 8 sets) of microelectrode ionization units, a polyethylene terephthalate insulating encapsulation substrate, a copper non-inductive micro-wire wiring layer, and a nano-tin oxide current equalization coating.

[0023] An insulating encapsulation substrate is embedded and fixed within a groove, with its outer surface flush with the outer wall of the umbrella rib. Multiple sets of microelectrodes are arranged along the axial direction of the umbrella rib, with a higher density at the top than at the bottom (e.g., a spacing of approximately 40 mm at the top and approximately 90 mm at the bottom), forming a gradient distribution. A wiring layer is laid along the axial direction of the umbrella rib, connecting all electrodes in series to form a passive closed loop. A surface current-equalizing coating is applied to the outer surface of the substrate, with a sheet resistance of approximately 5 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Ω / □.

[0024] During thunderstorms, the electric field of the thundercloud drives the electrodes to undergo weak ionization, forming an ion barrier under the umbrella surface to neutralize the electric field. The residual charge is released through the coating, eliminating the need for grounding. This helps reduce the risk of lightning strikes in open areas and weakens the intensity of the induced lightning field.

[0025] The above parameters are preferred embodiments of this solution and are not limiting requirements. Those skilled in the art can adjust the electrode spacing and coating sheet resistance according to the actual equipment size and protection level. Example 2

[0026] A distributed equivalent ionization lightning protection structure for camping tents is disclosed, applied to automatic pole camping tents. The support poles are made of aluminum alloy, and each support pole has a pre-fabricated groove with a depth of approximately 0.4 mm on its outer side. The lightning protection structure includes multiple sets (e.g., 12 sets) of microelectrode ionization units, a thermoplastic polyurethane insulating encapsulation substrate, stainless steel microelectrode units, an embedded alloy microwire wiring layer, and a composite conductive current-equalizing coating.

[0027] An insulating encapsulation substrate is embedded in a groove, and multiple sets of electrodes are arranged in a gradient along the axial direction of the support rod, with the density at the top being approximately 2.5 times that at the bottom. The wiring layer connects all electrodes in series to form a passive circuit. The sheet resistance of the surface current-equalizing coating is approximately 8×10³Ω / □.

[0028] The associated discharge process is as follows: when thunderclouds approach, the electrodes sense the electric field and generate corona discharge, releasing charges to neutralize the surrounding electric field. The residual charges slowly diffuse through the coating. No external grounding electrode is required, and it does not affect the folding and storage of the tent, which helps to improve the safety of the campsite in thunderstorm environments.

[0029] The above parameters are preferred embodiments of this solution and are not limiting requirements.

[0030] Compared with CN222953538U (external portable micro-current lightning arrester), the embedded structure of this application has a thickness of only 0.2~0.5mm, without changing the original shape of the equipment, and the electrode adopts a blunt surface treatment without lightning-attracting tip, which fundamentally avoids the lightning-attracting risk of traditional lightning rods. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a radial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the lightning protection structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the electrode gradient arrangement of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the passive discharge method of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall effect of the invention applied to umbrellas.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 1-Skeleton substrate; 2-Insulating encapsulation substrate; 3-Microelectrode ionization unit; 4-Skeleton embedded wiring layer; 5-Surface flow equalization and guiding coating; 6-Top dense electrode area; 7-Bottom sparse electrode area; 8-Umbrella body; 9-Ion barrier area.

Claims

1. A distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents, characterized in that, include: Multiple microelectrode ionization units, insulating encapsulation substrate, embedded wiring layer in the skeleton, and surface current equalization and guiding coating; The insulating encapsulation substrate is embedded and fixed in a prefabricated groove on the outer wall of the umbrella rib or tent support frame, with a thickness of 0.2~0.5mm and an outer surface flush with the outer wall of the frame. Multiple sets of microelectrode ionization units are arranged in an array along the axial direction of the skeleton and fixed inside the insulating encapsulation substrate. The electrode ends of each microelectrode ionization unit are rounded and passivated, and the electrode arrangement density at the top of the skeleton is higher than that at the bottom of the skeleton. The embedded wiring layer in the skeleton is laid along the skeleton axis, connecting all microelectrode ionization units in series to form a passive closed loop. The surface current-equalizing and guiding coating is applied to the outer surface of the insulating encapsulation substrate. It is a low-resistivity nano-conductive coating with a sheet resistance of 10³~10. 5 Ω / □; The entire structure does not have a lightning rod tip or a grounding electrode. The residual induced charge is diffused and released into the surrounding air through the surface flow equalization and guiding coating as a microampere weak current.

2. The distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radius of the arc at the electrode end of the microelectrode ionization unit is not less than 0.5 mm, and multiple micro-arc protrusions are provided on the electrode surface. The height of the protrusions is 10~50 μm, and the top of the protrusions is also rounded and passivated.

3. The distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating encapsulation substrate is a flexible, weather-resistant polymer material, which is one or more composites of polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyimide, with a thickness of 0.2~0.5mm.

4. The distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface flow-equalizing and guiding coating is one or more combinations of nano-tin oxide, indium tin oxide, or silver nanowire conductive coating, with a sheet resistance of 10³~10⁻⁶. 5 Ω / □.

5. The distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded wiring layer of the skeleton is made of copper, stainless steel or alloy microwires with a cross-sectional area of ​​no more than 0.1 mm². It is laid along the axial direction of the skeleton and all microelectrode ionization units are connected in series to form a passive closed loop.

6. The distributed equivalent ion weak ionization lightning protection structure for umbrellas and tents according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microelectrode ionization unit and the embedded wiring layer in the skeleton are adapted to the folding deformation of umbrellas or tents. When the umbrella or tent is in a folded storage state, the electrical path of the microelectrode ionization unit remains conductive.

7. A passive weak ionization discharge method based on the lightning protection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1 Electric field induction: When a thundercloud approaches, the intensity of the electric field in space increases, and the distributed microelectrode array senses the electric field of the thundercloud, forming a potential difference between the two ends of the electrodes; S2 Self-ionization: The air around the electrode undergoes corona-type weak ionization under the action of a strong electric field, releasing opposite charges and forming an enveloping ion barrier around the equipment. S3 Global Potential Neutralization: The ion barrier continuously neutralizes the downward charge of the thundercloud, weakens the local spatial electric field intensity, and interferes with the formation and development of the lightning leader; S4 Weak Current Dispersion Release: Residual induced charges are slowly dispersed into the surrounding air in the form of a microampere-level weak current through the surface flow equalization and guiding coating; S5 Dynamic Voltage Regulation: The gradient-arranged electrode array automatically balances the electric field intensity at different heights, maintaining the electric field around the equipment within a safe threshold.

8. The passive weak ionization discharge method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The entire discharge process requires no external power supply and is driven entirely by the natural electric field of thunderclouds; in step S2, the corona weak ionization starts when the electric field strength reaches 5~15kV / m, without any active energy dissipation components.

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