Active Material Actuator for Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measures for protecting electro-mechanical devices from lightning strikes or similar events are inadequate due to packaging and cost concerns, particularly in vehicular settings, where they can damage critical systems like brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems.
Innovation Solution
An active material actuator is configured to be passively activated by sudden voltage/current events, using a conductive medium and an active material element that undergoes a reversible change, with a barrier connected in series to be overcome only by such events, allowing for actuation or protection of systems without interfering with normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lightning protection measures (lightning rods) are used, then protection against lightning strikes is provided, but packaging space and cost increase, making them untenable in vehicular settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical lightning protection systems (lightning rods, surge protectors) with an active material-based system. The active material element undergoes reversible phase transformation in response to the thermal and electrical stimulus of a lightning strike, automatically providing protection without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the active material element, specifically phase transformation triggered by the temperature and electrical field changes during a lightning strike. This phase change enables the material to automatically respond to and mitigate the effects of lightning strikes, providing protection through intrinsic material property changes rather than external protective structures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional drive mechanisms are used, then actuation is achieved, but efficiency decreases and noise (acoustic and EMF) increases during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The active material element serves itself by automatically transforming in response to the lightning strike stimulus without requiring external control systems, power sources, or mechanical actuation mechanisms. The material's intrinsic phase transformation capability eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms, reducing energy loss and improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If conventional protection systems are installed in vehicular settings, then lightning protection is provided, but cost increases due to packaging requirements and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The active material element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the circuit protection mechanism and the actuator for protective actions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection systems and actuators, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable circuit protection.
4Loss of energy
If active material elements are used, then efficiency improves and noise reduces, but the material must be reliably activated by the lightning strike voltage/current
Solution Approach 1:
The active material element is specifically selected and configured to undergo phase transformation at the temperature and electrical field levels generated by lightning strikes. This ensures reliable activation of the protection mechanism through intrinsic material response to the physical parameters naturally present during a lightning event, without requiring additional sensing or control systems.
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
The solution provides efficient protection and actuation of critical systems during lightning strikes or similar events, reducing repair costs and noise, while maintaining functionality of systems like brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire in vehicular applications.
Implementation Method 1
The element is operable to undergo a reversible change in fundamental property when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal generated by the event
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a conductive medium and an active material element drivenly coupled to the system, body or circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and actuator/device for passively actuating or protecting a system, body or circuit during a lightning strike or other high voltage/current generation event, utilizing an active material element activated by the spike in current or voltage potential, and preferably a barrier connected in series to the element and configured to be overcome by the voltage/current event, so that the element is activated only during the event.