Aircraft Floor Ground Plane for Wire Bundle EM Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft with carbon fiber composite materials lack effective electromagnetic (EM) and radio frequency (RF) shielding for wire bundles, as carbon fiber is 1000 times less conductive than metals, rendering the aircraft skin inadequate for shielding, and space constraints often prevent wire bundles from being positioned adjacent to the metal skin.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conductive ground plane connected to aircraft joists via brackets, with holes to reduce weight and accommodate EM/RF frequencies, providing shielding for wire bundles regardless of their location within the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If carbon fiber composite materials are used for aircraft skin and structural components, then weight is reduced and strength is improved, but electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding capability deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the shielding function into separate modular ground plane panels that can be positioned independently near wire bundles, rather than relying on the entire aircraft skin to provide shielding. This allows selective shielding only where needed while using carbon fiber composite materials elsewhere for weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces conductive ground plane panels as intermediary elements between the carbon fiber composite aircraft structure and the wire bundles. These ground planes serve as the shielding interface, allowing the use of non-conductive carbon fiber composites for the main structure while still providing effective EM and RF shielding where required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wire bundles are positioned away from the aircraft skin, then space constraints are accommodated and routing flexibility is improved, but electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane panels act as mobile intermediary shielding elements that can be positioned close to wire bundles regardless of the aircraft skin's location. This allows wire bundles to be routed flexibly throughout the aircraft interior while maintaining effective shielding through the portable ground plane panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the shielding function from the two-dimensional aircraft skin surface to three-dimensional portable panels that can be positioned in various locations within the aircraft interior. This allows shielding to follow the wire bundles through different spatial dimensions rather than being constrained to the skin surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid metal ground plane is used for shielding, then electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding effectiveness is maximized, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses ground plane panels with holes or perforations that maintain EM and RF shielding effectiveness while reducing the amount of metal material required. The holes are sized and spaced to preserve the shielding function while significantly lowering the weight compared to solid metal panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies shielding only where and to the extent needed for protecting specific wire bundles, rather than using complete solid metal enclosures. This partial shielding approach provides sufficient protection against EM and RF interference while minimizing the weight of the shielding system.
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 system effectively shields wire bundles from EM and RF interference, ensuring reliable electrical protection without adding significant weight, and can be integrated into aircraft with both metallic and non-metallic components.
Implementation Method 1
the ground plane is made from metal, because metal materials are excellent conductors
Implementation Method 2
the ground plane shields the at least one component from at least one of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for shielding of at least one component within an aircraft includes a floor panel disposed at least partially between joists supporting a floor within the aircraft and a ground plane connected to a bottom surface of the floor panel. The ground plane extends at least partially between adjacent joists. At least one bracket electrically connects the ground plane to at least one of the joists.