CNT-Infused Composite Air Structures for Multi-Functional Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air-based structures face challenges such as electromagnetic interference, lightning strikes, ice formation, and structural integrity issues due to inadequate materials that can provide simultaneous mechanical, thermal, and electrical protection, as well as radar absorption and damage sensing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Development of tailored composite materials incorporating carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fibers with varying CNT loading levels to impart specific functionalities, such as electromagnetic interference shielding, lightning strike protection, damage sensing, de-icing, mechanical strengthening, and thermal conductivity, by integrating CNTs into the fiber matrix to create multi-functional composites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate materials are used to address different demands (electromagnetic shielding, lightning protection, thermal conductivity, etc.), then each specific functionality can be achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidnumber of materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by incorporating carbon nanotubes into a single composite material that simultaneously provides electromagnetic interference shielding, lightning strike protection, thermal conductivity enhancement, and mechanical strengthening. This allows one material to fulfill multiple protective functions that would traditionally require separate materials and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional properties into a single composite material by combining carbon nanotube-infused fibers with matrix material. The carbon nanotubes serve multiple purposes: providing electrical conductivity for EMI shielding and lightning protection, thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, and mechanical reinforcement for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If carbon nanotube loading is increased to improve electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection, then electrical conductivity improves, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the carbon nanotube loading concentration within the composite material. By carefully controlling the amount of carbon nanotubes infused into the fibers, the patent achieves sufficient electrical conductivity for EMI shielding and lightning protection while avoiding excessive nanotube concentrations that would increase cost and manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functionalities are integrated into CNT-infused composites, then versatility improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring individual functionalities increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functionalitiesVSAvoidfunctionality detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions or layers within the composite structure with different carbon nanotube loading levels. This allows different zones of the same material to provide different functionalities at optimized concentrations, making it easier to detect and measure specific properties in different locations rather than throughout the entire material uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 CNT-infused composite materials enhance structural integrity, provide effective electromagnetic shielding, prevent damage from lightning strikes, facilitate de-icing, and improve mechanical and thermal properties, while also enabling damage sensing and radar absorption, thus addressing the diverse demands on air-based structures.

Implementation Method 1

Structures housing electrical circuits can be prone to exposure to electromagnetic conduction or electromagnetic radiation, which can impair operation without adequate protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Structures that are relatively tall as compared to surrounding structures or objects can be prone to lightning strikes, which can severely damage or even destroy the structures without electrical conductivity or added means to carry the electrical load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Varyations in temperature or other factors can affect the structure with inadequate thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8662449B2CNT-tailored composite air-based structures

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 APPLIED NANOSTRUCTURED SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus having a composite air-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.