Composite Moving Apparatus Current Return Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving apparatus, such as aircraft and spacecraft, face challenges with metal structures increasing cost and weight, while discrete wiring lacks redundancy and adaptability for functions like current return, fault current handling, grounding, and electromagnetic shielding.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of composite moving apparatus with longitudinal and lateral conductive electrical pathways made of low resistance materials, connected to provide redundant pathways for current return, fault current handling, grounding, electromagnetic shielding, and electrostatic charge management, eliminating the need for metal structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal structures and metal panels are used to provide conductive electrical pathways, then electrical functions (current return, grounding, electromagnetic shielding) are achieved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical function provisionVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to composite materials, maintaining electrical conductivity through conductive fillers or conductive layers integrated into the composite structure, thereby reducing weight while preserving electrical functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials with conductive properties (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or composites with conductive fillers) to replace traditional metal structures, achieving both weight reduction and maintained electrical conductivity for current return, grounding, and electromagnetic shielding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If discrete wiring is used to provide conductive pathways, then some electrical functions are achieved, but redundancy and adaptability for multiple functions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring implementationVSAvoidmulti-function adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the composite structure with integrated conductive pathways that can perform multiple electrical functions (current return, fault current handling, grounding, electromagnetic shielding) simultaneously, making the structure universal and adaptable to various electrical requirements without needing separate discrete wiring for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple electrical functions into a single integrated composite structure with conductive pathways, combining what would traditionally require separate metal panels and discrete wiring systems into one multi-functional component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If metal structures are used to provide conductive pathways, then electrical functions are achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical function provisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials with conductive properties instead of expensive metal structures, reducing material costs while maintaining electrical functionality through the conductive characteristics of the composite material system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameter to use cost-effective composite materials with conductive fillers or conductive polymer matrices, achieving electrical functionality at lower cost compared to traditional metal structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution reduces weight and cost while ensuring redundancy and adaptability to handle multiple electrical functions, enhancing performance and reliability in composite moving apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of longitudinal conductive electrical pathways extending along a substantial length of the composite moving apparatus; and a plurality of lateral conductive electrical pathways extending along a substantial lateral width of the composite moving apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

providing electromagnetic shielding, minimizing resistance and voltage differentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8031458B2Current return network

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A composite moving apparatus made substantially of composites may include a plurality of longitudinal conductive electrical pathways extending along a substantial length of the composite moving apparatus, and a plurality of lateral conductive electrical pathways extending along a substantial lateral width of the composite moving apparatus. The longitudinal and lateral conductive electrical pathways may be connected in order to provide redundant electrical pathways extending along a substantial portion of the composite moving apparatus. The redundant electrical pathways may carry return current, carry fault current, provide grounding, carry lightning current, provide electromagnetic shielding, minimize resistance and voltage differential, and/or provide a bleed path for electrostatic charge.