Composite Fluid Transport Member Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft fuel transport systems using carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials are prone to higher induced voltages and currents from lightning, leading to undesired electrical discharges, which existing methods struggle to manage effectively due to weight and cost constraints, and safety concerns from electrostatic charge buildup.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating transport members with selected electrical resistance levels, typically above 100 kilohms per meter, made from non-metallic fiber reinforced composite materials, to limit induced voltages and currents, and using coupling assemblies with conductive pathways to dissipate electrostatic charge, thereby reducing electrical discharges to within safe tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal tubing is used in carbon fiber reinforced plastic aircraft, then fuel transport is achieved, but induced voltages from lightning cause undesired electrical discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high resistance electrical isolators as intermediary components within the metal tubing system. These isolators act as mediators that block the path for lightning-induced currents while allowing the fuel transport function to continue. The isolators are positioned at strategic locations to constrain voltages and currents without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining metal tubing with high resistance electrical isolator materials. This creates a hybrid system that maintains the mechanical strength and fuel compatibility of metal while adding the electrical isolation properties of the isolator material, thereby reducing lightning-induced electrical discharges.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high resistance electrical isolators are inserted into metal tubing, then induced voltages are constrained, but weight and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes high resistance electrical isolators that are relatively simple, inexpensive components compared to replacing the entire metal tubing system. These isolators provide the necessary electrical protection at minimal cost and weight addition, representing a cost-effective solution to the lightning-induced voltage problem.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high resistance electrical isolators are installed, then electrical discharge intensity is reduced, but protection against remaining arcing requires additional measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel transport system into segmented sections by inserting electrical isolators at specific locations. This segmentation breaks up continuous conductive paths, constraining voltages and currents to specific segments. The isolators create discrete electrical zones that can be independently managed, reducing overall discharge intensity without requiring complete system redesign.
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 effectively constrains lightning-induced voltages and currents, reducing the intensity of electrical discharges and allowing safe dissipation of electrostatic charge, thus enhancing safety and reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for heavy metal isolators.
Implementation Method 1
the transport member (200) is comprised of a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member (200)
Implementation Method 2
allowing static dissipation along the fluid transport system
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member is comprised of a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.