Composite Transport Element for Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft designs with composite wing materials face challenges in addressing electromagnetic threats like lightning strikes and electrostatic charge buildup, leading to potential hazards and increased complexity and weight due to differences in ground potential between metallic and composite materials.
Innovation Solution
A transport element comprising overlapping outer structural layers made of resin and fibers, with an inner structural layer and an outer resin layer, designed to dissipate electrostatic charge and maintain consistent electrical resistance, allowing for lightweight and electrostatically compatible systems without adding weight or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic transport elements are used in combination with aluminum wing skins, then proper electrical architecture is achieved to mitigate ignition hazards, but additional complexity and weight are added to address differences in ground potential with composite materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the composite transport element by incorporating conductive fibers (carbon, graphite, or metal) into the composite material matrix. This adjusts the electrical properties of the composite to match metallic materials, achieving electrical safety without additional complexity. The fiber concentration and type are specifically controlled to achieve the desired electrical resistance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system combining resin matrix with conductive fibers (carbon fibers, graphite fibers, or metal fibers) to create a transport element that inherently provides both structural integrity and electrical conductivity. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate electrical mitigation systems while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If traditional metallic transport elements are used in combination with aluminum wing skins, then proper electrical architecture is achieved to mitigate ignition hazards, but weight increases due to additional electrical mitigation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with embedded conductive fibers that provide both structural support and electrical conductivity in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate weight-bearing and electrical mitigation components, reducing overall aircraft weight while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite transport element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains aerodynamic shape, and ensures electrical safety through inherent conductivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical mitigation components that would add weight.
3Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used for wing designs, then weight is reduced, but differences in ground potential between composite and metallic materials create electrical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical resistance parameter of composite materials by incorporating conductive fibers at specific concentrations (e.g., 0.1-10% by weight). This parameter adjustment brings the electrical properties of composite materials into alignment with metallic materials, eliminating ground potential differences while preserving the weight benefits of composite construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conductive fiber reinforcement specifically within the transport element structure where electrical conductivity is needed for safety, while other parts of the composite wing structure can remain lightweight and non-conductive. This localized approach maintains overall aircraft weight reduction while addressing electrical hazards only where necessary.
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 dissipates electrostatic charges and maintains consistent electrical resistance, ensuring safety and reducing complexity and weight in aircraft designs by eliminating differences in ground potential, as demonstrated by consistent electrical resistance measurements and successful strain tests under electromagnetic threats.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical resistance per length of the outer structural layers, the inner structural layer, and/or the outer resin layer is about 105 to 109 Ω/meter
Data Source
AI summary
Described are transport elements for dissipating electrostatic charge including at least two outer structural layers coupled in an overlapping arrangement. Some examples may include a transport element having an inner structural layer coupled to an inner surface of the at least two outer structural layers. Other examples may include an outer resin layer coupled to the outer surface of the at least two outer structural layers, wherein the outer resin layer comprises materials that display a distinctive appearance when viewed under an ultraviolet light. An electrical resistance per length of the outer structural layers, the inner structural layer, and/or the outer resin layer is about 105 to 109 Ω/meter.