Concentric Charge Shielding Structure to Prevent Lightning Corona

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lightning protection devices do not effectively prevent the corona effect caused by atmospheric discharges, increasing the likelihood of damage to structures and people.

Innovation Solution

A shielding device comprising concentrically aligned conductive elements with insulating bodies to create an electric potential difference, facilitating electrostatic discharge to ground, thereby preventing charge accumulation and reducing the likelihood of lightning strikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lightning protection devices are used, then basic lightning protection is provided, but the corona effect is not prevented and charge accumulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protection effectivenessVSAvoidcorona effect and charge accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is divided into multiple conductive elements (first conductive element, second conductive element, third conductive element) arranged in a specific configuration. Each element serves a specific function in dispersing charges at different levels, preventing charge accumulation and corona effect while providing comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating bodies are introduced as intermediary elements between the conductive elements. These insulators prevent unwanted electrical connections while allowing the conductive elements to maintain their protective function, enabling safe discharge of accumulated charges to ground without causing corona effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive elements are added to prevent charge accumulation, then corona effect is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorona effectVSAvoidnumber of conductive and insulating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive elements are designed to create equipotential zones around the protected structure. By maintaining equal potential distribution across the conductive elements and their connections, the device prevents charge accumulation and corona effect while using a relatively simple configuration of elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive elements are arranged in a nested or hierarchical configuration where the first, second, and third conductive elements are positioned at different levels or distances from the protected structure. This nested arrangement maximizes protective coverage while minimizing the number of elements required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 device effectively disperses induced charges, minimizing the risk of lightning strikes and damage by maintaining a low concentration of static charges, preventing the corona effect and ensuring electrical safety.

Implementation Method 1

A shielding device comprising concentrically aligned conductive elements with insulating bodies to create an electric potential difference, facilitating electrostatic discharge to ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a third conductive element (5) passing through the first conductive element (1) and the second conductive element (2) and configured to connect to a grounding element (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a first insulating body (3) connecting the first conductive element (1) to the second conductive element (2); a second insulating body (4) connecting the first conductive element (1) to the second conductive element (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20250309630A1Electric charge shielding device

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 GROUND LIGHTNING SAS

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a shielding device against atmospheric discharges. The device comprises a first conductive element and a second conductive element that passes through the first conductive element, wherein both conductive elements are electrically insulated by means of a first insulating body, and a second insulating body that are connected to the ends of the first conductive element and the second conductive element. Additionally, the device comprises a third conductive element that passes through the second conductive element that is connected to a fourth conductive element. The fourth conductive element is connected to one of the ends of the first and second conductive elements, and the shape of the fourth conductive element prevents the generation of a corona effect in the presence of an electric discharge. In addition, the third conductive element allows the lightning shielding device to be connected to a grounding element, thus concentrating the electric discharge only in the lightning shielding device, acting as an electric capacitor, and producing the flow of electric charge towards the grounding element, preventing the discharge from spreading to structures or people around.