Faceted Dome Wire Cage for EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing faceted domes used for airborne optical sensors face challenges in protecting against lightning strikes and electromagnetic interference (EMI) without compromising their optical transmittal properties, as conventional conductive materials reduce these properties.

Innovation Solution

A wire cage assembly made of conductive material is disposed within the facets of the faceted dome to provide enhanced electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection, acting as a Faraday cage without affecting optical throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a layer of conductive material is applied over the faceted dome to protect from lightning strikes and EMI, then electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection are improved, but optical transmittal properties are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI shielding and lightning protectionVSAvoidoptical transmittal properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The dome is divided into multiple facets, and conductive materials are applied selectively to the edges and surfaces of these facets rather than covering the entire dome surface. This segmentation allows EMI shielding and lightning protection to be provided at critical locations while preserving optical transmittal through the transparent portions of the dome facets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conductive material is applied locally to specific areas of the dome (edges, surfaces, and bonding lines) rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized application provides necessary electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection at critical locations while maintaining optical clarity in areas where conductive material is not applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional conductive materials are used to protect the dome, then lightning protection is provided, but the dome's optical performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protectionVSAvoidoptical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Conductive epoxy is used as an intermediary material that bonds facets together and provides conductive paths along bonding lines. This intermediary approach allows lightning protection to be achieved through the bonding structure itself rather than requiring conductive materials to directly contact or cover the optical surfaces, thereby preserving optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dome employs composite construction combining transparent dome materials with conductive epoxy bonding materials. This composite approach integrates lightning protection functionality into the structural bonding of the dome facets, allowing the dome to be protected without compromising the optical properties of the transparent portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 achieves significant EMI attenuation (up to 40 dB in the 0-10 MHz range) and effective lightning protection while maintaining the dome's optical performance, as demonstrated by test results.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday cage: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9629288B2Lightning protection and enhanced EMI shielding for faceted domes

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION ANDELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC

AI summary

A faceted dome assembly for airborne optical sensors to enhance EMI shielding and lightning protection is disclosed. In one embodiment, the faceted dome assembly includes a faceted dome. An optical sensor and a gimbal are housed in the faceted dome. Further, a conductor is disposed substantially in the facets of the faceted dome to provide the enhanced electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection.