Portable Lightning Protection System with Hingeable Mast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable and high-value assets such as buildings, airfields, and military command posts lack effective lightning protection systems, making them vulnerable to lightning strikes, as existing systems are not easily deployable or adaptable to various environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable lightning protection system comprising a multi-section conductive mast assembly with a hingeable base assembly, air terminal, and grounding cables, designed for quick deployment and connection via catenary wires to create an expanded protection zone, capable of withstanding high winds and corrosion-resistant for challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lightning terminals are attached to structures, then lightning protection is provided, but the system cannot be quickly deployed or easily moved to protect portable and high-value assets
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection system is divided into modular components including a base assembly with grounding elements, a multi-section mast assembly that can be assembled from segments, and an air terminal. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in manageable parts and quickly assembled at the deployment site, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable protection and enabling easy deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast assembly incorporates a hinge assembly that allows the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly, enabling the structure to be collapsed for transport and erected for operation. This dynamic capability transforms the system from a static, permanently installed structure to a deployable, mobile protection system that can be quickly positioned alongside portable and high-value assets.
2Ease of operation
If a portable lightning protection system is designed for quick deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is pre-configured with grounding cables and ground rods that are ready for installation, and the mast sections are pre-cut and marked for assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be quickly deployed without compromising structural integrity, as the critical strength-providing components are already in their proper positions and configurations before deployment begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly employs a triangular configuration with radially extending horizontal beams and inclined beams that create a stable, wide base. This geometric configuration provides inherent structural stability and resistance to overturning forces from lightning strikes and high winds, ensuring that the quick-deployment system maintains the strength and stability of permanently installed systems.
3Weight of moving object
If the mast assembly is made from multiple sections for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple sections that can be transported separately, reducing the weight and size requirements for transport. The segmentation is designed so that each section has standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly, preventing the complexity from increasing proportionally with the number of sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms between mast sections incorporate features such as alignment guides, self-centering interfaces, and pre-threaded fasteners that compensate for potential assembly difficulties. These pre-built features cushion against misalignment and errors during assembly, allowing multiple sections to be joined quickly and correctly even by personnel with minimal training.
4Reliability
If grounding components are integrated into the base assembly, then system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding cables and ground rods are integrated directly into the base assembly structure, merging the grounding function with the support structure. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring proper grounding connection and reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled and connected during deployment, thereby managing complexity rather than increasing it.
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 system provides a highly conductive and easily deployable structure to deter and terminate lightning strikes, offering a larger protection zone when connected by catenary wires, suitable for various applications including military and civilian use, and can be easily assembled and moved without requiring tools.
Implementation Method 1
Lightning will strike the terminal instead of the structure and follows the least path of resistance to the ground
Implementation Method 2
the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lightning protection system including a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; and a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position relative to the base assembly. A catenary lightning protection system including at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system may include a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; a base assembly attachable to the base mast section; and may further include a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems.