Lightning Management Module for Structural Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stay cables in construction are vulnerable to lightning strikes, which can cause heating and potential fires, and existing solutions often require additional auxiliary cables that are difficult to properly locate and integrate.
Innovation Solution
A structural cable with a lightning management module comprising a thermally and electrically insulated lightning conductor and a fireproof insulating protection element, integrated into the sheath, which can be positioned flexibly along the cable to protect it from lightning without the need for additional auxiliary cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional auxiliary cables are provided above the highest stay cable to draw lightning bolts, then the lightning protection capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lightning protection function with the existing stay cable structure by integrating a lightning conductor within the sheath. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary cables and reduces installation complexity while maintaining lightning protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed to serve multiple functions: protecting the tendons from environmental damage and providing an integrated pathway for the lightning conductor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional auxiliary cables, simplifying the overall structure and installation.
2Reliability
If additional auxiliary cables are provided for lightning protection, then the lightning protection capability is improved, but the difficulty of proper location and integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning conductor is merged with the sheath structure, allowing it to be positioned exactly where needed along the cable length. This integration eliminates the difficulty of locating and installing separate auxiliary cables, as the conductor is simply placed within the existing sheath during manufacturing or installation.
3Reliability
If the lightning conductor is in direct contact with the sheath, then the electrical connection is improved, but the risk of fire and thermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fireproof insulating protection element as an intermediary between the lightning conductor and the sheath. This mediator allows electrical connection while preventing direct thermal contact, thus eliminating fire risk. The element is specifically designed to be fireproof and electrically insulating, resolving the contradiction between electrical conductivity and fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses composite material structure where the fireproof insulating protection element combines fire resistance and electrical insulation properties. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both electrical connection and fire protection simultaneously.
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 protects structural cables from lightning strikes by dissipating electrical charges and preventing damage from high temperatures, enhancing safety and simplifying installation by eliminating the need for additional auxiliary cables.
Implementation Method 1
The lightning conductor can be made of any element susceptible to draw and withstand a lightning bolt
Implementation Method 2
The fireproof insulating protection element is designed to limit as much as possible any damage on the sheath in case the lightning conductor's temperature reaches high level
Implementation Method 3
The lightning conductor is thermally and electrically insulated from the sheath
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A structural cable (10) of a construction work, the structural cable comprising: a bundle (20) of load-bearing tendons, a sheath (26) within which the bundle of tendons is located, at least one consolidated lightning management module located on the sheath (26), wherein said at least one consolidated lightning management module comprises a lightning conductor and a fireproof insulating protection element, said protection element being configured so as to prevent any direct contact between the lightning conductor and the sheath.