Lightning Mast Deflection Member Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lightning protection systems require multiple contact points or intermediate conductors to establish an equipotential bond between a conductor and a mast assembly, which can be complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A lightning protection system with a mast assembly and a deflection member that biases the conductor's semi-conductive outer layer into contact with the internal surface of the mast assembly, forming a conductive pathway without the need for intermediate conductors or multiple contact points, using a pre-biased or elastic deflection member to ensure continuous contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lightning protection systems use multiple contact points or intermediate conductors to establish equipotential bonding, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipotential bonding reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes intermediate conductors and multiple contact points from the system, extracting only the essential elements needed for equipotential bonding. The deflection member directly biases the conductor's outer layer against the mast assembly's internal surface, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining bonding reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection member acts as an intermediary element that facilitates direct contact between the conductor's semi-conductive outer layer and the mast assembly's internal surface. This single intermediary component replaces the need for multiple contact points and intermediate conductors, simplifying the system while ensuring reliable equipotential bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional systems use multiple contact points to ensure continuous conductive pathway, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductive pathway reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection member is configured to automatically bias the conductor's outer layer against the mast assembly's internal surface through its geometric design and positioning within the internal passageway. This self-biasing mechanism ensures continuous contact and reliable conductive pathway without requiring complex adjustment or multiple contact points, significantly easing installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional lightning protection systems use intermediate conductors to establish equipotential bonding, then the bonding effectiveness is improved, but the loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipotential bonding effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate conductors from the equipotential bonding system, reducing material consumption. The direct biasing mechanism between the deflection member and the conductor's outer layer achieves effective bonding without the need for additional conductive materials, thereby reducing substance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration simplifies the equipotential bonding process, providing a reliable and efficient conductive pathway for grounding lightning currents directly from the conductor to the mast assembly with a single contact point, enhancing the system's effectiveness and ease of installation.

Implementation Method 1

using a pre-biased or elastic deflection member to ensure continuous contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A deflection member can be arranged at least partially within the internal passageway. The deflection member can be configured to deflect the conductor toward the internal surface so that the outer layer contacts the internal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11251595B2Lightning protection system and method

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

An equipotential bonding system can be provided for a lightning protection system that includes a mast assembly with an internal passageway that includes an internal surface, and a conductor that extends through the internal passageway. The equipotential bonding system can include a deflection member that is disposed at least partly within the internal passageway. The deflection member can be configured to urge the conductor into contact with the internal surface to form a conductive pathway between the mast assembly and the conductor.