Non-Linear Electrode for Uniform Charge on Non-Planar Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to irregular surfaces are inadequate, limiting the effectiveness of discharge testing and leading to conservative estimates and unnecessary safety measures in industries with flammable environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method involving an electrode with non-linear segments or a charging mesh that maintains uniform perpendicular distances to the surface, allowing translation across the surface to induce a uniform electrostatic charge on non-planar surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional corona wires and pin charging grids are used to apply electrostatic charge, then uniform charge distribution can be achieved on flat surfaces, but the method cannot be applied to surfaces with irregular topography such as ridges, sealing caps, and complex surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to irregular surfacesVSAvoiduniformity of charge distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is shaped with a curved surface that corresponds to the non-planar topographical features of the test object. This curvature allows the electrode to conform to irregular surfaces such as ridges and sealing caps while maintaining a uniform perpendicular distance across the contact area, thereby achieving uniform charge distribution on complex geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode design incorporates different local geometries to match specific regions of the test object surface. By tailoring the local shape of the electrode to correspond to local surface features, the system achieves uniform charging across varying topographies rather than applying a single uniform structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If analytical modeling is used to estimate electrostatic discharge risk for objects with irregular surfaces, then discharge testing can be performed theoretically, but the results produce conservative overestimations of risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of risk assessmentVSAvoidneed for redesign and safety measures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables direct experimental measurement of electrostatic discharge characteristics on actual irregular surfaces through controlled charging and testing. This eliminates the need for conservative analytical modeling by allowing direct observation and measurement of discharge behavior on the specific geometry being tested

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If conservative estimates from analytical models are used for safety assessments, then risk of electrostatic discharge is overestimated, but unnecessary redesigns and safety measures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of unnecessary redesignVSAvoidprecision of discharge risk estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates discharge detection and measurement capabilities that provide feedback on actual electrostatic discharge characteristics. This empirical data replaces conservative theoretical estimates with measured values, allowing for more accurate risk assessment and eliminating unnecessary safety measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate and uniform electrostatic charge distribution on irregular surfaces, improving the reliability of discharge testing and reducing unnecessary safety measures by providing precise risk assessments.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode is configured to (i) be translated across the surface of the test object while maintaining the perpendicular distances between the electrode and the surface of the test object and (ii) induce a layer of charge across the surface of the test object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Traditionally, corona wires and/or pin charging grids have been used to apply a uniform electrostatic charge to the surfaces of objects to be tested

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS10976358B2Surface charging systems and method for charging a non-planar surface

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems include a test object that comprises a surface having a non-planar topographical feature, and an electrode comprising a non-linear segment that is proximate to the non-planar topographical feature of the surface of the test object. The electrode is positioned proximate to but not in contact with the surface of the test object such that the perpendicular distances between the electrode and the surface of the test object are uniform across the electrode. The electrode is further configured to (i) be translated across the surface of the test object while maintaining the perpendicular distances between the electrode and the surface of the test object, and (ii) impart a layer of charge across the surface of the test object when the test object is translated across the surface.