Off-Centre Lightning Arrester Strip Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightning arrester systems for aircraft radomes are complex and costly to assemble, with precise tolerances required for fixing studs and lightning arrester strips, leading to aerodynamic issues and radioelectric interference with radar waves.
Innovation Solution
A lightning arrester system with an electrically conductive strip mounted off-axis relative to the fixing studs, using intermediate elements with clamping mechanisms that allow for misalignment, reducing the need for precise hole alignment and enabling a cylindrical strip design that minimizes radioelectric interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If metal strips are positioned inside the radome on the internal skin, then aerodynamic problems are eliminated, but assembly complexity and cost increase due to precise tolerance requirements for fixing studs and strips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate elements as mediators between the fixing studs and the lightning arrester strips. These intermediates absorb the misalignment between the stud holes and strip holes, allowing assembly without precise tolerance matching. The intermediates act as a buffer that decouples the positional constraints between the radome structure and the lightning protection components.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixing studs and lightning arrester strips are aligned with coinciding main axes, then assembly is simplified, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to protruding external studs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the lightning arrester strips on the internal skin rather than the external surface. The fixing studs remain on the external surface for lightning attachment, but the functional strips are moved to the interior, reversing the traditional configuration. This inversion eliminates aerodynamic drag from external strips while maintaining assembly simplicity through the intermediate elements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional fixing methods with coinciding axes are used, then assembly is straightforward, but locating difficulties and adjustment complexity arise during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate elements serve as mediators that decouple the positioning requirements between the radome structure and the lightning arrester strips. They allow the fixing studs to be positioned independently on the external surface while the strips are positioned on the internal surface, eliminating the need for precise hole-to-hole alignment that causes locating difficulties in traditional methods.
4Ease of manufacture
If flat or rectangular strips are used, then manufacturing is simple, but radioelectric interference with radar waves increases due to wave diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional flat or rectangular strips with cylindrical (rounded) cross-section strips. This curvature eliminates the sharp edges that cause wave diffraction and radioelectric interference with radar operations. The cylindrical shape allows electromagnetic waves to pass around the strip without significant scattering, reducing harmful radioelectric effects while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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
Simplifies assembly, reduces radioelectric interference, and allows for a more flexible design that widens assembly tolerances and reduces costs by eliminating the need for precise stud placement and using a cylindrical strip that minimizes wave diffraction.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive lightning arrester strip (2), intended to be placed on the side of the internal face (1b) of the support structure (1), while being connected to the ground
Implementation Method 2
means for fixing the lightning arrester strip (2) to the support structure (1), the fixing means comprising fixing studs (3) intended to be inserted into holes made in the support structure (1), these fixing studs being in electrical contact with the lightning arrester strip (2)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
The structure (1) has a fixing unit such as fixing nut (4), for fixing of a lightning conductor strip (2) to the support structure. The fixing unit is arranged with a set of fixing studs (3) that is inserted into orifices formed in the support structure. The fixing studs are provided in electrical contact with the lightning conductor strip. The conductor strip is placed on a side of an internal face (1b) of the support structure. The lightning conductor strip is mounted in an offset manner with respect to main axis (X) of the fixing studs. The support structure is provided as a composite structure. An independent claim is also included for an aircraft.