Inductive Sensor Radome Lightning Strike Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft radomes, being electrically insulating and radiofrequency transparent, are vulnerable to lightning strikes, making it difficult to assess the intensity and characteristics of strikes, leading to potential damage and operational disruptions, as laboratory simulations may not accurately represent real-flight conditions, and pilots lack real-time data to assess damage and plan repairs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising inductive sensors positioned within the radome, associated with lightning arrester strips, to detect and record signals from lightning currents, determining the intensity, polarity, and location of strikes, and providing data on potential damage to inform flight crews and maintenance teams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radomes are made of electrically insulating material to ensure radiofrequency transparency, then radiofrequency transparency is improved, but vulnerability to lightning strikes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing inductive sensors and detection devices on the radome before actual use. These sensors are positioned to detect lightning strike parameters in advance, allowing the system to identify and record strike characteristics (current intensity, duration, location) before significant damage occurs. This enables proactive monitoring and assessment of radome integrity throughout its operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inductive sensors as intermediary devices that detect lightning strike parameters without directly contacting the lightning current. These sensors act as mediators between the harmful lightning strike and the radome structure, converting electrical strike parameters into measurable signals that can be analyzed to assess damage risk while protecting the radiofrequency transparency of the insulating radome material.
2Measurement precision
If lightning strike detection systems are installed on radomes, then measurement precision of strike characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the radome surface into multiple zones, each equipped with its own inductive sensor. This allows independent detection and characterization of lightning strikes at different locations on the radome. Each sensor segment provides localized measurement of strike parameters, enabling precise determination of strike location, intensity, and duration without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or direct electrical contact measurement systems with inductive sensing. Instead of using sensors that would require direct electrical connection to the lightning current (which would be complex and dangerous), the system uses inductive coupling to detect strike parameters wirelessly and non-invasively, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Loss of time
If real-time lightning strike data is provided to flight crews, then loss of time for damage assessment is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop system where inductive sensors continuously monitor the radome for lightning strikes, automatically process the detected parameters through onboard electronics, and provide real-time feedback to the flight crew via display or communication systems. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual inspection delays and enables immediate informed decision-making regarding flight safety and destination selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the radome detection system to automatically assess and report its own integrity status. The system autonomously detects lightning strikes, processes the parameter data, determines potential damage levels, and communicates findings without requiring external intervention. This self-assessment capability reduces the need for complex external evaluation systems and enables rapid autonomous decision-making.
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 precise identification of lightning strike conditions and potential damage, allowing for timely and informed decision-making to minimize aircraft downtime and optimize repair operations by providing real-time data on strike characteristics and damage assessment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductive sensor (3, 4) positioned relative to the insulating structure in such a way that the at least one inductive sensor delivers a signal when at least one lightning arrester strip (10) is passed through by a lightning current
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting lightning strikes (9) on an electrically insulating structure (11) likely to be subjected to a lightning strike, for example an aircraft radome, includes on an external surface (12) one or more lightning arrester strips (10), made of an electrically conductive material and electrically linked to an electrically conductive structure. At least one inductive sensor (3) is positioned near the internal surface (13) of the electrically insulating structure so that the inductive sensor delivers a signal when a lightning arrester strip is passed through by a lightning current I. The signals from the inductive sensor, for example a flat coil or two flat coils mounted in opposition, are received and processed by acquisition means.