Internal Radome Lightning Strip Layout for Low-Distortion Antenna Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightning protection systems for aircraft radomes either cause aerodynamic issues or disrupt antenna radiation patterns, as metal strips positioned externally or internally interfere with the radome's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The lightning protection system consists of metal strips arranged on the internal wall of the radome, with curves substantially perpendicular to the direction of the antenna's electric field polarization, connected to an electrical mass beyond the radome's contour, minimizing interference with antenna radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal strips are positioned externally on the radome, then lightning protection is provided, but aerodynamic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection strips are nested inside the radome structure, positioned on the internal wall rather than externally. This nesting approach allows the protective function to be integrated within the existing structure, eliminating the aerodynamic interference that would occur with external positioning while maintaining the lightning guidance capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If metal strips are positioned internally on the radome, then aerodynamic problems are eliminated, but antenna radiation pattern is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection strips are positioned selectively on specific zones of the internal radome wall, rather than uniformly across the entire surface. The strips are arranged in curved configurations that follow specific geometric patterns perpendicular to the antenna's radiation beams, creating localized protection zones that avoid interfering with the main radiation lobes while still providing comprehensive lightning protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional straight radial strip arrangements to curved three-dimensional configurations. The strips follow curved paths that are perpendicular to the projection of antenna radiation beams on the radome inner surface, creating a spatial arrangement that guides lightning away from the antenna while maintaining aerodynamic smoothness. This dimensional transformation from simple radial lines to complex curved surfaces optimizes both protection and radiation performance.
3Device complexity
If metal strips are arranged radially on the inner face of the radome, then connection to aircraft fuselage is simplified, but total energy emitted is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the traditional two-dimensional radial strip arrangement into a three-dimensional curved configuration. The strips follow curved paths that are perpendicular to the antenna radiation beam projections, creating a spatial distribution that maintains electrical connectivity while minimizing interference with the electromagnetic energy distribution. This dimensional transformation allows the strips to guide lightning away from high-energy radiation zones.
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 reduces transparency loss and beam deformation, enhancing detection range and sensitivity, reducing secondary lobe reflections, and improving signal quality by minimizing ground echoes and axis deviations.
Implementation Method 1
When lightning strikes the radome, the metal strips guide the lightning to the aircraft's ground
Implementation Method 2
the curve defined by each of said at least one lightning protection strip is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the antenna's electric field polarization
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The system has lightning protection strips (b1-b6) positioned on an inner wall of a radome. The lightning protection strips define, on an inner wall of the radome, a curve (E) that is perpendicular, at each of its points, to a predetermined rectilinear polarization direction of an electrical field vector. The curve defined by the lightning protection strips is perpendicular to a set of segments (S1-SN), where each segment corresponds, for a misalignment of the antenna, to a projection on the inner wall of the radome. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device including a radome and an antenna (2) a method for assembling a lightning protection system on an inner wall of a radome.