Segmented Lightning Diverter with Integrated ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lightning protection systems fail to effectively address both lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges caused by the triboelectric effect, which can lead to damage and voltage issues in high-frequency devices and vehicles, particularly aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A segmented lightning diverter element with a support having a resistance per unit length of 100 kΩ/m to 100 MΩ/m, allowing controlled electrostatic discharge while preventing lightning current flow, is integrated into high-frequency devices and vehicles, featuring metallic segments for directing lightning strikes and static charge dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metallic support is used to conduct lightning current, then lightning protection is improved, but electrostatic discharge causes damage to components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protectionVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support's electrical conductivity is adjusted by changing its material composition or structure to have high conductivity for lightning current (amperage) but controlled resistance for electrostatic discharge (voltage), allowing differential response to different electrical threats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support is constructed from composite materials that combine properties enabling simultaneous lightning current conduction and electrostatic charge dissipation, such as conductive polymers or metal-matrix composites with controlled resistivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an insulating support is used to prevent lightning current flow, then component protection is improved, but electrostatic charge accumulates and causes discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning current protectionVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support's electrical properties are optimized to have intermediate conductivity - not fully insulating nor fully conductive - enabling it to block lightning current while allowing gradual electrostatic charge dissipation through controlled resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support acts as an intermediary element with tailored electrical properties that mediates between the metallic segments (which collect charge) and the ground, providing a controlled path for electrostatic discharge while maintaining lightning protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional anti-static measures are added to protect against triboelectric effects, then electrostatic protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic protectionVSAvoidprotection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support for metallic segments, lightning current conduction, and electrostatic charge dissipation, eliminating the need for separate anti-static components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of structural support, lightning protection, and electrostatic discharge protection are merged into a single integrated support element, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides comprehensive protection against both lightning strikes and triboelectric effects by allowing controlled electrostatic discharge and preventing damage to high-frequency components and vehicles, reducing the need for additional anti-static measures.

Implementation Method 1

Static charge that collects because of the triboelectric effect, for example when using the fuselage of an aircraft, due to friction with the hydrometeors or aerosols in general, can therefore flow away by way of the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

Static charge that collects because of the triboelectric effect, for example when using the fuselage of an aircraft, due to friction with the hydrometeors or aerosols in general

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

lightning diverter elements that divert the lightning current in that they pass it on to a metallic structure, and thereby preserve a component to be protected from the harmful effects of a lightning strike

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLightning current conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10669039B2Segmented lightning diverter element having integrated ESD protection

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A lightning diverter element having integrated ESD protection, including a support and metallic segments disposed on the support is disclosed, wherein the support has a resistance per unit length in a range from 100 kΩ/m to 100 MΩ/m. Furthermore, a high-frequency device is disclosed, wherein such a lightning diverter element is disposed on a surface of a component of the high-frequency device. Finally, a vehicle including such a lightning diverter element and/or such a high-frequency device is disclosed.