Switched Grounding Structure for Urban Lightning Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rocket-induced lightning methods are hazardous due to explosive materials, legal restrictions, and require significant space for launch, making them impractical for urban areas, and the wire often gets fused during a strike, limiting consecutive strikes.
Innovation Solution
A lightning induction device comprising a projection rod, intermediate conductors, and a grounded lowermost conductor connected via switches that can be instantly grounded by switching all switches on, creating intense electric field concentration for controlled lightning strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rocket-induced lightning is used to trigger a lightning strike, then the lightning can be induced effectively, but the method involves danger due to explosive gunpowder and legal restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rocket launch mechanism (including explosive gunpowder) from the lightning induction system. Instead of launching a rocket to extend the conductive wire, the invention uses a stationary conductive structure with switches that can be activated without any explosive materials, thereby eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining lightning induction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rocket launch system with an electrical switching system. The conductive wire is extended and grounded through electrical switches controlled by a control device, substituting the mechanical explosive-based launch mechanism with an electrical control mechanism that eliminates safety and legal issues
2Reliability
If rocket-induced lightning is used, then lightning strike can be triggered, but the wire is fused by lightning and consecutive launches are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the conductive wire remains in place and is not discarded after a single use. After a lightning strike, the wire is recovered (remains intact) and can be reused by simply activating the switches again, enabling consecutive lightning inductions without the need to replace the wire or conduct expensive repairs
3Reliability
If rocket launch is used for lightning induction, then lightning can be triggered, but sufficient separation distance is required from launch site making it difficult in city
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rocket launch facility (including gunpowder storage and launch area) from the system. The lightning induction is achieved using a stationary conductive structure with switches that can be installed in urban environments without requiring large separation distances or special safety zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switches as an intermediary mechanism between the control device and the conductive wire. These switches enable the wire to be grounded and extended without requiring a rocket launch, allowing the system to be deployed in confined urban spaces without the need for large launch areas or safety separation distances
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 safe and controlled induction of lightning strikes without rockets, allowing repeated attempts and installation in urban areas, eliminating the need for explosive materials and legal restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of switches disposed between the plurality of conductors and configured to switch a conduction state between the conductors
Implementation Method 2
the tip of a highly elevated conductive structure has high electric field strength, and thus is likely to trigger a lightning strike
Implementation Method 3
corona discharge is likely to occur due to electric field concentration at the tip of a highly elevated structure
Implementation Method 4
considering that a corona charge diffusion rate is approximately 100 m/s, a conductive wire is extended at a speed of at least 100 m/s from the ground toward the sky using a rocket
Data Source
AI summary
The lightning induction device includes a projection rod, an intermediate conductor, a lowermost conductor, and a switch unit. The projection rod, the N intermediate conductors, and the grounded lowermost conductor are coupled in an upward direction via the N+1 switch units, and all of the switch units are turned on, so that the projection rod and all of the intermediate conductors are instantaneously grounded.