Propeller With Lightening Strike Protection
AssigneeCessna Aircraft Company
InventorsBilly M. Martin, Kevin A. Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A propeller blade assembly including a propeller blade having a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a hub, and an electrically conductive band extending longitudinally on either or both of the leading edge and trailing edge. The electrically conductive band secured to the leading edge of the propeller serves as an entry point on the aircraft and conductive channel into the airframe thereby avoiding the potentially damaging effect of the lightening on the carbon fiber composite propeller.
Claims24
A propeller blade assembly, comprising:
- a propeller blade having a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a shank;
- and
- an electrically conductive band extending longitudinally on either or both of the leading edge and trailing edge.
A propeller system for an aircraft capable of conducting the electrical current from a lightning strike from the propeller to the aircraft airframe, the propeller system comprising:
- a propeller blade having a leading edge extending between a tip and a shank;
- and
- an electrically conductive band extending longitudinally on either or both of the leading edge and trailing edge.
A method for limiting damage to an aircraft's composite propeller from a lightning strike, the method comprising:
- fabricating a composite propeller blade having a leading edge extending between a tip and a hub;
- coating the composite propeller with a non-conductive glass;
- securing an electrically conductive band extending longitudinally on either or both of the leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the band extends from the tip of the blade into the shank;
- leaving a gap between a flared end of the conductive band and the hub;
- and
- allowing the electrical current to arc from the conductive band to a ground path.
A propeller system for an aircraft capable of conducting the electrical current from a lightning strike from the propeller to the aircraft airframe, the propeller system comprising:
- a propeller blade having a leading edge extending between a tip and a shank;
- an electrically conductive band extending longitudinally on either or both of the leading edge and trailing edge wherein the electrically conductive band:
- (a) is comprised of a nickel alloy;
- (b) extends in approximately equal proportion on each side of the leading edge of the propeller blade;
- (c) is flared in proximity to the propeller shank;
- (d) is of a thickness of no greater than 0.033 inches;
- (e) at the edge proximate the propeller shank is adjacent to a snap ring assembly incorporated into the hub of the aircraft;
- and
- (f) when the propeller is struck by lightning, electricity is conducted to the flared end of the band and is provide a path to ground.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.