Structurally integrable electrode and associated assembly and fabrication method

An assembly having a structurally integrated electrode, the assembly comprising:

• a structural member defining first and second nodes of a circuit;
• an electrode embedded in the structural member for providing a conductive path between the first and second nodes, the electrode comprising:
• at least one conductive tow having a core and a conductive coating thereon, the tow extending along a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and the core being formed of a plurality of reinforcement fibers extending in the longitudinal direction of the tow;
• first and second conductive contacts disposed at the first and second ends of the tow, the first contact providing a connection between the first end of the tow and the first node, and the second contact providing a connection between the second end of the tow and the second node;
• and
• at least one dielectric ply extending generally parallel to the tow and disposed between the tow and the structural member and configured to insulate the tow from the structural member.

A method of fabricating a structurally integrable electrode for providing an electrically conductive path between first and second nodes of an electrical circuit of a structural member, the method comprising:

• providing at least one conductive tow having a core and a conductive coating thereon, the tow extending along a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and the core being formed of a plurality of reinforcement fibers extending in the longitudinal direction of the tow;
• connecting first and second electrically conductive contacts to the first and second ends of the tow such that the first contact is configured to provide an electrical connection between the first end of the tow and the first node and the second contact is configured to provide an electrical connection between the second end of the tow and the second node;
• and
• disposing at least one dielectric ply generally parallel to the tow at least partially around the tow such that the ply is configured to electrically insulate the tow between the first and second ends.