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US 7,525,785 B2Granted
Lightning strike protection method and apparatus
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorDiane C. Rawlings
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for implementing a return current network that is external to a composite structure, which directs a current along a known path to the aircraft grounding system using appliqués. The appliqués have a dielectric polymer to isolate the return current from the structure, and a metal foil for conducting the current
Claims13
An external current return network for lightning strike protection comprising:
- a composite structural panel;
- a first appliqué coating on an external surface of the composite structural panel including a first conductive foil and a first dielectric layer;
- a second appliqué coating on said first appliqué coating, said second appliqué coating including a second conductive foil and a second dielectric layer;
- and
- electrical connect means coupling said first conductive foil to said second conductive foil;
- wherein the first appliqué coating is oriented such that the first dielectric layer is between the first foil layer and the composite structural panel, and the second appliqué coating is oriented such that the second dielectric layer is between the second foil layer and the composite structural panel;
- and
- further wherein the electrical connect means is electrically isolated from the composite structural panel.
5 more elements
A method of forming an external current return network for lightning strike protection, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a first appliqué coating on an external surface of a composite structural panel, the first appliqué coating including a first conductive foil and a first dielectric layer;
- applying a second appliqué coating on the first appliqué coating, the second appliqué coating including a second conductive foil and a second dielectric layer;
- and
- electrically connecting the first and second conductive foils with an electrical connecting means;
- wherein the first appliqué coating is oriented such that the first dielectric layer is between the first foil layer and the composite structural panel, and the second appliqué coating is oriented such that the second dielectric layer is between the second foil layer and the composite structural panel;
- and
- further wherein the electrical connect means is electrically isolated from the composite structural panel.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.