Materials and method of charge dissipation in space vehicles
US6361869B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31678
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and materials for reducing or limiting charge accumulation and the resulting arc discharges in components used in space vehicles such as satellites prone to charge buildup due to exposure to a charge flux. The material is found in the poly(metallocene) family. In each member of this family, a metal atom is an integral part of the polymer chain, the whole structure being held together (and the interactions provided) by chemical bonds rather than by the proximity of the components in a heterogeneous mechanical mixture. In a homogeneous dielectric, the needed conductivity may be radiation-induced or it may be achieved as the result of doping. The components may be coated with, or alternatively fabricated from, a material including the poly(metallocene) as a constituent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.