Lightning protection system for aircraft composite structure

US7969706B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Russell J. Heeter · Sammamish, US
• Jeffrey D. Morgan · Kent, US
• Kevin D. Pate · Kirkland, US
• John R. Porter · Eagan, US
• Darrin M. Hansen · Seattle, US
• Steven C. Steckmyer · Issaquah, US
• Thu A. Nguyen · Mukilteo, US
• Dale B. Winter · Maple Valley, US
• Daniel R. Smith · Woodinville, US
• Harry E. Townsend · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 5, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 5, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49622
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.