Modular equipment center lightning threat reduction architecture

US9561867B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Mark E. Liffring · Seattle, US
• John T. Paterson · Mukilteo, US
• Mark S. Shander · Seattle, US
• Marvin J. Whitney · Arlington, US
• Ed Woods · Poulsbo, US
• Thomas R. Hasenoehrl · Stanwood, US
• Kamiar J. Karimi · Kirkland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 11, 2013
• Grant date: Feb 7, 2017
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49117
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.