Composite Interconnect Accessory Rail System

Abstract

The present invention is an article of manufacture comprised of advanced composites having structural, electrical, and thermal characteristics. More specifically, it is an interconnection system that comprises at least one advanced composite material with controlled mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. When employed in specific configurations and combinations, the subject invention is particularly suited for advanced armaments systems

1 . An advanced composite structure comprising:
 a physical member comprised of at least one advanced composite material, and wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises:   at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current,   at least one region adapted for conducting a thermal energy, and   at least one region adapted for attaching an electrically and/or thermally functional accessory to the advanced composite structure.   
     
     
         2 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 1  wherein the at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current is capable of conducting the electric current to and/or from a power source. 
     
     
         3 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 1  or  2  wherein the region for conducting the current is the same as the at least one region adapted for conducting a thermal energy. 
     
     
         4 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises at least one electrically insulating member. 
     
     
         5 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 4  wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises at least two electrically insulating members. 
     
     
         6 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 1  or  2  wherein the at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current is fully incorporated within an integrated structural system. 
     
     
         7 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 6  wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises at least one electrically insulating member. 
     
     
         8 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 1  or  2  wherein the at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current is partially incorporated within an integrated structural system. 
     
     
         9 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 8  wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises at least one electrically insulating member. 
     
     
         10 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein the advanced composite structure further comprises at least one electrically functional accessory. 
     
     
         11 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein the at least one electrically functional accessory is selected from the group consisting of a high intensity light, a light emitting diode (LED), an array of LEDs, a laser light, a laser designator, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         12 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein the at least one region adapted for attaching an accessory component to the advanced composite structure is configured for the attached accessory component to be capable of conducting the electric current from or to a power source. 
     
     
         13 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein at least one of the first or second region adapted for conducting an electric current is fully and/or partially integrated within an integrated structural system. 
     
     
         14 . The advanced composite structure of  claim 3  wherein at least one of the first or second region adapted for conducting a thermal energy is fully and/or partially integrated within an advanced composite structure. 
     
     
         15 . An advanced composite system comprising:
 at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current,   at least one region adapted for conducting a thermal energy,   at least one region adapted for attaching an electrically and/or thermally functional accessory to the advanced composite structure, and;   at least one power source.   
     
     
         16 . The advanced composite system of  claim 15  wherein the at least one region adapted for conducting an electric current is capable of conducting the electric current to and/or from a power source. 
     
     
         17 . The advanced composite system of  claim 16  wherein the advanced composite system comprises an advanced composite having predetermined and intentionally selected structural, electrical, and thermal characteristics. 
     
     
         18 . The advanced composite system of  claim 15  wherein the advanced composite system further comprises integrated electrical conduits and interconnections. 
     
     
         19 . An advanced composite system wherein integration of reinforcing electrically and thermally active constituents provides for a multifunctional system having a high degree of mechanical strength and stability. 
     
     
         20 . The advanced composite system of  claim 17  wherein the advanced composite system further comprises at least one region adapted for attaching an accessory onto or within the advanced composite structure. 
     
     
         21 . The advanced composite system of  claim 18  wherein the advanced composite system further comprises at least one electrically functional accessory. 
     
     
         22 . The advanced composite system of  claim 19  wherein the at least one electrically functional accessory is selected from the group consisting of a high intensity light, a light emitting diode (LED), an array of LEDs, a laser light, a laser designator, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         23 . The advanced composite system of  claim 15  wherein the advanced composite system further comprises embedded components selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber circuitry, carbon nanotube (CNT) circuitry; imbedded metal, synthetic metal, non-metal circuitry; composite conduits and chases; conductive stiffeners and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The advanced composite system of  claim 17  wherein the advanced composite system further comprises embedded components selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber circuitry, carbon nanotube (CNT) circuitry; imbedded metal, synthetic metal, non-metal circuitry; composite conduits and chases; conductive stiffeners and combinations thereof.