Floater track linkage type anti-icing device
By using a float-track linkage anti-icing device, which utilizes a high-pressure air pump and temperature sensor to control the ejection of air bubbles, the problem of high energy consumption and high maintenance costs in reservoir anti-icing is solved, achieving continuous anti-icing and environmentally friendly results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LIAONING WATER RESOURCES & HYDROPOWER SURVEY DESIGN & RES INST CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for preventing reservoir icing are energy-intensive, costly to maintain, and ineffective in preventing icing, potentially causing environmental damage.
The device employs a float-track linkage anti-icing system, which connects a series air storage tank via a high-pressure air pump. The float is linked to the steel cable, and the air jet pipe of the air tank slides up and down on the water surface. Combined with a temperature sensor and control system, it ensures that the bubbles are evenly distributed and continuously ejected.
It achieves continuous and effective anti-icing, reduces energy consumption, lowers maintenance costs, avoids environmental damage, and adapts to different reservoir conditions.
Smart Images

Figure CN224259254U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of water conservancy engineering, and specifically relates to a float track linkage anti-icing device. Background Technology
[0002] In cold regions, reservoir freezing in winter is a common and challenging problem. Currently, common methods for preventing reservoir freezing have many shortcomings. Traditional icebreaker methods not only consume significant amounts of energy and manpower but also only provide reactive solutions after ice formation, failing to fundamentally prevent freezing. Furthermore, frequent operations may damage surrounding facilities and the ecological environment. Laying insulation materials is costly, and these materials are easily damaged in the complex environment of reservoirs, requiring frequent replacements and incurring extremely high maintenance costs. The use of heating equipment not only consumes large amounts of electricity, increasing operating costs, but may also cause thermal pollution to the water, impacting the habitat of aquatic life. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a float-track linkage anti-icing device. Through the linkage structure between the float and the track, the air cylinder is kept close to the water surface, improving the continuity and reliability of bubble ejection, thereby achieving a continuous anti-icing effect.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows: a float track linkage anti-icing device, the key technical points of which are: a high-pressure air pump, which is connected to an air cylinder through a rubber hose; the air cylinder is mainly composed of multiple air storage cylinders connected in series; each air storage cylinder has an air cylinder inlet and outlet pipe with external threads at its end; the air cylinder inlet and outlet pipes of each air storage cylinder are connected in series through a rubber hose; the air cylinder inlet and outlet pipes are inserted into the rubber hose and connected to it through external threads; the end of the last air storage cylinder is sealed with a flange end cap; an air cylinder jet pipe is also connected to the air storage cylinder through an air cylinder branch pipe; the air cylinder jet pipe has a two-end sealed structure and multiple air holes are provided on its surface; each air storage cylinder is connected to a steel cable through a chain or rope; multiple floats are connected in series on the steel cable; the end of the steel cable is connected to a cable ball; the cable ball is set in a track fixed to the inner wall of two gate piers and can slide up and down along the track, driving the air cylinders on the steel cable to slide up and down.
[0005] In the above scheme, two air cylinder jet pipes are symmetrically installed on the air storage cylinder.
[0006] In the above scheme, an air cylinder jet pipe is installed at the bottom of each air storage cylinder.
[0007] In the above scheme, an air cylinder jet pipe is installed on the side wall of each air storage cylinder.
[0008] The above scheme also includes a control system, which includes multiple temperature sensors installed at different water depths and an ultrasonic water depth sensor installed on the gate pier. Each temperature sensor and water depth sensor is connected to a microcontroller, which is connected to a high-pressure air pump and controls the working status of the high-pressure air pump.
[0009] In the above scheme, a hydraulic telescopic rod controlled by a microcontroller is also installed on the gate pier. The hydraulic telescopic rod pushes the cable ball to move along the track, so that the air cylinder jet pipe reaches the set height.
[0010] In the above scheme, a magnetic interface is reserved on the steel cable to connect with the float in a magnetic manner.
[0011] In the above scheme, an air heater is provided inside the float.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A float-track linkage anti-icing device includes a high-pressure air pump, which is connected to an air cylinder via a hose. The air cylinder mainly consists of multiple air storage cylinders connected in series, and an air jet pipe is connected to the air storage cylinder via a branch pipe. Each air storage cylinder is connected to a steel cable via a chain or rope. Multiple floats are connected in series to the steel cable, and a cable ball is connected to the end of the steel cable. The cable ball is set in a track fixed to the inner wall of two gate piers and can slide up and down along the track. The linkage design between the floats and the track keeps the air cylinder close to the water surface, ensuring uniform distribution of air bubbles; the multi-air storage cylinder series structure increases the gas storage capacity and improves the continuity of anti-bubble spraying, thus achieving a continuous anti-icing effect; the modular design facilitates installation and maintenance and adapts to different gate sizes. Attached Figure Description
[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a float-track linkage anti-icing device in the embodiments of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the BB direction;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view of the float-track linkage anti-icing device in Example 2;
[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the float-track linkage anti-icing device in Example 3;
[0019] Figure 6 This is a top view of the float-track linkage anti-icing device in Example 4;
[0020] The numbers in the diagram are explained as follows: 1 High-pressure air pump, 2 Rubber hose, 3 Air cylinder, 3.1 Air cylinder inlet and outlet pipes, 3.2 Air storage cylinder, 3.3 Air cylinder branch pipe, 3.4 Air cylinder jet pipe, 4 Gate, 5 Flange end cover, 6 Chain, 7 Steel cable, 8 Float, 9 Cable ball, 10 Track, 11 Gate pier. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figures 1-6 The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Example 1:
[0022] The float-track linkage anti-icing device in this embodiment is installed in front of the gate 4 inside the gate pier 11. It includes a high-pressure air pump 1, which is installed above one side of the gate pier 11. The high-pressure air pump 1 is connected to an air cylinder 3 via a first hose 2. The air cylinder 3 mainly consists of multiple air storage cylinders 3.2 connected in series. In this embodiment, five air storage cylinders are provided, each with an air cylinder inlet / outlet pipe 3.1 at its end, and the end of the air cylinder inlet / outlet pipe 3.1 has an external thread. One end of the first air storage cylinder is connected to the high-pressure air pump 1 via the hose 2. The first air storage cylinder is connected to a second hose via the air cylinder inlet / outlet pipe 3.1. The external thread of the first air cylinder inlet / outlet pipe 3.1 after being fitted into the second hose makes the connection more stable and provides better sealing. The second hose connects to the air cylinder inlet / outlet pipe 3.1 of the third air storage cylinder 3.2, and so on, until all air storage cylinders are connected in series. The end of the last air cylinder is sealed with a flange end cap.
[0023] In this embodiment, an air cylinder jet pipe 3.4 is also connected to the air storage cylinder 3.2. The air storage cylinder 3.2 is connected to the air cylinder jet pipe 3.4 through an air cylinder branch pipe. The air cylinder jet pipe 3.4 has a structure with both ends sealed and multiple air holes on its surface.
[0024] In this embodiment, each air storage cylinder 3.2 is connected to a steel cable 7 via two chains 6 (or ropes). Multiple floats 8 are connected in series on the steel cable 7. A ball 9 is connected to the end of the steel cable 7. The ball 9 is located within the track 10 and can slide up and down along the track 10, thereby driving the steel cable 7 to slide up and down along the track 10. This causes the air cylinder 3 to move with changes in the reservoir water level and the stratification of water temperature, ensuring that the air cylinder can generate bubbles near the water layer most prone to freezing. Example 2:
[0025] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that a first air cylinder jet pipe and a second air cylinder jet pipe are symmetrically arranged on the air storage cylinder 3.2. The first and second air cylinder jet pipes are in contact with the water surface. The symmetrical jetting from the two pipes generates mutually coordinating water flow disturbances, allowing for better mixing of the upper and lower layers of water and promoting heat exchange. In cold weather, mixing the relatively warm water in the lower layer of the reservoir with the easily freezing water in the upper layer raises the surface water temperature and prevents freezing.
[0026] The symmetrically arranged jet nozzles can evenly agitate the water on both sides of the air storage tank 3.2. In water, uneven water flow can cause the air storage tank to wobble due to uneven force. Symmetrical jetting ensures that the water flow forces on both sides of the air storage tank are relatively balanced, maintaining the stability of the air storage tank. Example 3:
[0027] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that only one air jet pipe is installed at the bottom of each air storage tank 3.2. When the air jet pipe sprays air from the bottom of the air storage tank, the bubbles will carry the surrounding water upwards during their ascent, forming an upward water flow. The surrounding cooler water will then replenish the flow, thus creating a continuous convection circulation. This convection allows the water at different depths in the reservoir to mix thoroughly, bringing the relatively warmer water from the lower layers to the upper layers, effectively increasing the surface water temperature and reducing the possibility of freezing. For example, in winter, the water temperature in the lower layers of the reservoir may be relatively stable and higher than that of the surface. By promoting convection through bottom air jetting, heat can be distributed more evenly throughout the water body. Example 4:
[0028] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that an air cylinder nozzle is installed on the side wall of each air storage cylinder 3.2. The lateral placement of the air cylinder nozzle optimizes the bubble spray angle and range, allowing for flexible adjustment of the spray angle and enabling the bubbles to act more effectively on the target area. For example, if the nozzle is angled downwards, the bubbles can rush to the bottom and then rise back up, expanding the disturbance range and enhancing the anti-icing effect. As the water sloshes, the position of the air cylinder nozzle changes continuously, diversifying the bubble spray direction. This more thoroughly disturbs the water, allowing water of different temperatures to mix more evenly. For example, where water temperature stratification might exist, the sloshing causes bubbles to impact the water from different angles, breaking up the stratification and bringing the warmer water from the lower layer to the surface, raising the surface water temperature and preventing freezing.
[0029] Adaptable to varying water levels: The position of the sidewall jet nozzles remains relatively stable when the reservoir water level changes. Compared to the bottom jet nozzles, which may become clogged due to silt and other factors during water level fluctuations, or the top jet nozzles, which are affected by water surface fluctuations, the sidewall jet nozzles are less affected by water level changes and can generate bubbles more stably, ensuring the continuous operation of ice prevention work.
[0030] Reduced risk of debris blockage: Compared to bottom jets, the sidewall jets are positioned higher, reducing the likelihood of blockage by bottom sediment and debris. Example 5:
[0031] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that it also includes a control system. Multiple temperature sensors are installed on the inner wall of the gate pier 4 at different water depths to collect temperatures at different depths. For example, sensors are installed at distances of 0.5 meters, 1 meter, and 1.5 meters from the water surface. An ultrasonic depth sensor is installed on the gate pier 4 to measure the current water depth of the reservoir. Each temperature sensor and depth sensor is connected to a microcontroller (such as a single-chip microcomputer), which is then connected to the high-pressure air pump 1 to control the operation of the high-pressure air pump. In this embodiment, the microcontroller and the high-pressure air pump can be encapsulated together in a housing to reduce the impact of weather conditions on the equipment. In this embodiment, a hydraulic telescopic rod controlled by the microcontroller can also be added to the gate pier 11. The hydraulic telescopic rod can push the cable ball 9 along the track, allowing the air pump nozzle to reach a set height.
[0032] Based on historical data and icing principles, icing warning temperature thresholds corresponding to different water depths are set within the microcontroller. For example, in a certain reservoir environment, extensive experiments and data analysis have shown that icing may begin at a depth of 0.5 meters when the temperature is below 3°C, and at a depth of 1 meter when the temperature is below 2°C. When the water temperature at a certain depth reaches or falls below the corresponding warning temperature threshold, and the water depth data shows that this depth is in an area prone to icing (such as within a certain range near the water surface), it is determined that there is a risk of icing at that location. The cable ball 9 is pushed along the track to bring the air pump nozzle to the set height, and the microcontroller controls the high-pressure air pump 1 to increase its operating frequency or output pressure, increasing the amount of air bubbles and performing anti-icing treatment in advance. Example 6:
[0033] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that a magnetic interface is reserved on the steel cable 7 connected in series, allowing for the addition of floats 8 at any time via magnetic attraction, and the number of floats can be adjusted according to the reservoir environment. A FIREROD® cylindrical heater is added inside the float to increase heat exchange, enabling the heat exchange and float track guidance to work synergistically to accelerate the anti-icing process.
[0034] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A float-track linkage anti-icing device, characterized in that, The system includes a high-pressure air pump connected to an air cylinder via a hose. The air cylinder is mainly composed of multiple air storage cylinders connected in series. Each air storage cylinder has an air inlet / outlet pipe with external threads at its end. The air inlet / outlet pipes of each air storage cylinder are connected in series via hoses. The air inlet / outlet pipes are inserted into the hoses and connected to them via external threads. The end of the last air storage cylinder is sealed with a flange end cap. An air cylinder jet pipe is also connected to the air storage cylinder via a branch pipe. The air cylinder jet pipe has a two-end sealed structure and multiple air holes on its surface. Each air storage cylinder is connected to a steel cable via a chain or rope. Multiple floats are connected in series on the steel cable. The end of the steel cable is connected to a cable ball, which is set in a track fixed to the inner wall of the two gate piers and can slide up and down along the track, causing the air cylinders on the steel cable to slide up and down.
2. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Two air cylinder nozzles are symmetrically installed on the air storage cylinder.
3. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An air jet pipe is installed at the bottom of each air storage tank.
4. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An air cylinder jet pipe is installed on the side wall of each air storage cylinder.
5. A float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a control system, which includes multiple temperature sensors installed at different water depths and an ultrasonic water depth sensor installed on the gate pier. Each temperature sensor and water depth sensor is connected to a microcontroller, which is connected to a high-pressure air pump and controls the working status of the high-pressure air pump.
6. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A hydraulic telescopic rod controlled by a microcontroller is also installed on the gate pier. The hydraulic telescopic rod pushes the cable ball to move along the track, so that the air cylinder jet pipe reaches the set height.
7. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steel cable has a pre-reserved magnetic interface for magnetic connection with the float.
8. The float-track linkage anti-icing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, An air heater is provided inside the float.