System for de-icing a recessed exterior component with a vehicle body

Abstract

A system (100) for de-icing at least one exterior component (102) arranged recessed in a body of a vehicle (200) is described. The system comprises an identification module (1022) configured to detect the formation of ice around the at least one exterior component (102) of the vehicle (200). A de-icing module (103) is arranged around the exterior component (102). A control module (1021) is communicatively coupled to the identification module (1022) and the de-icing module (103), wherein the control module (1021) is configured to receive a signal from the identification module (1022) corresponding to the formation of ice around the at least one peripheral component (102). Furthermore, the control module triggers the defrosting module to defrost the ice formed around the peripheral component based on the signal received from the identification module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to exterior components of the motor vehicle. Further embodiments of the present invention disclose a system for de-icing a peripheral component of the vehicle.BACKGROUNDVehicles used in colder climates present a challenge to the user. The challenges include that exterior components of the vehicle cannot be actuated or are not accessible, in particular if ice forms around or on the exterior components of the vehicle. Ice formation around the exterior components may cause the exterior components to become blocked, thereby compromising their functionality. A user wishing to unlock or actuate these exterior components in these situations may be difficult and, therefore, the user of the vehicle may not be able to utilize the vehicle features and provisions intended for use. Exterior components include door handles, trunk, hood, fuel tank covers, and other latches that can be actuated on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle.Conventional approaches to overcoming the foregoing problems are to apply excessive torque by a motor that can be coupled to the outer members to overcome the inertia created when the outer member is locked. In operation, the required torque cannot be fixed because it depends on the friction and inertia present in the outer member when it is jammed. In such situations, an increase in engine torque may result in packaging, engine lubrication, transmission mechanism design, and possible engine burn-through. The conventional approach is therefore associated with a damage factor for both the motor and the peripheral component to which the motor is connected.There is a prior art teaching a vehicle door assembly. For example, DE102014000819A1 discloses a vehicle door handle assembly that includes a bracket and a deployment mechanism configured to move a handle between a retracted and a deployed position. The deployment mechanism comprises at least one lever, in particular a front lever, a rear lever, a recess on the holder, a contact surface on the at least one lever and a blocking lever arranged between the recess and the contact surface. The blocking lever is configured to move from a first position when the handle is flush to a second position when the handle is deployed in its second position. The blocking lever is pressed against the recess on the bracket and against the contact surface, whereby the rotation of the at least one lever is blocked. In the first position, the blocking lever is tilted such that it is neither pressed by the recess nor by the contact surface and the at least one lever can rotate. However, the prior art does not provide a solution to the problem of ice formation in the region of the handles.The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art.The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or an indication that this information forms prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne or more shortcomings of conventional systems and assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the system as claimed in the present invention. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed invention.In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a system for de-icing a peripheral component connected to a body of a vehicle is described. The system includes a detection module configured to detect formation of ice around the at least one peripheral component of the vehicle. A de-ice module disposed around the peripheral component located in a vehicle mountable mounting unit. The system further includes a control module communicatively connected to the identification module and the de-icing module. The control module is configured to receive a signal from the identification module corresponding to ice formation around the at least one peripheral component. Based on the signal received from the identification module, the control module triggers the de-icing module to de-ice ice ice formed around the peripheral component based on the signal received from the identification module.In an embodiment of the invention, the identification module is connected to the at least one peripheral component and is configured to detect parameters indicative of at least one of the following properties: temperature of the air and ice formation in the vicinity of the at least one peripheral component.In one embodiment of the invention, the defrosting module is a heat dissipation channel.In one embodiment of the invention, the detection module is at least one temperature sensor or a frost / snow / ice formation sensor.In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one peripheral component is at least one of the following components: door handle, fuel cover and tailgate.In an embodiment of the invention, the control module is configured to transmit the signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one peripheral component to a preconfigured mobile device comprising a vehicle key and a mobile phone of a vehicle user.In one embodiment of the invention, the control module is configured to receive a signal corresponding to the triggering of the defrost module from the preconfigured mobile device.In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method of de-icing an exterior member of a vehicle is described. The method includes detecting ice formation around the at least one peripheral component of the vehicle by an identification module. receiving, by a control module, a signal from the identification module corresponding to ice formation around the at least one peripheral component. The method further includes triggering, by the control module, a de-icing module to de-ice the ice formed around the peripheral component based on the signal received from the identification module.In a further non-limiting embodiment, a vehicle is described having a frame defining a profile of the vehicle. The frame includes a front end, a rear end, and a central portion defining an occupant compartment extending between the front end and the rear end. The center portion is configured to receive one or more doors, each of the one or more doors comprising door handles. The vehicle includes a system for de-icing door handles that are flush with the body of a vehicle. The system includes a detection module configured to detect formation of ice around the at least one peripheral component of the vehicle. A de-ice module disposed around the peripheral component located in a vehicle mountable mounting unit. The system further includes a control module communicatively connected to the identification module and the de-icing module. The control module is configured to receive a signal from the identification module corresponding to ice formation around the at least one peripheral component. Based on the signal received from the identification module, the control module triggers the de-icing module to de-ice ice ice formed around the peripheral component based on the signal received from the identification module.The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, other aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe novel features and characteristics of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a mode of use, other objects and advantages thereof, will, however, be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which: FIG. 1 shows an exemplary schematic side view of a vehicle having one or more exterior components, including door handles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 ashows an exemplary perspective view of a system for defrosting exterior components, such as the door handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 b shows a block diagram of the system for de-icing the exterior components according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the process of defrosting the ice formed around the exterior components.The figures show embodiments of the invention which are provided for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus illustrated herein may be used without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONWhile the embodiments described in the invention are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular form shown, but on the contrary, is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art will be rendered motivatable by the present invention and may modify various features of the system and method for de-icing at least one peripheral component that contacts a vehicle body without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, such changes are considered part of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings show only the specific details that are relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the invention with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present description. Also, the method of the present invention may be used in any type of vehicle, including commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and the like. For simplicity's sake, however, neither the vehicle nor the complete vehicle frame of the vehicle is illustrated in the drawings of the invention.The terms "comprises...a", "comprising", or other variations thereof used in the invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a method and system comprising a list of components includes not only those components, but may also include other components not expressly listed or inherent in such a mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in a mechanism continuing with "comprises... a" does not exclude, without further limitations, the presence of other or additional elements in the system or device.Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system for de-icing at least one exterior member connected to a body of a vehicle. The de-ice system may be configured to dynamically detect formation of ice and de-ice the ice proximate the at least one peripheral device. The system for de-icing the at least one peripheral component includes a detection module configured to detect ice formation around the at least one peripheral component of the vehicle. A de-icing module may be arranged around the exterior component, which is located in a mounting unit that can be fastened to the vehicle. A control module may be communicatively connected to the identification module and the defrost module. The control module may be configured to receive from the identification module a signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one peripheral component. The configuration of the system will be explained in conjunction with the corresponding figures in the following sections.In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. In the figures, the same element or elements having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Referring generally to the drawings, a system for dividing at least one peripheral device in accordance with the teachings of preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated and generally designated by the reference numerals 100 in the corresponding figures. No vehicle is explicitly shown in the figures, and it should be understood that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to any particular vehicle.The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and use. Moreover, there is no intention to be bound by any theory set forth in the foregoing background or in the summary or in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention may take various alternative orientations and sequences of steps, unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical properties relating to the embodiments are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms are used that point in a particular direction, the use of these terms or words is merely intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not unduly limit the technical scope of the present invention.It is also to be understood that the terminology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "housed," "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used in the broadest sense to include both direct and indirect attachments, connections, supports, and couplings. Moreover, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example, and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In addition, known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the described embodiment. The system is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in connection with the present invention.Referring to FIG. 1 of the corresponding drawings, an example schematic view of the vehicle ( 200) is shown. In one embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that when referring to the vehicle (200), the vehicle may have at least several different uses and may be referred to as passenger cars, heavy and light commercial vehicles, etc. The vehicle may include a plurality of wheels (not shown) to ensure mobility of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle may include a vehicle frame. Accordingly, the vehicle may have a body on a frame, such as is known for use as a passenger car or the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a pipe frame / monocoque / center pipe frame. The vehicle may be a car, a commercial vehicle, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a wagon, a multi utility vehicle (MUV), or any other vehicle without departing from the scope of the invention.The vehicle may include a front side (not explicitly illustrated), a rear side (not explicitly illustrated), a right side, and a left side forming a central portion defining a body structure. As already indicated, the entire vehicle is not depicted in the figures. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the body structure of the vehicle may be configured to support a powertrain suitable for propelling the wheels via a transmission system to move the vehicle on a surface such as the road in a known manner. Further, the front of the body may include provisions for receiving a hood that may be configured to cover the engine compartment. The left side and the right side may be structured to receive one or more doors (201) that may be selectively opened or closed to gain access to the interior of the body or the passenger compartment. The one or more doors (201) may be selectively opened and closed by a user by actuating at least one exterior member (102) on each of the one or more doors (201). In one implementation, the at least one exterior member (102) mentioned herein may be a door handle.In the present invention, the de-icing system (100) may be explained with respect to the door handle for operating the one or more doors (201). However, the system (100) of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with several other exterior components of the vehicle (200), including a fuel cap, a tailgate, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Back to Door Handle: The system (100) of the present invention can be used with the door handles of various configurations. For example, the system of the present invention may be used with parallel deployable door handles, rotatable door handles, hinged door handles, push down door handles, pull up door handles, pull out door handles, touch type door handles, and fixed flush door handles. In the following embodiments, the at least one exterior component (102) may be referred to as a door handle (102), and the system (100) may be discussed accordingly. As described in the background, the door handle (102) of the vehicle (200) may be exposed to environmental conditions. For example, when the vehicle (200) is deployed in colder climates, this presents a challenge to users because ice forms between the vehicle body and the door handle (102). Ice formation between the body of the vehicle (200) and the door handle (102) may impede and impair proper functioning of the door handle (102). To ensure that the ice formed between the vehicle body and the door handle (102) is removed / de-iceed, the system (100) is provided near the door handle (102). In FIG. 1, the door handle (102) can be shown in the closed state, while FIG. 2 ashows the door handle (102) in the extended state. Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 aand 2 b, in conjunction with FIG. 1, which illustrate the system ( 100) for defrosting the door handle ( 102) [i.e. the at least one peripheral component ( 102)].The system (100) of the present invention may include an identification module (1022). The identification module ( 1022) may be arranged in the door handle ( 102) of the vehicle ( 100). The identification module ( 1022) can be at least one temperature sensor or a frost / snow / ice formation sensor. Although a specific identification module (1022) is depicted above, this should not be understood as a limitation of the present invention, as any sensor capable of determining ice formation may be used. In one embodiment, the identification module ( 1022) can be arranged on a surface of the door handle ( 102) facing the environment. In another embodiment, the identification module (1022) may be disposed within the door handle (102) without departing from the scope of the present invention.The system (100) may include a defrost module (103) that may be disposed about the door handle (102). In one embodiment, the defrost module (103) may be disposed in a mounting unit (101) that may be configured to receive the door handle (102). The mounting unit ( 101) may be attached to the one or more doors ( 201) and have a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the door handle (102). In one embodiment, the shape of the cavity may correspond to the shape of the door handle (102). The shape of the door handle (102) may vary depending on the variant of the vehicle (200) in which it may be used. The defrost module (103) may be disposed in the cavity in which the door handle (102) may be disposed. In one embodiment, the defrost module (103) may be provided along the perimeter of the cavity such that the defrost module (103) is adjacent the door handle (102). The defrosting module ( 103) may be a heat dissipation channel ( 1031).In an embodiment of the present invention, the defrosting module (103) used may be the heat dissipation channel (1031), which will be explained in more detail below. The heat dissipation channel ( 1031) is shown shaded black and gray in FIGS. 1 and 2 aof the corresponding drawings. The heat dissipation channel (1031) may be fixed along the periphery of the cavity defined by the mounting unit (101) [i.e., the heat dissipation channel (1031) is fixed to the cavity in the door], so that the heat dissipation channel (1031) is adjacent to the door handle (102). In one embodiment, a storage tank (1034) (as shown in FIG. 2 b ) may be fluidly connected to the heat dissipation channel (1031) of the de-ice module (103). The storage tank ( 1034) may be configured to store liquid that may be supplied through the heat removal channel ( 1031) of the de-ice module ( 103). The fluid may be pumped from the storage tank (1034) to the de-icing module (103) by a pump (1033) as shown in FIG. 2 b. The fluid may be pumped from the storage tank (1034) by the pump (1033) through a heater (1032) of the de-ice module (103) into the heat removal channel (1031), as shown in FIG. 2 b. The heater (1032) may be configured to heat the liquid circulating to the heat removal channel (1031). The heated liquid may circulate from the heater (1032) to the heat dissipation channel (1031). In an embodiment, a channel between the heater (1032) and the heat dissipation channel (1031) may be thermally insulated. The heat dissipating channel (1031) containing the heated liquid may release heat to the ice formed around the at least one peripheral member (102), i.e., the door handle (102), thereby defrosting the formed ice. Once the heat of the heated liquid has been dissipated to the door handle (102), the liquid can be directed into the reservoir (1034). Ice formation on the at least one peripheral component (102) may be monitored dynamically and the process described above may be repeated. In one implementation, the heater and the container for the at least one exterior component (102) may be centralized. In another embodiment, each of the at least one outer member (102) may be provided with the heater and the reservoir. In one embodiment, the defrosting may be triggered by a control module (1021) connected to the system (100).The control module (1021) may be a central control module of the vehicle or a single unit that may be disposed in the vicinity of the door handle (102). The control module (1021) may be communicatively coupled to the identification module (1022) and the de-icing module (103). The control module (1021) may be configured to receive from the identification module (1022) a signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one exterior component (102), as shown in blocks 301 and 302 in FIG. 3. Based on the signal received from the identification module (1022), the control module (1021) may trigger the de-ice module (103) to de-ice ice ice ice formed proximate the door handle (102), as shown at block 303 in FIG. 3. When the defrosting module ( 103) is triggered, the heated liquid can be pumped into the defrosting module ( 103). The heated liquid circulating in the defrost module (103) may provide heat to melt / defrost the ice formed around the door handle (102). In addition, the control module (1021) may also be configured to transmit the signal corresponding to ice formation around the door handle (102) to a preconfigured mobile device such as a vehicle key and a mobile phone of an operator / user. For example, the control module (1021) may be configured to transmit the ice formation corresponding signal to the mobile phone in which the vehicle data is preconfigured. The user can be alerted to the current and predicted weather conditions and possible icing events using a mobile application, such as the manufacturer's application. In one embodiment, the mobile application may be incorporated with weather forecast applications and services. The user may trigger / initiate the defrosting via the mobile device to defrost the ice formed around the door handle (102). In addition, the user can track the state of the defrost in real time.In one embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to dynamically detect ice formation and de-ice the ice proximate the at least one peripheral component. The system (100) can be remotely operated. In addition, the system (100) of the present invention may be substantially simple and convenient.It is understood that a person skilled in the art can develop a system having a similar configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.EQUIVALENTSWith regard to the use of terms in the plural and / or singular, the person skilled in the art can translate from the plural into the singular and / or from the singular into the plural depending on the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly recited herein for clarity.Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the portions of the appended claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising, but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that when a particular number of introduced claims are intended, such an intention is expressly recited in the claim and that when such a suggestion is absent, such an intention is not present. For convenience in explanation, the following claims may use the introductory terms "at least one" and "one or more" to initiate claim statements. However, the use of such terms should not be construed as the introduction of claim enumeration by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limiting a particular claim containing such introduced claim enumeration to inventions containing only such enumeration, even if the same claim contains the introductory terms "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of certain articles to introduce claim formulations. Although a particular number of claims introduced are expressly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such enumeration should generally be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the mere enumeration of "two enumerations" without other modifiers will generally mean at least two enumerations or two or more enumerations). Moreover, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally such a construction is meant in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that virtually any disjunction word and / or set of two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims or drawings should be understood to include one of the terms, one of the terms or both terms. Thus, for example, the formulation "A or B" includes the possibilities "A" or "B" or "A and B". Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive, the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.List of reference numbers:100 System 101 Mounting unit 102 Exterior component 1021 Control module 1022 Module for identification 103 Defrost module 1031 Heat dissipating duct 1032 Heater 1033 Pump 1034 Storage tank 200 Vehicle 201 Door 300 Method 301 Detecting ice formation on an exterior component of vehicle 302 Receiving a signal corresponding to ice formation on the exterior component of vehicle 303 Triggering the defrost module to defrost the exterior componentReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 102014000819A1

[0004]

Claims

A system (100) for defrosting at least one exterior component (102) recessed in a body of a vehicle (200), the system (100) comprising: a detection module (1022) configured to detect the formation of ice around the at least one exterior component (102) of the vehicle (200); a defrosting module (103) arranged around the exterior component (102), arranged in a mounting unit (101) attachable to the vehicle (200), the defrosting module (103) having a heat dissipation channel (1031) arranged next to the at least one exterior component (102); and a control module (1021) communicatively coupled to the identification module (1022) and the de-icing module (103), the control module (1021) configured to: receive, from the identification module (1022), a signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one exterior component (102); and trigger the de-icing module (103) to circulate heated liquid in the heat dissipation channel (1031) to de-ice the ice formed around the at least one exterior component (102) based on the signal received from the identification module (1022).The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the identification module (1022) is connected to the at least one exterior member (102) and is configured to detect parameters indicative of at least one of temperature of the air, ice formation proximate the at least one exterior member (102) of the vehicle, and surface temperature of the at least one peripheral member (102).The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the de-icing module (103) comprises a storage tank suitable for storing fluid circulating to the heat dissipation channel (1031) of the de-icing module (103), and a heating device arranged between an outlet of the fluid tank and an inlet of the heat dissipation channel (1031) and configured to heat the fluid entering the heat dissipation channel (1031).The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the identification module (1022) is at least one of a temperature sensor and a frost / snow / ice formation sensor.The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one exterior component (102) is at least one of a door handle, a fuel lid, and a tailgate.The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the control module (1021) is configured to transmit the signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one exterior component (102) to a preconfigured mobile device including a vehicle key and a mobile phone of a user of the vehicle.The system (100) of claims 1 and 6, wherein the control module (1021) is configured to receive a signal from the preconfigured mobile device corresponding to the triggering of the defrosting module (103).A method (300) for defrosting an exterior component (102) of a vehicle (200), the method (300) comprising: detecting (301), by an identification module (1022), ice formation around the at least one peripheral component (102) of the vehicle (200); receiving (302), by a control module (1021), a signal from the identification module (1022) corresponding to the formation of ice around the at least one exterior component (102); and triggering (303), by the control module (1021), a defrosting module (103) to circulate heated fluid in the heat dissipation channel (1031) to defrost the ice formed around the exterior component (102) based on the signal received from the identification module (1022).The method (300) of claim 8, wherein the control module (1021) is configured to transmit the signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one exterior component (102) to a preconfigured mobile device including a vehicle key and a mobile phone of an operator and to receive a signal corresponding to the triggering of the defrosting module (103) from the preconfigured mobile device.A vehicle (200) comprising a frame defining a profile of the vehicle (200), the frame having a front, a rear, and a central portion defining an occupant space extending between the front and rear ends, the central portion configured to receive one or more doors, each of the one or more doors comprising door handles and a system (100) for defrosting the door handles flush with a body of a vehicle (200), the system (100) comprising: a detection module (1022) configured to detect the formation of ice around the at least one peripheral component (102) of the vehicle (200); a defrosting module (103) disposed around the exterior component (102) located in a mounting unit (101) attachable to the vehicle (200); and a control module (1021) communicatively coupled to the identification module (1022) and the de-icing module (103), the control module (1021) configured to: receive, from the identification module (1022), a signal corresponding to ice formation around the at least one exterior component (102); and trigger the de-icing module to circulate heated liquid in the heat dissipation channel (1031) and de-ice the ice formed around the peripheral component based on the signal received from the identification module (1022).

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