Automated De-icing for Low Power Lighting via Environmental Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power lighting devices, such as those using LEDs, face challenges with ice, frost, or snow accumulation on their light emitting faces during winter conditions, leading to reduced visibility and safety issues due to inadequate heat generation, necessitating a proactive de-icing solution.
Innovation Solution
An automated de-icing system that includes detectors to assess conditions conducive to ice, frost, or snow formation, a controller to determine the likelihood of accumulation, and a heat transfer system to prevent buildup by engaging when thresholds are met, ensuring continuous functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low power lighting devices are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but heat generation is insufficient to prevent ice accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting conditions favorable for ice accumulation (temperature, humidity, wind) and activating the heat transfer system before ice actually forms on the light emitting face. This proactive approach prevents ice buildup while maintaining low overall power consumption, as heating is only applied when necessary based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat transfer system (heating element or resistive heater) that mediates between the low power consumption requirement and the need for heat generation. This intermediary component provides supplemental heat only when environmental conditions indicate ice accumulation risk, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and temperature maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If reactive optical detection systems are used, then ice buildup is detected, but by the time detection occurs, the light emitting face is already compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, wind speed) that are favorable for ice accumulation, rather than waiting for ice to actually form on the light emitting face. This allows the heat transfer system to be activated proactively before ice buildup compromises the light emitting face, eliminating the time loss associated with reactive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring environmental conditions and using this information to control the heat transfer system. The controller receives data from detectors about temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, processes this feedback information, and activates heating when conditions indicate ice accumulation risk, creating a closed-loop system that responds to environmental changes in real-time.
3Reliability
If heat transfer system is activated continuously, then ice accumulation is prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the heat transfer system operational rather than static. The heating element is activated dynamically based on real-time environmental conditions detected by sensors. When temperature, humidity, and wind conditions indicate ice accumulation risk, the system activates heating; when conditions are favorable, heating is deactivated. This dynamic operation maintains reliability while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by activating the heat transfer system only during specific periods when environmental conditions are favorable for ice accumulation. Rather than continuous operation, the heating is applied periodically based on detected conditions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functionality during critical periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents ice, frost, or snow accumulation on low power lighting devices, maintaining functionality and safety by proactively transferring heat before significant buildup occurs, reducing power consumption and requiring minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer system for transferring heat to the light emitting face
Data Source
AI summary
An automated de-icing system for a low power lighting device having a light emitting face. The system includes one or more detectors for detecting conditions under which ice, frost or snow are likely to occur on the light emitting face. The system further includes a heat transfer system for transferring heat to the light emitting face and a controller for receiving data from the detector(s) and determining a likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face. The controller engages the heat transfer system if the likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face exceeds a threshold.