Hot-Air De-Icing Frame for Flatbed Truck Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing methods for flatbed trucks, such as manual and chemical de-icing, are complex, ergonomically challenging, and strain materials, while existing devices are not designed specifically for flatbed trucks used in transporting air freight containers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with hot air blowers directed towards a passage for flatbed trucks, allowing de-icing through thermal means, which is mobile, adjustable, and sensor-controlled for efficient de-icing of flatbed trucks and air freight containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual de-icing tools or chemical de-icing agents are used, then de-icing can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and places significant strain on the materials used on the pickup trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical de-icing tools and chemical de-icing agents with a thermal de-icing system using hot air blowers. The control unit automatically activates the hot air blowers to direct heated air onto iced surfaces, eliminating the need for manual intervention and chemical substances, thereby simplifying the de-icing process while reducing material strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-icing system incorporates sensors that automatically detect ice formation and trigger the hot air blowers without human intervention. The control unit monitors sensor signals and autonomously activates the heating elements, enabling the vehicle to de-ice itself, which reduces operational complexity compared to manual methods.
2Ease of operation
If manual de-icing tools or chemical de-icing agents are used, then de-icing can be achieved, but the process is ergonomically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces ergonomically demanding manual de-icing operations with an automated thermal de-icing system. The hot air blowers, positioned and controlled by the control unit, perform the de-icing function without requiring physical effort from operators, thereby eliminating ergonomic strain while achieving effective de-icing.
3Ease of operation
If a de-icing device is permanently installed in an underground car park, then snow and rainwater can be removed from vehicles, but the device lacks mobility and cannot be deployed at various locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a mobile de-icing device that can be transported to different locations and deployed as needed. The device incorporates a movable frame structure with hot air blowers that can be positioned around the vehicle, allowing it to adapt to various deployment scenarios rather than being fixed in one location, thereby combining operational effectiveness with versatility.
4Productivity
If hot air blowers are directed from above and from the side onto the passage, then de-icing becomes particularly effective, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions hot air blowers to direct heated air from specific locations (above and from the side) onto targeted areas of the vehicle where ice accumulation is most problematic. This localized heating approach maximizes de-icing effectiveness by concentrating thermal energy where it is most needed, rather than uniformly heating the entire vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-icing system uses multiple hot air blowers distributed at different positions and orientations around the vehicle passage. Each blower targets a specific zone, dividing the de-icing task into multiple localized heating zones. This segmented approach improves overall effectiveness while allowing modular configuration that manages structural complexity.
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 device effectively and ergonomically de-ices flatbed trucks and air freight containers by using hot air, reducing manual effort and material strain, and is adaptable to different conditions and truck types.
Implementation Method 1
a de-icing device arranged on the frame with a hot air blower directed toward the passage
Implementation Method 2
The device is not only designed to dry and/or blow away moisture, but is explicitly designed for de-icing flatbed trucks
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to the de-icing of flatbed trucks (P). A device (2) for de-icing flatbed trucks (P) for transporting air freight containers (L) is proposed. The device (2) comprises a passage (4) for the flatbed trucks (P), a frame (20), and a de-icing device (30) arranged on the frame (20) with a hot-air blower (32, 34, 36) directed toward the passage (4). The invention further relates to an arrangement (1), a use, and a method.