Modular Heated Mat Zoning for Ground Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions are inadequate for effectively preventing and removing snow and ice accumulation on surfaces, particularly in areas where they can interfere with ground-level activities.
Innovation Solution
A heated mat with a mat structure and control circuit that generates heat to melt snow and ice, featuring a composite prism shape for deployment and storage, and a drainage system to remove water, with electrical interconnectivity for larger surface areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heated mat is used to melt snow and ice, then the effectiveness of snow and ice removal is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heated mat is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate control circuits. Each zone can be independently controlled to melt snow and ice only where needed, rather than heating the entire mat surface uniformly. This segmentation allows energy to be applied precisely to areas requiring snow and ice removal, improving effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mat have different heating characteristics and control parameters optimized for local conditions. Areas with higher snow and ice accumulation receive more heating power, while areas with less accumulation receive reduced power. This local quality approach ensures effective snow and ice removal where needed while minimizing energy waste in areas that require less treatment.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple heated mats are interconnected to form larger surface areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heated mat is designed with universal electrical interconnection capabilities that allow multiple mats to be connected in series or parallel configurations. The control system can operate mats individually or in combination, providing multi-functionality that adapts to different coverage requirements. This universality enables easy expansion of coverage area through interconnection while maintaining relatively simple control logic and electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heated mats can be nested or layered to create overlapping coverage zones, allowing flexible configuration to achieve desired coverage areas. The mats can be arranged in nested patterns where smaller mats are positioned within larger mats, or multiple mats of the same size are overlapped to eliminate gaps. This nesting approach enables scalable coverage expansion while maintaining simple individual mat structures.
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 mat effectively melts snow and ice, preventing their accumulation on the ground while allowing for easy deployment and storage, and can be expanded to larger areas through interconnection, with integrated drainage and illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit generates the heat used to melt the snow and ice
Data Source
AI summary
The ice-preventing heated mat is configured for use on the ground. The ice-preventing heated mat forms a barrier between the ground and the environment such that snow and ice accumulates on the superior surface of the ice-preventing heated mat. The ice-preventing heated mat melts the snow and ice that accumulates on the ice-preventing heated mat. The ice-preventing heated mat is used: a) in an individual mode; and, b) in an interoperation mode. In the interoperation mode, multiple instantiations of the ice-preventing heated mat are mechanically and electrically interconnected to form a larger surface area over which snow and ice can be melted. The ice-preventing heated mat comprises a mat structure and a control circuit. The mat structure forms the primary structure of the ice-preventing heated mat. The control circuit generates the heat used to melt the snow and ice.