Ice Melt System With Motion Sensor Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice melt systems lack a mechanism to efficiently distribute ice melting solution through piping to multiple dispensing assemblies and fail to incorporate motion sensors to prevent spraying of obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reservoir with a pump and piping network that directs ice melting solution to orientable nozzles, along with a controller and motion sensor to deactivate the pump when obstructions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump and piping network are used to distribute ice melting solution to multiple dispensing assemblies, then the efficiency and coverage of ice melting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ice melting function into multiple dispensing assemblies distributed across different locations. Each assembly has its own nozzle oriented at specific angles, allowing the system to cover multiple surfaces simultaneously from a single reservoir, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and piping network serve multiple functions: they distribute solution to multiple dispensing assemblies, each of which can be oriented to treat different surfaces. This multi-functional design allows a single system to handle various ice melting scenarios, improving overall system efficiency and productivity.
2Productivity
If the pump operates continuously to melt ice, then the productivity is improved, but obstructions may be sprayed with the solution causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor provides continuous feedback about the presence of obstructions in the treatment area. When motion is detected, the sensor signals the controller to stop the pump, preventing spray of obstructions. When no motion is detected, the pump operates to melt ice. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting pump operation based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the pump runs to dispense solution, then stops when motion is detected, and resumes when the area is clear. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to maintain productivity while preventing harmful spray of obstructions through intermittent operation controlled by motion detection.
3Reliability
If motion sensor and controller are added to prevent spraying obstructions, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor and controller enable the system to monitor and adjust its own operation automatically. The sensor detects obstructions and the controller responds by stopping the pump, creating a self-regulating safety mechanism that operates without human intervention, thereby improving reliability while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
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
Efficiently melts ice on surfaces while preventing solution from spraying obstructions, ensuring safe and effective ice removal.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir for selectively pumping the ice melting solution out of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
dispensing an ice melting solution to melt ice accumulated on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An ice melt system for melting accumulated ice off of a surface includes a reservoir which has an outer wall and is hollow. An ice melting solution is stored in the reservoir. A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir for selectively pumping the ice melting solution out of the reservoir, and a piping is fluidly coupled to and extends away from the pump. A plurality of dispensing assemblies is fluidly coupled to the piping and is positioned adjacent to a surface to be treated. Each dispensing assembly of the plurality of dispensing assemblies comprises a nozzle which is in fluid communication with the piping for dispensing the ice melting solution. The nozzle is orientable such that the nozzle is configured for dispensing the ice melting solution over the surface to be treated.