Device for removing ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing ice from deep-freeze rooms, such as chemical cleaning agents or increasing room temperature, are energetically unfavorable and can damage seals, while existing de-icing devices with heat sources and suction means do not effectively address the need for targeted and efficient ice removal without disrupting the cold environment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a heating element integrated into a suction head that can be moved over surfaces to selectively heat and extract ice crystals, water vapor, and warm air, allowing for targeted surface heating and simultaneous suction without raising the entire room's temperature, using conventional heating rods, infrared radiators, or warm air flow, and optionally incorporating brushes and UV irradiation for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical cleaning agents are used to remove ice, then ice removal is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of ice from solid to liquid (melting) by applying localized heat through a heating element. The heated area melts the ice, and the resulting water is immediately extracted by a vacuum system, achieving ice removal without chemical agents and maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the melted water and ice crystals immediately after heating through a vacuum extraction system. This prevents water accumulation and allows continuous ice removal without raising the overall room temperature, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while effectively removing ice.
2Productivity
If room temperature is increased to perform conventional cleaning, then ice removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and the freezer becomes out of service
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies heating locally to the specific area requiring cleaning rather than heating the entire room. The heating element is concentrated in a handheld device that targets only the necessary surface area, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional components: a heating element for melting ice and a vacuum extraction system for removing water and ice crystals. This segmentation allows the heating and extraction processes to occur simultaneously in a localized area without affecting the overall room temperature, reducing energy consumption and maintaining freezer operation.
3Productivity
If steam cleaning is used to remove ice, then cleaning is achieved, but seal damage occurs and additional ice formation is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses controlled phase transition of ice to water through localized heating, followed by immediate extraction of the liquid water. This prevents water from refreezing and forming additional ice, unlike steam cleaning which introduces moisture that condenses and creates more ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum extraction system immediately removes melted water and ice crystals from the heated area, preventing water accumulation and subsequent refreezing. This eliminates the harmful effect of additional ice formation that occurs with steam cleaning, while the localized heating approach avoids the excessive heat and seal damage associated with steam cleaning.
4Productivity
If the entire cold storage room is heated for de-icing, then ice removal is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention heats only the specific area requiring ice removal rather than the entire storage room. The handheld device with concentrated heating element allows rapid treatment of localized ice deposits, minimizing operational downtime and maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The simultaneous operation of heating and vacuum extraction creates a continuous ice removal process. As the heating element melts ice, the vacuum system continuously extracts the resulting water and ice crystals, allowing the freezer to remain operational throughout the cleaning process without requiring shutdown or extended downtime.
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
Enables effective ice removal and surface disinfection without using chemical agents, preventing condensation and maintaining the cold environment, while allowing for ongoing operation of the freezer without temperature increases, and providing energy-efficient and damage-free cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is located in the suction head... The means for extraction can, for example, extract air and water vapor... During extraction, the ice crystals, water vapor, and/or heated air flow around the heat-generating device and through the openings.
Implementation Method 2
The means for extraction can, for example, extract air and water vapor... During extraction, the ice crystals, water vapor, and/or heated air flow around the heat-generating device and through the openings.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a heating element (5) e.g. infrared heating element, for generation of heat. A suction head (1), a suction hose (2), a suction channel (6) and a wet suction device are provided for suction of ice crystals and/or developed water vapor and/or warm air. The generation part is designed as a heating rod and/or as infrared radiators and/or a warm air flow unit. The generation part allows selective and punctual heating of a floor (4) to be defrosted. A part of the device selectively moves over the floor. The floor is covered with an ice sheet (3).