Ice Scraper with Multi-Step Teeth for Thick Frozen Layer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice scrapers require significant effort and time to remove thick and hard-frozen ice layers from surfaces like windshields, as they often need repeated roughening and scraping processes.
Innovation Solution
The device features an ice-breaking element with multiple steps and edges oriented obliquely to the ice removal direction, allowing for efficient roughening and scraping of thicker ice layers, with channels between teeth to prevent accumulation and facilitate ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a continuous ice scraping edge is used, then the device structure is simple, but it requires great effort to scrape off very hard frozen ice
Solution Approach 1:
The ice scraping edge is divided into multiple discrete ice-breaking teeth instead of a continuous edge. Each tooth has multiple steps with ice-breaking edges that engage the ice at different depths, segmenting the ice removal function into multiple actionable points that collectively reduce scraping effort while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If ice-breaking teeth with single edge are used, then the device structure is simple, but thick and hard-frozen ice layers require repeated roughening and scraping processes
Solution Approach 1:
The ice-breaking tooth is given a multi-stepped structure with vertical dimensionality, creating multiple ice-breaking edges at different heights. This transforms a single-edge tooth into a multi-level structure that can engage thick ice layers at multiple depths simultaneously, enabling complete ice removal in a single pass rather than requiring repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple steps on each tooth perform preliminary breaking actions at different depths as the tooth engages the ice. The upper steps break through the top layer while lower steps simultaneously break through underlying layers, performing multiple breaking actions in one engagement rather than requiring sequential passes.
3Productivity
If multiple ice-breaking edges are provided to handle thick ice, then ice removal efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-edge tooth structure is segmented into standardized steps with consistent geometry. Each step follows a repeating pattern that simplifies manufacturing while providing multiple ice-breaking edges. This segmentation allows the complex function to be achieved through simple, repeatable structural units rather than intricate custom designs.
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 quick and effortless removal of ice layers by engaging multiple edges to break up and transport ice, reducing the need for repeated efforts and minimizing time required for ice clearance.
Implementation Method 1
the ice-breaking tooth has at least one step on its upper side, on the front side of which another ice-breaking edge is formed... at least two ice-breaking edges are provided, which engage in the ice during a movement process in order to break up the layer of ice
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for removing a layer of ice from a surface, comprising a holding element (12) and an ice-removing element (14) attached to the holding element (12), the ice-removing element (14) having an ice-breaking element (16) with at least one ice-breaking tooth ( 22a, 22b, 22c) and the at least one ice-breaking tooth (22a, 22b, 22c) has a front ice-breaking edge (28a) on the front side (32a) of the ice-breaking tooth (22a, 22b, 22c). The ice-breaking tooth (22a, 22b, 22c) has at least one step (26b, 26c, 26d) on its upper side, on whose front side (32b, 32c, 32d) another ice-breaking edge (28b, 28c, 28d) is formed.