Induction-Heated Patch Antenna for Snow and Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antennas in polar regions are prone to performance degradation and physical damage due to snow or ice accumulation, requiring frequent manual inspection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus with an induction heating function that includes a housing, ground unit, patch units, and a controller to melt and remove snow or ice using internally generated heat, thereby preventing performance degradation and physical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are installed in polar regions, then communication coverage is extended to remote areas, but snow or ice accumulation causes performance degradation and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before snow or ice accumulation becomes problematic, preventing accumulation on the antenna surface. The system monitors environmental conditions and initiates heating proactively to maintain antenna performance in polar regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures and snow accumulation into a beneficial heating function. By using the cold environment itself as the trigger condition, the system activates heating only when needed, transforming the adverse polar climate into the activation condition for the protective heating function.
2Reliability
If manual inspection and maintenance are performed frequently, then antenna performance is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system performs self-maintenance through automatic heating that melts snow and ice accumulation. The system monitors its own condition and activates the heating element when snow or ice is detected, eliminating the need for frequent manual inspections and maintenance interventions.
3Productivity
If heating power is increased to melt snow or ice faster, then clearing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system activates heating when snow or ice accumulation is detected, operates for a predetermined time period to melt the accumulation, then deactivates. This periodic operation maintains clearing efficiency while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
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
Ensures stable communication performance and reduces the need for manual maintenance by melting and removing snow or ice, minimizing physical damage and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an induction power module configured to supply an induction heating current to form a magnetic field in the ground unit
Implementation Method 2
Each of the patch units is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals, and is induction-heated by the magnetic field formed in the ground unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an antenna apparatus with an induction heating function includes a housing, ground unit, patch unit, patch coupler, power supply unit, and controller. The housing is formed by coupling a base plate and a front cover, defining an internal installation space. The ground unit is fixed to the base plate within this space. A thin, metal conductor patch unit is positioned in front of the ground unit, with multiple patch units optionally included. Each patch unit is coupled to the base plate by a respective patch coupler in an electrically insulated state. The power supply unit includes a communication feeding module for supplying signal current to generate RF signals, and an induction power module to supply current for magnetic field generation in the ground unit.