Interior Conductive Window De-icing via Electromagnetic Propagation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing de-icing structures for vehicle windows are susceptible to environmental damage and pose safety risks due to exposed electrodes on the exterior surface, failing to provide an effective and safe ice removal solution.

Innovation Solution

A conductive structure is integrated onto the interior surface of a vehicle window's substrate, with Alternating Current tuned to an ice removal frequency applied to generate electromagnetic fields that propagate through the glass and absorb ice on the exterior surface, effectively melting and removing ice without exposing electrodes externally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If de-icing structures are provided on the exterior surface of the window, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes susceptible to environmental damage and physical harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice removal effectivenessVSAvoidstructural durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the de-icing conductive structure on the interior surface of the window rather than the exterior surface. This allows the electromagnetic energy to propagate through the glass substrate to melt ice on the outside while protecting the conductive structure from environmental exposure and physical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass substrate acts as an intermediary medium that transmits electromagnetic energy from the interior conductive structure to the ice on the exterior surface. This enables the de-icing function to be achieved without direct exposure of the conductive elements to the external environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If exposed electrodes are provided on the exterior surface for de-icing, then ice removal capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to exposure to persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice removal capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk to persons

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the electrodes from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the window, effectively inverting the conventional configuration. This eliminates direct exposure of live electrodes to persons while maintaining ice removal capability through electromagnetic energy transmission through the glass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass substrate serves as a protective intermediary barrier that isolates the conductive structure from direct contact with persons while allowing electromagnetic energy to pass through to affect the ice on the exterior surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If AC frequency is tuned to 5-40 kHz for ice removal, then ice melting efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice melting efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the AC frequency parameter within the 5-40 kHz range to achieve resonance or optimal coupling with the ice, maximizing melting efficiency. By tuning this parameter, the system achieves effective de-icing while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption compared to broader frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution provides efficient ice removal while protecting the conductive structure from environmental damage and ensuring safety by keeping electrodes internal, optimizing power consumption and visibility by using frequencies between 5-40 kHz, preferably 10-20 kHz, and wave types like sine or square waves.

Implementation Method 1

AC (Alternating Current) tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate (e.g., glass substrate of the window) to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

electromagnetic energy from the circuit is coupled to ice on the exterior surface of the window. This electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the ice thereby causing ice removal from the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 4

causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS7964821B2Window with de-icing feature and method

Publication Date: 2011.06.21 ACR II GLASS AMERICA INC

AI summary

A window such as a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) has a de-icing feature. In certain example embodiments, a conductive structure is provided on an interior surface of a substrate of the window, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window.