LED Display Sign Heating Mask with Thermostat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display signs face challenges in preventing or minimizing snow and icing from obstructing the view, as current solutions are either ineffective or require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A display sign apparatus equipped with a housing, circuit boards of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a glazing with a mask having apertures aligned with the LEDs, and a heat source controlled by a thermostat or controller to maintain a predetermined temperature range, allowing for remote operation and efficient snow and ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat source is added to prevent snow and ice accumulation, then the display visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are integrated directly into the mask structure that already exists for the display sign. The mask serves dual purposes: as a structural component for light emission and as a substrate for mounting heating elements, thereby preventing snow and ice accumulation. This merging approach adds the heating function without requiring a separate, complex heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a thermostat that automatically controls the heating elements based on temperature conditions. When snow or ice begins to accumulate and temperatures drop below the preset threshold, the thermostat activates the heating elements to melt the accumulation. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex control systems, maintaining display visibility autonomously.
2Device complexity
If manual snow and ice removal is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of time increases due to maintenance intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are positioned around the light-emitting apertures in the mask, creating a preventive barrier against snow and ice accumulation. By applying heat proactively before significant accumulation occurs, the system prevents obstructions rather than requiring manual removal after snow and ice have blocked the display. This preliminary action eliminates maintenance downtime while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat-controlled heating system operates autonomously to prevent snow and ice accumulation on the display. When environmental conditions indicate potential accumulation (temperature drop), the system automatically activates the heating elements to maintain clear viewing of the display. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and associated time losses without adding complex control mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat source is controlled by a thermostat, then the energy consumption is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat serves as an automatic temperature-sensing and control device that monitors the environment and activates or deactivates the heating elements based on preset temperature thresholds. This self-regulating mechanism optimizes energy consumption by ensuring heating elements operate only when necessary (during cold conditions prone to snow and ice accumulation), rather than running continuously or requiring manual control. The added complexity is minimal, consisting only of the thermostat and control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermostat to dynamically change the operational state of the heating elements based on temperature parameters. When the temperature drops below a predetermined threshold, the thermostat activates the heating elements; when the temperature rises above the threshold, it deactivates them. This parameter-based control optimizes energy consumption by matching heating operation to actual environmental conditions, adding only minimal control complexity.
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
The apparatus effectively prevents snow and icing from obstructing the display, ensuring the sign remains visible and can be operated remotely, enhancing visibility and reducing maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source attached to the mask and surrounding a plurality of the plurality of apertures
Implementation Method 2
a thermostat attached to the mask configured to control the heat source based on a predetermined temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention generally relate to a display sign heating apparatus, method of making and using the same and more particularly to a display sign for preventing or mitigating snow and icing from interfering with the display.