Portable Circulation De-icing System with Floating Motor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional de-icing machines are limited by their static installation and requirement for a wired power source, making them impractical for use in remote areas where ice needs to be removed from bodies of water.
Innovation Solution
A portable circulation de-icing system that includes an agitator in the underlying water layer powered by a floating motor, using a flexible drive shaft to induce water flow and melt the surface ice layer, allowing for remote operation without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional de-icing machines use static installation with wired power source, then they can provide stable power supply, but they cannot be deployed in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing system is divided into separate components: a floating motor unit that can be independently positioned on water bodies, and a de-icing mechanism that processes ice. This segmentation allows the power source to be relocated to remote areas without requiring fixed installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from ground-based fixed installation to water-based floating deployment. By moving the operational platform to the water dimension, the system can be deployed in remote areas where land-based installation is impractical, while the floating motor provides stable power supply in this new operational dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If de-icing machines are made portable for remote operation, then they can be deployed in remote areas, but they require alternative power sources that may reduce operational stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a floating motor that can dynamically adjust its position on the water surface to maintain optimal operation. The motor's floating platform provides stability while allowing movement, enabling the portable system to maintain reliable power supply conditions in varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating motor unit is self-contained with its own power source and propulsion capabilities, allowing it to autonomously navigate to and position itself on water bodies. This self-service capability ensures the system can operate independently in remote areas without requiring external power infrastructure, maintaining both portability and reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional de-icing machines use fixed installation, then they can process ice efficiently, but they cannot be moved to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The floating motor unit serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion for moving the de-icing system to different locations, positions the de-icing mechanism at optimal angles and depths, and maintains stable operation during processing. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain ice removal efficiency while gaining location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating motor acts as an intermediary between the de-icing mechanism and the water body. It transfers the de-icing mechanism between different locations while maintaining operational stability, enabling the system to move efficiently without compromising ice removal performance.
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 sustained and efficient ice removal from bodies of water in remote areas, providing a practical solution for various applications such as hunting, boating, fishing, and conservation by creating and maintaining open water without the need for external power.
Implementation Method 1
The floating motor is configured to be disposed in the water near the agitator
Implementation Method 2
The agitator assembly is configured to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer
Data Source
AI summary
A portable circulation de-icing system is configured to melt ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, with an opening in the surface ice layer which may have been created by a user. The portable circulation de-icing system comprises an agitator assembly, a floating motor assembly, and a flexible drive shaft. The agitator assembly is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The agitator assembly is configured to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer. The floating motor assembly is configured to float on the underlying water layer in the opening and to provide rotational power. The flexible drive shaft is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly to the agitator assembly.