Portable Ice Melting Assembly With Pivoted Handle for Multi-Surface Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice melting devices are limited in versatility, portability, and can cause surface damage, being designed primarily for vehicle windshields and requiring vehicle electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A portable ice melting device with an extendable handle, pivot mount, and thermal energy generation, allowing use on various surfaces without mechanical contact, powered by a rechargeable battery or fixed outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heated scrapers are designed for vehicle windshields, then they can effectively melt ice on automotive glass, but they lack versatility for other surfaces and require vehicle electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed with a universal flat geometry that can be applied to multiple surface types including vehicle windshields, ground surfaces, walls, and other irregular surfaces. The device eliminates vehicle-specific constraints by using a portable power source, making it adaptable to diverse environments and surface geometries without requiring modification for each application.
2Productivity
If conventional heated scrapers are integrated with mechanical scrapers, then they can remove ice effectively, but they risk causing surface damage through mechanical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical scraping action with a thermal field-based heating element. The heating element melts ice through thermal energy transfer without requiring physical contact or mechanical force, thereby eliminating the risk of surface damage while maintaining ice removal effectiveness. The flat geometry of the heating element allows direct application to the surface for gentle thermal melting.
3Power
If conventional heated scrapers are connected to vehicle electrical systems, then they can provide sufficient power for ice melting, but they are not portable and cannot be used away from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the heating element and power consumption requirements from the vehicle electrical system, creating a self-contained portable unit. The heating element is powered by an external portable power source such as a generator or battery pack, separating the power supply from the vehicle and enabling use in locations independent of vehicle presence or electrical infrastructure.
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 versatile, damage-free ice removal on multiple surfaces, including ground and walls, with efficient thermal energy distribution and portability.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical wire heating element positioned within said housing and configured to generate thermal energy... supplying an electrical current to generate said thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
An improved portable ice melting device comprises an extendable handle assembly for adjustable length and a melting assembly. The handle assembly features a pivot adaptor, enabling the melting assembly to rotate and lock at multiple angles for versatile use on various surfaces. The melting assembly includes an open-ended metallic housing lined with an insulating material and an electrical wire heating element. A power cord connects the heating element to a portable power source, directing thermal energy through the housing's open end to melt ice. This design enhances portability, versatility across diverse surfaces, and efficiency for non-mechanical ice removal.