Refillable Deicing Agent Containers with Segmented Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution methods for deicing and anti-icing agents are cumbersome, pose safety risks for facility personnel, and lack flexibility in storage and resource allocation, particularly due to the use of non-rigid containers that are difficult to transport and store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method for delivering deicing and anti-icing agents in refillable storage containers with innovative dispensing systems, allowing for localized seasonal storage and application, reducing the need for bulk bag handling and enabling safer, more efficient logistics and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If deicing agents are stored in non-rigid containers to prevent bridging, then salt granule flow is improved, but transportation efficiency and storage space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage container into rigid outer structure and internal flexible elements (such as flow促进 devices or segmented compartments). This segmentation allows the container to maintain rigid shape for efficient transportation while incorporating features that prevent salt bridging and promote granule flow, thus resolving the contradiction between container rigidity and salt flowability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where flexible anti-bridging elements are placed inside the rigid container. The flexible elements are nested within the rigid framework, allowing the container to maintain its rigid external shape for efficient storage and transport while the internal flexible components prevent salt granule bridging and maintain flowability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deicing agents are stored in non-rigid containers to prevent bridging, then salt granule flow is improved, but handling safety and worker protection worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container system into a rigid protective outer shell and internal flow-management components. The rigid shell provides structural integrity and protection for workers during handling, while internal segmented features or flexible elements prevent salt bridging. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functions to different structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rigid container structure that mediates between the salt granules and the external environment. The rigid container acts as an intermediary that protects workers from direct contact with heavy salt bags during handling, while internal mechanisms (such as flow促进 devices or controlled dispensing systems) prevent bridging and ensure proper salt flow, thus resolving the safety versus flowability contradiction.
3Ease of manufacture
If bulk delivery of deicing agents is made at end of winter season, then inventory management is simplified, but resource allocation flexibility and waste reduction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a seasonal distribution system where deicing agents are delivered in controlled quantities before the winter season begins or during the season as needed. Facilities receive initial stockpiles in advance of winter, and the system includes mechanisms for mid-season replenishment. This preliminary and phased delivery approach simplifies inventory management while maintaining flexibility to adapt to actual winter conditions and prevent waste from overstocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the distribution system monitors salt consumption rates, weather conditions, and inventory levels at facilities. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts delivery schedules and quantities throughout the winter season. This feedback loop enables simplified inventory tracking while maintaining high resource allocation flexibility, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and prevent waste by delivering only what is needed.
4Quantity of substance
If individual bags of deicing agent are delivered, then facility-specific quantity control is improved, but transportation cost and logistical complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution system into standardized container units that can be individually tracked and delivered. Each container represents a discrete, facility-specific quantity allocation. This segmentation enables precise quantity control for each facility while using standardized units that simplify transportation logistics compared to custom-sized individual bags, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity precision and logistical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of container standardization, using uniform sized and shaped containers for distribution. This parameter change allows facilities to receive precise, facility-specific quantities through combinations of standardized units, simplifying both quantity control and transportation logistics. The standardized parameters enable efficient stacking, loading, and tracking while maintaining the ability to deliver exact quantities needed by each facility.
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 solution improves safety by reducing manual handling risks and enhances logistics efficiency through the use of refillable containers and dispensing systems, allowing for precise application and replenishment based on operational variables, optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
A deicing agent according to embodiments of the present invention may be a salt compound which acts by known principles in the art to reduce the freezing point of water
Implementation Method 2
An anti-icing agent according to embodiments of the present invention may be a fluid deicing agent which forms a coating by known principles in the art over exterior paved surfaces to prevent ice formation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for delivering a supply of one or more deicing and anti-icing agents for localized seasonal storage and application at a facility. In advance of a winter season, a deicing agent or anti-icing agent according to embodiments of the present invention may be provided by a provider to a receiver in a delivery quantity for storage at a localized storage location at a facility. A deicing agent may be a salt compound treated with an additive which reduces bridging of salt granules. The provider may provide multiple storage containers each filled with a delivery quantity of anti-icing agent and may provide multiple storage containers each filled with a delivery quantity of deicing agent to a receiver, as well as one or more delivery stations. After receipt of an initial quantity of a deicing agent or anti-icing agent, the receiver may deploy a delivery station and set up a storage container with the delivery station. The receiver may move a sprayer unit or a spreader unit to the delivery station for filling. Upon depletion of some or all of the contents of an anti-icing container or the contents of a deicing container, the receiver may contact the provider to request that the provider replenish the anti-icing agent or the deicing agent.