Remote Deicing Control for Speed-Based Brine Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deicing methods using rock salt are ineffective in low temperatures, create messes, and are costly, while brine solutions are more efficient but can be washed away by rain and lose effectiveness if temperatures drop before snowfall.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application and method for remotely controlling deicing systems, allowing for automatic or manual control of deicing fluid application rates based on travel speed, spray width, and user-defined settings, including job tracking and reporting, to optimize deicing operations with brine solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rock salt is used for deicing, then it can remove snow and ice from surfaces, but it is ineffective in low temperatures and creates messes that increase janitorial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the deicing material from solid rock salt to liquid brine solution, and adjusts the concentration parameters (15-30% salt content) to optimize performance. This parameter change eliminates the mess problem while maintaining deicing effectiveness across a wider temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid brine that can be applied and then washed away with rain or irrigation without causing long-term harm, replacing the persistent rock salt and sand mixture that accumulates in shoes and requires extensive cleaning.
2Reliability
If brine solution is applied before snowfall to prevent ice formation, then snow and ice adherence is reduced, but the brine can be washed away by rain or freeze before snowfall rendering it ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies brine pretreatment before snowfall to prevent ice formation, but incorporates weather monitoring and predictive algorithms to determine the optimal application timing and amount, reducing the risk of washoff or premature freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time weather data, temperature sensors, and precipitation forecasts to continuously monitor conditions and adjust brine application rates and timing, ensuring the brine remains effective and is not washed away or frozen before needed.
3Reliability
If post-treatment with brine is applied after snow removal, then snow and ice are effectively removed without pretreatment, but more liquid deicing solution is required compared to pretreatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts brine application rates based on real-time conditions including travel speed, temperature, snow depth, and precipitation type, optimizing the quantity of brine used for post-treatment to minimize volume while maintaining effective snow and ice removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as boom height, spray pattern, and application rate based on detected snow conditions and vehicle speed, allowing effective post-treatment with optimized brine quantity rather than fixed high-volume application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual control of deicing system is used, then flexibility in application rates is provided, but operator workload and potential for inconsistent application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic controls that monitor temperature, vehicle speed, and precipitation conditions to self-adjust brine application rates, reducing operator workload while maintaining flexible and consistent application across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and weather data to provide real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts application parameters to optimize performance while reducing the manual control burden on the operator.
5Productivity
If automatic control of application rates is implemented, then consistency and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with electronic sensors, microprocessors, and automated control systems that monitor conditions and adjust application rates automatically, improving consistency and efficiency while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including monitoring temperature, vehicle speed, precipitation conditions, and application rates simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating control functions into a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a deicing system remotely, including connecting a control for the deicing system with the deicing system. When the control and the deicing system are connected, the method includes providing functionality for controlling operation of the deicing system, including control of application rates, and managing workflow and operation including job tracking.