Rotary Ice Pulverizing Knife for Thick Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for de-icing ground surfaces, such as scarifying and chemical de-icing, are inefficient and environmentally detrimental, as they either rely on the sun's warming rays or require repeated treatments and can lead to chemical runoff, while devices with ice cutting/crushing capabilities often struggle with hard ice layers.
Innovation Solution
An ice pulverizing knife and device featuring a circular frame with radially extending blades that rotate via a vertical drive shaft, capable of cutting and evacuating ice, with a configuration that includes removable blades and optional upper blades and notches for enhanced efficiency and environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scarifying methods (cutter blades or rakes) are used to clear ice, then the ice surface area is increased for sun exposure, but the ice is not completely removed and the process is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The ice pulverizing knife is segmented into multiple individual blades (at least three blades) arranged radially around a vertical axis. Each blade independently cuts and pulverizes ice as the assembly rotates, enabling complete removal of thick ice layers through cumulative cutting action rather than attempting to remove all ice in a single pass with one blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice pulverizing knife utilizes periodic rotational action to pulverize ice. The rotating assembly periodically brings different blades into contact with the ice surface, creating repeated cutting and pulverizing cycles that gradually reduce thick ice layers to snow-like particles, achieving both complete removal and high productivity.
2Reliability
If chemical de-icing methods are used, then ice melting is achieved, but chemicals are washed away from high-lying areas and require repeated application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical de-icing methods with a mechanical ice pulverizing system. The rotating blades physically cut and pulverize ice into small particles that can be easily removed, eliminating the need for chemicals entirely and avoiding the problem of chemical wash-off from elevated surfaces.
3Reliability
If chemical de-icing is used, then ice melts, but water transporting chemicals is absorbed by surrounding ground causing environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical ice pulverizing knife replaces chemical melting methods, physically breaking down ice into removable particles without producing any chemical runoff or environmental pollution. This eliminates the harmful effect of chemicals being transported by meltwater into surrounding ground.
4Reliability
If conventional ice cutting devices are used on very hard ice, then partial ice layer removal is achieved, but multiple treatments are needed to completely remove thick ice
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ice removal task across multiple radially arranged blades that work simultaneously during rotation. This distributed cutting action across many blade edges enables effective pulverization of very hard and thick ice layers in fewer passes compared to single-blade devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic rotation of the multi-blade assembly creates repeated cutting cycles that progressively reduce even the hardest ice layers into fine particles, achieving complete removal in fewer treatment passes compared to conventional single-pass cutting devices.
5Productivity
If ice is not completely removed by scarifying, then sun warming can finish the job, but the process is too slow for practical de-icing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces passive thermal melting (relying on sun warming) with active mechanical pulverization. The rotating blades actively cut and reduce ice to snow-like particles that can be immediately removed, achieving both complete ice removal and high productivity without waiting for solar heating.
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
Effectively pulverizes thick ice layers up to 5 inches deep into snow, providing efficient and balanced operation with reduced environmental impact by removing ice in a single pass without chemical use.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom surface of each blade engages with the ice on the ground surface for cutting the ice
Data Source
AI summary
An ice pulverizing knife comprises a frame and a plurality of blades. The frame has a substantially circular base and comprises a top, a base and at least one opening. The top has a socket adapted for mechanically coupling the frame with a vertical drive shaft. Rotation of the vertical drive shaft results in rotation of the frame. The base engages with ice on a ground surface. The at least one opening is positioned between the top and the base. The plurality of blades is secured to the frame. Each blade radially projects from the frame and engages with the ice on the ground surface for cutting the ice. Ice cut by the blade and accumulated inside the frame is expelled from the frame through the at least one opening. An ice pulverizing device is equipped with the ice pulverizing knife.