Structural Cable Sheath Deicing With Localized Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deicing methods for structural cable sheaths, such as metallic collars and vibration modules, are either ineffective or potentially damaging to the cables, and existing heating solutions are not applicable to installed bridges.
Innovation Solution
A deicing device comprising a base, bearing element, and power system that presses against the tendons within the sheath, causing a local deformation to detach ice and snow, and uses vibrations to efficiently remove frost, rime, or snow without damaging the tendons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a metallic collar is used to break ice and frost by being moved along the sheath, then deicing effect is achieved, but the sheath is eroded and the collar becomes unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical collision-based deicing method (metallic collar breaking ice) with a vibration-based mechanism. The vibrator generates vibrations that propagate through the sheath to detach ice and frost, eliminating the need for mechanical impact that causes sheath erosion and collar wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the deicing mechanism by introducing vibrational frequency and amplitude parameters. The vibrator operates at specific frequencies (e.g., 50-5000 Hz) that resonate with the ice-frost structure, causing detachment through vibrational energy rather than mechanical force, thus preserving sheath integrity.
2Productivity
If heating components are added to the sheath, then deicing is achieved, but the solution is not applicable to cables already mounted on bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained deicing device that can be installed within the existing sheath structure without requiring external heating systems. The vibrator and power system are integrated into the cable assembly, allowing installed cables to be deiced using the cable's own structure as the mounting platform, eliminating the need for external heating infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration as the deicing mechanism instead of thermal heating. The vibrator generates vibrations that travel through the sheath to detach ice and frost, providing a method that can be applied to existing cables without requiring the installation of heating components, thus making it suitable for cables already mounted on bridges.
3Productivity
If a vibrating mass is used to remove ice or snow from the cable sheath, then deicing is achieved, but the vibrating mass may hit the tendons and damage them, and a lot of power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the sheath as an intermediary medium that transmits vibrational energy from the vibrator to the ice-frost deposits. The vibrations propagate through the sheath material, which acts as a mediator, to detach ice and frost without the vibrating mass directly contacting or damaging the tendons. The sheath protects the tendons from direct vibrational impact while still transmitting the necessary deicing energy.
4Productivity
If vibrations are transmitted along the cable to remove ice or snow, then deicing is achieved, but a lot of power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the vibrational energy locally at the point of ice-frost deposition rather than transmitting vibrations along the entire cable length. The vibrator is positioned to generate localized vibrations that detach ice and frost at the specific location, reducing the overall power consumption compared to system-wide vibration transmission. The energy is applied precisely where needed, improving efficiency.
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 device effectively removes ice and snow from structural cable sheaths without causing damage, ensuring optimal vibration transmission with low energy dissipation and preventing tendon harm.
Implementation Method 1
the power system is further configured to generate vibrations between the bearing element and the base
Implementation Method 2
the pressure exerted on the tendons causes a local deformation of the sheath which can then cause a temporary and reversible shape change of the section of the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A deicing device for a sheath of a structural cable, the structural cable comprising tendons housed in the sheath, the deicing device includes a base; a bearing element; and a power system configured to press the bearing element against the tendons while the base is in contact with an inner surface of the sheath, and to generate vibrations between the bearing element and the base.