Suspension-Mounted Heating Cable for Stair and Walkway De-Icing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing solutions for walkways and stairways are inadequate, as they either require cooperation with weather conditions, are labor-intensive, prone to damage from snow shoveling, or are costly and inefficient, especially during heavy snowfall and in areas where installation is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A suspension-mounted heating system comprising thermally conductive panels with a self-regulating heating cable and insulation, designed to be easily installed underneath walkways or stairways, which efficiently transfers heat to the surface while minimizing heat loss and protecting the heating elements from mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible heating mats are used on walkways, then de-icing capability is provided, but the mats are susceptible to damage from snow shoveling implements and wear from flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is moved from a horizontal placement on top of the walkway to a vertical suspension beneath the walkway surface. This dimensional change positions the heating elements in a protected space where they are shielded from mechanical damage by shovels and foot traffic, while still effectively heating the walkway surface to prevent ice formation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating cables are nested within protective conduits or channels that are themselves suspended from the walkway structure. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of protection for the heating elements, isolating them from mechanical damage while maintaining thermal efficiency
2Reliability
If hollow metal tubes are used to protect heating elements, then protection from sharp instruments is improved, but shoveling becomes extremely difficult and footing safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are extracted from direct contact with the walkway surface and placed in a separate, protected suspension system beneath the walkway. This separation allows the walkway surface to maintain its normal characteristics for safe footing and easy shoveling, while the heating elements remain protected in their suspended position
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is relocated to a vertical dimension beneath the walkway, allowing the walkway surface to remain clear and accessible for normal operations including shoveling and pedestrian traffic, while the heating function is maintained in the subspace below
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heating cable is embedded in poured concrete stairs or walkways, then permanent installation is achieved, but repair requires breaking through the existing walkway and installation is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from a static, permanently embedded state in concrete to a dynamic, removable suspension system. This allows the heating cables to be easily accessed, removed, or replaced by simply detaching them from the walkway structure, eliminating the need to break through concrete for repairs while maintaining effective ice prevention
4Reliability
If sand or salt is scattered on icy surfaces, then melting is promoted at low temperatures, but effectiveness is lost when air temperature is too cold
Solution Approach 1:
The passive chemical melting method (sand/salt) is replaced with an active thermal heating system. Electrical heating cables provide direct thermal energy to the walkway surface, enabling ice melting and prevention regardless of ambient temperature, eliminating the temperature dependency limitation of chemical de-icing methods
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 system provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for preventing ice and snow buildup on walkways and stairways, even under heavy snow conditions, with reduced maintenance and installation costs, and is adaptable to various surface types.
Implementation Method 1
a self-regulating heating cable electrically connecting to a power supply and disposed within a first SMH panel and a second SMH panel
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive plate having a top surface that abuts the underside of the walking surface when the SMH panel is fastened to the stairway or walkway
Implementation Method 3
an insulation layer; and, a bottom support tray retaining the insulation layer... cooperating with the insulation layer to minimize heat loss through a bottom surface of the SMH panel
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension mounted heating system is designed to allow easy installation of electric heating cable that is positioned against the bottom surface of a suspended stair or walkway so that heat generated by the cable is efficiently transferred up into the stair or walkway material to raise its temperature enough to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice on the material's top surface.