Traffic Signal Visor Heating for Low-Power Snow and Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic lights using LEDs face issues with snow and ice buildup due to insufficient heat production, leading to inefficient deicing methods that require manual intervention or excessive power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heating element mounted on the visor of traffic lights, controlled by a module that cycles power to minimize energy use while effectively melting snow and ice, using a cascade sequence and soft-start feature to maintain a snow- and ice-free environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If LEDs are used instead of incandescent bulbs, then lifespan is extended and electric current draw is reduced, but heat production is insufficient to melt snow and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED lighting system with a separate heating element system in the traffic signal housing. The heating element is positioned to directly heat the lens and is electrically independent from the LED circuitry, allowing the LED to provide illumination while the heating element separately provides thermal energy to prevent snow and ice accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If manual deicing methods are used, then snow and ice can be removed, but labor costs increase and intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated automatically based on environmental conditions detected by sensors. The system monitors temperature, humidity, and precipitation rates, and autonomously activates or deactivates the heating element without requiring manual intervention from maintenance personnel, thereby eliminating labor costs and intervention time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the heating element operation, activating it when snow or ice is detected and deactivating it when conditions improve, creating a closed-loop automated deicing system.
3Temperature
If heating elements are added to traffic signals, then snow and ice can be melted, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when environmental conditions indicate a risk of snow or ice accumulation. The controller monitors sensor data and activates the heating element in response to specific triggering conditions such as temperature drops, humidity changes, or precipitation detection, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on environmental conditions. The controller modifies the heating element's power output, activation timing, and duration based on real-time sensor readings for temperature, humidity, and precipitation rates, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective deicing performance.
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 ensures effective deicing with reduced power consumption, preventing ice dams and maintaining clear traffic signals without increasing the overall power draw beyond the intersection's capacity.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element mounted on the visor of traffic lights, controlled by a module that cycles power to minimize energy use while effectively melting snow and ice
Data Source
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AI summary
A traffic light assembly (10) and method for controlling a set of heating elements (24) for the traffic light assembly (10). A traffic signal (12) with a lens (16) and a visor (14), the visor (14) having an inner surface (22) and extending from the lens (16). A sensor (48) mounted to the traffic signal (12) and in direct communication with an environment surrounding the traffic light assembly (10). A control module (50) located within the traffic signal (12), the control module (50) comprising a controller (90) for implementing a primary loop (100) that continuously checks environmental conditions via the sensor (48) to determine if a predetermined condition is met.