Trailer Roof Heating Cables for Remote Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions are inadequate for effectively preventing or removing ice and snow accumulation on the top surfaces of vehicles and trailers, as they often require complex refrigeration systems or air ducts, and are not practical for remote use.
Innovation Solution
A self-defrosting cargo transport container system utilizing electrically conductive cables or wires connected to a power source, with a thermostat and optional ice sensor, to heat and defrost external surfaces, eliminating the need for complicated systems or air ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex refrigeration systems or air ducts are used to prevent ice and snow accumulation, then the effectiveness of ice removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from complex refrigeration systems and implements it through simple electrically conductive cables or wires that generate heat directly through resistive heating (Joule heating). This eliminates the need for complex air ducts, blowers, and refrigeration cycles while maintaining effective ice and snow removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical refrigeration systems and air duct infrastructure with an electrical heating system using conductive cables. The mechanical complexity of compressors, condensers, evaporators, and ductwork is substituted with simple electrical resistance heating elements that can be directly applied to surfaces requiring protection.
2Reliability
If complex refrigeration systems or air ducts are used to prevent ice and snow accumulation, then the effectiveness of ice removal is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential heating function from complex refrigeration systems and implements it through simple electrically conductive cables or wires that generate heat directly through resistive heating (Joule heating). This eliminates the need for complex air ducts, blowers, and refrigeration cycles while maintaining effective ice and snow removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical refrigeration systems and air duct infrastructure with an electrical heating system using conductive cables. The mechanical complexity of compressors, condensers, evaporators, and ductwork is substituted with simple electrical resistance heating elements that can be directly applied to surfaces requiring protection.
3Reliability
If facilities for ice and snow removal are used, then the ice removal capability is improved, but the adaptability to remote locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where electrically conductive cables or wires with positive temperature coefficients automatically regulate their own heating output based on temperature conditions. The system requires no external facility infrastructure, operators, or complex control mechanisms, making it fully adaptable to remote locations where ice and snow removal facilities are unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical refrigeration systems and air duct infrastructure with an electrical heating system using conductive cables. The mechanical complexity of compressors, condensers, evaporators, and ductwork is substituted with simple electrical resistance heating elements that can be directly applied to surfaces requiring protection.
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 efficiently prevents or removes frost, ice, and snow from external surfaces of vehicles and trailers, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of hazardous ice accumulation without the need for complex infrastructure, and can be powered by a battery for remote use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive cable or wire configured to dissipate heat onto at least one external surface of the vehicle, transport container, or trailer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a heating (defrosting) system configured to provide heat to a top surface of a for a vehicle, a transport container, or trailer (e.g., a tractor trailer). The heating (defrosting) system may comprise at least one power source (e.g., a battery), at least one ON/OFF power switch, at least one electrically conductive cable or wire configured to defrost or heat at least one external surface of the vehicle, transport container, or trailer that may otherwise be susceptible to frost, ice, and/or snow accumulation, and at least multi-plug electric power connector configured to accept at least one electrically conductive cable or wire and to distribute electric current throughout the at least one electrically conductive cable or wire. If desired, the heating (defrosting) system may further include at least one thermostat and at least one temperature sensor to activate or deactivate the heating (defrosting) system at a selected temperature above freezing point. The heating (defrosting) system may also be provided with at least one optional ice sensor for activating or deactivating the heating (defrosting) system, as may be necessary. The at least one electrically conductive cable or wirer may be positioned either internally or externally. When positioned internally, the cable or wire may be placed along a top side of any support structures that may be present (e.g., the support rails in a trailer). When positioned externally, the cables or wires may be positioned on an external surface (e.g., the top side) of the vehicle, transport container, or trailer.