Universal Lightweight Deicing Mat for Roofs and Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing ice buildup on roofs of large freight haulers and residential structures are either inaccessible, expensive, or cumbersome, leading to safety hazards and potential accidents due to falling ice and snow.
Innovation Solution
A Universal Lightweight and Portable Deicing Mat incorporating self-regulating commercial-grade deicing cables embedded in flexible, protective Synthetic Elastomer Rubber sheeting, designed for easy installation and customization, with secure mounting systems and aesthetic color matching, to effectively prevent ice and snow accumulation on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional deicing cables are used, then deicing function is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines deicing cables with matting material into a single integrated deicing mat unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate cable installation, positioning, and securing steps, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining the deicing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deicing cables are pre-positioned and secured within the matting material during manufacturing. This preliminary action of preparing the deicing system in advance reduces on-site installation complexity and time, as the cables are already in their final positions when the mat is installed.
2Reliability
If deicing cables are stringed up and measured correctly, then proper deicing coverage is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cables are pre-positioned and pre-measured within the matting material during manufacturing. This ensures proper deicing coverage is built into the mat design, eliminating the time-consuming on-site measurement and positioning steps while maintaining reliable deicing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The deicing system is divided into standardized mat modules that can be easily positioned and installed. This segmentation allows for quick deployment without requiring precise on-site measurements, as each mat unit is pre-configured for optimal coverage.
3Reliability
If standard deicing cables are used, then deicing function is provided, but portability and ease of storage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deicing cables are embedded in flexible matting material, creating a thin, flexible composite structure. This allows the reliable deicing function to be maintained while significantly improving portability and ease of storage compared to rigid cable installations.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the cables with the flexible matting material, the system achieves both functional reliability and physical portability. The integrated unit is easier to handle, transport, and store than separate cable components.
4Reliability
If deicing cables are installed on roof surfaces, then ice prevention is achieved, but aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thin matting material allows the deicing cables to be concealed beneath or integrated with the roof surface, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing reliable ice prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The matting material can be manufactured in different colors to match roofing materials, allowing the deicing system to blend with the aesthetic appearance of the roof while maintaining its ice prevention function.
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 provides a cost-effective, efficient, and safe means to prevent ice and snow accumulation on logistical containers, residential roofs, and vehicles, reducing safety hazards and enabling quick installation and storage, while being adaptable to different surfaces and power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an already obtainable top of the line electrically operated and self-regulating, standard commercial grade Deicing Cables
Data Source
AI summary
The Universal Lightweight and Portable Deicing Mat Mat is made of standard top of the line electrically operated and self-regulating standard commercial grade heating cables, which are enclosed between two thin, lightweight, yet strong and protective Neoprene Rubber like sheeting materials, allowing them to endure harshest of winter seasons. These mats can be placed either externally on top of tractor trailers, or they can be placed internally, inside of the tractor trailer, above the ceiling. Both ways can then be secured with custom designed mounting kits, (discussed in further detail). These Deicing Mats can also be used on roofs of residential homes as well as other types of commercial buildings and automobiles.