Visible Light Ice Removal System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing snow and ice from surfaces are inefficient and require significant energy, especially in climates where snow and ice accumulation is frequent, as they often rely on infrared wavelengths that are not effective for melting ice and do not provide a cost-effective solution for large-scale surface clearing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing visible light, specifically in the blue wavelength range, is employed to melt snow and ice, with a light source and optical train that concentrate the light into a high-energy density beam to effectively fracture and remove ice, using a rotating light head and controller that can be programmed based on weather forecasts and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared wavelength methods are used for snow and ice removal, then the system can operate continuously, but the energy consumption is high and effectiveness is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from infrared to visible light (specifically blue wavelength around 450-480nm), which fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with ice. This parameter change enables more effective ice fracture and melting while reducing energy consumption, as visible light in this range is more effective at breaking ice crystal structures compared to infrared radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sweeping motion of the light head across the surface, concentrating energy on specific areas in repeated cycles. This periodic action allows the high-intensity visible light to progressively fracture and remove ice buildup over time, maintaining effectiveness while managing overall energy consumption through controlled intermittent operation.
2Productivity
If high energy methods are used for large-scale surface clearing, then snow and ice can be removed effectively, but the cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating visible light energy into a focused beam that targets specific areas of ice accumulation. The optical train concentrates light from the source into a directed beam, allowing high energy density to be applied locally where needed rather than diffusely across the entire surface. This localized application increases clearing efficiency while reducing total energy consumption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes the surface in segments through the sweeping motion of the light head, dividing the large-scale clearing task into smaller manageable areas. The controller manages multiple light heads and coordinates their operation to systematically cover the entire surface, improving overall productivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient resource allocation.
3Temperature
If a focused light beam is used to melt ice, then localized heating is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical train components serve multiple functions: the lenses not only focus the light to create localized heating but also direct and shape the beam for optimal coverage. The rotating and sweeping mechanisms serve both to position the light head and to distribute the heated areas across the surface. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the presence of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural properties of visible light and standard optical components to achieve self-focusing and self-direction. The optical train is designed to automatically concentrate the light beam without requiring complex active control systems, allowing the light itself to perform the focusing function through passive optical elements, thereby reducing control system complexity.
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 melts snow and ice by concentrating visible light to create localized heat and mechanical energy, effectively removing snow and ice from surfaces without the high energy costs associated with traditional methods, while being adaptable to varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An optical train is mounted in the light head adjacent the light source to focus the visible light to a concentrated light beam line that is directionally focused
Implementation Method 2
The concentrated light beam has a concentrated power density at a focal distance from the final optic that is greater than a first power density at the first optic
Implementation Method 3
The system efficiently melts snow and ice by concentrating visible light to create localized heat
Implementation Method 4
A system utilizing visible light, specifically in the blue wavelength range, is employed to melt snow and ice
Implementation Method 5
A controller is in communication with the light head and is programmed to rotate the light head thereby sweeping the concentrated light beam along a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing snow and ice is provided. The system has a light head mounted to rotate. A light source is mounted in the light head and radiates visible light. An optical train is mounted in the light head adjacent the light source to focus the visible light to a concentrated light beam line that is directionally focused. A controller is in communication with the light head and is programmed to rotate the light head thereby sweeping the concentrated light beam along a surface.