Retractable Windshield Deicer With Strand-Based Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield covering devices are ineffective in preventing and removing ice due to adhesion issues, often requiring time-consuming and physically demanding processes, and existing solutions are cumbersome, prone to freezing, or require electrical sources.
Innovation Solution
A deicer device with elongated bars and laterally spaced strands that can be deployed across the windshield, using a spool mechanism to unreel strands that cut through ice and snow, allowing for easy removal by lifting and scraping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a covering sheet is used to protect the windshield from ice, then the windshield is protected from ice formation, but the sheet itself becomes frozen to the windshield and becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the covering sheet into multiple separate strands or ribbons that can be individually manipulated. These segmented strands are dispensed across the windshield and can be independently removed by pulling from opposite sides, preventing the entire covering from freezing as a single unit to the windshield surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic dispensing system where strands are fed from a spool across the windshield and can be dynamically removed by pulling from opposite sides. This dynamic removal process prevents the strands from adhering firmly to the windshield, allowing easy removal even when ice forms.
2Area of stationary object
If a large area sheet is used to cover the entire windshield, then complete windshield coverage is achieved, but the sheet becomes unwieldy and occupies significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large area covering into multiple narrow strands or ribbons that are fed from a compact spool. This segmentation allows the strands to be easily dispensed across the windshield and simplifies storage, as the strands can be wound back onto the spool in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple strands are wound concentrically on a spool, similar to nested dolls. This nesting allows the large area covering material to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner while maintaining the capability to deploy full coverage when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrical heating sheet is used to prevent ice formation, then ice prevention is effective, but the device requires considerable deployment time and access to electrical sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical heating system with a purely mechanical strand-based removal system. Instead of using electrical elements to prevent ice formation, the invention uses mechanically fed strands that can be pulled across the windshield to break and remove ice formations, eliminating the need for electrical sources and reducing deployment 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 device provides a convenient and efficient method for removing ice and snow from windshields, reducing the risk of damage to the windshield and eliminating the need for electrical sources, while being compact and easy to store.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring (29) telescoped there over and connected to the housing (21) on one end and connected to the spool on the opposite end to cooperate in applying a torque
Data Source
AI summary
Rigid bars to be placed upstanding at the opposite sides of a windshield and a plurality of flexible strands connected between the bars in laterally spaced apart relationship.