Vehicle Windshield Melting Device Using Heating Coil
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals without access to a garage in winter climates face the challenge of removing snow and ice from their vehicles, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when using traditional methods like snowbrushes and ice brushes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle windshield melting device comprising a housing, LED, button, USB port, handle, strap, and a screen with an internal heating coil, allowing for quick and secure melting of snow and ice directly on the windshield with adjustable heat levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods like snowbrushes and ice brushes are used to remove snow and ice, then the device complexity is low, but the time required for removal is excessive and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (snowbrushes and ice brushes) with a thermal system consisting of a heating coil that generates heat to melt snow and ice. This substitution transforms the removal mechanism from mechanical force to thermal energy, significantly reducing the time required while accepting increased device complexity through the incorporation of electrical heating components, power supply, and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing electrical energy to generate thermal energy through the heating coil. The system controls the heating process by adjusting electrical parameters (voltage, current, power levels) to melt snow and ice efficiently. This parameter transformation from electrical to thermal domain enables rapid ice melting compared to mechanical methods
2Loss of time
If a heating coil system is implemented to melt snow and ice, then the productivity and speed of ice melting improve, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to activate the heating coil before actually needing to drive the vehicle. The system can be turned on in advance to pre-melt snow and ice accumulation on the windshield, so that by the time the user needs to depart, the windshield is already clear or requires minimal manual intervention. This preliminary heating action reduces the total time loss and energy consumption compared to waiting and then using high-power heating at the last moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by using the heating coil only on the windshield area where snow and ice accumulation occurs, rather than heating the entire vehicle surface. The system focuses thermal energy delivery precisely where needed, reducing overall energy consumption while still achieving effective ice melting. The heating can be applied partially until the windshield is sufficiently clear, then stopped, avoiding excessive energy use
3Speed
If the heating coil operates at high power to melt ice quickly, then the speed of ice melting increases, but the energy consumption and potential damage to the windshield increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable power control for the heating coil through a button interface that allows users to adjust heating intensity. The system transitions from static, fixed-power heating to dynamic, adjustable-power operation. Users can select different power levels based on the severity of ice accumulation and environmental conditions, enabling the heating rate to adapt in real-time. This dynamic control allows high power when needed for rapid melting but reduces power when lower intensity suffices, minimizing the risk of windshield damage while maintaining effective ice removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through intermittent heating cycles rather than continuous high-power operation. The system can alternate between heating phases and cooling/rest phases, allowing the windshield to equilibrate thermally. This periodic heating prevents sustained excessive heat exposure that could damage the windshield, while still achieving effective ice melting through repeated thermal cycles. The heating can be applied in bursts or intervals, reducing cumulative thermal stress on the glass
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 enables faster ice melting than traditional methods, allowing users to clear snow and ice without standing outside the vehicle, reducing time and effort, and providing a more efficient alternative to manual scraping.
Implementation Method 1
the heating coil within the screen can be activated using the button to melt snow and ice off the windshield
Implementation Method 2
the heating coil within the screen can be activated using the button to melt snow and ice off the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle windshield melting device primarily comprised of a housing, at least one LED, at least one button, a USB port, at least one handle, at least one strap attached to at least one clip, and a screen further comprised of at least one internal heating coil. The device can be placed on the windshield of a vehicle wherein the screen is then deployed from the housing. Then, the heating coil within the screen can be activated using the button to melt snow and ice off the windshield. The clip may be used to further secure the device to the vehicle and prevent movement of the device during use. The device may have a plurality of heating levels for the heating coil, wherein each level can be selected by the button and indicated by the LED. When not in use, the screen can be retracted into the housing.