Ultrasonic vibration system and method for removing/avoiding unwanted build-up on structures
US8217554B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D15/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ultrasonic method for removing and/or avoiding unwanted build-up on structures is provided, wherein the term build-up refers to, but is not limited to, ice, dirt, mud, or other wanted debris or contamination. Deicing or anti-icing structures of interest can include, but are not limited to, helicopter rotor blades, other helicopter blade components, fixed wing aircraft components, windshields in aircraft, automobiles, and other vehicles, ship hulls or other ship components, heat exchangers and other tubing where frost or ice could form, air-conditioning components, head lamp and other light coverings, bridge structures and components, and any structure where anti-icing or deicing would be beneficial. One or more ultrasonic actuators permanently embedded or coupled to the structure may be used accomplish the removal. The technique presented herein could also be utilized for non-destructive evaluation and structural health monitoring applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.