Systems and methods for windshield deicing
US8921739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2203/035
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Cost efficient, lightweight and rapid windshield deicing systems and methods are disclosed. The systems utilize step-up converters or inverters, or dual-voltage batteries, to provide a voltage high enough to deice a windshield in less than thirty seconds at ambient temperatures above −10 C. Some of the disclosed systems include sensors for deicing element and ambient temperatures, and in some embodiments windspeed. All embodiments have a controller for limiting deicing time to that sufficient to melt a boundary layer of ice. The controller of embodiments with sensors computes deicing time as a function of ambient temperature. Embodiments interact with wiper systems to enable wipers to clear ice once the boundary layer is melted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.