Device and method for de-icing an elongated structural element
First Claim
1. A device for de-icing an elongated structural element having a closed contour, comprising:
- at least one pair of electrically conductive wires preformed for winding, one next to the other, along and around the structural element following a substantially helicoidal trajectory while embracing substantially the contour of the structural element with a predetermined gap between the conductive wires and the structural element, the conductive wires having first ends for receiving electromagnetic impulses, and second ends opposite to the first ends, the conductive wires being sized to withstand a current causing, between the conductive wires of the pair, a repulsion having an intensity capable to break the ice or the frost on the structural element by a separation of the conductive wires from each other in response to the repulsion, the conductive wires having rigidity and elasticity properties such that the conductive wires recover their shape around the structural element after the separation caused by the repulsion;
means for electrically connecting the second ends of the conductive wires of the pair together; and
means for electrically insulating the conductive wires of the pair from each other and from the structural element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The device and the method are used to de-ice an elongated structural element having a closed contour. The device is formed of pairs of electrically conductive and insulated wires, preformed for winding, one next to the other, along and around the structural element following an helicoidal trajectory while embracing the contour of the structural element with a certain gap. The conductive wires have ends for receiving electromagnetic impulses, and opposite ends electrically connected together. The conductive wires are sized to withstand a current causing a repulsion force whose intensity is capable of breaking the ice or the frost on the structural element by the separation of the conductive wires from each other in response to the repulsion. The conductive wires have rigidity and elasticity properties such that they recover their shape around the structural element after the separation caused by the repulsion.
33 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device for de-icing an elongated structural element having a closed contour, comprising:
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at least one pair of electrically conductive wires preformed for winding, one next to the other, along and around the structural element following a substantially helicoidal trajectory while embracing substantially the contour of the structural element with a predetermined gap between the conductive wires and the structural element, the conductive wires having first ends for receiving electromagnetic impulses, and second ends opposite to the first ends, the conductive wires being sized to withstand a current causing, between the conductive wires of the pair, a repulsion having an intensity capable to break the ice or the frost on the structural element by a separation of the conductive wires from each other in response to the repulsion, the conductive wires having rigidity and elasticity properties such that the conductive wires recover their shape around the structural element after the separation caused by the repulsion;
means for electrically connecting the second ends of the conductive wires of the pair together; and
means for electrically insulating the conductive wires of the pair from each other and from the structural element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for de-icing an elongated structural element having a closed contour, comprising the steps of:
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positioning at least one pair of conductive wires along the structural element, the conductive wires being preformed to wind, one next to the other, along and around the structural element following a substantially helicoidal trajectory while embracing substantially the contour of the structural element with a predetermined gap between the conductive wires and the structural element, the conductive wires having first and second opposite ends, the conductive wires being provided with means for electrically insulating the conductive wires from each other and from the structural element, the conductive wires being sized to withstand a current causing, between the conductive wires of the pair, a repulsion having an intensity capable of breaking the ice or the frost on the structural element by a separation of the conductive wires from each other in response to the repulsion, the conductive wires having rigidity and elasticity properties such that the conductive wires recover their shape around the structural element after the separation caused by the repulsion;
electrically connecting the second ends of the conductive wires together; and
applying electromagnetic impulses between the first ends of the conductive wires to generate said current in the conductive wires. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification