Systems and methods for modifying an ice-to-object interface
First Claim
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1. A method of thermally modifying an interface between ice and an object, comprising the steps of:
- applying heating energy to the interface to melt an interfacial layer of ice; and
limiting duration of the step of applying heating energy to the interface such that the heating energy has a heat diffusion distance within the ice that extends no more than through the thickness of the interfacial layer of ice.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for thermally modifying an ice-to-object interface. One system includes a power supply configured to generate a magnitude of power. The magnitude of the power is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface; typically the interfacial layer has a thickness in a range one micron to one millimeter. A controller may be used to limit the duration in which power supply generates the magnitude of the power, to limit unneeded heat energy dissipation into the environment. Modulating the pulsed heating energy to the interface modifies a coefficient of friction between the object and the ice.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method of thermally modifying an interface between ice and an object, comprising the steps of:
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applying heating energy to the interface to melt an interfacial layer of ice; and
limiting duration of the step of applying heating energy to the interface such that the heating energy has a heat diffusion distance within the ice that extends no more than through the thickness of the interfacial layer of ice. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A system for thermally modifying an interface between ice and an object, comprising:
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a power supply for generating power;
a heating element that is within the object or in contact with the interface and that is coupled to the power supply, to convert the power into heat at the interface; and
a controller coupled to the power supply to limit a duration in which power is applied to the heating element such that only an interfacial layer of ice melts at the interface. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification