WO2013142188A1

WO2013142188A1 - Automotive component ice-reduction system

Info

Publication number: WO2013142188A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/030816
Authority: WO
Inventors: Larry P. BENNETT; Lyudmila Mikhaylovna SOLOVYEVA; Michael Lee Killian; Deborah S. KULLMAN
Original assignee: Eaton Corporation
Priority date: 2012-03-21
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2013-09-26

Abstract

Automotive component ice-reduction systems are disclosed herein. One example of the system includes a substrate and a first conductor fixedly attached to the substrate. A flexible member is operatively attached to the substrate and has a second conductor embedded therein. The second conductor is disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first conductor when the system is in a de-energized state. An electrical power supply is operatively connected to the first and the second conductors to selectively produce mutually repulsive magnetic fields from the first and the second conductors in order to induce a mechanical pulse in the flexible member.

Description

AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENT ICE-REDUCTION SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/613,828, filed March 21 , 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various forms of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, etc.) and cold temperatures may lead to ice build-up on components that are subjected to such conditions. Ice build-up may temporarily reduce the ability of some components to function within predetermined limits. Time and effort may be expended in removing the ice build-up from components.

SUMMARY

[0003] Automotive component ice-reduction systems are disclosed herein. One example of the system includes a substrate and a first conductor fixedly attached to the substrate. A flexible member is operatively attached to the substrate and has a second conductor embedded therein. The second conductor is disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first conductor when the system is in a de- energized state. An electrical power supply is operatively connected to the first and the second conductors to selectively produce mutually repulsive magnetic fields from the first and the second conductors in order to induce a mechanical pulse in the flexible member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Features and advantages of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to similar, though perhaps not identical, components. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a previously described function may or may not be described in conjunction with other drawings in which they appear.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a semi-schematic, perspective view of an example of electrical impulse conductors;

[0006] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional, semi-schematic cutaway view of an example of a tank having an example of an ice-reduction system disposed therein;

[0007] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, semi-schematic cutaway view of another example of a tank having another example of the ice-reduction system disposed therein;

[0008] Fig. 4 is a top, schematic view of an example of a plurality of electrical impulse conductors interposed with heater elements;

[0009] Fig. 5 is a top, cross-sectional view of another example of the electrical impulse conductor;

[0010] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional, semi-schematic view of still another example of a tank having the electrical impulse conductor of Fig. 5 as part of the ice-reduction system that is disposed in the tank;

[001 1 ] Fig. 7 is an enlarged, perspective cut-away view of a tube having a porous screen disposed around an end, where an example of the electrical impulse

conductors are incorporated on the screen;

[0012] Fig. 8 is a semi-schematic view of an example of the electrical impulse conductors embedded in wiper blade elastomer; and

[0013] Fig. 9 is a semi-schematic, perspective, cutaway view of an example of the electrical impulse conductors embedded in a headlight lens assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Winter conditions in cold climates may make operating a vehicle more difficult. For example, snow and/or ice may build up on a vehicle windshield, thereby reducing visibility. Icy mixtures may also build up on other vehicle components, such as headlight lenses, outside rear view mirrors, or the like. In addition to ice build-up on the exterior components of a vehicle, fluid contained in vehicle tanks may freeze when exposed to winter conditions. For example, urea solutions used in diesel vehicles and diluted solutions of windshield wiper fluid may freeze when temperatures fall to or below the freezing point of these solutions.

[0015] Examples of the system(s) and method disclosed herein use electro- repulsion technology (ERT) to break up ice that has formed on vehicle components and/or in vehicle fluid tanks. Electro-repulsion is an electromagnetic phenomenon based on eddy currents generated from alternating current or transient spikes of direct current. If two electrical conductors placed in close proximity to one another receive a transient pulse of direct current, or a short impulse of alternating current, the magnetic fields around the conductors are mutually repulsive. As the magnetic fields drive the conductors apart from one another, the result is a sudden, energetic kick in the conductors. This is shown schematically in Fig. 1 .

[0016] In particular, Fig. 1 illustrates an ice-reduction system 10 that includes the two electrical conductors 12, 14. Examples of materials suitable for the conductors 12, 14 include metals, such as platinum, palladium, silver, copper, aluminum, or gold; or alloys thereof. In an example, one or both of the electrical conductors 12, 14 may be embedded in another material, such as a polymer. In another example, one or both of the electric conductors 12, 14 may also be integrated into a component of the vehicle (e.g., in a wall of a fluid tank, in a windshield wiper, etc.). When integrated into other vehicle systems, both of the conductors 12, 14 may be configured to move freely, or one of the conductors 12 may be rigidly attached to a supporting structure while the other of the conductors 12 is configured to move freely. The shapes of the conductors 12, 14 may also vary depending upon how and where the system 10 is integrated into the vehicle. Various examples are discussed further herein.

[0017] In a de-energized state, the first and second electrical conductors 12, 14 are disposed adjacent/substantially adjacent and parallel/substantially parallel to one another. As used herein, "parallel" means a curve or line whose points are at a fixed normal distance of a given curve or line. For example, the rails of a railroad track are parallel, even when the railroad track curves.

[0018] When weather conditions cause ice to develop on or in a vehicle

component, the ice-reduction system 10 is activated. This energized state is schematically depicted in Fig. 1 . Periodically, a pulse of current (depicted by the horizontal arrows in Fig. 1 ) is delivered through the conductors 12, 14. In an example, electromagnetic repulsion (depicted by the vertical arrows in Fig. 1 ) drives the conductor 12 energetically away from the conductor 14. The conductor 12 contacts the accumulated ice directly, or contacts a material that is positioned near the accumulated ice, and a mechanical pulse (e.g., a shock wave) breaks the ice, for example, into very small pieces.

[0019] The system 10 also includes an electrical power supply 16 that is operatively connected to both of the conductors 12, 14 via respective leads 18, 20. The power supply 16 may be programmed and/or controlled to selectively deliver the electrical pulse(s) in order to operate the conductors 12, 14. In an example, the power supply 16 may be connected and disconnected at intervals to produce a series of mechanical pulses.

[0020] In some instances, the system 10 also includes a substrate, which is not shown in Fig. 1 . Examples of the substrate may include the wall of a fluid tank or an automotive component.

[0021 ] As mentioned above, the ice-reduction system 10 may be used in fluid tanks of the vehicle. One example of a fluid tank that can have the ice-reduction system 10 disposed therein is a urea tank. In some vehicles powered by a diesel engine, an aqueous solution of urea is injected into the exhaust system from an on-board supply of the urea solution. In some vehicles, urea is injected into the exhaust at an overall rate of about 1 .5% to about 10% of the rate of consumption of diesel fuel. The urea solution is injected to reduce an amount of nitric oxide emissions (i.e., NO_x) that is released into the atmosphere. The aqueous solution of urea may be known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), or other names such as AdBlue®. As used herein, the terms "urea" and "urea solution" refer to an aqueous solution including about 32% CO(NH₂)2 by weight. The on-board urea tank contains the aqueous solution of urea, which may freeze when exposed to suitable conditions. "Frozen urea" or "urea ice" refers to the solution of urea in water that freezes at about -1 1 .5°C (Celsius) and not the solid crystals of molecular urea that form at about 133°C.

[0022] In examples of the present disclosure, ERT may be used to break the urea ice into smaller pieces in the on-board urea tank. In a more specific example, the system 10 present in the on-board urea tank is activated, and the electro-repulsion of the conductors 12, 14 causes the urea ice in the tank to fracture. The smaller particles of urea ice remain in the tank, and heat may be used to melt these smaller pieces into the liquid aqueous urea solution for injection into the exhaust system. Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that increased surface area and smaller pieces may allow the urea ice to melt faster, and may reduce the amount of heat energy required to melt the urea ice in a predetermined amount of time. As such, it is believed that faster melting and increased energy efficiency may be facilitated in on-board urea tanks by examples of the present disclosure.

[0023] In view of the above discussion, it is to be understood that some examples of the system 10 will also include a heater element (examples of which are shown as reference numeral 26, 26' in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 6). For example, the heater element may be operatively connected to the fluid tank. In an example, the heater element may be sized to melt the broken up urea ice chucks, in order to supply enough liquid urea to meet the exhaust system requirements (which may vary from one vehicle to the next). The heater element may be electrically-powered, for example, using electrical resistance. As such, in one example, the heater element is an electrical heat generator, such as a resistive heater element. Other sources of heat may also be used, including engine coolant and exhaust gas. Still another example of a heater element is a heat exchanger tube that transfers heat from a vehicle fluid to the aqueous urea solution or the urea ice. [0024] Referring now to Fig. 2, an example of the fluid (e.g., urea) tank 22 is depicted. In this example, the conductors 12, 14 are electrically conductive wires or electrodes; one of which is embedded in a wall W of the tank 22 and the other of which is embedded in a flexible member 24 that is also in contact with the wall W of the tank 22. It is to be understood that the wall W may be any portion of the tank 22 that defines a space in which the urea is stored on the vehicle. For example, the wall W may be a portion of the tank container that forms a horizontal floor or ceiling, a vertical wall, or combinations thereof. While not shown, it is to be understood that in examples of the present disclosure, the wall W of the tank 22 may include one or more layers. For example, the tank 22 may include polymeric walls with more than one layer of polymeric material. The polymeric layers may include the same type of polymer, or different types of polymers.

[0025] In the example shown in Fig. 2, urea ice reduction in the urea tank 22 may be accomplished with conductors 12, 14 and the flexible member 24 (e.g., an elastomeric layer) that is bonded to the wall W. In this example, the urea tank 22 is made up of a hard, rigid polymer substrate layer 23. One of the conductors (e.g., conductor 14) may be mounted on or embedded in the wall W of the hard, rigid polymer substrate layer 23. The second conductor (e.g., conductor 12) may be embedded in the flexible member 24 so that it is substantially free to move with the flexible member 24 relative to the substrate layer 23 when subjected to the transient DC pulse or the short impulse of alternating current. The conductors 12, 14 are substantially adjacent and parallel to one another.

[0026] The flexible member 24 containing the conductor 12 may be in contact with the urea ice. The conductor 14 mounted on the substrate layer 22 may be positioned away from the urea ice. When the ERT circuit is energized, the conductor 12

(embedded in the flexible member 24) may be driven away from the rigidly mounted conductor 14. A controlled amplitude shock wave may be delivered to the urea ice in the urea tank 22. The urea ice closest to the conductor 12 may be broken or may begin to fracture. Additional ERT pulses may cause additional fracturing of the urea ice.

[0027] In this example, heater elements 26, 26' are disclosed in the tank 22. The heater elements 26, 26' are positioned to heat and melt the fractured urea ice. Any of the heater elements previously discussed may be used in this example.

[0028] In other examples that are not shown, the conductors 12, 14 may extend in a single line along the wall W, or the conductors 12, 14 may form a grid. For example, a plurality of the conductors 12, 14 may be disposed in parallel on an interior surface (i.e., the wall W) of the urea tank 22, similar to conductors in heating strips in an automotive rear window defrost system. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the

conductors 12 (and 14, which are positioned beneath the conductors 12 and thus are not seen in this view) disposed in parallel. In this particular example, heating elements 26 are positioned between adjacent conductors 12.

[0029] The conductors 12, 14 may also extend in a circular configuration (an example of which is shown in Fig. 5), which may be particularly suitable for a tank 22 that has a tube extending therein for retrieving the urea solution. For example, the conductors 12, 14 in a circular configuration may be positioned at or near the tube end, in order to fracture ice formed at or near the tube end. This will be discussed further in reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 5 shows a top view of the conductor 14 having a circular configuration. It is to be understood that in this view, conductor 12 is not seen, but it has a similar configuration and is positioned beneath conductor 14.

[0030] The conductors 12, 14 may be of a generally flat and wide shape, though other shapes are also contemplated.

[0031 ] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the conductors 12, 14 may be applied to the respective components 24, 22 with an adhesive bond, for example at 15,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The flexible member 24 may be bonded to the wall W, or may remain unattached but positioned to securely fit into the tank 22 adjacent to the wall W. [0032] While not shown, it is to be understood that the power supply 16 is operatively connected to the conductors 12, 14. In an example, a separate housing containing the power supply 16 (e.g., an energizing circuit) may be mounted near the urea tank 22. In another example, the power supply 16 may be built into a urea tank housing that applies pulses of current to the repulsive electrical conductors 12, 14. For example, the power supply 16 could include one or more capacitors that are discharged to create a transient DC pulse at high voltage. In an example, the electrical potential of the pulse could be between about 500 Volts and about 1000 Volts. The transient may have a duration on an order of milliseconds. In an example, the transient may have a duration ranging from about 3 milliseconds to about 150 milliseconds.

[0033] Referring now to Fig. 3, another example of the urea tank 22 is depicted. In this example, the conductors 12, 14 are electrically conductive wires or electrodes that are positioned on the wall W of the tank 22 and are embedded in the flexible member 24 that is also in contact with the wall W of the tank 22. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the heater element 26 is also embedded in the flexible member 24 so that it is positioned in closer proximity to the interior of the tank 22 than the conductors 12, 14.

[0034] In the example shown in Fig. 3, urea ice reduction may be accomplished with conductors 12, 14 and the flexible member 24 (e.g., an elastomeric layer) that is bonded to the wall W. In this example, the conductor 14 may be rigidly mounted on the wall W and embedded in the flexible member 24. The conductor 12 is also embedded in the flexible member 24 so that it is substantially free to move with the flexible member 24 relative to the wall W when subjected to the transient DC pulse or the short impulse of alternating current. The conductors 12, 14 are substantially adjacent and parallel to one another.

[0035] The flexible member 24 containing the conductors 12, 14 may be in contact with the urea ice. When the ERT circuit is energized, the conductor 12 may be driven away from the rigidly mounted conductor 14. A controlled amplitude shock wave may be delivered to the urea ice in the urea tank 22. The urea ice closest to the conductor 12 may be broken or may begin to fracture. Additional ERT pulses may cause additional fracturing of the urea ice. The heater element 26 may also be activated to enhance melting of the fractured urea ice.

[0036] It is to be understood that the system 10 may be selectively activated when conditions contribute to the formation of urea ice. For example, when the atmospheric temperature is below the freezing point of the urea solution, the conditions may support formation of urea ice. When urea ice is unlikely to form, the ERT system 10 may be selectively inactive. The system 10 may be configured to recognize that urea ice has formed, even though the atmospheric temperature is above the freezing point of the urea. For example, urea ice may remain in the tank 22 after a vehicle/truck has driven from the cold environment (which induced freezing) to a warmer environment over a short period of time. For example, urea ice may remain in the tank 22 when a truck drives into a tunnel that is warmer than the outside weather, which is cold enough to cause urea ice to form. Various methods for recognizing the existence of urea ice are disclosed herein. For example, a temperature probe may detect a urea temperature below freezing. Optical, capacitive, and ultrasonic ice detectors may also or alternatively be used to detect frozen urea in the tank 22.

[0037] The examples of the urea tank 22 described herein perform all normal functions of a urea tank, but additionally the urea tank 22 has a urea ice-reduction function that includes the ERT system 10 for fracturing urea ice. In an example, at the push of a button, the urea ice-reduction system 10 may be activated to build up an electrical charge and deliver short duration electrical pulses to the electromagnetic repulsive conductors 12, 14 embedded in the urea tank 22. As soon as the ERT- equipped tank receives the electrical pulse, the embedded ERT conductors 12, 14 respond by kicking apart, momentarily increasing the distance separating them. The flexible member 24 momentarily stretches and distorts its shape as a result of the conductor 12 movement. The sudden movement generates a mechanical pulse, such as a shock wave, to break the urea ice in nearby contact with the flexible member 24. The ERT system 10 generates a mechanical pulse of sufficient intensity to fragment the urea ice into a plurality of smaller pieces.

[0038] When the ice-reduction system 10 is activated, delivery of electrical pulses to the conductors 12, 14 embedded in the tank 22 may continue on periodic intervals, for example, every 3-5 seconds, until the system 10 is deactivated. The ice-reduction system 10 can also be activated "on demand", generating a pulse once whenever a momentary contact switch is activated. The frequency of the "on demand" activation commands may be limited by the charging time and capacitance of the ice-reduction system 10.

[0039] Referring now to Fig. 6, still another example of the urea tank 22 is depicted. This example includes a tube 28 to withdraw urea from a sump 29 in the tank 22. The urea tank 22 may include a heating element 26 to heat the urea (e.g., the fractured urea) and cause urea to flow to the sump 29 for withdrawal by the tube 28 and injection into the exhaust system (not shown).

[0040] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the ERT conductors 12, 14 may be disposed in the sump 29 to break urea ice that forms in the sump 29. As an example, the conductors 12, 14 that have the circular configuration shown in Fig. 5 may be incorporated into the sump 29. In this example, the conductors 12, 14 are positioned in the sump 28 near the end 31 of the tube 28 so that the conductive elements extend outside the outer diameter of the tube 28. As illustrated, the conductor 12 is

positioned on the wall W, and the conductor 14 is embedded in the wall W.

[0041 ] In another example, the ERT conductors 12, 14 may be disposed on a floor of the urea tank including areas that are outside of the sump 29. In still another example, the ERT conductors 12, 14 may be installed on the tube 28 (see Fig. 7).

[0042] As disclosed herein, an electric pulse may be sent through the ERT conductors 12, 14, thereby producing repulsive magnetic fields, inducing mechanical pulse(s), and causing the urea ice to fracture into urea ice fragments. The heating element(s) 26 may cause a portion of the urea ice to melt, thereby forming liquid urea. The liquid urea may flow around the fragments of the urea ice, thereby transferring heat from the heating element 26 to a surface of the urea ice. A slush of urea ice fragments and liquid urea may form. The heating element 26 may continue to supply a sufficient amount of heat to further melt the urea ice at a rate to meet the demand by exhaust system. In an example, the ERT conductors 12, 14 may be activated at intervals of time to mechanically stir the urea slush and prevent clogging of the tube 28 by urea ice in the urea slush.

[0043] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of the tube 28 having the conductors 12, 14 formed thereon. In this example, a porous screen 30 may be disposed around the tube 28 to filter the solid urea ice crystals out of the urea slush and allow liquid urea to flow into the tube 28. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the screen 30 has the ERT conductors 12, 14 formed thereon for ejecting ice crystals from the screen 30. One of the conductors 14 may be rigidly secured while the other of the conductors 12 is loosely secured so that it can move in response to the applied electrical pulse(s). It is to be understood that the screen 30 may also include heating elements 12, 14 to melt urea ice crystals.

[0044] In addition to the use in fluid tanks 22, the system 10 disclosed herein may also be suitable for use in windshield wipers, front headlamp cowlings, tail lamp cowlings, outside rear view mirrors, windshields and other truck and automotive components in order to remove ice and slush from these components. In an example of the present disclosure, windshield wipers provide a framework for using the technology in other applications.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows an example windshield wiper 32 according to the present disclosure. The windshield wiper 32 includes two electrically conductive wires or electrodes 12, 14. The conductors 12, 14 may extend over most of the blade length. The conductors 12, 14 may be, for example, 12 to 18 inches in length or longer for longer wiper blades 34. The conductors 12, 14 may be of a generally flat and wide shape, though other shapes are also contemplated as being within the purview of the present disclosure. [0046] In an example, a solder joint near the center of the blade 24 enables the conductors 12, 14 to join conventional electrical wires that run through the wiper arm 34. The electrical wires may have connectors that plug into a mating connector in the housing of the wiper motor. In an example, a separate housing containing an energizing circuit (e.g., power supply 16) may be mounted near the wiper motor. In another example, a circuit may be built into the wiper motor housing that applies pulses of current to the repulsive electrical conductors 12, 14. For example, the circuit could include one or more capacitors that are discharged to create a transient DC pulse at high voltage. For example, the electrical potential of the pulse could be between about 500 Volts and about 1000 Volts. The transient may have a duration on an order of milliseconds. In an example, the transient may have a duration of between about 3 milliseconds and about 150 milliseconds.

[0047] De-icing of the windshield 38 may be accomplished with the flexible member 24, which in this example is an elastomeric blade 24' that has a backing of a hard, rigid-like polymer 36. One of the ERT conductors 12 may be mounted on the hard, rigid-like polymer 36. The second ERT conductor 14 may be embedded in the elastomeric blade 24' so that it is essentially free to move inside the elastomeric blade 24. The elastomeric blade 24' containing the second ERT conductor 14 may be in contact with the windshield 38. The first ERT conductor 12 mounted on the rigid-like polymer 36 may be positioned away from the windshield 38. When the ERT circuit (i.e., power supply 16, not shown in Fig. 8) is energized, the second conductor 14 embedded in the elastomeric blade 24' may be driven away from the rigidly mounted first conductor 12. A controlled amplitude shock wave may be delivered to the ice on the windshield 38. The ice beneath the wiper 32 may be broken or may begin to fracture. Additional ERT pulses may cause additional fracturing of the ice. Repeated move-and-energize cycles may clear ice from the windshield. 38

[0048] The ERT system 10 may be selectively activated for use with conditions of developing ice, and may be inactive during periods of other conditions. The wiper blades 32 described herein perform all normal functions of a wiper blade, but additionally the wiper blades have a de-icing function. In an example, at the push of a button, the de-icing system 10 is turned on, builds up charge and delivers short duration electrical pulses to the electromagnetic repulsive conductors 12, 14

embedded in the wiper blades 24'. As soon as the ERT-equipped blades 24' receive the electrical pulse, portions of the conductors 12, 14 respond by kicking apart, momentarily increasing the distance separating them. The elastomeric blade 24' momentarily stretches and distorts its shape. This sudden movement and the associated shock wave break the clinging ice from the blade. If the shock wave is intense enough, the ice will be fragmented into numerous, small pieces. With the de- icing system 10 activated, delivery of electrical pulses to the conductors 12, 14 embedded in the blade 24' will continue on periodic intervals, for example, every 3-5 seconds, until the system is deactivated. The de-icing system 10 can also be fired "on demand", firing once whenever a momentary contact switch is activated. The frequency of the "on demand" firing commands may be limited by the charging time and capacitance of the de-icing system.

[0049] In an example, a stationary-vehicle, non-driving mode may be used for assistance in clearing ice from the windshield 38 itself. This mode relies on the windshield wiper motor being capable of incremental travel throughout its full movement. For incremental travel, the wiper motor may be a stepper motor, a servo motor with an encoder or a conventional motor with an encoder or timing circuit and dynamic braking. In this stationary, non-driving mode, an operator may activate the windshield de-icing system 10. Further, the non-driving mode may include a remote- start operation, where the operator is outside of the vehicle, starting the vehicle and/or ERT system 10 from a distance. The ERT system 10 may coordinate incremental movement or jogging of the wiper blade 24' with firing of the ERT circuit. For example, upon activation of the windshield de-icing system 10, the blade 24' is held at its "home" or zero degrees of arc position. At this position, the ERT circuit discharges, recharges and discharges again. This cycle occurs for a total of three discharges. Then the ERT circuit moves the wiper blade 24' to the next incremental position, for example to the 22 degree arc position. The ERT circuit discharges three additional times. Then the wiper blade 24' moves to the 45 degree arc position, and the ERT circuit discharges three more times. The move-and-discharge sequence is be repeated throughout the full arc of the windshield wiper travel, then the wiper blade returns to its home position and repeats the full sequence until this mode is deactivated. It is to be understood that various angular positions and number of ERT firings at each position may be used.

[0050] In another example of the present disclosure, ERT is used to clear ice from a headlight lens 40 of a vehicle. In an example, the ERT conductors 12, 14 may be embedded in a headlight lens 40, e.g., as shown in Fig. 9. This example shows the aerodynamic headlight lens 40 of a vehicle with three pairs of conductors 12, 14.

Many transparent headlight lens materials, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, tend to be rigid depending on thickness. Transparent polymers may be chosen to allow for sufficient movement of the conductors 12, 14 to break ice.

[0051 ] In this example, the conductors 12, 14 may be applied to the headlight lens 40 with an adhesive bond, for example at 15,000 lb/in².

[0052] It is to be understood that the terms "connect/connected/connection" and/or the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of divergent connected arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to (1 ) the direct communication between one component and another component with no intervening components therebetween; and (2) the communication of one component and another component with one or more

components therebetween, provided that the one component being "connected to" the other component is somehow in operative communication with the other component (notwithstanding the presence of one or more additional components therebetween).

[0053] In describing and claiming the examples disclosed herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates

otherwise.

[0054] It is to be understood that the ranges provided herein include the stated range and any value or sub-range within the stated range. For example, a range from about 3 milliseconds to about 150 milliseconds should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 3 milliseconds to about 150 milliseconds, but also to include individual values, such as 10 milliseconds, 75 milliseconds, 130 milliseconds, etc., and sub-ranges, such as from about 10 milliseconds to about 140 milliseconds, etc. Furthermore, when "about" is utilized to describe a value, this is meant to encompass minor variations (up to +/- 10%) from the stated value.

[0055] While multiple examples have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . An automotive component ice-reduction system, comprising:

a first conductor to be fixedly attached to a wall of a tank disposed on a vehicle to store a fluid;

a flexible member to operatively attach to the tank; and

a second conductor embedded in the flexible member, the second conductor being disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first conductor when the system is in a de-energized state;

wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are to selectively receive an electrical pulse and produce mutually repulsive magnetic fields in order to induce a mechanical pulse in the flexible member.

2. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 1 , further comprising an electrical power supply operatively connected to the first conductor and the second conductor to selectively deliver the electrical pulse.

3. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 2 wherein: the electrical pulse is delivered;

the mutually repulsive magnetic fields are produced;

the mechanical pulse is induced; and

the mechanical pulse is a controlled shock wave.

4. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 2 wherein the power supply is connected and disconnected at intervals to produce a series of the mechanical pulses in the flexible member.

5. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 1 wherein the fluid is an aqueous urea solution, and the mechanical pulse is to fracture urea ice contained within the tank.

6. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 5, further comprising a heater element operatively connected to the tank to melt a portion of the urea ice including the fractured urea ice.

7. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 6 wherein the heater element includes an electrical heat generator.

8. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 7 wherein the electrical heat generator includes a resistive heater element.

9. The automotive component ice-reduction system as defined in claim 6 wherein the heater element includes a heat exchanger tube to transfer heat from a vehicle fluid to the aqueous urea solution or the urea ice.

10. An automotive component ice-reduction system, comprising:

a substrate;

a first conductor fixedly attached to the substrate;

a flexible member operatively attached to the substrate and having a second conductor embedded therein, the second conductor being disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first conductor when the system is in a de- energized state; and

an electrical power supply operatively connected to the first and the second conductors to selectively produce mutually repulsive magnetic fields from the first and the second conductors in order to induce a mechanical pulse in the flexible member.

1 1 . The automotive component de-icing system as defined in claim 10 wherein the automotive component is one or more of:

a windshield wiper, and the flexible member is a windshield wiper blade; or a lamp lens.

12. A method for de-icing an automotive component, comprising:

fixedly attaching a first conductor to a substrate;

operatively attaching a flexible member, having a second conductor embedded therein, to the substrate such that the second conductor is disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first conductor when the first and second conductors are in a de-energized state; and

connecting the first and second conductors to an electrical power supply to produce mutually repulsive magnetic fields from the first and the second conductors which induces a mechanical pulse in the flexible member to fracture ice.

13. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the automotive component is a windshield wiper, and the flexible member is a windshield wiper blade.

14. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the automotive component is a urea fluid tank.

15. The method as defined in claim 12, further comprising transmitting i) a transient pulse of direct current or ii) a short pulse of alternating current to the first and second conductors using the electrical power supply, thereby fracturing the ice, wherein fracturing the ice dislodges the ice from the automotive component or from an adjacent automotive component.