Originally posted by: McCarthy
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
invention time
big car wash type affair at the depot. like a bridge type structure loaded with big fans that blow hot air across the bridge and the parpets, then it just moves down the length of the truck melting the ice and snow off the truck
it could employ pressure washers that use a de-icer mix, or hot water to blast stubborn chunks off.
I do so love inventions. More ideas?
There are drawbacks to this, but let's concentrate on the positives and improve on it.
One way to improve on the efficiency of your concept would be to use a big plastic brush - similar to what drive through car washes use, but much stiffer - to remove snow and loose ice before the melting.
My invention suggestion would be something quite simple, but would need to be tested to see how much it damaged the trailer roof. I'd use what's been learned from road graders and apply it.
Leading edge would be as such :
http://www.kennametal.com/images/it/amsg/scarfire1.jpg
But, like a safety razor it would have a lubrication layer. This blade would be flat and ride along as a depth guide.
http://www.kennametal.com/images/it/amsg/dual_carbide_blade.jpg
The second image would be the back part - used to keep the teeth of the first from getting to the metal skin of the trailer. The trucker would simply drive under the contraption (with wheels to guide it into place) and drive through - driving forward would power it.
Make it a coin-op affair, unattended. Truck stops would profit from having them so they'd become widespread. No, it wouldn't get every little bit, but with tuning it could get down to say 1/2" of ice, and that thickness would now be broken up instead of in sheets. Still annoying when they fly off and might break a windshield here or there, but harmless to drivers.