Dynamic Power Splitter for Microwave Heating Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave heating systems for laboratory samples face challenges in uniformly and precisely controlling radiation power to multiple samples using a limited number of microwave sources, leading to uncertainty in reaction outcomes due to complex power control and interference patterns within the cavity.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a single microwave source cascaded with microwave splitters and applicators, controlled by stepper motors and feedback mechanisms, allows for precise power distribution to each sample through dielectric elements, enabling precise control of radiation power at each load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single microwave source is used to heat multiple samples, then cost is reduced and efficiency is improved, but precise control of radiation power to each sample becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidprecise control of radiation power

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single microwave source into multiple independent radiation paths using power splitters. Each splitter divides the microwave energy into separate channels that can be independently controlled, allowing precise power delivery to each sample while maintaining system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable power splitters that can change their power distribution ratios in real-time. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to precisely regulate the amount of microwave power delivered to each sample based on specific heating requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple microwave sources are used to treat multiple samples, then precise power control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise power controlVSAvoidnumber of microwave sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple microwave sources into a single source while maintaining independent control capabilities through power splitters. This merging approach reduces device complexity and cost while preserving the ability to precisely control power delivery to each sample through the splitter network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces power splitters as intermediary devices between the single microwave source and multiple samples. These splitters act as mediators that distribute and independently control microwave power to different samples, eliminating the need for multiple independent microwave sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If sample containers are placed in the microwave cavity, then heating function is provided, but interference patterns change and power distribution becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating functionVSAvoidpower distribution consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using power splitters to pre-determine and establish the power distribution to each sample before the samples are placed in the cavity. This preliminary power allocation compensates for the unpredictable interference patterns that arise when samples are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality control by providing independent power control to each sample through individual power splitter channels. This allows each sample to receive precisely controlled power regardless of the overall interference patterns in the cavity, ensuring consistent and reliable heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables uniform and controllable radiation power delivery to multiple samples, ensuring accurate temperature control and efficient microwave processing, reducing uncertainty and improving reaction consistency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one dielectric element placed inside the first microwave radiation splitter between the at least two output ports and adapted to dynamically direct the electromagnetic radiation received at the input port to the at least two output ports according to a power splitting ratio

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Substances that respond quite well by increasing their temperature levels when under microwave radiation usually have a high dielectric absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8759726B2Dynamic power splitter

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 SEIGNIORY CHEM PROD LTD

AI summary

There is described a power splitter for directing electromagnetic power comprising: an input port for receiving the electromagnetic power; at least one dielectric element placed inside the power splitter; at least two output ports for outputting the power according to a splitting ratio, the at least two output ports placed on a surface opposite to the input port; and at least one dielectric moving device for positioning the at least one dielectric element between the at least two output ports to dynamically direct the power into the at least two output ports according to the power splitting ratio.