Intermediate Energy Storage for Ophthalmic Laser Power Spikes

Solution Overview

Problem

Ophthalmological laser therapy systems face challenges in maintaining functionality during power spikes due to limited power consumption, which existing solutions fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate storage unit that cyclically provides energy to absorb and buffer power spikes, ensuring the laser therapy system operates within the 1600 W power limit by using capacitors or high-current rechargeable batteries, and optionally switching load elements on and off sequentially to manage power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power consumption is limited to 1600 W for global use, then the device can be installed worldwide with standardized power supply, but the device cannot handle power spikes during laser treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal usabilityVSAvoidpower spike handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate storage unit is pre-charged during periods when power demand is low to store electrical energy. When power spikes occur during laser treatment, this pre-stored energy is immediately discharged to compensate for the deficit, ensuring continuous reliable operation without exceeding the 1600 W contractual power limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storage unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply network and the laser system. It buffers power fluctuations by absorbing excess energy when available and releasing energy during power spikes, thereby mediating between the limited power consumption requirement and the high instantaneous power demands of laser treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standardized power supply cables are used for 1600 W maximum power, then the device can be installed globally without electrical switchgear expertise, but power spikes during laser treatment cannot be handled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidpower spike handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate storage unit is pre-charged during periods when power demand is low to store electrical energy. When power spikes occur during laser treatment, this pre-stored energy is immediately discharged to compensate for the deficit, ensuring continuous reliable operation without exceeding the 1600 W contractual power limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storage unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply network and the laser system. It buffers power fluctuations by absorbing excess energy when available and releasing energy during power spikes, thereby mediating between the limited power consumption requirement and the high instantaneous power demands of laser treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wide-range power supply units are used to ensure global functionality, then the device can operate with different local voltages, but power spikes during laser treatment still cause functionality loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidpower spike handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate storage unit is pre-charged during periods when power demand is low to store electrical energy. When power spikes occur during laser treatment, this pre-stored energy is immediately discharged to compensate for the deficit, ensuring continuous reliable operation without exceeding the 1600 W contractual power limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storage unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply network and the laser system. It buffers power fluctuations by absorbing excess energy when available and releasing energy during power spikes, thereby mediating between the limited power consumption requirement and the high instantaneous power demands of laser treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution ensures smooth progression of laser therapy interventions by managing power spikes without exceeding the 1600 W limit, allowing global use and flexible installation without requiring country-specific adaptations.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate storage unit (10) is configured to smooth power spikes cyclically by providing energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

using capacitors or high-current rechargeable batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20250381069A1Intermediate storage unit for cyclical power smoothing and ophthalmological laser therapy system having an intermediate storage unit

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG

AI summary

Please substitute the following amended Abstract for the Abstract as currently pending (deleted matter is shown by strikethrough and added matter is shown by underlining):When using an ophthalmological laser therapy system, it is advantageous if the system can be installed globally without a person skilled in the art and flexibly in terms of space. This demands operability at a power consumption of only 1600 watts. The present invention therefore ensures operability even when power peaks occur. An intermediate storage unit for an ophthalmological laser therapy system with power consumption of up to 1600 watts, the system having an electrical load element. Also, an ophthalmological laser therapy system with power consumption of up to 1600 watts, the system having an electrical load element and an intermediate storage unit.