Sequential Antenna Array Power Balancing Across Uneven Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to provide effective treatments for neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, as existing pharmaceutical solutions are ineffective, and there is a need for a device that can slow or reverse disease progression.
Innovation Solution
A Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment (TEMT) device with a skull cap and radio wave transmitting antennae, which uses sequential and pulsed electromagnetic waves to target toxic protein oligomers in the brain, offering a non-pharmaceutical solution for Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transmitter is used to sequentially drive multiple antennas in an array, then device complexity is reduced, but power output consistency across differently loaded antennas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual power control mechanisms for each antenna element in the array. Each antenna is equipped with its own power amplifier or control circuitry that can independently adjust power output levels. This allows the system to maintain consistent effective radiated power across all antennas despite differences in loading conditions, while still using a single transmitter source. The local control enables each antenna to be optimized for its specific operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power output parameters of individual antennas based on their loading conditions. The system monitors the actual power output of each antenna and modifies control parameters (such as amplifier gain or duty cycle) to compensate for variations in antenna loading. This ensures that all antennas deliver consistent effective radiated power despite being driven by a single transmitter and experiencing different environmental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are sequentially activated to treat different brain regions, then treatment versatility is improved, but treatment duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclic sequences where antennas are activated in repeated patterns. Instead of sequentially activating all antennas once, the system cycles through antenna groups multiple times, allowing overlapping treatment periods. This periodic activation pattern enables different brain regions to receive treatment in a time-multiplexed manner, improving versatility while reducing total treatment duration through efficient time utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-planning and pre-positioning multiple antenna groups that can be rapidly switched between. The system is configured with predetermined activation sequences and pre-loaded control parameters for different brain regions. This allows for rapid transitions between treatment targets without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration, thereby improving treatment versatility while minimizing the time penalty associated with sequential activation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single transmitter drives multiple antennas, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but power control precision for each antenna deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power control function into separate modular units, with each antenna or antenna group having its own dedicated power control circuitry or amplifier stage. This segmentation allows the single transmitter output to be independently controlled for each antenna path, maintaining power control precision while avoiding the need to manufacture multiple complex transmitter units. The modular approach simplifies manufacturing while preserving control accuracy.
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 TEMT device shows potential in slowing and potentially reversing Alzheimer's effects by disaggregating toxic protein oligomers and enhancing brain mitochondrial function, providing a unique solution for conditions currently without effective treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter to generate radio frequency waves
Implementation Method 2
an array of antennas to focus the electromagnetic waves on different regions of the brain
Data Source
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, an antenna system is described. The antenna system includes an array of antennas. Each antenna emits electromagnetic waves and is presented with a load that is different from other antennas in the array. The antenna system also includes a control system. The control system includes a single transmitter to sequentially drive antenna sets, a switching device to select, for each activation period in an activation sequence, an antenna set to be driven, and a controller. The controller determines an actual power output of each antenna and generates an adjusted control signal for the single transmitter such that the output of each antenna is controlled to match a target power for that antenna, regardless of a load for the antenna.