Spherical Dielectric Resonator for Room-Temperature EM Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for electromagnetic energy storage, such as small dielectric spheres and hollow metal spheres, require cooling to near absolute zero for efficiency, limiting their practical applications.

Innovation Solution

A spherically symmetric dielectric structure with varying refractive indices is used to contain electromagnetic waves for selectable durations, utilizing a radial dimension defined by R0=3/π·λ0/2, allowing for efficient energy storage and delay circuits without the need for extreme cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If small dielectric spheres or hollow metal spheres are used to store electromagnetic energy, then electromagnetic energy storage is achieved, but the system requires cooling to near absolute zero for efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the resonant cavity, specifically using a spherical shape with radius R0 = 3/π·λ0/2, and introduces a dielectric structure with radially varying refractive index n(r) = R0/r. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve efficient electromagnetic energy storage at room temperature rather than requiring near-absolute-zero cooling conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite dielectric structure with spatially varying refractive index properties. The dielectric material is configured with n(r) = R0/r, creating a gradient index structure that optimizes electromagnetic field confinement and resonance characteristics, enabling efficient energy storage without cryogenic cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of stationary object

If variable index of refraction fiber optics are used, then electromagnetic waves can be carried for long distances, but the structure cannot store electromagnetic energy for selectable durations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidenergy storage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear fiber optic geometry to a spherical resonant cavity geometry. The spherical shape with specific radius R0 = 3/π·λ0/2 and radially varying refractive index n(r) = R0/r creates resonant modes that trap electromagnetic energy, enabling selectable storage durations while maintaining the variable index of refraction concept from fiber optics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes resonant oscillation at specific frequencies determined by the spherical geometry and refractive index profile. The electromagnetic energy is stored through periodic resonant cycles, allowing for selectable storage durations by tuning the resonant frequency and quality factor of the spherical cavity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 structure effectively stores and delays electromagnetic waves for controlled periods, enabling applications in energy storage and beam steering without the need for cryogenic conditions, with potential for high storage capacity and versatile wave manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

Variable index of refraction fiber optics can carry electromagnetic waves for long distances using total internal reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

hollow metal spheres are capable of storing electromagnetic energy at certain resonant frequencies related to their size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

A spherically symmetric dielectric structure with varying refractive indices is used to contain electromagnetic waves for selectable durations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12456786B2Spherical dielectric structures for storing electromagnetic energy

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 WATERMAN TIMOTHY G

AI summary

In one embodiment, an electromagnetic (EM) energy containment device includes a spherically symmetric resonant dielectric structure having a radial dimension R0 defined as R0=3/π·λ0/2 and having first and second regions with different indices of refraction. The spherically symmetric resonant dielectric structure is configured to receive and to contain, for a selectable duration of time, an electromagnetic wave of a wavelength λ0, and can find applications in delay circuits for beam steering for example.