Grouped Terahertz Oscillator Timing for Peak Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic wave generation devices using multiple resonant tunneling diodes for terahertz wave generation face high instantaneous power consumption and potential interference due to simultaneous oscillation of elements, which is inefficient and increases electric power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The device divides electromagnetic wave generation elements into groups, oscillating them in timed sequences to reduce instantaneous power consumption and minimize interference by using different oscillation frequencies or phases within each group.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of lamps are arranged in the irradiation pool to increase sterilization coverage, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The irradiation pool is divided into multiple irradiation regions, with each region equipped with its own independently controllable lamp. This segmentation allows targeted sterilization of specific areas rather than requiring all lamps to operate simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control where lamps are selectively activated based on the position of the treatment device and the specific irradiation needs. The control unit dynamically adjusts which lamps are operating, allowing the system to adapt to different surgical scenarios and reduce unnecessary energy consumption and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple lamps are operated simultaneously to provide comprehensive irradiation, then the sterilization coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of operating all lamps simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary subset of lamps based on the treatment requirements and device position. This partial action approach provides sufficient sterilization coverage for each specific surgical step without the excessive energy consumption of running all lamps at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The irradiation process is conducted in periodic cycles corresponding to different surgical steps. Lamps are activated and deactivated in sequence as the treatment device moves between different irradiation regions, providing continuous sterilization coverage while minimizing total energy consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation of all lamps.

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

This approach reduces instantaneous power consumption and minimizes electromagnetic wave interference, enhancing detection accuracy and measurement precision while maintaining effective electromagnetic wave generation.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit that generates electromagnetic waves in a specific frequency band and irradiates the treatment device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3875943B1Electromagnetic-wave producing device and electromagnetic-wave producing system
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 PIONEER IP
  • EP3875943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3875943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3875943B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an electromagnetic wave generation device including a plurality of electromagnetic wave generation elements, an instantaneous maximum power consumption during an electromagnetic wave generation operation is reduced. Specifically, the electromagnetic wave generation device includes a plurality of electromagnetic wave generation elements that are divided into a plurality of groups, and a control unit that causes the plurality of electromagnetic wave generation elements to oscillate while shifting a timing in units of group. For example, the control unit causes the plurality of electromagnetic wave generation elements to oscillate such that when the number of the plurality of groups is n, an oscillation start timing of the group that performs mth oscillation (m is a natural number equal to or larger than 2 and equal to or smaller than n) is the same timing as or after an oscillation end timing of the group that performs (m-1)th oscillation.