Thermally Coupled Oscillator Network for Phase Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillatory neural networks face challenges in terms of energy efficiency, area efficiency, and flexibility due to the use of electrical capacitors and inductors for coupling, which require significant space and increase power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A network of oscillators is configured for phase control through thermal coupling, utilizing thermal links to achieve antiphase and in-phase coupling without additional circuitry, enabling faster, denser, and more power-efficient operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical capacitors and inductors are used for coupling oscillators, then the oscillators can be electrically coupled, but the area occupied increases significantly and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidarea occupied by coupling components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical coupling mechanism (capacitors and inductors) with a thermal coupling mechanism. The oscillators are thermally coupled through a thermal link, substituting the electrical field-based coupling with a thermal field-based coupling. This eliminates the need for large electrical coupling components while maintaining the coupling functionality between oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermal link as an intermediary element between oscillators to transfer thermal energy. This thermal link serves as the mediating structure that enables coupling between oscillators without requiring direct electrical connections or large electrical components, thus reducing the overall area occupied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrical capacitors and inductors are used for coupling oscillators, then the oscillators can be electrically coupled, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical coupling mechanism (capacitors and inductors) with a thermal coupling mechanism. The oscillators are thermally coupled through a thermal link, substituting the electrical field-based coupling with a thermal field-based coupling. This eliminates the need for large electrical coupling components while maintaining the coupling functionality between oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermal link as an intermediary element between oscillators to transfer thermal energy. This thermal link serves as the mediating structure that enables coupling between oscillators without requiring direct electrical connections or large electrical components, thus reducing the overall area occupied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional circuitry is used for coupling oscillators, then the coupling can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the electrical coupling components (capacitors and inductors) from the oscillator system. By eliminating these additional circuitry elements and replacing them with a thermal coupling approach, the device complexity is reduced while the essential coupling functionality is maintained through the thermal link.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical coupling mechanism (capacitors and inductors) with a thermal coupling mechanism. The oscillators are thermally coupled through a thermal link, substituting the electrical field-based coupling with a thermal field-based coupling. This eliminates the need for large electrical coupling components while maintaining the coupling functionality between oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances energy efficiency, reduces power consumption, and allows for denser integration while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in oscillating neural networks.

Implementation Method 1

The network is configured to control the phase of the plurality of oscillators by thermal coupling through a thermal link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal coupling: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12602574B2Network comprising a plurality of oscillators

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A network comprises a plurality of oscillators. The network is configured to control the phase of the plurality of oscillators by thermal coupling through a thermal link.