Invention description

Outline the state of the art

Introduction

Kern identifizieren

State of the art

Technische Lösung

Struktur und Form

Fehler vermeiden

Ergebnis

Step

3

of

7

Let's get started

Research prior art (state of the art): What already exists? Cite literature.
Identify drawbacks: For each known solution – what does not work? What is missing?

Known solution

Solarzellen auf Siliziumbasis zur Stromerzeugung

Drawbacks

Efficiency losses at high temperatures; limited energy yield with diffuse light; complex manufacturing; limited module flexibility.

Known solution

MRI examination with contrast agent for tumour diagnosis

Drawbacks

Time-consuming; high costs; contrast agent not suitable for all patients; limited availability; burden for patients with claustrophobia.

Known solution

Blood glucose measurement by finger prick (test strips + glucose oxidase)

Drawbacks

Invasive, painful; consumables; no continuous monitoring; gaps between measurements.

Known solution

Chemical water treatment with chlorine

Drawbacks

Formation of unwanted by-products; taste and odour impairment; limited effectiveness against certain microorganisms; storage and transport of hazardous chemicals required.

Conclusion: The list does not need to be complete, but it helps us if you share what is already known.

Apply to your invention: Which 2–3 existing solutions do you know? What drawback does each have?

Note 2–3 known solutions and one drawback for each.

Tip

Not too detailed. Focus on the relevant solutions and their drawbacks. In the end it should be clear: something is missing here – and your invention fills that gap.

Ready for the next step?

Click here to start step 4 “Describe the technical solution”.

Invention description

Outline the state of the art

Introduction

Kern identifizieren

State of the art

Technische Lösung

Struktur und Form

Fehler vermeiden

Ergebnis

Step

3

of

7

Let's get started

Research prior art (state of the art): What already exists? Cite literature.
Identify drawbacks: For each known solution – what does not work? What is missing?

Known solution

Solarzellen auf Siliziumbasis zur Stromerzeugung

Drawbacks

Efficiency losses at high temperatures; limited energy yield with diffuse light; complex manufacturing; limited module flexibility.

Known solution

MRI examination with contrast agent for tumour diagnosis

Drawbacks

Time-consuming; high costs; contrast agent not suitable for all patients; limited availability; burden for patients with claustrophobia.

Known solution

Blood glucose measurement by finger prick (test strips + glucose oxidase)

Drawbacks

Invasive, painful; consumables; no continuous monitoring; gaps between measurements.

Known solution

Chemical water treatment with chlorine

Drawbacks

Formation of unwanted by-products; taste and odour impairment; limited effectiveness against certain microorganisms; storage and transport of hazardous chemicals required.

Conclusion: The list does not need to be complete, but it helps us if you share what is already known.

Apply to your invention: Which 2–3 existing solutions do you know? What drawback does each have?

Note 2–3 known solutions and one drawback for each.

Tip

Not too detailed. Focus on the relevant solutions and their drawbacks. In the end it should be clear: something is missing here – and your invention fills that gap.

Ready for the next step?

Click here to start step 4 “Describe the technical solution”.

Invention description

Outline the state of the art

Introduction

Kern identifizieren

State of the art

Technische Lösung

Struktur und Form

Fehler vermeiden

Ergebnis

Step

3

of

7

Let's get started

Research prior art (state of the art): What already exists? Cite literature.
Identify drawbacks: For each known solution – what does not work? What is missing?

Known solution

Solarzellen auf Siliziumbasis zur Stromerzeugung

Drawbacks

Efficiency losses at high temperatures; limited energy yield with diffuse light; complex manufacturing; limited module flexibility.

Known solution

MRI examination with contrast agent for tumour diagnosis

Drawbacks

Time-consuming; high costs; contrast agent not suitable for all patients; limited availability; burden for patients with claustrophobia.

Known solution

Blood glucose measurement by finger prick (test strips + glucose oxidase)

Drawbacks

Invasive, painful; consumables; no continuous monitoring; gaps between measurements.

Known solution

Chemical water treatment with chlorine

Drawbacks

Formation of unwanted by-products; taste and odour impairment; limited effectiveness against certain microorganisms; storage and transport of hazardous chemicals required.

Conclusion: The list does not need to be complete, but it helps us if you share what is already known.

Apply to your invention: Which 2–3 existing solutions do you know? What drawback does each have?

Note 2–3 known solutions and one drawback for each.

Tip

Not too detailed. Focus on the relevant solutions and their drawbacks. In the end it should be clear: something is missing here – and your invention fills that gap.

Ready for the next step?

Click here to start step 4 “Describe the technical solution”.