Dual Inductor Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a dual inductor assembly having a holder into which a first inductor and a second inductor are inserted to form a compact package as a single unit. The holder securely engages the inductors and improves shock and vibration performance. Additionally, the housing configuration and location of the leads on the inductor body in the dual inductor assembly configuration make the solder joints easier to inspect.

Description

FIELD OF THEINVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical equipment, and more particularly to electromagnetic devices such as inductors, and more particularly to dual inductors in a single package for use in audio amplifiers and the like.

[0002] Electromagnetic devices such as inductors are typically passive two-terminal electrical components. Typically, an inductor has a conductor, such as a wire, wound into a coil. When a current flows through the coil, energy is temporarily stored in the magnetic field inside the coil. When the current through the inductor changes, a voltage is induced in the conductor due to the time-varying magnetic field according to Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction.

[0003] Some known inductors have a core body of magnetic material within which a conductor is located. The conductor may be formed as a wound coil. Examples of known inductors are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,198,375 ("Inductor Coil Construction") and US Pat. No. 6,204,744 ("High Current, Low Profile Inductors"), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. Alternatively, the conductor may be formed of a serpentine or other shaped band or bar of conductive material.

[0004] A conventional high current dual inductor is available from the applicant under part number IHLD-3232HB-5A. In this inductor configuration, two inductors are placed in an injection molded holder to form one package in a shielded configuration, especially for audio amplifiers. This inductor has proven useful in a variety of applications. However, when the inductor is press-fitted into the holder, it must be precisely press-fitted into the holder pocket, which creates residual stress in the holder.

[0005] Another problem in the industry related to this technology is the inspection of lead areas for solder connections.

[0006] What is needed is an improved dual inductor that is simpler to assemble, has potentially enhanced and improved performance, and is easier to test when incorporated into a printed circuit board circuit assembly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] USP6198375 [Patent Document 2] USP6204744 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The dual inductor assemblies disclosed herein having two or more inductors are not only easy to assemble but also have excellent shock and vibration performance. Moreover, due to the particular configuration of the dual inductor assembly, the particular configuration of the housing allows for easy inspection of the solder joints as well as providing leads to the inductor body.

[0009] In one configuration, the dual inductor assembly includes a holder having a top, first and second opposing sidewalls having respective first ends connected to the top, first and second opposing partial sidewalls having respective first side edges connected to respective side edges of the first opposing sidewalls and respective first ends connected to the top, and third and fourth opposing sidewalls having respective first side edges connected to respective side edges of the first opposing sidewalls and respective first ends connected to the top. The first and third partial sidewalls align in a first plane, and the second and fourth partial sidewalls align in a second plane to form at least one pocket. Preferably, the central dividing wall has a first end connected to the top and first and second side edges connected to the first and second opposing sidewalls, respectively, to form the first and second pockets.

[0010] The inner surfaces of the first and second opposing side walls, the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls, and the inner surface of the inwardly facing central dividing wall forming the first and second pockets have spacer protrusions which more closely contact the side walls of the inductor for a closer fit, and which are preferably integral with the holder.

[0011] To hold the inductor in the holder, the inwardly directed protrusions are located adjacent the second ends of the first and second opposing partial walls as well as the third and fourth opposing partial side walls.

[0012] The first, second, third and fourth openings are formed in the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth openings extend upward from positions directly above the respective protrusions. The presence of these openings not only makes it easier to mold the protrusions, but also increases the flexibility of the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls, making it easier to insert the inductor.

[0013] The first and second inductors are inserted into the first and second pockets with a slip fit as described below, ignoring the fact that the protrusions are elastically biased outward when the first and second inductors are inserted into the first and second pockets. The first inductor has a recess corresponding to a side facing the first and third partial sidewalls with which the inward protrusions of the first and third partial sidewalls engage, and the second inductor has a recess corresponding to a side facing the second and fourth partial sidewalls with which the inward protrusions of the second and fourth partial sidewalls engage, thereby maintaining the first and second inductors in the first and second pockets, respectively. An adhesive may be used to further secure the inductors in place.

[0014] In one configuration, the first inductor has leads extending from the bottom of the first inductor to sides facing the first and third partial sidewalls, which leads are at least partially visible in a first space between the first and third partial sidewalls in a plan view looking down on the top of the holder. Correspondingly, the second inductor has leads extending from the bottom of the second inductor to sides facing the second and fourth partial sidewalls, which leads are at least partially visible in a second space between the second and fourth partial sidewalls in a plan view looking down on the top of the holder. The inductor body preferably does not have recesses corresponding to the leads, and the leads extend on the first and second inductors in a position that is at least 50% unobstructed in a plan view looking down on the top of the holder, facilitating visual inspection of the solder joints when the dual inductors are mounted on a PCB.

[0015] The first and second inductors preferably have the same physical size and inductance value, although it is possible to use different inductors as the first and second inductors. For example, the first and second inductors may have the same physical size but different inductances, or may have different physical sizes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the protrusion has a taper on the side facing the second end of the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls, which facilitates insertion of the inductor into the pocket.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second ends of the first and second opposing sidewalls are opposite the first end, the second ends of the first, second, third and fourth partial sidewalls are opposite the first end, and the second ends of the first and second opposing sidewalls and the second ends of the first, second, third and fourth partial sidewalls are at the same level, which preferably defines a pocket depth that is greater than 55% of the height of the first inductor and the second inductor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the holder is an injection molded polymer part and is preferably constructed from a polymer material such as a liquid crystal polymer, although the holder can also be constructed from any other suitable material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth openings extend to the bottom surface of the top portion, the openings allowing a portion of a molding tool to be inserted during injection molding of the holder to form the protrusions.

[0020] The corresponding recesses on each side of the first and second inductors are preferably centrally located and are shallower than the protrusions so that the holder can apply a slight elastic pressure through the protrusions on the inductor body to keep the protrusions in place.

[0021] The inductor is preferably of a known type and has a conductive element molded into a body. The conductive element has a particular shape, for example a serpentine shape. The inductor may have an "S" shape or may have a bent or curved shape, for example a circular, oval or omega (Ω) shape. Alternatively, the inductor may be a wire wound. The inductor body encloses the conductive element and may be pressed around the conductive element, exposing terminal leads extending from one or more surfaces of the body. The conductive element is internally connected to the terminal leads at each end.

[0022] The body can be formed of a magnetic material containing magnetic particles molded around a central portion of the conductive element and a portion of the first and second terminal leads, the magnetic particles being powdered or granular magnetic material, or more specifically powdered iron particles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] The above aspects of the present invention and the associated advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a dual inductor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a right side view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0026] 2B is a left side view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a front view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0029] 4B is a rear view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the holder made transparent.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the dual inductor assembly shown in FIG.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a top, front and right perspective view of a holder used in one embodiment of a dual inductor assembly.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a bottom, rear and left perspective view of the holder of FIG.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the holder shown in FIG.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing the holder shown in FIG.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view showing the holder shown in FIG.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view looking up from the bottom at a portion of one of the pockets formed by the holder shown in FIG.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an inductor for use in a dual inductor assembly.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a front view showing the inductor shown in FIG.

[0042] Fig. 17 is a side view of the inductor shown in Fig. 15.

[0043] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience, but are not intended to be limiting. "Right", "left", "top" and "bottom" refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. As used in the claims and corresponding parts of the specification, singular terms such as "a" and "an" encompass one or more of the referenced electrical items, unless otherwise specified. This term encompasses any term specifically mentioned above, its derivatives, and terms of similar import. In addition, the phrase "at least one" preceding a list of two or more electrical items, such as "A, B, or C," refers not only to any one of A, B, or C, but also to any combination thereof. It should be noted that some of the drawings are partially transparent for purposes of explanation, illustration, and demonstration only, but this does not imply that an element itself is transparent in its final manufactured form.

[0044] For purposes of this application, the term "dual" in dual inductor assembly means "two or more." Thus, a dual inductor assembly can include two or more inductors. The term "inductor" may be generally interpreted as any electromagnetic two-terminal circuit electrical device. Sliding fit means a fit with a tolerance of 0.002 to 0.020 inches (approximately 0.050 to 0.5 mm), not taking into account the elastic action of the protrusion in the holder fitting into the recess in the inductor body during the mounting process. The terms "approximately" and "generally" mean ±10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified, and ±5° of the stated angle or direction. The term "same" when used with respect to the inductance value of an inductor means within normal tolerances in the industry.

[0045] 1-8 show an embodiment of a dual inductor assembly 10. The dual inductor assembly 10 includes a holder 20 into which a first inductor 110 and a second inductor 112 are inserted to form a compact package as a single unit. Although a first and second inductor are shown, it is contemplated that three or more inductors may be included. This configuration is encompassed within the meaning of "dual inductor assembly." FIGS. 9-14 show details of the holder 20 alone, and FIGS. 15-17 show single inductors 110, 112 prior to assembly into the dual inductor assembly 10. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the inductors 110, 112 are the same in size and function. However, different size and / or function characteristics are also included in the present disclosure. For example, the first inductor 110 and the second inductor 112 have the same physical size but different inductances.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, 9 and 12, the holder 20 has an upper portion 22. The upper portion 22 has an upper surface 22a and a lower surface 22b. A first opposing side wall 24 and a second opposing side wall 26, each having a first end 24a, 26a, are connected to the upper portion 22. Furthermore, the first side wall 24 has a second end 24b opposite the first end 24a, as well as first and second side edges 24c, 24d. It also has an inner side surface 24e and an outer side surface 24f. Similarly, the second side wall has a second end 26b, first and second side edges 26c, 26d, as well as an inner side surface 26e and an outer side surface 26f.

[0047] 1, 4A, 4B, 5, and 9 to 11, the first and second opposing partial side walls 30, 32 have first ends 30a, 32a connected to the upper portion 22, and have first side edges 30c, 32c connected to the first and second side edges 24c, 24d, respectively, of the first opposing side wall 24. The third and fourth opposing partial side walls 34, 36 also have first ends 34a, 36a connected to the upper portion 22, and have first side edges 34c, 36c connected to the first and second side edges 34c, 36c, respectively, of the second opposing side wall 26. Each of the partial side walls 30, 32, 34, 36 has a second end 30b, 32b, 34, 36b, a second side edge 30d, 32d, 34d, 36d, an inner surface 30e, 32e, 34e, 36e, and an outer surface 30f, 32f, 34f, 36f. This configuration defines at least one pocket to accommodate the first and second inductors 110, 112.

[0048] The central dividing wall 40, shown in detail in Figures 5, 6, 8, 9-11, 13 and 14, has a first end 40a connected to the top 22 as well as first and second side edges 40c, 40d connected to the first and second opposing side walls 24, 26, respectively. This construction forms first and second pockets 42, 44 within the holder 20, as shown in detail in Figures 9, 10, 13 and 14. Additionally, the central dividing wall 40 has first and second surfaces 40e, 40f as well as a second end 40b, best seen in Figures 8, 10 and 13.

[0049] 5, 6 and 14, the inward convex portions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g are located adjacent to the second ends 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b of the first and second opposing partial side walls 30, 32 and the third and fourth opposing partial side walls 34, 36, respectively. These convex portions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g preferably have tapers 30h, 32h, 34h, 36h that narrow toward the second ends 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b of the partial walls 30, 32, 34, 36. FIG. 14 shows the convex portion 34b in detail, and the other convex portions 30g, 32g, 36g are mirror images of the convex portion 34g shown in the figure.

[0050] Further, as shown in Figs. 1, 4A, 4B, 5, 9 to 11 and 14, the first, second, third and fourth openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j are formed in the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls 30, 32, 34, 36, respectively. These openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j extend from positions directly above the respective protrusions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g toward the upper portion 22. These openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j have two functions. In order to enable molding of the protrusions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g, pins that are part of the injection molding die are extended into the areas of the openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j and the areas of the first and second pockets 42, 44, contacting the pockets and forming the mold parts. The first function of the openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j is to leave behind openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j when the pins are removed after the injection of the material forming the holder 20. This function allows the projections 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g to form and extend into the pockets 42, 44 without the holder 20 being caught by the tool. The second function of the openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j is to provide flexibility and strength to the first, second, third, and fourth partial side walls 30, 32, 34, 36 so that the partial side walls 30, 32, 34, 36 can be elastically deflected outwardly during insertion of the first inductor 110 and the second inductor 112, as will be described in more detail below. The openings 30j, 32j, 34j, 36j preferably extend further to the bottom surface 22b of the upper portion 22.

[0051] Holder 20 is preferably an injection molded polymer part, more preferably formed from a liquid crystal polymer capable of withstanding high temperatures, for example up to 155°C.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 13 and 14, the inner surfaces 24e, 26e of the first and second opposing side walls 24, 26, the inner surfaces 30e, 32e, 34e and 36e of the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls 30, 32, 34 and 36, as well as the first and second surfaces 40e, 40f of the central dividing wall 40 may have spacer protrusions 24x, 26x, 40x that are more closely matched to the dimensions of the inductors 110, 112 to provide an interference fit as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] The second ends 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b of the first, second, third and fourth partial side walls 30, 32, 34 and 36 as well as the second ends 24b, 26b of the side walls 24, 26 are preferably all located at the same level L as shown in Figure 7. These ends may further be provided with a taper as shown in Figures 10, 13 and 14 to facilitate insertion of the first inductor 110 and the second inductor 112.

[0054] 1, 4A, 4B, 5-8, and 15-17, the first inductor 110 and the second inductor 112 are inserted into the first pocket 42 and the second pocket 44, respectively, by a slip fit. This slip fit position is the final mounting position of the inductors 110 and 112 in the first pocket 42 and the second pocket 44, respectively. Each of the inductors 110 and 112 has a body 110a and 112a, as well as a conductive element 110b and 112b (see FIG. 8) located within the body 110a and 112a. Both the first inductor 110 and the second inductor 112 have corresponding recesses 110d, 112d, which are located on a first side 110e facing the first and third partial sidewalls 30, 34 for the first inductor 110 and on a first side 112e facing the second and fourth partial sidewalls 32, 36 for the second inductor 112. Thus, the inwardly directed protrusions 30g, 34g of the first and third partial side walls 30, 34 engage within corresponding recesses 110d of the first side 110e of the first inductor 110, and the protrusions 32g, 36g of the second and fourth partial side walls 32, 36 engage within corresponding recesses 112d of the first side 112e of the second inductor 112 in the mounted position. This engagement maintains the first and second inductors 110, 112 within their respective first and second pockets 42, 44. An adhesive may also be applied to one or more of the interfacing surfaces between the first and second inductors 110, 112 and the holder 20 to more firmly hold the inductors 110, 112 in place.

[0055] 15-17, each inductor 110, 112 has leads 110c, 112c that extend from a respective bottom 110h, 112h to a first side 110e facing the first and third partial sidewalls 30, 34, respectively, for the first inductor 110, and to the second and fourth partial sidewalls 32, 36, respectively, for the second inductor 112. The inductors 110, 112 further have tops 110g, 112g that are initially inserted into the pockets 42, 44, as well as second sides 110f, 112f that face the central dividing wall 40.

[0056] The inductor body 110a, 112a is preferably formed from a magnetic material molded around the conductive elements 110b, 112b. In one embodiment, the inductor body 110a, 112a can be formed from an iron-based material. In one embodiment, the inductor body 110a, 112a can be composed of, for example, iron, metal alloys, ferrites, combinations thereof, or other materials known in the inductor art and used to form such bodies. In one embodiment, the inductor body 110a, 112a can be formed from magnetic particles, such as powdered magnetic particles or granular magnetic particles. In one embodiment, powdered iron particles can be used as the magnetic particles. In a non-limiting example, the magnetic material can be used in the inductor body composed of powdered iron particles, a filler, a resin, and a lubricant. Examples can be found in USP 6,198,375 ("Inductor Coil Structure") and USP 6,204,744 ("High Current, Low Profile Inductor"), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0057] Non-limiting examples of package shapes for the inductor body 110a, 112a include a box shape, a rectangular solid shape, a rectangular prism shape, any of the above shapes including rounded corners (see FIGS. 15-17), one or more irregular surface shapes, etc. One skilled in the art will recognize that other inductor shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] Metals that can be used to form the conductive elements 110b, 112b include copper, aluminum, platinum, and other metals known as inductor coils. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive elements can be formed into a preformed member by bending the conductive material into a predetermined shape. Non-limiting examples of wires that can be used to form the conductive elements 110b, 112b include flat wires, square wires, rectangular wires, round wires, and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other wire shapes can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The length, width, and height of the conductive elements 110b, 112b and the inductor body 110a, 112a can be varied depending on the application of the inductor. Additionally, the characteristics of the conductive elements 110b, 112b can be varied to provide different inductances to the first and second inductors 110, 112 having the same physical sized body 110a, 112a. The dimensions of the conductive elements 110b, 112b can also be designed to allow a high space ratio to the space available in the inductor bodies 110a, 112a.

[0059] The first space 33 is located between the first and third partial sidewalls 30 and 34, and as shown in FIG. 3, the terminal lead 110c of the first inductor 110 is at least partially visible in a plan view looking down on the top 22 of the holder 20. Similarly, the second space 35 is located between the second and fourth partial sidewalls 32 and 36, and as also shown in FIG. 3, the second terminal lead 112c is at least partially visible in the second space 35 in a plan view looking down on the top 22 of the holder 20. At least partially visible means that at least 50% of the terminal leads 110c, 112c are at least partially visible in a plan view looking down on the top 22 of the holder 20. This facilitates inspection to determine whether the solder joints have formed after the dual inductor assembly 10 is mounted on a PCB or other electronic device.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second inductors 110, 112 have the same physical size and the same inductance value, although these can vary depending on the particular application.

[0061] 7, the level L defined by the second ends 24b, 26b, 30b, 32b, 34b and 36b of the sidewalls and partial sidewalls provides a pocket depth H that is greater than 55% of the height H of the first and second inductors 110, 112. p 13, 16 and 17, in one embodiment the completed inductor has a width W of about 7 mm and a depth D of about 2.3 mm (see Figs. 16 and 17). Without considering the areas occupied by the protrusions 30g, 34g, 36, the insertion area of ​​each pocket has a receiving width P and a receiving thickness D of about 2.3 mm. p , which are approximately 7.1 mm and approximately 2.4 mm, respectively (see FIG. 13). The heights of the protrusions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g on the inner surfaces of the first, second, third and fourth partial walls 30, 32, 34, 36, respectively, are at least approximately 0.3 mm. The depths of the corresponding recesses 110d, 112d in the first and second inductors 110, 112 are also approximately 0.3 mm. These dimensions can be changed depending on the specific application. It is possible to provide a slight interference of approximately 0.05 to 0.2 mm between the protrusions 30g, 32g, 34g, 36g and the corresponding recesses 110d, 112d.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding recesses 110d, 112d are centrally located on each side 110e, 112e of the first and second inductors 110, 112. However, this location can vary depending on the particular application and configuration of the holder 20.

[0063] The above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that numerous physical modifications, only some of which are illustrated in the detailed description of this specification, can be made without departing from the technical ideas and principles of the present invention specifically disclosed. Numerous embodiments incorporating only a portion of the preferred embodiments can also be made without departing from the technical ideas and principles of the present invention specifically disclosed with respect to these portions. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention and the functional parts appropriately adopted are intended to be illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. In other words, the scope of the present invention is defined by the matters described in the claims rather than the above description, and alternative embodiments of this embodiment that are within the equivalent meaning and scope of these claims are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 Dual Inductor Assembly 10 Holder 20 Holder 22 Upper 22a Top side 22b Bottom / Bottom 24 Side wall / first opposing side wall / first side wall 24a First end 24b Second end 24c 1st side edge 24d 2nd side edge 24e Inside surface 24f outer surface 24x spacer protrusion 26 Second opposing side wall 26a First end 26b Second end 26c first side edge 26d Second side edge 26e Inner surface 26f outer surface 26x Spacer protrusion 30 partial side wall / partial wall / first opposing partial side wall / first partial side wall 30a 1st end 30b 2nd end 30c 1st side edge 30d 2nd side edge 30e Inner surface / inner surface 30f outer surface 30g convex part / inward convex part 30h taper 30j Aperture / First Aperture 32 Partial side wall / partial wall 32a First end 32b Second end 32c 1st side edge 32d 2nd side edge 32e Inner surface / inner surface 32f outer surface 32g convex part / inward convex part 32h taper 32j Aperture / Second Aperture 33 First Space 34 Partial side wall / partial wall 34a First end 34b Second end 34b Convex part 34c 1st side edge 34d 2nd side edge 34e Inner surface / inner surface 34f outer surface 34g convex part / inward convex part 34h taper 34j Aperture / Third Aperture 35 Second Space 36 Partial side wall / partial wall 36a First end 36b Second end 36c 1st side edge 36d 2nd side edge 36e inner surface 36e Inside 36f outer surface 36g convex part / inward convex part 36h taper 36j Aperture / 4th Aperture 40 Center dividing wall 40a 1st end 40b 2nd end 40c first side edge 40d Second side edge 40e First Surface 40f Second inner surface 40x spacer protrusion 42 Pocket 44 Pockets 110 Inductor 110a inductor body 110b Conductive element 110c Extended Leads / Terminal Leads 110d Recess 110e First side 110f Second side 110g upper part 110h bottom 112 Inductor 112a Inductor body 112b Conductive element 112c Extended Leads / Terminal Leads 112d Recess 112e Side 112f 2nd side 112g upper part 112h bottom

Claims

1. a holder having a top, first and second opposing side walls each having a first end connected to the top, a first partial side wall each having a first end connected to the top and a first side edge connected to a respective side edge of the first opposing side wall, a second partial side wall opposed to the first partial side wall, a third partial side wall each having a first end connected to the top and a first side edge connected to a respective side edge of the second opposing side wall, and a fourth partial side wall opposed to the third partial side wall, wherein the first partial side wall and the third partial side wall are aligned in a first plane and the second partial side wall and the fourth partial side wall are aligned in a second plane to form at least one pocket; an inwardly directed protrusion located adjacent a second end of each of the first portion sidewall, the second portion sidewall, the third portion sidewall, and the fourth portion sidewall; a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening, which are formed on the inside of the first portion sidewall, the second portion sidewall, the third portion sidewall, and the fourth portion sidewall, respectively, and extend from positions directly above the respective protrusions toward the upper portion; a first inductor and a second inductor inserted into the at least one pocket; the first inductor has corresponding recesses on its sides facing the first and third portion sidewalls with which the inward protrusions engage, and the second inductor has corresponding recesses on its sides facing the second and fourth portion sidewalls with which the inward protrusions engage, and the first inductor and the second inductor are maintained within a first pocket and a second pocket, respectively.

1. A dual inductor assembly comprising:

2. 2. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central dividing wall having a first end connected to the top, and first and second side edges connected to the first and second opposing side walls, respectively, the at least one pocket comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, the first inductor and the second inductor being inserted into the first pocket and the second pocket, respectively, by a slip fit.

3. 2. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first inductor has leads extending from a bottom to the sides facing the first and third portion sidewalls that are at least partially visible in a first space between the first and third portion sidewalls in a plan view looking down the top of the holder, and the second inductor has leads extending from a bottom to the sides facing the second and fourth portion sidewalls that are at least partially visible in a second space between the second and fourth portion sidewalls in a plan view looking down the top of the holder.

4. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first inductor and the second inductor have the same inductance value.

5. 2. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first inductor and the second inductor have the same physical size but different inductances.

6. The dual inductor assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion has tapers on sides facing the first portion sidewall, the second portion sidewall, the third portion sidewall, and the fourth portion sidewall.

7. 2. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second opposing sidewalls have second ends opposite the first end, the first, second, third and fourth portion sidewalls have second ends opposite the first end, and the second ends of the first and second opposing sidewalls and the second ends of the first, second, third and fourth portion sidewalls are at the same level.

8. 8. A dual inductor assembly as in claim 7, wherein said level defines a pocket depth that is greater than 55% of a height of said first inductor and said second inductor.

9. 10. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder is an injection molded polymer part.

10. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first opening, the second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening extend to a bottom surface of the top portion.

11. 2. A dual inductor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the corresponding recess is located at a central position of each of the first inductor and the second inductor.

12. 2. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive that holds the first inductor and the second inductor to the holder.

13. 10. The dual inductor assembly of claim 1 further comprising an additional inductor in said at least one pocket.

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