3D Inductive Path Layout in Magnetic Core for Compact Power Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wire wound inductors are bulky and inefficient, making it difficult to create compact, efficient, and high current output power supply circuits.

Innovation Solution

A multi-dimensional arrangement of electrically conductive paths extending through magnetic permeable material, with controlled inductive coupling and varying magnetic permeability, forming a monolithic structure that integrates multiple inductor devices in a smaller footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional wire wound inductors are used, then inductance can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinductor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional planar winding to a three-dimensional arrangement of conductive paths embedded within a magnetic core. Multiple conductive paths are positioned at different heights and locations (first axis, second axis, third axis) to create vertical stacking and spatial optimization, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining inductance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple inductor functions into a single monolithic magnetic core structure. Multiple conductive paths are embedded within the same magnetic material, allowing multiple inductors to share a common magnetic core, thereby reducing total component volume and improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple inductors are integrated in a compact space, then device size is reduced, but inductive coupling between paths increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidinductive coupling control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different magnetic permeability values to different regions of the magnetic core. Specific portions of the magnetic material have varying permeability characteristics to locally control magnetic flux distribution and reduce unwanted inductive coupling between adjacent conductive paths while maintaining desired coupling in other regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If wire winding is used to increase inductance, then magnetic field strength increases, but component bulkiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidcomponent size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of inductor construction by replacing wire winding with planar conductive paths embedded in magnetic material. The inductance is achieved through the geometric arrangement and positioning of these paths within the magnetic core rather than through multiple wire turns, significantly reducing component volume while maintaining magnetic field strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enables more efficient energy conversion and reduced carbon footprint by optimizing inductance and coupling between paths, facilitating compact and high-current power supply circuits.

Implementation Method 1

a component comprising wire or other conductive material, which is shaped as a coil or helix to increase an amount of magnetic flux through a respective circuit path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Presence of the magnetic permeable material surrounding the electrically conductive paths causes the electrically conductive paths to be inductive paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the fabricator fabricates the magnetic permeable material to include one or more cutaway portions to reduce inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4092694B1Magnetic structures and arrangement of inductive paths
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • EP4092694B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4092694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4092694B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to one configuration, a fabricator receives magnetic permeable material and fabricates an apparatus to include a multi-dimensional arrangement of electrically conductive paths (120-11, 120-12, 120-13, 120-14) to extend through the magnetic permeable material (161). Each of the electrically conductive paths is a respective inductive path.