Asymmetric Shield Electrode for Component Orientation Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic components with shield electrodes face challenges in identifying the mounting direction on a circuit board, as the shield electrodes do not change appearance significantly when rotated, and adding a direction identification mark increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component features an upper surface shield electrode with its center of gravity shifted from the surface center, allowing the mounting direction to be identified through a change in appearance when rotated, thus eliminating the need for a separate direction identification mark.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a separate direction identification mark is added to the upper surface of the electronic component, then the mounting direction can be clearly identified, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting direction identificationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield electrode is designed to serve dual functions: providing electromagnetic shielding and acting as a direction identification mark. By merging these two functions into a single structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate direction identification marks, thereby reducing manufacturing processes and costs while maintaining clear mounting direction identification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield electrode is transformed into a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs electromagnetic interference shielding and directional identification. This universal design allows the same structure to fulfill multiple purposes, avoiding additional components and manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shield electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the electronic component, then the shielding effect is achieved, but the mounting direction cannot be identified when the component is rotated 180 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise shieldingVSAvoidmounting direction identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The shield electrode is designed with an asymmetric configuration where its center of gravity is intentionally shifted from the center of gravity of the upper surface. This asymmetric design creates distinct visual appearances when the component is oriented in different directions, enabling mounting direction identification while the electrode continues to provide effective electromagnetic shielding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11244785B2Electronic component including shield electrodes

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic component includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, a circuit pattern, and an upper surface shield electrode. The circuit pattern is provided inside the electronic component. The upper surface shield electrode is disposed on the upper surface. In a plan view from a normal direction of the upper surface, a center of gravity of the upper surface shield electrode is spaced from a center of gravity of the upper surface.