Coil Component External Electrode Geometry for Short Circuit Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for coil components that can increase efficiency and prevent short circuits between side electrodes and mounting substrates while improving the fixing strength between external and side electrodes in miniaturized electronic devices with multiple coil portions.
Innovation Solution
A coil component design featuring a body with multiple coil portions, side electrodes, and external electrodes, where the external electrodes have longer edges than the side electrodes, reducing the area occupied by side electrodes and enhancing adhesion, and an insulating layer is used to form the electrodes, which are made of conductive materials like nickel, copper, or silver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil portions are designed with lead-out portions on the side of the body, then the inductor can function as a coupled inductor with multiple coils, but short circuits between side electrodes and mounting substrate may occur and fixing strength between side electrodes and external electrodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the lead-out portions from the side surfaces of the body to the top and bottom surfaces. This dimensional change allows the side electrodes to be located away from the mounting substrate, preventing short circuits while maintaining the coupled inductor functionality with multiple coil portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external electrodes as intermediary elements that connect the side electrodes to the mounting substrate. The external electrodes are disposed on the top and bottom surfaces rather than directly on the side surfaces, acting as a mediating connection that prevents direct contact between side electrodes and the mounting substrate, thereby preventing short circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil portions are designed with lead-out portions on the side of the body, then the inductor can function as a coupled inductor, but the fixing strength between side electrode and external electrode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the external electrodes from the side surfaces to the top and bottom surfaces of the body. This dimensional repositioning creates a more stable geometric configuration for soldering and mechanical attachment, significantly improving the fixing strength between external electrodes and the body while preserving the coupled inductor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the external electrodes with extended length along the longitudinal direction of the body, creating a more substantial contact area. This extended configuration provides better mechanical interlocking and solder attachment surface, enhancing the fixing strength compared to compact side-surface electrodes.
3Ease of manufacture
If side electrodes are disposed on the side surfaces of the body, then lead-out portions can be connected to coil portions, but the area occupied by side electrodes increases reducing component efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the external electrodes from the side surfaces to the top and bottom surfaces of the body. This dimensional relocation reduces the footprint area occupied by electrodes on the component body, thereby improving component efficiency and reducing overall mounting area while maintaining the lead-out connection functionality through the extended electrode design.
Data Source
AI summary
A coil component includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, both side surfaces, and both end surfaces connecting the first surface to the second surface and opposing each other, a plurality of coil portions embedded in the body and spaced apart from each other, first to fourth side electrodes connected to the plurality of coil portions and exposed to the both side surfaces, respectively, and first to fourth external electrodes disposed on the first surface and connected to the first to fourth side electrodes, respectively. A length of an edge of each of the first to fourth external electrodes, contacting the first surface and one of the both side surfaces, is greater than a length of an edge of a respective one of the first to fourth side electrodes, contacting the first surface and one of the both side surfaces.