Coil Component Electrode Structure to Prevent Metal Filler Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coil components experience structural defects and reduced strength due to uneven distribution and aggregation of metal fillers in the external electrode, leading to expansion issues from differing coefficients of linear expansion.
Innovation Solution
A coil component design featuring an external electrode with a combination of first and second fillers, where the second fillers are bonded metallically and have a flat shape, along with a metal film and plating layer, to inhibit filler aggregation and ensure even distribution, using a conductive paste with first and second metal particles of varying curvatures for heat treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal fillers are used in conductive paste for external electrode, then electrical conductivity is improved, but metal fillers aggregate during heat-curing causing uneven distribution and structural defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using two different types of metal fillers with distinct properties: spherical first fillers (e.g., copper particles of 3-10 μm) and flake-shaped second fillers (e.g., nickel particles of 1-5 μm). Each filler type contributes differently to the electrode structure, with spherical fillers providing conductivity and flake-shaped fillers forming a barrier against oxidation, creating localized functional zones within the electrode that collectively improve both conductivity and distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple metal filler types (spherical copper particles and flake-shaped nickel particles) with a resin binder to create a conductive paste with optimized properties. This composite approach allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high electrical conductivity from copper, oxidation resistance from nickel, and improved filler distribution, resolving the aggregation issue while maintaining conductivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If metal fillers aggregate in external electrode, then structural defects are formed, but this reduces the strength of the external electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the particle size parameters of the metal fillers: spherical first fillers with diameter of 3-10 μm and flake-shaped second fillers with thickness of 1-5 μm. These specific size parameters prevent excessive aggregation during heat-curing while ensuring adequate metal content (60-90 vol%) for structural strength. The controlled particle size distribution maintains uniform filler arrangement and prevents weak spots in the electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of spherical and flake-shaped fillers creates a more robust electrode matrix. The spherical fillers provide structural support and conductivity pathways, while the flake-shaped fillers interlock to form a reinforcing network that prevents aggregation and enhances overall electrode strength. This composite filler system maintains structural integrity even after heat-curing.
3Reliability
If resin portions are formed due to filler aggregation, then structural defects occur, but these defects expand upon environmental change due to different coefficients of linear expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by incorporating flake-shaped metal fillers (second fillers) that specifically address the resin portion problem. These flake-shaped particles distribute more uniformly throughout the resin matrix compared to spherical fillers alone, creating localized regions of improved homogeneity. The flake-shaped fillers act as spacers that prevent resin aggregation and maintain consistent material composition throughout the electrode, reducing environmental sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite filler system creates a more homogeneous electrode structure by combining spherical and flake-shaped fillers with the resin binder. This multi-component composite prevents the formation of large resin portions that would create structural defects. The uniform distribution of diverse filler shapes and sizes throughout the electrode ensures consistent coefficients of linear expansion, preventing defect expansion during environmental changes such as thermal cycling.
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
The solution prevents filler aggregation, maintains electrode strength, and reduces electrical resistance by ensuring even bonding and distribution of fillers, enhancing the coil component's reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the plurality of second fillers is bonded by metallic bond to at least adjacent one of the plurality of first fillers and/or at least adjacent one of the others of the plurality of second fillers
Implementation Method 2
the external electrode is formed by heat-treating a conductive paste containing metal fillers and a resin, and the metal fillers contained in the conductive paste have been sintered
Implementation Method 3
the metal fillers contained in the conductive paste have been sintered
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coil component and a method of manufacturing the coil component less prone to aggregation of metal fillers contained in an external electrode. The coil component includes: a base body; a conductor wound around a coil axis; and an external electrode provided on a surface of the base body and electrically connected to an end portion of the conductor, wherein the external electrode includes an electrode layer containing a plurality of first fillers, a plurality of second fillers, and a resin, wherein at least a part of the plurality of second fillers is bonded by metallic bond to at least adjacent one of the plurality of first fillers and/or at least adjacent one of the others of the plurality of second fillers, and wherein each of the plurality of second fillers has a flat shape.


