Flat Copper Winding Inductor Structure for Pick-and-Place Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inductors with flat windings, which offer lower resistance and reduced turns for a given inductance, are incompatible with pick and place equipment due to the lack of a flat surface for reliable engagement, leading to potential deformation and shorting during placement.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic core with a cylindrical boss and base plate is used to support the inductor, with terminals wrapped around the edge of the base plate, providing a flat surface for reliable engagement and protection from deformation, along with a magnetic mold compound to increase inductance and reduce module size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a flat winding inductor is used, then resistance is reduced and turns are reduced for a given inductance, but the inductor lacks a flat surface for reliable engagement with pick and place equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistanceVSAvoidengagement with pick and place equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the flat winding inductor (optimized for electrical performance) and the magnetic core with engagement features (optimized for mechanical handling). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic core acts as an intermediary between the flat winding inductor and the pick and place equipment. The core provides the mechanical engagement features (protrusions, flat surfaces) that the inductor lacks, while the inductor provides the electrical function. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the electrical optimization from the mechanical handling requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a flat winding inductor is used, then fewer turns are needed for a given inductance, but the inductor is susceptible to deformation and shorting during placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of turnsVSAvoidprotection from deformation and shorting
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic core provides beforehand cushioning and mechanical protection to the flat winding inductor. The core's structure with protrusions and enclosed spaces physically shields the inductor from deformation and shorting during the placement process, before any actual damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat winding inductor is nested within or upon the magnetic core structure. The core serves as a protective container or support structure that encloses or underscores the vulnerable inductor windings, providing mechanical strength and protection while maintaining the inductor's electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If traditional inductor structures are used, then reliable engagement with equipment is achieved, but inductance is reduced and module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement with pick and place equipmentVSAvoidinductance and module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor assembly uses composite construction combining the flat winding conductor (optimized for electrical performance with fewer turns) and the magnetic core material (optimized for magnetic properties and mechanical support). This composite structure achieves both low inductance requirement and reliable mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic core serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical engagement features for pick and place equipment, offers magnetic support to enhance inductance, and provides physical protection to the inductor windings. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating multiple requirements into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for reliable placement and protection of the inductor, preventing deformation and shorting, while increasing inductance and reducing the size of the power module compared to traditional implementations.

Implementation Method 1

An inductor can store energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through the inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic core with a cylindrical boss and base plate is used to support the inductor, with terminals wrapped around the edge of the base plate, providing a flat surface for reliable engagement and protection from deformation, along with a magnetic mold compound to increase inductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20240347267A1Power module with flat copper winding
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US20240347267A1 patent drawing
  • US20240347267A1 patent drawing
  • US20240347267A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a magnetic core and an inductor. The magnetic core has a cylindrical boss and a base plate. The cylindrical boss has a first end and a second end. The base plate extends perpendicularly from the first end of the cylindrical boss. The base plate has a top side and a bottom side. The inductor includes a coil, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The coil is disposed on the top side of the base plate about the cylindrical boss. The first terminal is wrapped from the top side of the base plate to the bottom side of the base plate. The second terminal is wrapped from the top side of the base plate to the bottom side of the base plate.