Inductor Array Coil Symmetry for Low Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In noncoupled inductor arrays, increasing the spacing between coils to reduce the coupling coefficient is limited by inductor size, leading to potential voltage rise phenomena due to mutual inductance, which complicates the reduction of the coupling coefficient to a required level of 0.05 or less.
Innovation Solution
The coil component design features a specific arrangement of four coils with point symmetry and rotational symmetry, where each coil is connected to external electrodes and encapsulated with a support member, allowing for reduced coupling between adjacent coils within a limited space by optimizing the exposure and positioning of upper and lower coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interval between coils is increased to reduce the coupling coefficient, then the coupling coefficient decreases, but the inductor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the first and second coils with different winding directions (first coil: clockwise, second coil: counter-clockwise) and positioning them asymmetrically with respect to the third and fourth coils. This asymmetric arrangement creates opposing magnetic flux patterns that reduce mutual inductance more effectively than symmetric configurations, achieving lower coupling coefficients without proportionally increasing the inductor footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by stacking coils in multiple layers (first and second coils in one layer, third and fourth coils in another layer) and positioning them at different heights. This dimensional approach allows the magnetic fluxes to diverge in the vertical dimension, reducing coupling between adjacent coils while maintaining a compact planar footprint.
2Reliability
If the coupling coefficient is reduced to prevent voltage rise phenomenon, then voltage stability improves, but the mounting area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of opposing magnetic polarity through asymmetric coil configurations. The first coil generates magnetic flux in one direction while the second coil generates flux in the opposite direction, creating localized magnetic cancellation zones between adjacent coils. This local magnetic field manipulation reduces coupling coefficients to 0.05 or less, preventing voltage rise phenomena while confining the magnetic interaction to specific local regions rather than requiring uniform spacing across the entire inductor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of magnetic coupling into a beneficial effect by intentionally designing adjacent coils with opposing winding directions. The magnetic flux that would normally cause mutual inductance and voltage rise is instead configured to oppose and cancel itself, transforming the coupling phenomenon from a harmful interference into a useful cancellation mechanism that reduces the coupling coefficient while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 design effectively reduces the coupling coefficient between adjacent coils, preventing voltage rise phenomena and enabling efficient use of mounting area in miniaturized electronic products.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling coefficient or a mutual inductance between a plurality of coil parts
Implementation Method 2
when the inductances of the coils may be equally implemented, efficiency of the inductor array may be increased, together with an effect of reducing the mounting area
Data Source
AI summary
A coil component includes a body including first, second, third and fourth coils and including a first end surface and a second end surface opposed in a first direction, a first side surface and a second side surface opposing each other in a second direction, and an upper surface and a lower surface opposing each other in a third direction and a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the body and connected to the first to fourth coils. A first group including the first and second coils is arranged in point symmetry with respect to a second group including the third and fourth coils about a center between the first and second groups.