Inductor Component Layout to Prevent Magnetic Flux Blocking

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing inductor components with an inverted quadrangular frustum shape face challenges in maximizing the inner diameter of the inductor wiring line due to magnetic flux being blocked by external electrodes, which affects the component's characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The inductor component design features a component body with a hexagonal prism shape, where the winding center axis of the inductor wiring line extends parallel to the mounting surface, and external electrodes are positioned to minimize flux blocking, allowing for increased inner diameter without obstructing the magnetic flux.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the inner diameter of the inductor wiring line is increased in an inverted quadrangular frustum shape component body, then the volume is increased, but the magnetic flux is blocked by the external electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of component bodyVSAvoidmagnetic flux blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional winding direction by making the winding center axis extend in the width direction (parallel to mounting surface) rather than in the thickness direction (perpendicular to mounting surface). This inversion allows the magnetic flux to flow horizontally through the component body without being blocked by the external electrodes that extend vertically from the mounting surface to the inclined surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the magnetic flux path by extending the winding center axis in the width direction (horizontal dimension) instead of the thickness direction (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the magnetic flux to flow through a different spatial path that avoids intersection with the external electrodes, thereby preventing flux blocking while maintaining increased inner diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the winding center axis extends perpendicular to the mounting surface, then the component structure is simplified, but the magnetic flux is blocked by external electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent structureVSAvoidmagnetic flux blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional winding direction by making the winding center axis extend in the width direction (parallel to mounting surface) rather than in the thickness direction (perpendicular to mounting surface). This inversion allows the magnetic flux to flow horizontally through the component body without being blocked by the external electrodes that extend vertically from the mounting surface to the inclined surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If external electrodes extend from mounting surface to inclined surface, then electrical connection is improved, but magnetic flux path is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmagnetic flux blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the magnetic flux path by extending the winding center axis in the width direction (horizontal dimension) instead of the thickness direction (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the magnetic flux to flow through a different spatial path that avoids intersection with the external electrodes, thereby preventing flux blocking while maintaining increased inner diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively suppresses magnetic flux blocking by external electrodes, enabling improved performance and firm fixation of the inductor component on a substrate while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a direction of magnetic flux generated by current flowing through the inductor wiring line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11869688B2Inductor component and inductor component mounting substrate

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An inductor component includes a component body having a mounting surface and a top surface and provided therein with a spiral inductor wiring line advancing in the extending direction of a winding center axis. The inductor wiring line is connected to a first external electrode at a first end, and connected to a second external electrode at a second end. The component body includes: a first inclined surface connected to a first end of the mounting surface on a first side in a length direction and inclined toward the top surface as separating from the first end; and a second inclined surface connected to a second end of the mounting surface on a second side in the length direction and inclined toward the top surface as separating from the second end. The winding center axis extends in a direction parallel to the mounting surface and perpendicular to the length direction.