Inductor Terminal Layout to Reduce Substrate Electrode Spacing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductor components require two electrodes on the substrate and a specific distance between them to prevent short circuits during soldering, leading to an increased size of the terminal surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The inductor component design features a main body with a magnetic layer, a first terminal surface, and a second terminal surface, with the inductor wire extending linearly between them. The first and second external terminals are exposed only at their respective terminal surfaces, eliminating the need for a space to prevent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If both external terminals are exposed at the same terminal surface, then the inductor component can be mounted on the substrate, but the substrate requires larger electrode area and greater distance between electrodes to prevent short circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidelectrode area on substrate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar terminal arrangement (both terminals on the same surface) to a three-dimensional arrangement (terminals on opposite surfaces). By exposing the first external terminal at the first terminal surface and the second external terminal at the second terminal surface, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension to separate terminals, eliminating the need for lateral spacing and reducing the substrate electrode area requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If both external terminals are exposed at the same terminal surface, then the inductor component can be mounted on the substrate, but the distance between electrodes must be increased to prevent short circuit during soldering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoiddistance between electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar terminal arrangement (both terminals on the same surface) to a three-dimensional arrangement (terminals on opposite surfaces). By exposing the first external terminal at the first terminal surface and the second external terminal at the second terminal surface, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension to separate terminals, eliminating the need for lateral spacing and reducing the substrate electrode area requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If larger area is provided for electrodes on substrate, then short circuit prevention is ensured, but the terminal surface size of the inductor component increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidterminal surface size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar terminal arrangement (both terminals on the same surface) to a three-dimensional arrangement (terminals on opposite surfaces). By exposing the first external terminal at the first terminal surface and the second external terminal at the second terminal surface, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension to separate terminals, eliminating the need for lateral spacing and reducing the substrate electrode area requirement.

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 reduces the area required on the substrate for mounting the inductor component, preventing excess increase in the size of the terminal surfaces and minimizing the risk of short circuits.

Implementation Method 1

an inductor wire disposed in the main body and extending linearly in the height direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12205752B2Inductor component and inductor-including structure

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

In an inductor component, an inductor wire is formed inside a main body. The inductor wire has a circular columnar body extending in the height direction. An end surface of the inductor wire at a first end in the wire extending direction serves as a first external terminal and is exposed at a first terminal surface of the main body. The first external terminal is exposed only at the first terminal surface. An end surface of the inductor wire at a second end in the wire extending direction serves as a second external terminal and is exposed at a second terminal surface of the main body. The second external terminal is exposed only at the second terminal surface.