Integrated Transformer Switching Element Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic circuit devices with transformers have a large size due to the separation of transformer components and switching elements, leading to increased parasitic inductance and inability to achieve miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

The electronic circuit device integrates primary and secondary side elements directly into the transformer windings on opposite surfaces of a board, allowing for a compact structure by reducing the distance between transformer components and elements, and using an inner shield layer to prevent proximity effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transformer and switching element are separately mounted on a board, then the electrical insulation is maintained, but the device size increases and parasitic inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transformer and switching element into a single integrated module where the switching element is mounted directly on the transformer core. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting on the board while maintaining electrical insulation through the transformer's inherent insulation structure, thereby reducing device size and parasitic inductance without compromising insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching element is nested within the transformer structure by mounting it directly on the transformer core. This nesting arrangement allows the switching element to be positioned in the middle of the primary winding, minimizing the loop area and reducing parasitic inductance while maintaining the electrical insulation provided by the transformer's core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the transformer and switching element are separately mounted on a board, then the assembly is simplified, but the parasitic inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidparasitic inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transformer and switching element into a single integrated module, which simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of separate components to be mounted. The switching element is directly mounted on the transformer core, eliminating the need for separate board mounting and associated complex wiring, thereby reducing parasitic inductance while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar mounting arrangement on the board to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the switching element is mounted on the transformer core. This dimensional change allows the switching element to be positioned in the middle of the primary winding, minimizing the current loop area and reducing parasitic inductance while simplifying the overall assembly.

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 results in a compact device with reduced conduction losses and increased efficiency, enabling miniaturization of the entire device while maintaining effective power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The transformer is configured with a core, a primary winding and a secondary winding. Further, the switching power supply device transmits electric power by magnetically connecting between the primary winding and the secondary winding via the core while realizing electrical insulation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9960683B2Electronic circuit device
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 TDK CORP
  • US9960683B2 patent drawing
  • US9960683B2 patent drawing
  • US9960683B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic circuit device includes a board and a transformer that is provided at the board and that has a primary winding member and a secondary winding member. The primary winding member is configured with a primary winding that is provided at the board and a primary side element that is electrically connected to the primary winding member. The secondary winding member is configured with a secondary winding that is provided at the board and a secondary side element that is electrically connected to the secondary winding member.