Multi-Layer Coil Structure for Magnetic Field Strength in Compact Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with coils struggle to generate a sufficiently large induced magnetic field for effective magnetic secure transmission (MST) and wireless charging due to limited space, as increasing the number of coil turns is impractical in small devices.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a multi-layer coil structure with conductors connecting coils on different layers, allowing for a higher inductance and directional magnetic field induction, thereby increasing the strength and flexibility of the magnetic field generated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the number of turns of the coil is increased to achieve higher inductance and stronger magnetic field, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but the device size increases which is not suitable for small electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer coil structure to a multi-layer coil structure, utilizing the vertical dimension (z-axis) to stack multiple coil layers. This allows the magnetic field strength to be enhanced through additional turns without increasing the planar footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between magnetic field strength and device size for portable electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple coil layers are stacked vertically with conductors connecting corresponding turns across layers. Each coil layer is positioned within the horizontal boundary of the device, nesting the magnetic field-generating structure within the compact form factor while accumulating magnetic field strength through the stacked configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the number of turns of the coil is increased to achieve higher inductance, then the inductance is improved, but the mounting area increases which is not suitable for small electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinductanceVSAvoidmounting area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the mounting area constraint by extending the coil structure into the vertical dimension through multi-layer stacking. The inductance is enhanced by adding turns in the vertical direction rather than expanding horizontally, allowing high inductance values to be achieved within a compact planar footprint suitable for portable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple coil layers are nested vertically within the device's mounting area, with each layer confined to the horizontal boundaries of the device. This nesting approach allows the total number of turns (and thus inductance) to increase through vertical stacking while the planar mounting area remains constrained and compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 approach enhances the magnetic field strength and flexibility, improving MST signal recognition and wireless charging efficiency even in small devices, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic device may apply a current to an embedded coil and the coil may induce an induced magnetic field based on the current applied to the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The coil embedded into the electronic device may generate an induced current based on the magnetic field input from the outside and, accordingly, perform the wireless charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3411888B1Electronic device including coil
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3411888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3411888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3411888B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing; a plurality of coils that are disposed on a first layer within the housing; a plurality of other coils disposed on a second layer substantially parallel to the first layer; a first conductor that connects an end point of a first coil of the plurality of coils and a start point of a second coil of the plurality of other coils and conducts a current from the end point of the first coil to the start point of the second coil; and a second conductor that connects a start point of a third coil adjacent to an outer side of the first coil of the plurality of coils and an end point of the second coil and conducts the current to be applied from the end point of the second coil to the start point of the third coil, wherein the first conductor and the second conductor induce a directional magnetic field when the current flows.