Multi-Phase Coupled Inductor Layout for Uniform Phase Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-phase coupled inductors suffer from poor symmetry in coupling inductance between phases, leading to uneven coupling strength and inductance between adjacent and nonadjacent phases.

Innovation Solution

A multi-phase coupled inductor design featuring a magnetic core with specific horizontal and longitudinal columns, along with strategically placed windings, ensures opposite magnetic flux directions between windings, achieving uniform coupling strength and inductance across phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional multi-phase coupled inductor structure is used, then the inductor can provide power supply functionality, but the coupling inductance amount differs significantly between phases at both ends and the phase at the center, resulting in poor symmetry between multiple phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling inductance uniformityVSAvoidphase symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry principle by intentionally designing the magnetic core with non-uniform column arrangements. Specifically, different numbers of longitudinal columns are placed in different regions (e.g., first region has different column configuration than second region), and windings are selectively positioned on specific columns rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric design compensates for the natural symmetry in conventional structures, achieving uniform coupling inductance across all phases despite the physical asymmetry in the magnetic core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Power

If the number of windings and columns is increased to improve power density, then the current output capability increases, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent output capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic core into multiple distinct regions (first region, second region, third region, etc.), each with its own set of longitudinal columns and windings. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's parameters while maintaining overall system coordination. By dividing the complex multi-phase structure into manageable modular regions, the design achieves high power density through multiple phases without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as each segment can be designed and fabricated using similar processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the magnetic path length is reduced to improve dynamic performance, then the response speed increases, but the inductance amount may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidinductance amount
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality principle by creating different magnetic path characteristics in different regions of the magnetic core. Each region's longitudinal columns are designed with specific dimensions, materials, and configurations optimized for their local function. For example, columns in regions requiring faster response may have shorter magnetic paths or different core materials, while columns in regions requiring higher inductance may have longer paths or higher permeability materials. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve both fast dynamic response and sufficient inductance amount simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The design enhances power density and efficiency by reducing the magnetic path length, improving dynamic performance, and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining good manufacturability and adaptability to various materials.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic flux direction of a DC magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through any one of the windings is opposite to a magnetic flux direction of a DC magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through other one of the windings, on the longitudinal middle column corresponding to the other one of the windings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The inductor is an electronic component commonly used in an integrated circuit, and may convert electric energy into magnetic energy for storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic storage: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250132084A1Multi-phase coupled inductor, multi-phase coupled inductor array and two-phase inverse coupled inductor
Publication Date: 2025.04.24 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • US20250132084A1 patent drawing
  • US20250132084A1 patent drawing
  • US20250132084A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a multi-phase coupled inductor, a multi-phase coupled inductor array and a two-phase inverse coupled inductor. The multi-phase coupled inductor includes a magnetic core having longitudinal middle columns and windings respectively wound around the longitudinal middle columns. A magnetic flux direction of a DC magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through any one of the windings is opposite to a magnetic flux direction of a DC magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through other one of the windings, on the longitudinal middle column corresponding to the other one of the windings.