PCB Mounting-Hole Inductors for Compact Voltage Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power and current demands of electronic devices strain the physical size and space allocation of voltage regulators, limiting their efficiency and the available space for other components due to their large size and the need for mounting holes that coincide with optimal positioning.
Innovation Solution
Integrating inductors into the mounting holes of printed circuit boards, utilizing the standoff and fastener as a magnetic core with a copper coil, and embedding them within the board layers to form a voltage regulator, reducing the need for external inductor space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage regulators are designed to meet increasing power and current demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but physical size increases and available board space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inductor component with the mounting hole structure by forming the inductor within the mounting hole using the standoff and fastener as a magnetic core with a copper coil, merging two previously separate functions (mounting and power delivery) into a single integrated structure that reduces overall device footprint
2Ease of operation
If mounting holes are positioned for optimal component mounting, then ease of assembly is improved, but the location may coincide with optimal voltage regulator positioning, creating space conflict
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hole structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting support through the standoff and fastener while also housing the inductor component for power delivery, allowing the same physical location to fulfill both assembly and electrical functions without conflict
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 allows for a compact voltage regulator design that efficiently delivers power while freeing up board space for other components, maintaining voltage regulation and reducing the device's overall size.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor at least partially in the mounting hole between two or more of the plurality of layers
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the standoff and fastener as a magnetic core with a copper coil
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed for inductors of voltage regulators that are built into and/or around mounting holes of a printed circuit board. An example apparatus includes a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of layers and a mounting hole extending through the plurality of layers, and an inductor at least partially in the mounting hole between two or more of the plurality of layers.