Shared-Magnetic-Column Inductor Structure for Compact Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductor technologies face challenges in miniaturization due to the need to maintain a certain distance between inductors to prevent magnetic interference, which increases the size of transformers and hinders compact design.
Innovation Solution
The proposed inductor structure incorporates multiple inductors with a shared second magnetic column and strategically placed air gaps to minimize magnetic flux overlap, allowing for closer inductor placement without mutual magnetic influence, thereby reducing the overall device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a certain distance is kept between the two inductors to prevent magnetic interference, then magnetic isolation is improved, but the transformer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic isolation component (second magnetic column) is introduced between the two inductors to mediate their magnetic interaction. This intermediary structure provides a dedicated magnetic flux path that prevents magnetic coupling between adjacent inductors, allowing them to be placed closer together without increasing overall transformer size.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic isolation component extends in the thickness direction (z-axis) of the transformer, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide magnetic flux isolation. By stacking the magnetic isolation component between inductors in the thickness direction, the design achieves magnetic separation without increasing the planar footprint, thereby reducing overall transformer volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple inductors are integrated in a small space, then device miniaturization is improved, but magnetic flux overlap and mutual influence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic isolation component serves as an intermediary structure that provides a controlled magnetic flux path between closely spaced inductors. This mediator prevents unwanted magnetic coupling while allowing the inductors to be integrated in a compact arrangement, thus achieving miniaturization without significant magnetic flux overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic isolation component is segmented to correspond with individual inductors, with each isolation component positioned between specific adjacent inductors. This segmentation allows precise control of magnetic flux paths for each inductor pair, enabling compact integration while maintaining magnetic isolation where needed.
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 enables the integration of multiple inductors in a small space without magnetic interference, achieving miniaturization of transformer size while maintaining efficient magnetic flux isolation.
Implementation Method 1
m second magnetic column(s), wherein for each of the m second magnetic column(s), the second magnetic column is disposed between at least two of the n inductors... effectively reduce a size of a device and eliminate mutual influence of magnetism of multiple inductors
Implementation Method 2
each of the inductor units includes at least one air gap... Due to the increase of magnetic resistance at the air gap, it is possible to limit the magnetic flux in each inductor unit by increasing the magnetic resistance
Implementation Method 3
a coil wound around the first magnetic column... the magnetic flux loops formed by the coils wound around the first magnetic columns
Data Source
AI summary
Inductor structure is provided, including: n inductors, each inductor including a base plate, a cover plate, a first magnetic column and a coil wound around the first magnetic column, n≥2; m second magnetic column(s), each second magnetic column is disposed between at least two inductors, and has a first terminal connected to the cover plates of the at least two inductors, and a second terminal connected to the base plates of the at least two inductors, m<n, wherein the inductor and the second magnetic column connected with and disposed on one side of the inductor constitute an inductor unit, and the n inductors and the m second magnetic column(s) constitute multiple inductor units, wherein each inductor unit includes at least one air gap. Multiple inductors arranged close to each other are integrated in a small space, and not affected by mutual magnetic influence, which helps to realize miniaturization.