Thin Coil Electronic Component With 3D Connection Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a growing demand for thin power inductors to slim down products and increase component arrangement flexibility, while also requiring low loss and high efficiency to extend battery life in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A coil electronic component with a thin thickness is developed, comprising a magnetic body with a support member and coils, an external electrode on the magnetic body, and a connection electrode within the magnetic body connecting the coil to the external electrode. The connection electrode has an extension portion with a greater diameter than the remaining portion, and the coils include a first and second coil pattern connected by a via.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the thickness of the power inductor is reduced to slim down products, then the degree of freedom in component arrangement increases, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of power inductorVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection electrode transitions from a planar structure to a three-dimensional structure with an extension portion protruding in the thickness direction. This dimensional change allows the electrode to connect coils on opposite surfaces without requiring complex lateral routing, thereby reducing in-plane complexity while achieving thin overall thickness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion of the connection electrode is embedded within the magnetic body, with the magnetic body enclosing the coil and connection electrode structures. This nesting arrangement integrates multiple components into a compact thin-profile package, reducing overall thickness while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of stationary object

If the thickness of the power inductor is reduced to slim down products, then the product profile becomes thinner, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of power inductorVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection electrode is divided into distinct portions: a main body portion and an extension portion protruding in the thickness direction. This segmentation allows each portion to be formed and positioned independently, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing precision requirements compared to forming a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion is formed to protrude in the thickness direction before final assembly, establishing predetermined connection positions between coils. This preliminary positioning reduces the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly, thereby lowering manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250149217A1Coil electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US20250149217A1 patent drawing
  • US20250149217A1 patent drawing
  • US20250149217A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A coil electronic component may include a magnetic body having a first surface and a second surface opposing each other in a first direction, a third surface and a fourth surface opposing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposing each other in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions and including a magnetic material, a coil embedded in the magnetic body, an external electrode disposed on the sixth surface of the magnetic body, and at least one connection electrode disposed within the magnetic body and connecting the coil and the external electrode and including an extension portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of a remaining portion of the connection electrode.