Variable Inductance Device With Integral Conductive Strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable response magnetic radio frequency devices face challenges such as limited inductance variations, complex manufacturing processes due to the need for sacrificial layers, and lack of impedance matching means, particularly when the conductive strip is wound around the magnetic element or placed under the central branch.

Innovation Solution

The central part of the conductive strip is made integral with the magnetic element, improving stiffness and electromagnetic coupling, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for sacrificial layers, and incorporating ground elements for impedance adaptation, while the conductive strip is placed directly on the magnetic element to enhance inductance variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conductive strip is wound around the magnetic element, then electromagnetic coupling is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic couplingVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conductive strip with the magnetic element by making them integral to each other, eliminating the need for separate winding operations. The conductive strip is formed as a single piece that is directly integrated with the magnetic element structure, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical winding process with a deposition or formation process where the conductive strip is directly created in its final position during the manufacturing sequence, eliminating complex mechanical assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the conductive strip is placed under the central branch, then manufacturing is simplified, but inductance variations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidinductance variation range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the conductive strip in a different spatial dimension - specifically, the central part of the conductive strip is placed directly on the magnetic element rather than under the central branch, creating better electromagnetic coupling and enabling larger inductance variations while keeping manufacturing simple.

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

3Strength

If the central part of the conductive strip is made integral with the magnetic element, then stiffness is improved, but permeability variations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidpermeability variation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only the central part of the conductive strip integral with the magnetic element, while the ends remain separate and anchored to the substrate. This localized integration provides stiffness where needed for electromagnetic coupling without overly constraining the magnetic element's permeability variations.

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

This configuration increases the amplitude of inductance variations, simplifies device manufacturing, and allows for better impedance matching, resulting in improved performance and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

at least one central branch connecting the transverse parts together, at least one of the transverse parts being made of a piezoelectric material, electrodes of actuation associated with the piezoelectric material to apply a stress on the central branch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic element directly deposited on the central branch whose permeability varies according to the stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Implementation Method 3

a conductive strip placed on one side of the beam and electromagnetically coupled with the magnetic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2323142B1Device for modifying a characteristic of an electric signal
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2323142B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2323142B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2323142B1 patent drawingFigure 6~13

AI summary

The device (2) has a beam (7) with transverse parts, where one part is made of piezoelectric material. Transversal actuation electrodes (11b) are associated to the material to apply constraint on the arm. A magnetic element made of uniaxial magnetic material is directly arranged on the arm, where permeability of the element varies according to the constraint. A wire strip (20) is placed on a side of the beam, and electromagnetically coupled with the element. The strip has a central part (22) fixed on an upper surface of the element opposite to a lower surface of the element facing the arm.