Variable Inductance Inductor With Piezoelectric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical inductors have fixed inductance, making it impossible to reversibly adjust the inductance value without replacing the inductor, which limits their adaptability in matching electronic elements.
Innovation Solution
A variable inductance inductor with a coil pattern and an inductance controlling unit that adjusts the contact area between the coil pattern and a moveable conductor unit, utilizing a piezoelectric material to apply a driving force and change the current path, thereby varying the inductance value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical inductor with fixed inductance is used, then the inductor structure is simple and reliable, but it is impossible to reversibly adjust the inductance value without replacing the inductor itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the inductor structure adjustable through a moveable conductor unit that can change its contact area with the coil pattern. The inductance value becomes dynamic rather than fixed, allowing reversible adjustment by moving the conductor unit to different positions along the coil, thereby changing the effective number of turns in the circuit without replacing the entire inductor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the inductor into distinct functional parts: a coil pattern with multiple turns, a moveable conductor unit that can contact different portions of the coil, and a support structure. This segmentation allows independent control of each segment, enabling the conductor unit to selectively engage with specific coil turns to achieve variable inductance values.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inductor is exchanged to change inductance value, then the desired inductance can be achieved, but it requires replacement of the entire inductor component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of inductance values by moving the conductor unit along the coil pattern rather than requiring physical replacement of the entire inductor. This dynamic mechanism allows continuous or discrete selection of inductance values through simple positional changes, greatly simplifying the operation compared to component exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable conductor unit acts as an intermediary element between the coil pattern and the electrical circuit. By positioning this conductor unit at different locations, the effective inductance is adjusted without needing to replace the entire inductor assembly, making the adjustment process simpler and more efficient.
3Measurement precision
If the contact area between coil pattern and conductor unit is increased, then the inductance value changes, but the current path is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coil pattern into multiple discrete turns and allows the conductor unit to contact specific segments selectively. By controlling which coil segments are engaged by the conductor unit, the current path is systematically configured to achieve precise inductance values without creating complex or unpredictable current distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the coil pattern to have different functional roles based on whether they are contacted by the conductor unit. The contacted portions actively participate in the current path while uncontacted portions remain inactive, enabling precise local control over the current path configuration to achieve desired inductance values.
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
Enables reversible adjustment of inductance value, allowing for greater flexibility and miniaturization of inductive components, such as in a module with an insulating substrate and a driving unit to apply external forces, effectively changing the inductance according to the contact area.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric material disposed on the support member actuates the moveable conductor unit
Data Source
AI summary
A variable inductance inductor includes an inductor unit having a coil pattern; and at least one inductance controlling unit configured to vary a contact area between the coil pattern and a moveable conductor unit to change a current path.