DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Group I in the reply filed on 04/17/2026 is acknowledged.
Claims 15-19 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected Group II, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on 04/17/2026.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-14 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 recites “center posts” is unclear how the multiple center posts are arranged with respect to each other. Based on broadest interpretation, any post between two yokes with windings around it can be considered as center post.
Claim 9 recites the limitation "the upper bobbin" in lines 1-2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 9 recites the limitation "the lower bobbin" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the upper bobbin" in lines 1-2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the lower bobbin" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 20 recites “center posts” is unclear how the multiple center posts are arranged with respect to each other. Based on broadest interpretation, any post between two yokes with windings around it can be considered as center post.
Claim 20, line 7, recites “it” is indefinite and unclear. The examiner suggests clarification.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-2, 5-7, and 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847].
Regarding Claim 1, Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) comprising:
a core (elements 11, 12, 13, 14 combined) having a plurality of center posts (13, 14);
a primary coil (15) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2);
a secondary coil (16) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-2); and
at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 2, Wongsasulux et al. shows the at least one magnetic shunt material (17) includes a plurality of pieces of magnetic shunt material (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 5, Wongsasulux et al. shows one or more selected areas are selected to tune leakage inductance of the multi-leg transformer (see Figs. 1-2, Paragraph [0017]).
Regarding Claim 6, Wongsasulux et al. shows the core is a multi-part core (see Figs. 1-2, elements 11, 12 combined).
Regarding Claim 7, Wongsasulux et al. shows the multi-part core includes an upper core (11) and a lower core (12), wherein one of the primary coil (15) and the secondary coil is wound around center posts (13) of the upper core (see Figs. 1-2), and wherein the other of the primary coil and the secondary coil (16) is wound around center posts (14) of the lower core (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 14, Wongsasulux et al. shows at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (element 15 or 16 is a solid wire).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fletcher et al. [U.S. Patent No. 3,546,571].
Regarding Claim 3, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the plurality of pieces of shunt material include different types of magnetic shunt materials.
Fletcher et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-13) teaching and suggesting the plurality of pieces of shunt material (42, 43 or 57, 58) include different types of magnetic shunt materials (Col. 6, Lines 15-41).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the plurality of pieces of shunt material include different types of magnetic shunt materials as taught by Fletcher et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desired saturation characteristics (Col. 6, Lines 15-41).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Dinsmore [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0043372].
Regarding Claim 4, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy.
Dinsmore shows a transformer (Fig. 1) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (30) is composed of at least one of ferrite material (Paragraph [0028]) and iron alloy.
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy as taught by Dinsmore for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve increasing leakage inductance and limit current without dissipating power, thereby improving efficiency (Paragraph [0025]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Zhong et al. [CN 113270259].
Regarding Claim 4, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy.
Zhong et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-3) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (150) is composed of at least one of ferrite material (see English translation) and iron alloy.
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy as taught by Zhong et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve adjusting magnetic leakage component size, so as to adjust leakage inductance (see English translation).
Claim(s) 8-10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fushimi [JP 2005-108933].
Regarding Claim 8, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show a first bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil; and a second bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil.
Fushimi shows a first bobbin (30) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil (70, see Figs. 1-7); and a second bobbin (40) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil (71, see Figs. 1-7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a first bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil; and a second bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil as taught by Fushimi for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical reliability and stability to prevent displacement of the coils.
Regarding Claim 9, Fushimi shows at least one of the upper bobbin (40) and the lower bobbin (30) includes at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, element 30 have elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Regarding Claim 10, Fushimi shows at least one of the upper bobbin (40) and the lower bobbin (30) include an insulating barrier (33) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 30 have element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71).
Claim(s) 8-10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Yoon et al. [KR 2020-0097083].
Regarding Claim 8, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show a first bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil; and a second bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil.
Yoon et al. shows a first bobbin (110T) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil (160, see Figs. 2a-8); and a second bobbin (110B) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil (120, see Figs. 2a-8).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a first bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil; and a second bobbin structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil as taught by Yoon et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical reliability and stability to prevent displacement of the coils (Paragraphs [0017], [0051], [0056]).
Regarding Claim 9, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the upper bobbin (110T) and the lower bobbin (110B) includes at least one capture feature (IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2, or OW3) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8, element 110B have elements IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2 structured to assist element 160 retain shape around element 142_2 or element 110B have element OW3 structured to assist element 120 retain shape around element 142_1).
Regarding Claim 10, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the upper bobbin (110T) and the lower bobbin (110B) include an insulating barrier (MP) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2a-8, element 110B have element MP structured to provide insulation between elements 161, 162 of element 160).
Claim(s) 10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fushimi OR Wongsasulux et al. in view of Yoon et al. as applied to claim 8 above, and further in view of Huh et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0006869].
Regarding Claim 10, Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fushimi OR Wongsasulux et al. in view of Yoon et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Huh et al. shows (Figs. 2-6) at least one of the upper bobbin (100) and the lower bobbin (200) include an insulating barrier (300) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2-6, Paragraph [0019]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the upper bobbin and the lower bobbin include an insulating barrier structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil as taught by Huh et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fushimi OR Wongsasulux et al. in view of Yoon et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent shorting of the coils (Paragraph [0019]).
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Lee et al. [KR 2009-0056197].
Regarding Claim 11, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings.
Lee et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-7) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings (see Figs. 1-7, elements 3, 4, or 70 have flat windings).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings as taught by Lee et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to improve space factor, heat dissipation, and improve production efficiency (see English translation).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Chang et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0051842].
Regarding Claim 12, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction.
Chang et al. shows a device (Fig. 7) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil (W3, W5) have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding (W3, W5) around a first center post (211) and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post (212) are in the same direction (see Fig. 7, current flowing element W3 around element 211 and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent element 212 are in the same direction, Paragraphs [0038], [0042]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction as taught by Chang et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desirable operating characteristics and coupling characteristics with performance consistency is enhanced (Paragraph [0065]).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fe et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0226182].
Regarding Claim 12, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction.
Fe et al. shows a device (Figs. 5A, 7A, 7B) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil (primary winding) and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding (primary winding) around a first center post (Pillar #1 or Pillar #4) and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post (Pillar #2 or Pillar #3) are in the same direction (see Figs. 5A, 7A, 7B).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction as taught by Fe et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desirable operating characteristics and coupling characteristics with performance consistency is enhanced (Paragraphs [0009]-[0010]).
Claim(s) 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Kim et al. [WO 2004/040600].
Regarding Claim 13, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings.
Kim et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 2) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil (130, 132) have tapped windings (170).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings as taught by Kim et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve an adjustment of the transformer according to varying voltage or load conditions and according to different applications (Page 15).
Claim(s) 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Dorsey [U.S. Patent No. 3,921,055].
Regarding Claim 13, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings.
Dorsey shows a transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil (16) have tapped windings (1-6, see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings as taught by Dorsey for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to achieve constant voltage characteristics and constant current characteristics for desirable operating characteristics (Col. 1, Lines 33-50).
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. in view of Brelivet et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0151244].
Regarding Claim 14, Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire.
Brelivet et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 2A-2D) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil (202) and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (Paragraph [0023]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire as taught by Brelivet et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to reduce skin effect to achieve desirable operating characteristics and conductivity (Paragraph [0023]).
Claim(s) 1-2, 5-10, 14, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi [JP 2005-108933] in view of Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847].
Regarding Claim 1, Fushimi shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-7) comprising:
a core (20) having a plurality of center posts (23a, 23b);
a primary coil (70) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7);
a secondary coil (71) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-7).
Fushimi does not explicitly show at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil as taught by Wongsasulux et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi to achieve desirable leakage inductance with high power density and reduce proximity loss of the windings (Paragraph [0004]).
Regarding Claim 2, Wongsasulux et al. shows the at least one magnetic shunt material (17) includes a plurality of pieces of magnetic shunt material (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 5, Wongsasulux et al. shows one or more selected areas are selected to tune leakage inductance of the multi-leg transformer (see Figs. 1-2, Paragraph [0017]).
Regarding Claim 6, Fushimi shows the core is a multi-part core (see Figs. 1-7, elements 20, 50 combined).
Wongsasulux et al. shows the core is a multi-part core (see Figs. 1-2, elements 11, 12 combined).
Regarding Claim 7, Wongsasulux et al. shows the multi-part core includes an upper core (11) and a lower core (12), wherein one of the primary coil (15) and the secondary coil is wound around center posts (13) of the upper core (see Figs. 1-2), and wherein the other of the primary coil and the secondary coil (16) is wound around center posts (14) of the lower core (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 8, Fushimi shows a first bobbin (30) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil (70, see Figs. 1-7); and a second bobbin (40) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil (71, see Figs. 1-7).
Regarding Claim 9, Fushimi shows at least one of the upper bobbin (40) and the lower bobbin (30) includes at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, element 30 have elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Regarding Claim 10, Fushimi shows at least one of the upper bobbin (40) and the lower bobbin (30) include an insulating barrier (33) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 30 have element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71).
Regarding Claim 14, Fushimi shows at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (element 70 or 71 is a solid wire).
Wongsasulux et al. shows at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (element 15 or 16 is a solid wire).
Regarding Claim 20, Fushimi shows a bobbin (30 or 40) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (20) having a plurality of center posts (23a, 23b), a primary coil (70) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7), a secondary coil (71) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-7), the bobbin (30) comprising:
a plurality of center portions (34) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (70) or secondary coil (71) wound around it (see Figs. 1-7);
at least one insulating barrier (33) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71); and
at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Fushimi does not show at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil as taught by Wongsasulux et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi to achieve desirable leakage inductance with high power density and reduce proximity loss of the windings (Paragraph [0004]).
Claim(s) 1-2, 5-11, 14, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yoon et al. [KR 2020-0097083] in view of Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847].
Regarding Claim 1, Yoon et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 2a-8) comprising:
a core (141, 142) having a plurality of center posts (141_1, 141_2, 142_1, 142_2);
a primary coil (160) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8);
a secondary coil (120) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 2a-8).
Yoon et al. does not explicitly show at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil as taught by Wongsasulux et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Yoon et al. to achieve desirable leakage inductance with high power density and reduce proximity loss of the windings (Paragraph [0004]).
Regarding Claim 2, Wongsasulux et al. shows the at least one magnetic shunt material (17) includes a plurality of pieces of magnetic shunt material (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 5, Wongsasulux et al. shows one or more selected areas are selected to tune leakage inductance of the multi-leg transformer (see Figs. 1-2, Paragraph [0017]).
Regarding Claim 6, Yoon et al. shows the core is a multi-part core (see Figs. 1-7, elements 141, 142 combined).
Wongsasulux et al. shows the core is a multi-part core (see Figs. 1-2, elements 11, 12 combined).
Regarding Claim 7, Yoon et al. shows the multi-part core includes an upper core (141) and a lower core (142), wherein one of the primary coil (160) and the secondary coil is wound around center posts (141_2) of the upper core (see Fig. 8), and wherein the other of the primary coil and the secondary coil (120) is wound around center posts (142_1) of the lower core (see Fig. 8).
Wongsasulux et al. shows the multi-part core includes an upper core (11) and a lower core (12), wherein one of the primary coil (15) and the secondary coil is wound around center posts (13) of the upper core (see Figs. 1-2), and wherein the other of the primary coil and the secondary coil (16) is wound around center posts (14) of the lower core (see Figs. 1-2).
Regarding Claim 8, Yoon et al. shows a first bobbin (110T) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the primary coil (160, see Figs. 2a-8); and a second bobbin (110B) structured to facilitate winding and placing of the secondary coil (120, see Figs. 2a-8).
Regarding Claim 9, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the upper bobbin (110T) and the lower bobbin (110B) includes at least one capture feature (IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2, or OW3) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8, element 110B have elements IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2 structured to assist element 160 retain shape around element 142_2 or element 110B have element OW3 structured to assist element 120 retain shape around element 142_1).
Regarding Claim 10, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the upper bobbin (110T) and the lower bobbin (110B) include an insulating barrier (MP) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2a-8, element 110B have element MP structured to provide insulation between elements 161, 162 of element 160).
Regarding Claim 11, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the primary coil (120) and the secondary coil have flat windings (see Figs. 2a-8, Paragraph [0036]).
Regarding Claim 14, Yoon et al. shows at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (element 160 is a solid or LITZ wire, Paragraph [0046]).
Wongsasulux et al. shows at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (element 15 or 16 is a solid wire).
Regarding Claim 20, Yoon et al. shows a bobbin (110T or 110B) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (141, 142) having a plurality of center posts (141_1, 141_2, 141_3, 142_1, 142_2, 142_3), a primary coil (160) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8), a secondary coil (120) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 2a-8), the bobbin (110B) comprising:
a plurality of center portions (TH1, TH2, TH3) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (142_1, 142_2, 142_3, see Figs. 2a-8), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (160) or secondary coil (120) wound around it (see Figs. 2a-8);
at least one insulating barrier (MP) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (142_2, 142_3, see Figs. 2a-8) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2a-8, element MP structured to provide insulation between elements 161, 162 of element 160); and
at least one capture feature (IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2, or OW3) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8, elements IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2 structured to assist element 160 retain shape around elements 142_2, 142_3).
Yoon et al. does not show at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil as taught by Wongsasulux et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Yoon et al. to achieve desirable leakage inductance with high power density and reduce proximity loss of the windings (Paragraph [0004]).
Claim(s) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claims 1-2 above, and further in view of Fletcher et al. [U.S. Patent No. 3,546,571].
Regarding Claim 3, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the plurality of pieces of shunt material include different types of magnetic shunt materials.
Fletcher et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-13) teaching and suggesting the plurality of pieces of shunt material (42, 43 or 57, 58) include different types of magnetic shunt materials (Col. 6, Lines 15-41).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the plurality of pieces of shunt material include different types of magnetic shunt materials as taught by Fletcher et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desired saturation characteristics (Col. 6, Lines 15-41).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Dinsmore [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0043372].
Regarding Claim 4, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy.
Dinsmore shows a transformer (Fig. 1) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (30) is composed of at least one of ferrite material (Paragraph [0028]) and iron alloy.
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy as taught by Dinsmore for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve increasing leakage inductance and limit current without dissipating power, thereby improving efficiency (Paragraph [0025]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Zhong et al. [CN 113270259].
Regarding Claim 4, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy.
Zhong et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-3) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (150) is composed of at least one of ferrite material (see English translation) and iron alloy.
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material is composed of at least one of ferrite material and iron alloy as taught by Zhong et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve adjusting magnetic leakage component size, so as to adjust leakage inductance (see English translation).
Claim(s) 10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claims 1 and 8 above, and further in view of Huh et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0006869].
Regarding Claim 10, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Huh et al. shows (Figs. 2-6) at least one of the upper bobbin (100) and the lower bobbin (200) include an insulating barrier (300) structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2-6, Paragraph [0019]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the upper bobbin and the lower bobbin include an insulating barrier structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil as taught by Huh et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent shorting of the coils (Paragraph [0019]).
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Lee et al. [KR 2009-0056197].
Regarding Claim 11, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings.
Lee et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-7) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings (see Figs. 1-7, elements 3, 4, or 70 have flat windings).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have flat windings as taught by Lee et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. to improve space factor, heat dissipation, and improve production efficiency (see English translation).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Chang et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0051842].
Regarding Claim 12, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction.
Chang et al. shows a device (Fig. 7) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil (W3, W5) have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding (W3, W5) around a first center post (211) and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post (212) are in the same direction (see Fig. 7, current flowing element W3 around element 211 and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent element 212 are in the same direction, Paragraphs [0038], [0042]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction as taught by Chang et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desirable operating characteristics and coupling characteristics with performance consistency is enhanced (Paragraph [0065]).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Fe et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0226182].
Regarding Claim 12, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction.
Fe et al. shows a device (Figs. 5A, 7A, 7B) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil (primary winding) and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding (primary winding) around a first center post (Pillar #1 or Pillar #4) and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post (Pillar #2 or Pillar #3) are in the same direction (see Figs. 5A, 7A, 7B).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil have windings structured such that current flowing through a first winding around a first center post and current flowing through an immediately adjacent winding around an adjacent second center post are in the same direction as taught by Fe et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve desirable operating characteristics and coupling characteristics with performance consistency is enhanced (Paragraphs [0009]-[0010]).
Claim(s) 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kim et al. [WO 2004/040600].
Regarding Claim 13, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings.
Kim et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 2) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil (130, 132) have tapped windings (170).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings as taught by Kim et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve an adjustment of the transformer according to varying voltage or load conditions and according to different applications (Page 15).
Claim(s) 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Dorsey [U.S. Patent No. 3,921,055].
Regarding Claim 13, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not explicitly show at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings.
Dorsey shows a transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil (16) have tapped windings (1-6, see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have tapped windings as taught by Dorsey for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. OR Yoon et al. in view of Wongsasulux et al. to achieve constant voltage characteristics and constant current characteristics for desirable operating characteristics (Col. 1, Lines 33-50).
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Brelivet et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0151244].
Regarding Claim 14, Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Brelivet et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 2A-2D) teaching and suggesting at least one of the primary coil (202) and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire (Paragraph [0023]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one of the primary coil and the secondary coil have windings of solid or LITZ wire as taught by Brelivet et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. to reduce skin effect to achieve desirable operating characteristics and conductivity (Paragraph [0023]).
Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847] in view of Fushimi [JP 2005-108933].
Regarding Claim 1, Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) comprising:
a core (elements 11, 12, 13, 14 combined) having a plurality of center posts (13, 14);
a primary coil (15) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2);
a secondary coil (16) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-2); and
at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Wongsasulux et al. does not show the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts.
Fushimi shows a bobbin (30 or 40) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (20) having a plurality of center posts (23a, 23b), a primary coil (70) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7), a secondary coil (71) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-7), the bobbin (30) comprising: a plurality of center portions (34) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (70) or secondary coil (71) wound around it (see Figs. 1-7); at least one insulating barrier (33) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71); and at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts as taught by Fushimi for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical reliability and stability to prevent displacement of the coils.
Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847] in view of Yoon et al. [KR 2020-0097083].
Regarding Claim 1, Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) comprising:
a core (elements 11, 12, 13, 14 combined) having a plurality of center posts (13, 14);
a primary coil (15) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2);
a secondary coil (16) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-2); and
at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Wongsasulux et al. does not show the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts.
Yoon et al. shows a bobbin (110T or 110B) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (141, 142) having a plurality of center posts (141_1, 141_2, 141_3, 142_1, 142_2, 142_3), a primary coil (160) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8), a secondary coil (120) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 2a-8), the bobbin (110B) comprising: a plurality of center portions (TH1, TH2, TH3) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (142_1, 142_2, 142_3, see Figs. 2a-8), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (160) or secondary coil (120) wound around it (see Figs. 2a-8); at least one insulating barrier (MP) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (142_2, 142_3, see Figs. 2a-8) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2a-8, element MP structured to provide insulation between elements 161, 162 of element 160); and at least one capture feature (IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2, or OW3) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 2a-8, elements IW1, IW2, OW1, OW2 structured to assist element 160 retain shape around elements 142_2, 142_3).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts as taught by Yoon et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical reliability and stability to prevent displacement of the coils (Paragraphs [0017], [0051], [0056]).
Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847] in view of Fushimi [JP 2005-108933] and Huh et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0006869].
Regarding Claim 1, Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) comprising:
a core (elements 11, 12, 13, 14 combined) having a plurality of center posts (13, 14);
a primary coil (15) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2);
a secondary coil (16) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-2) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-2); and
at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Wongsasulux et al. does not show the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts.
Fushimi shows a bobbin (30 or 40) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (20) having a plurality of center posts (23a, 23b), a primary coil (70) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7), a secondary coil (71) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-7), the bobbin (30) comprising: a plurality of center portions (34) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (70) or secondary coil (71) wound around it (see Figs. 1-7); at least one insulating barrier (33) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71); and at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the bobbin comprising: a plurality of center portions corresponding to the plurality of center posts, each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil or secondary coil wound around it; at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil; and at least one capture feature structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts as taught by Fushimi for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical reliability and stability to prevent displacement of the coils.
In addition, Huh et al. shows (Figs. 2-6) at least one insulating barrier (300) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (see Figs. 2-6) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2-6, Paragraph [0019]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil as taught by Huh et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Wongsasulux et al. in view of Fushimi to facilitate insulation to prevent shorting of the coils (Paragraph [0019]).
Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over in view of Fushimi [JP 2005-108933] in view of Wongsasulux et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0287847] and Huh et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0006869].
Regarding Claim 20, Fushimi shows a bobbin (30 or 40) for a multi-leg transformer having a core (20) having a plurality of center posts (23a, 23b), a primary coil (70) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7), a secondary coil (71) wound around at least one of the center posts (see Figs. 1-7) and spaced apart from the primary coil (see Figs. 1-7), the bobbin (30) comprising:
a plurality of center portions (34) corresponding to the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7), each center portion structured to have a coil of the primary coil (70) or secondary coil (71) wound around it (see Figs. 1-7);
at least one insulating barrier (33) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (23a, 23b, see Figs. 1-7) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-7, element 33 structured to provide insulation between elements 71); and
at least one capture feature (35, 32) structured to assist the primary coil or secondary coil retain shape around the center posts (see Figs. 1-7, elements 35, 32 structured to assist element 70 retain shape around element 23a, 23b).
Fushimi does not show at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Wongsasulux et al. shows a multi-leg transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting at least one magnetic shunt material (17) disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one magnetic shunt material disposed in one or more selected areas between the primary coil and the secondary coil as taught by Wongsasulux et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi to achieve desirable leakage inductance with high power density and reduce proximity loss of the windings (Paragraph [0004]).
In addition, Huh et al. shows (Figs. 2-6) at least one insulating barrier (300) disposed between two of the plurality of center posts (see Figs. 2-6) and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil (see Figs. 2-6, Paragraph [0019]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one insulating barrier disposed between two of the plurality of center posts and structured to provide insulation between coils of the primary coil or the secondary coil as taught by Huh et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Fushimi in view of Wongsasulux et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent shorting of the coils (Paragraph [0019]).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TSZFUNG J CHAN whose telephone number is (571)270-7981. The examiner can normally be reached M-TH 8:00AM-6:00PM.
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/TSZFUNG J CHAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837
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