Three-dimensional electrode and three-dimensional electrode module and three-dimensional electrode system including the same

Abstract

A three-dimensional electrode for a reflowable PTC element is provided. The three-dimensional electrode may include a planar portion for connection to a PTC material on its top or bottom surface, at least one extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the planar portion, and one or more terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one extender portion, wherein the at least one extender portion may offset the one or more terminals vertically or horizontally from the planar portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reflowable PTC element, and more particularly to a three-dimensional electrode for a reflowable PTC element. Prior Technology

[0002] Reflowable positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements are frequently used in high-current applications. However, the current capacity of such PTC elements is limited. Furthermore, electrical and mechanical requirements, as well as field application constraints, can vary. Therefore, there is a continuous and ongoing need for flexibility in the electrical and mechanical design of reflowable PTC elements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional electrode may include a planar portion for connecting to a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material on its top or bottom surface, at least one extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the planar portion, and one or more terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one extender portion, wherein the at least one extender portion causes the one or more terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the planar portion.

[0004] In some embodiments, one or more terminals may be parallel to the planar portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, one or more terminals may be perpendicular to the planar portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional electrode may include insulating material covering at least a portion of the planar portion, at least one extender portion, and at least a portion of one or more terminals.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more terminals may not be covered by insulating material.

[0008] In some embodiments, portions of the off-plane portion of one or more terminals may not be covered by insulating material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the module may include a first three-dimensional electrode, a second three-dimensional electrode, and an insulating material covering at least a portion of the first and second three-dimensional electrodes. The first three-dimensional electrode may include a first planar portion connected to a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material on its top surface, at least one first extender portion electrically connected to and perpendicular to the first planar portion, and one or more first terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one first extender portion, wherein the at least one first extender portion offsets the one or more first terminals vertically or horizontally from the first planar portion. The second three-dimensional electrode may include a second planar portion connected to a PTC material on its bottom surface, at least one second extender portion electrically connected to and perpendicular to the second planar portion, and one or more second terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one second extender portion, wherein the at least one second extender portion offsets the one or more second terminals vertically or horizontally from the second planar portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may be parallel to a first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may be parallel to a second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may be perpendicular to a first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may be perpendicular to a second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material, and at least a portion of one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material.

[0013] In some embodiments, portions of one or more first terminals of a first three-dimensional electrode that are away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material, and portions of one or more second terminals of a second three-dimensional electrode that are away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material can be electrically connected to the top surface of the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and the upper surface of the PTC material can be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system may include a first three-dimensional electrode module and a second three-dimensional electrode module electrically connected to the first three-dimensional electrode module. Each of the first and second three-dimensional electrode modules may include a first three-dimensional electrode, a second three-dimensional electrode, and an insulating material covering at least a portion of the first and second three-dimensional electrodes. The first three-dimensional electrode may include a first planar portion connected to a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material on its top surface, at least one first expander portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the first planar portion, and one or more first terminals electrically and physically connected to at least one first expander portion, wherein the at least one first expander portion offsets the one or more first terminals vertically or horizontally from the first planar portion. The second three-dimensional electrode may include a second planar portion connected to a PTC material on its bottom surface, at least one second expander portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the second planar portion, and one or more second terminals electrically and physically connected to at least one second expander portion, wherein the at least one second expander portion offsets the one or more second terminals vertically or horizontally from the second planar portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may be parallel to a first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may be parallel to a second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

[0017] In some embodiments, one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may be perpendicular to a first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may be perpendicular to a second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material, and at least a portion of one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material.

[0019] In some embodiments, portions of one or more first terminals of a first three-dimensional electrode that are away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material, and portions of one or more second terminals of a second three-dimensional electrode that are away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may not be covered by insulating material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module may be vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module or horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module, and the first three-dimensional electrode module may be electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module via an electrical connection between a portion of one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode module and not covered by insulating material and a portion of one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional battery module and not covered by insulating material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module can be vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the PTC material of the first three-dimensional electrode module can be parallel to the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the PTC material of the second three-dimensional electrode module, and the first three-dimensional electrode module can be electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module can be horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the PTC material of the first three-dimensional electrode module can be offset by 180° from the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the PTC material of the second three-dimensional electrode module, and the first three-dimensional electrode module can be electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module.

[0023] Other technical features will be obvious to those skilled in the art based on the following figures, description and claims. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0024] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode and PTC material according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2A is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2B is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2C is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2D is a perspective view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2E is a top view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2F is a side view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3A is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3B is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3C is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3D is a perspective view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3E is a top view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 3F is a side view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4A is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4B is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4C is an exploded view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4D is a perspective view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4E is an end view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4F is a bottom view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4G is an end view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4H is a side view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 4I is a top view of a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 5A is a side view of a three-dimensional electrode system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 5B is a perspective view of a three-dimensional electrode system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 6A is a side view of a three-dimensional electrode system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 6B is a perspective view of a three-dimensional electrode system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing a three-dimensional electrode system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method according to a disclosed embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method according to a disclosed embodiment. Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of a three-dimensional electrode for a reflowable PTC element according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the three-dimensional electrode may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain exemplary aspects of the three-dimensional electrode to those skilled in the art.

[0026] According to the disclosed embodiments, three-dimensional electrodes, three-dimensional electrode modules, and / or three-dimensional electrode systems can be used in conjunction with reflowable PTC elements to expand the current capability of such PTC elements. Specifically, for example, in high-current field applications, multiple three-dimensional electrodes in multiple three-dimensional electrode modules within a three-dimensional electrode system can be connected in parallel to expand the current capability of the PTC element electrically connected to the three-dimensional electrodes. The disclosed three-dimensional shape allows the three-dimensional electrodes and / or three-dimensional electrode modules to be stacked vertically and / or horizontally, like Lego® tiles.

[0027] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional electrode may include a planar portion for connection to a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material on its top or bottom surface, at least one extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the planar portion, and one or more terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one extender portion such that the at least one extender portion allows the one or more terminals to be offset vertically and / or horizontally from the planar portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the terminal may be parallel to the planar portion. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the terminal may be perpendicular to the planar portion.

[0029] The three-dimensional electrode can be any electrode material understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional electrode can be copper, zinc, lead, silver, graphite, platinum, gold, and / or rhodium. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional electrode can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, the planar portion, the extender portion, and the terminals can be continuous. In some embodiments, the single piece of material can be stamped and bent or otherwise formed into the planar portion, extender portion, and terminals as disclosed herein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the PTC material may be made from a solid sheet of PTC material, a liquid form of PTC material, and / or a conductive wafer having PTC material. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the PTC material may be inserted into or onto a three-dimensional electrode by soldering and / or injection molding. In some embodiments, the PTC material may include a polymeric PTC (PPTC) material, which may be a solid sheet covered with foil on its top and bottom sides, or a liquid material that can be directly bonded to a planar portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the insulating material may cover at least a portion of the three-dimensional electrode, including, for example, a planar portion, an extender portion, and / or a terminal. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminal may not be covered by the insulating material. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminal facing away from the planar portion may not be covered by the insulating material. Thus, the insulating material may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminal. The insulating material may be any type of molded material or cover assembly as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0032] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional electrode module may include a first three-dimensional electrode according to a disclosed embodiment, a second three-dimensional electrode according to a disclosed embodiment, and an insulating material covering at least a portion of the first and second three-dimensional electrodes. The top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode may be connected to a PTC material, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may be connected to a PTC material. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material may be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and the upper surface of the PTC material may be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode. Thus, the PTC material can be electrically connected to two different three-dimensional electrodes.

[0033] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional electrode system may include a first three-dimensional electrode module according to a disclosed embodiment and a second three-dimensional electrode module electrically connected to the first three-dimensional electrode module according to a disclosed embodiment. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module may be electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional module. For example, in some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module may be electrically connected to the second three-dimensional module via an electrical connection between a portion of a terminal of the first three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the plane of the first three-dimensional electrode module and not covered by insulating material, and a portion of a terminal of the second three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the plane of the second three-dimensional electrode module and not covered by insulating material.

[0034] In some embodiments, a first three-dimensional electrode module may be vertically stacked on top of a second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the planar portion and PTC material of the first three-dimensional electrode module are parallel to the planar portion and PTC material of the second three-dimensional electrode module. In these embodiments, the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module and the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module may be located at their top and bottom to facilitate electrical connection between them when vertically stacked. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module may be horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the planar portion and PTC material of the first three-dimensional electrode module are offset by 180° from the planar portion and PTC material of the second three-dimensional electrode module. In these embodiments, the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module and the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module may be located on their sides to facilitate electrical connection between them when horizontally stacked. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first three-dimensional electrode module may be vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module, and a third three-dimensional electrode module may be horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module. In these embodiments, the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module may be located at their top, bottom, and sides to facilitate electrical connection in both vertical and horizontal stacking.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a first three-dimensional electrode 102, a second three-dimensional electrode 112, and a PTC material 110 according to a disclosed embodiment. As shown, the first three-dimensional electrode 102 may include a planar portion 104 for connection with the PTC material 110, and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may include a planar portion for connection with the PTC material 110. Specifically, the top surface of the planar portion 104 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 may be connected to the PTC material 110, and the bottom surface of the planar portion 114 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may be connected to the PTC material 110. In some embodiments, one or both of the planar portions 104 and 114 may include a flat sheet of material having a shape (such as a rectangle or a square) and dimensions adapted for connection with the PTC material 110.

[0036] In some embodiments, the PTC material 110 may be made of a solid sheet of PTC material 110, a liquid form of PTC material 110, and / or a conductive wafer having PTC material. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the PTC material 110 may be inserted into or onto one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 by soldering and / or injection molding. In some embodiments, the PTC material 110 may comprise a polymeric PTC (PPTC) material, which may be a solid sheet covered with foil on its top and bottom sides, or a liquid material that can be directly bonded to a planar portion.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the first three-dimensional electrode 102 may further include an extender portion 106 and terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d, and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may further include an extender portion 116 and terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. Although four terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d are shown connected to the first three-dimensional electrode 102, and four terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are shown connected to the second three-dimensional electrode 112, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Rather, each of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may have more or fewer than four terminals.

[0038] The extender portion 106 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 can be electrically and physically connected to the planar portion 104 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and is perpendicular to the planar portion 104. Similarly, the extender portion 116 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be electrically and physically connected to the planar portion 114 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 and is perpendicular to the planar portion 114. Furthermore, the terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 can be electrically and physically connected to the extender portion 106 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102, and the extender portion 106 can offset the terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 vertically and / or horizontally from the planar portion 104 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102. Similarly, terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be electrically and physically connected to the extender portion 116 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112, and the extender portion 116 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can offset the terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 vertically and / or horizontally from the planar portion 114 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 may be parallel to the planar portion 104 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102, and terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may be parallel to the planar portion 114 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 may additionally or alternatively be perpendicular to the planar portion 104 of the first three-dimensional electrode 102, and / or terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 may additionally or alternatively be perpendicular to the planar portion 114 of the second three-dimensional electrode 112.

[0040] Each of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be any electrode material understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be copper, zinc, lead, silver, graphite, platinum, gold, and / or rhodium. In some embodiments, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, the planar portion 104, the extender portion 106, and the terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d of the first three-dimensional electrode 102 can be continuous and / or the planar portion 114, the extender portion 116, and the terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the second three-dimensional electrode 112 can be continuous. In some embodiments, a piece of material may be stamped and bent or otherwise formed as planar portion 104, extender portion 106 and terminals 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d of a first three-dimensional electrode 102 as disclosed herein and / or as planar portion 114, extender portion 116 and terminals 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of a second three-dimensional electrode 112 as disclosed herein.

[0041] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate one embodiment of a three-dimensional electrode module 200 according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the three-dimensional electrode module 200 may include a first three-dimensional electrode 204, a second three-dimensional electrode 202, a PTC material 206, an insulating material 208, and an insulating material 210. In these embodiments, a layer of PTC material 206 is included in a three-dimensional electrode module 200.

[0042] It should be understood that the first three-dimensional electrode 204 may be the same as or similar to the first three-dimensional electrode 102, the second three-dimensional electrode 202 may be the same as or similar to the second three-dimensional electrode 112, and the PTC material 206 may be the same as or similar to the PTC material 110. In this respect, the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 204 may be connected to the PTC material 206, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 202 may be connected to the PTC material 206. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material 206 may be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 204, and the upper surface of the PTC material 206 may be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 202. Thus, the PTC material 206 can be electrically connected to both the first three-dimensional electrode 204 and the second three-dimensional electrode 202.

[0043] However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode 204 and the second three-dimensional electrode 202 can be any type of three-dimensional electrode within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Similarly, the PTC material 206 can be any type of PTC material within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0044] It should also be understood that one or both of insulating materials 208 and insulating materials 210 may be any type of molded material or cover assembly as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the insulating material 210 may cover the first three-dimensional electrode 204, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, extender portion, and / or terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 204 may not be covered by the insulating material 210. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 204 facing away from the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 204 may not be covered by the insulating material 210. Thus, the insulating material 210 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 204.

[0046] As also shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the insulating material 208 may cover the second three-dimensional electrode 202, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, the extender portion, and / or the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 202. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 202 may not be covered by the insulating material 208. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 202 that faces away from the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 202 may not be covered by the insulating material 208. Thus, the insulating material 208 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 202.

[0047] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F illustrate another embodiment of the three-dimensional electrode module 300 according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the three-dimensional electrode module 300 may include a first three-dimensional electrode 302, a second three-dimensional electrode 304, a third three-dimensional electrode 306, a fourth three-dimensional electrode 308, PTC materials 310, 312, and 314, insulating materials 316, 318, 320, and 322. In these embodiments, multiple layers of PTC materials 310, 312, and 314 are included in a single three-dimensional electrode module 300.

[0048] It should be understood that one or more of the first three-dimensional electrode 302, the second three-dimensional electrode 304, the third three-dimensional electrode 306, and the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 may be the same as or similar to the first three-dimensional electrode 102 and / or the second three-dimensional electrode 112, and one or more of the PTC material 310, PTC material 312, and PTC material 314 may be the same as or similar to PTC material 110. In this respect, the top surface of the planar portion of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 may be connected to the PTC material 314, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the third three-dimensional electrode 306 may be connected to the PTC material 314. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material 314 may be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308, and the upper surface of the PTC material 314 may be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the third three-dimensional electrode 306. In this way, the PTC material 314 may be electrically connected to the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 and the third three-dimensional electrode 306.

[0049] Similarly, the top surface of the planar portion of the third three-dimensional electrode 306 can be connected to the PTC material 312, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 304 can be connected to the PTC material 312. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material 312 can be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the third three-dimensional electrode 306, and the upper surface of the PTC material 312 can be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 304. In this way, the PTC material 312 can be electrically connected to both the third three-dimensional electrode 306 and the second three-dimensional electrode 304, and the third three-dimensional electrode 306 can be electrically connected to both the PTC material 314 and the PTC material 312.

[0050] Similarly, the top surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 304 can be connected to the PTC material 310, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 302 can be connected to the PTC material 310. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material 310 can be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 304, and the upper surface of the PTC material 310 can be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 302. In this way, the PTC material 310 can be electrically connected to both the second three-dimensional electrode 304 and the first three-dimensional electrode 302, and the second three-dimensional electrode 304 can be electrically connected to both the PTC material 312 and the PTC material 310.

[0051] However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, one or more of the first three-dimensional electrode 302, the second three-dimensional electrode 304, the third three-dimensional electrode 306, and the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 may be any type of three-dimensional electrode within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Similarly, one or more of the PTC material 310, PTC material 312, and PTC material 314 may be any type of PTC material within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0052] It should also be understood that one or more of insulating materials 316, 318, 320 and 322 may be any type of molded material or cover assembly as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F, the insulating material 316 may cover the first three-dimensional electrode 302, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, the extender portion, and / or the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 302 may not be covered by the insulating material 316. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 302 facing away from the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 302 may not be covered by the insulating material 316. Thus, the insulating material 316 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 302.

[0054] As also shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F, the insulating material 322 may cover the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, the extender portion, and / or the terminals of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 may not be covered by the insulating material 322. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 facing away from the planar portion of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308 may not be covered by the insulating material 322. Thus, the insulating material 322 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the fourth three-dimensional electrode 308.

[0055] However, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F, the insulating material 318 may cover the second three-dimensional electrode 304, for example, including all of the planar portion, extender portion, and / or terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 304. Similarly, the insulating material 320 may cover the third three-dimensional electrode 306, for example, including all of the planar portion, extender portion, and / or terminals of the third three-dimensional electrode 306.

[0056] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, and 4I illustrate another embodiment of the three-dimensional electrode module 400 according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the three-dimensional electrode module 400 may include a first three-dimensional electrode 404, a second three-dimensional electrode 402, a PTC material 406, an insulating material 408, and an insulating material 410. In these embodiments, a layer of PTC material 406 is included in a three-dimensional electrode module 400.

[0057] It should be understood that the first three-dimensional electrode 404 may be the same as or similar to the first three-dimensional electrode 102, the second three-dimensional electrode 402 may be the same as or similar to the second three-dimensional electrode 112, and the PTC material 406 may be the same as or similar to the PTC material 110. In this respect, the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 404 may be connected to the PTC material 406, and the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 402 may be connected to the PTC material 406. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the PTC material 406 may be electrically connected to the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 404, and the upper surface of the PTC material 406 may be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 402. Thus, the PTC material 406 may be electrically connected to both the first three-dimensional electrode 404 and the second three-dimensional electrode 402.

[0058] However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode 404 and the second three-dimensional electrode 402 can be any type of three-dimensional electrode within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Similarly, the PTC material 406 can be any type of PTC material within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0059] It should also be understood that one or both of insulating materials 408 and insulating materials 410 may be any type of molded material or cover assembly as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0060] As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, and 4I, the insulating material 410 may cover the first three-dimensional electrode 404, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, the extender portion, and / or the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 404. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 404 may not be covered by the insulating material 410. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 404 facing away from the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode 404 may not be covered by the insulating material 410. Thus, the insulating material 410 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode 404.

[0061] As also shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, and 4I, the insulating material 408 may cover the second three-dimensional electrode 402, including, for example, at least a portion of the planar portion, the extender portion, and / or the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 402. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 402 may not be covered by the insulating material 408. For example, in some embodiments, the portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 402 that faces away from the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode 402 may not be covered by the insulating material 408. Thus, the insulating material 408 may cover the remaining area of ​​the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode 402.

[0062] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate one embodiment of a three-dimensional electrode system 500 according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the three-dimensional electrode system 500 may include a first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and a second three-dimensional electrode module 504.

[0063] It should be understood that one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 may be the same as or similar to the three-dimensional electrode module 200, the three-dimensional electrode module 300, and / or the three-dimensional electrode module 400. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 may be any type of three-dimensional electrode module within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0064] Although the three-dimensional electrode system 500 is shown as having two three-dimensional electrode modules, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Rather, the three-dimensional electrode system 500 may include any number of three-dimensional electrode modules as needed to meet the electrical and mechanical requirements of field applications.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 can be vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 and connected in parallel via an electrical connection between the terminals at the bottom of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the terminals at the top of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504. That is, the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 can be located at their top and bottom to facilitate electrical connection when vertically stacked.

[0066] Specifically, the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 can be electrically connected to the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 via an electrical connection between the portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 that is away from the plane of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and not covered by insulating material, and the portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 that is away from the plane of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 and not covered by insulating material. That is, those terminals forming the electrical connection between the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 may not be covered by insulating material.

[0067] When stacked vertically as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode module 502 and the PTC material can be parallel to the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode module 504 and the PTC material.

[0068] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of the three-dimensional electrode system 600 according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the three-dimensional electrode system 600 may include a first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and a second three-dimensional electrode module 604.

[0069] It should be understood that one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 may be the same as or similar to the three-dimensional electrode module 200, the three-dimensional electrode module 300, and / or the three-dimensional electrode module 400. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 may be any type of three-dimensional electrode module within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0070] Although the three-dimensional electrode system 600 is shown as having two three-dimensional electrode modules, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Rather, the three-dimensional electrode system 600 may include any number of three-dimensional electrode modules as needed to meet the electrical and mechanical requirements of field applications.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 can be horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module 604, and the two modules are electrically connected in parallel via terminals on one side of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and terminals on the other side of the second three-dimensional electrode module 604. In other words, the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 can be located on their sides to facilitate electrical connection when horizontally stacked.

[0072] Specifically, the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 can be electrically connected to the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 via an electrical connection between the portion of the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 that is away from the plane of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and not covered by insulating material, and the portion of the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 that is away from the plane of the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 and not covered by insulating material. That is, those terminals forming the electrical connection between the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 may not be covered by insulating material.

[0073] When horizontally stacked as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and the PTC material can be offset by 180° from the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 and the PTC material.

[0074] Although not specifically shown in Figures 6A and 6B, it should be understood that the third three-dimensional electrode module can also be vertically stacked on top of or below the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and / or the second three-dimensional electrode module 604, and the electrical connection between the third three-dimensional electrode module and the terminals on the bottom or top of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and / or the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 is connected in parallel via terminals on the bottom or top of the third three-dimensional electrode module. That is, the terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module 602 and / or the terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module 604 can be located on their sides and top and / or bottom to facilitate electrical connection during vertical and horizontal stacking.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates a circuit 700 representing a three-dimensional electrode system according to a disclosed embodiment. For example, circuit 700 may represent a three-dimensional electrode system 500 or a three-dimensional electrode system 600. Each resistor R1, R2, R3, Rn in circuit 700 is connected in parallel and may represent the resistance of the PTC material in a three-dimensional electrode module within the three-dimensional electrode system. For example, if the three-dimensional electrode system comprises X three-dimensional electrode modules, and each of those three-dimensional electrode modules comprises one layer of PTC material, then circuit 700 may include X resistors. However, if the three-dimensional electrode system comprises X three-dimensional electrode modules, and each of those three-dimensional electrode modules comprises Y layers of PTC material, then circuit 700 may include X×Y resistors.

[0076] In any embodiment, the resistance of the three-dimensional electrode system can be calculated as follows: .

[0077] Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method 800 for manufacturing a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the three-dimensional electrode module manufactured according to method 800 may include three-dimensional electrode module 200, three-dimensional electrode module 300, three-dimensional electrode module 400, three-dimensional electrode module 502, three-dimensional electrode module 504, three-dimensional electrode module 602, three-dimensional electrode module 602 and / or three-dimensional electrode module 604.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, method 800 may include placing solder on a first three-dimensional electrode, as in 802. For example, the first three-dimensional electrode may include three-dimensional electrode 102, three-dimensional electrode 112, three-dimensional electrode 202, three-dimensional electrode 204, three-dimensional electrode 302, three-dimensional electrode 304, three-dimensional electrode 306, three-dimensional electrode 308, three-dimensional electrode 402 and / or three-dimensional electrode 404, and the solder may be placed on its planar portion.

[0079] Next, method 800 may include loading PTC material onto the first three-dimensional electrode, as in 804. For example, the PTC material may be made of a solid sheet of PTC material, a liquid form of PTC material, and / or a conductive wafer having PTC material, and the PTC material may be loaded onto the first three-dimensional electrode by inserting the PTC material into solder or onto the first three-dimensional electrode.

[0080] Then, method 800 may include, as in 806, placing solder on the PTC material, and as in 808, mounting a second three-dimensional electrode on the solder. For example, the second three-dimensional electrode may include three-dimensional electrode 102, three-dimensional electrode 112, three-dimensional electrode 202, three-dimensional electrode 204, three-dimensional electrode 302, three-dimensional electrode 304, three-dimensional electrode 306, three-dimensional electrode 308, three-dimensional electrode 402, and / or three-dimensional electrode 404, and its planar portion may be placed on the solder.

[0081] When the lower surface of the PTC material is placed on the solder on the first three-dimensional electrode as in 804, the solder can be placed on the upper surface of the PTC material as in 806. However, when the upper surface of the PTC material is placed on the solder on the first three-dimensional electrode as in 804, the solder can be placed on the lower surface of the PTC material as in 806. Similarly, when the solder and PTC material are placed on the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode as in 802 and 804, the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode can be placed on the solder as in 808. However, when the solder and PTC material are placed on the bottom surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode as in 802 and 804, the top surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode can be placed on the solder as in 808.

[0082] Finally, the method may include performing reflow soldering as in 810, and covering at least a portion of the first three-dimensional electrode and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional electrode with an insulating material as in 812. For example, solder placed as in 802 and 806 may undergo reflow soldering as in 810. Furthermore, the insulating material used to cover at least a portion of the first three-dimensional electrode and at least a portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may be any type of molding material or cap assembly, applied as understood and known to those skilled in the art.

[0083] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing a three-dimensional electrode module according to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the three-dimensional electrode module manufactured according to method 900 may include three-dimensional electrode module 200, three-dimensional electrode module 300, three-dimensional electrode module 400, three-dimensional electrode module 502, three-dimensional electrode module 504, three-dimensional electrode module 602, three-dimensional electrode module 602 and / or three-dimensional electrode module 604.

[0084] As shown in FIG9, method 900 may include inserting a first three-dimensional electrode into a first insulating material as in 902, and inserting a second three-dimensional electrode into a second insulating material as in 910. For example, one or both of the first and second three-dimensional electrodes may include three-dimensional electrode 102, three-dimensional electrode 112, three-dimensional electrode 202, three-dimensional electrode 204, three-dimensional electrode 302, three-dimensional electrode 304, three-dimensional electrode 306, three-dimensional electrode 308, three-dimensional electrode 402, and / or three-dimensional electrode 404, and one or both of the first and second insulating materials may be any type of molding material or cover assembly as understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, such as a portion of a terminal, may remain uncovered by the first insulating material after insertion molding as in 902. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the second three-dimensional electrode, such as a portion of a terminal, may remain uncovered by the second insulating material after insertion molding as in 910.

[0085] Next, method 900 may include placing solder on the first three-dimensional electrode as in 904, loading PTC material onto the first three-dimensional electrode as in 906, and placing solder on the PTC material as in 908. For example, the solder may be placed on a planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode as in 904. The PTC material may be made of a solid sheet of PTC material, a liquid form of PTC material, and / or a conductive wafer having PTC material, and the PTC material may be loaded onto the first three-dimensional electrode by inserting the PTC material into or onto the solder on the first three-dimensional electrode. When the lower surface of the PTC material is placed on the solder on the first three-dimensional electrode as in 906, the solder may be placed on the upper surface of the PTC material as in 908. However, when the upper surface of the PTC material is placed on the solder on the first three-dimensional electrode as in 906, the solder may be placed on the lower surface of the PTC material as in 908.

[0086] Finally, method 900 may include loading a component, as inserted in 910, onto solder as in 912, for example, performing reflow soldering on solder as in 914, as in 904 and 908, and joining the first insulating material to the second insulating material as in 916, for example, by soldering or another joining method known to those skilled in the art. When the solder and PTC material are placed on the top surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode as in 904 or 906, the bottom surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may be placed on the solder as in 910. However, when the solder and PTC material are placed on the bottom surface of the planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode as in 904 and 906, the top surface of the planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode may be placed on the solder as in 910.

[0087] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly listed. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the described features.

[0088] While this disclosure references certain embodiments, many modifications, alterations, and variations of the described embodiments are possible without departing from the field and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the described embodiments but has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents.

[0089] 102: First three-dimensional electrode 104: Planar Part 106: Expander Section 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d: terminal 110: PTC material 112: Second three-dimensional electrode 114: Planar Part 116: Expander Section 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d: terminals 200: Three-dimensional electrode module 202: Second three-dimensional electrode 204: First three-dimensional electrode 206: PTC material 208: Insulating materials 210: Insulating materials 300: Three-dimensional electrode module 302: First three-dimensional electrode 304: Second three-dimensional electrode 306: Third three-dimensional electrode 308: Fourth three-dimensional electrode 310, 312, 314: PTC materials 316, 318, 320, 322: Insulating materials 400: Three-dimensional electrode module 402: Second three-dimensional electrode 404: First three-dimensional electrode 406: PTC material 408, 410: Insulating materials 500: Three-dimensional electrode system 502: First three-dimensional electrode module / three-dimensional electrode module 504: Second 3D Electrode Module / 3D Electrode Module 600: Three-dimensional electrode system 602: First three-dimensional electrode module / three-dimensional electrode module 604: Second 3D Electrode Module / 3D Electrode Module 700: Circuit 800, 900: Method R1, R2, R3, Rn: Resistors

Claims

1. A three-dimensional electrode, comprising: The planar portion is used to connect to a material with a positive temperature coefficient on its top or bottom surface; At least one extender portion is electrically and physically connected to the planar portion and is perpendicular to the planar portion; and one or more terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one extender portion, the at least one extender portion causing the one or more terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the planar portion.

2. The three-dimensional electrode as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more terminals are parallel to the planar portion.

3. The three-dimensional electrode as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more terminals are perpendicular to the planar portion.

4. The three-dimensional electrode as described in claim 1, further comprising: An insulating material that covers at least a portion of the planar portion, the at least one extender portion, and one or more terminals.

5. The three-dimensional electrode as described in claim 4, wherein, At least a portion of the one or more terminals is not covered by the insulating material.

6. The three-dimensional electrode as described in claim 5, wherein, The portions of one or more terminals that are away from the planar portion are not covered by the insulating material.

7. A three-dimensional electrode module, comprising: A first three-dimensional electrode, comprising: a first planar portion connected to a positive temperature coefficient material on its top surface; at least one first extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the first planar portion; and one or more first terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one first extender portion, the at least one first extender portion causing the one or more first terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the first planar portion; and a second three-dimensional electrode, comprising: a second planar portion connected to the positive temperature coefficient material on its bottom surface; at least one second extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the second planar portion; and one or more second terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one second extender portion, the at least one second extender portion causing the one or more second terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the second planar portion; and an insulating material covering at least a portion of the first three-dimensional electrode and the second three-dimensional electrode.

8. The three-dimensional electrode module as described in claim 7, wherein, The one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode are parallel to the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and wherein the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode are parallel to the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

9. The three-dimensional electrode module as described in claim 7, wherein, The one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode are perpendicular to the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and wherein the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode are perpendicular to the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

10. The three-dimensional electrode module as described in claim 7, wherein, At least a portion of the one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode is not covered by the insulating material, and wherein at least a portion of the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode is not covered by the insulating material.

11. The three-dimensional electrode module as described in claim 10, wherein, The portions of the one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode that are away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode are not covered by the insulating material, and the portions of the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode that are away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode are not covered by the insulating material.

12. The three-dimensional electrode module as described in claim 7, wherein, The lower surface of the positive temperature coefficient material is electrically connected to the top surface of the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient material is electrically connected to the bottom surface of the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

13. A three-dimensional electrode system, comprising: First three-dimensional electrode module; The first and second three-dimensional electrode modules are electrically connected to the first three-dimensional electrode module. Each of the first and second three-dimensional electrode modules includes: a first three-dimensional electrode comprising: a first planar portion connected to a positive temperature coefficient material on its top surface; at least one first extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the first planar portion; and one or more first terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one first extender portion, the at least one first extender portion causing the one or more first terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the first planar portion; a second three-dimensional electrode comprising: a second planar portion connected to the positive temperature coefficient material on its bottom surface; at least one second extender portion electrically and physically connected to and perpendicular to the second planar portion; and one or more second terminals electrically and physically connected to the at least one second extender portion, the at least one second extender portion causing the one or more second terminals to be offset vertically or horizontally from the second planar portion; and an insulating material covering at least a portion of the first and second three-dimensional electrodes.

14. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode are parallel to the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and wherein the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode are parallel to the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

15. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode are perpendicular to the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode, and wherein the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode are perpendicular to the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode.

16. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, At least a portion of the one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode is not covered by the insulating material, and wherein at least a portion of the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode is not covered by the insulating material.

17. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The portions of the one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode that are away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode are not covered by the insulating material, and the portions of the one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode that are away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode are not covered by the insulating material.

18. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The first three-dimensional electrode module is vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module, or horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module, wherein the first three-dimensional electrode module is electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module via an electrical connection between a portion of one or more first terminals of the first three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the first planar portion of the first three-dimensional electrode module and not covered by the insulating material and a portion of one or more second terminals of the second three-dimensional electrode module facing away from the second planar portion of the second three-dimensional electrode module and not covered by the insulating material.

19. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first three-dimensional electrode module is vertically stacked on top of the second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the positive temperature coefficient material of the first three-dimensional electrode module are parallel to the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the positive temperature coefficient material of the second three-dimensional electrode module, and wherein the first three-dimensional electrode module is electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module.

20. The three-dimensional electrode system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first three-dimensional electrode module is horizontally stacked next to the second three-dimensional electrode module, such that the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the positive temperature coefficient material of the first three-dimensional electrode module are offset by 180° from the first planar portion, the second planar portion, and the positive temperature coefficient material of the second three-dimensional electrode module, and wherein the first three-dimensional electrode module is electrically connected in parallel to the second three-dimensional electrode module.

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