Alternating Capacitor Modules Extend Lifetime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrolytic capacitors in electronic circuits have a relatively short operation lifetime due to evaporation of the internal electrolyte, leading to increased equivalent series resistance (ESR) and reduced functionality, which negatively impacts the overall performance and longevity of electronic circuits.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where two or more capacitor modules of the same configuration take turns operating in the electronic circuit, with a microcontroller controlling the switching to ensure each module operates for equal periods, thereby extending the overall operation lifetime of the capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a single electrolytic capacitor is used in the electronic circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the operation lifetime is short due to electrolyte evaporation and increasing ESR

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation lifetime of capacitorVSAvoidcapacitor control circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor system is segmented into multiple capacitor modules (at least two), each operating alternately. This segmentation allows the total operation time to be distributed across multiple units, effectively extending the overall system lifetime while managing the degradation of individual capacitors through periodic replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit implements periodic switching between capacitor modules, alternating their operation in a cyclic manner. This periodic action ensures that no single capacitor operates continuously, reducing the rate of electrolyte evaporation and ESR increase for each individual module, thereby extending their service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple capacitor modules are used to extend operation lifetime, then the lifetime is extended, but the circuit complexity and control requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation lifetime of capacitorVSAvoidcapacitor control circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit automatically manages the alternating operation of capacitor modules without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring operational status and switching between modules based on predetermined criteria, reducing the need for complex manual control while extending capacitor lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of capacitor modules by alternating their active and inactive states. This parameter change (switching between operational modes) allows the same physical capacitors to operate under different conditions over time, extending their effective lifetime while managing circuit complexity through controlled parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If capacitor modules operate continuously without alternation, then the circuit operation is continuous, but the ESR increases rapidly leading to functionality loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of capacitorVSAvoidoperation lifetime of capacitor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares backup capacitor modules in advance, so when one module reaches its operational limit or shows signs of degradation, another pre-ready module can immediately take over. This preliminary preparation ensures continuous reliable operation while preventing ESR-related functionality loss in individual capacitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9282601B2Method for improving operation lifetime of capacitor, capacitor control circuit structure and use thereof

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 LAU

AI summary

The invention provides a method for improving operation lifetime of a capacitor module in an electronic circuit employing the capacitor module, comprising the steps of providing two or more capacitor modules of same configuration; and controlling alternately a respective one of the capacitor modules to operate in the electronic circuit for a first predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a capacitor control circuit structure for use in a location of an electronic circuit previously occupied by an original capacitor module, and the capacitor control circuit structure exhibits the extended operation lifetime with respect to the original capacitor module. The invention also relates to the use of the capacitor control circuit structure in the electronic applications.