Capacitor Anode Case Integration for Short Circuit Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrolytic capacitor designs face challenges in efficiently connecting the anode to the case while isolating the cathode, leading to potential short circuits and limitations in capacitor design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The design features an anode with slots or wells within the capacitor case, where the anode is electrically and mechanically connected to the case, and the cathode is electrically isolated, using a separator to prevent short circuits, allowing for a more compact and efficient capacitor structure with increased capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cathode is electrically connected to the case and the anode is isolated, then the electrical connection structure is simplified, but the risk of short circuits increases and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection structureVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional electrical connection arrangement by making the anode electrically connected to the case and the cathode isolated, rather than the traditional configuration. This inversion resolves the contradiction by simplifying the connection structure while maintaining reliability through the reversed arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a separator as an intermediary element between the anode and cathode. This separator enables the anode to be connected to the case while preventing direct contact between electrodes, thus simplifying the connection structure without increasing short circuit risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional capacitor designs are used, then manufacturing processes are well-established, but the capacitor weight and size are larger with reduced capacitance storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidcapacitor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the capacitor structure by dividing it into distinct functional zones with the anode connected to the case and cathode isolated in specific regions. This segmentation enables more efficient space utilization and reduced material usage, achieving lighter weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the anode is isolated from the case, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and capacitance storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the structural case by directly connecting the anode to the case. This merging simplifies the assembly process by eliminating separate connection components while maintaining reliable electrical isolation through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7773367B1Capacitor

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 TANTALUM PELLET CO LLC

AI summary

A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically coupled to the case and defines wells or slots receiving a plurality of cathode plates. A header is placed on the case. The header also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and cathode lead coming from the cathode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the header to secure the header to the case. A bent cathode configuration enables a plurality of cathode plates electrically coupled together from a common cathode plate.