Capacitor Buffer Member for Acoustic Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer ceramic capacitors generate acoustic noise due to piezoelectric vibrations, which can be distracting and interfere with the operation of electronic devices, especially in quiet environments and those with voice circuits.

Innovation Solution

A capacitor component with a buffer member having insulating properties and conductive fibers that penetrate through it, reducing acoustic noise by blocking or alleviating these vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multilayer ceramic capacitor is used to achieve compact size and high capacitance, then the capacitor can be easily mounted and provide high performance, but acoustic noise is generated due to piezoelectric vibrations in the dielectric layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor performanceVSAvoidacoustic noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the capacitor and the printed circuit board. This buffer member absorbs and dampens the piezoelectric vibrations generated by the capacitor, preventing them from being transmitted to the board and causing acoustic noise. The buffer member acts as a mediator that isolates the vibration source from the reflective surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member is constructed using composite materials that combine insulating properties with vibration-damping characteristics. This composite structure allows the buffer member to effectively absorb mechanical vibrations while maintaining electrical insulation, thereby resolving the acoustic noise issue without compromising capacitor performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If the dielectric layers with piezoelectric properties are used to achieve high capacitance, then the capacitor can be compact and high-performance, but periodic vibrations occur causing acoustic noise in the audible frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor sizeVSAvoidvibration noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member is positioned in advance between the capacitor and the printed circuit board to provide cushioning against upcoming vibrations. This pre-positioned damping structure is designed to absorb the periodic vibrations that will be generated during capacitor operation, preventing them from reaching the board and being converted into audible acoustic noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member employs flexible, vibration-absorbing materials that can deform and dissipate mechanical energy. This flexible structure effectively dampens the high-frequency vibrations generated by the piezoelectric dielectric layers, converting them into heat energy and preventing acoustic noise generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If attempts are made to reduce noise of equipment components, then user comfort may be improved, but acoustic noise from multilayer ceramic capacitors becomes more noticeable and may be mistaken for abnormal sounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall equipment noiseVSAvoidcapacitor acoustic noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member serves as a dedicated intermediary that specifically targets and dampens vibrations from the capacitor. By isolating the capacitor's vibration source from the printed circuit board, it prevents the generation of acoustic noise that could be mistaken for abnormal equipment sounds, thereby maintaining user comfort without compromising noise reduction efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly decreases acoustic noise, improving the operational quality of electronic devices by minimizing vibrations and enhancing the adhesive strength between the capacitor and the board.

Implementation Method 1

A capacitor component with a buffer member having insulating properties and at least one conductive fiber portion penetrating through it, reducing acoustic noise by blocking or alleviating these vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10468193B2Capacitor component and board having the same
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US10468193B2 patent drawing
  • US10468193B2 patent drawing
  • US10468193B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A capacitor component includes a capacitor body including dielectric layers and first and second internal electrodes alternately stacked; and a connection terminal coupled to the capacitor body and including a buffer member having insulating properties and at least one conductive fiber portion penetrating through the buffer member.