Electrolytic Capacitor Cathode Oxide Coating for Polymer Adhesion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrolytic capacitors face challenges in reducing Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and increasing capacitance due to inadequate formation of a uniform conductive polymer film between the cathode and anode foils.

Innovation Solution

The formation of an oxide coating film on the end surface of the cathode foil before attaching the conductive polymer to the wound body, along with a dielectric layer on the anode foil, enhances the impregnation and attachment of the conductive polymer, thereby reducing ESR and increasing capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If anodization is performed on the cathode foil, then the uniformity of conductive polymer film formation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of conductive polymer filmVSAvoidanodization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide coating film is formed on the cathode foil end surface through anodization before the conductive polymer attachment process. This preliminary treatment prepares the surface in advance to ensure uniform conductive polymer film formation, resolving the technical contradiction by performing the complex anodization step beforehand rather than during the main assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If conductive polymer is attached to cover the dielectric layer, then capacitance increases, but ESR reduction is limited without oxide coating on cathode

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacitanceVSAvoidESR
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide coating film is selectively formed on the end surface of the cathode foil where the conductive polymer will be attached. This localized treatment creates optimal surface properties specifically at the attachment region, enabling both high capacitance through complete polymer coverage and low ESR through improved interfacial contact between the polymer and cathode foil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure consisting of the cathode foil, oxide coating film, and conductive polymer layer. This multi-layer composite achieves superior electrical properties by combining the conductive polymer's high capacitance capability with the oxide coating's surface preparation benefits, resulting in both increased capacitance and reduced ESR.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If oxide coating film is formed on cathode foil end surface, then conductive polymer attachment is enhanced, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive polymer attachment qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide coating film formation is performed as a preliminary step before conductive polymer attachment. By preparing the cathode foil surface in advance with the oxide coating, the subsequent polymer attachment process proceeds more efficiently with better coverage and adhesion, ultimately reducing the total manufacturing time despite the additional initial step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach significantly reduces ESR and enhances capacitance, improving the overall performance and productivity of the electrolytic capacitor.

Implementation Method 1

the dielectric layer is formed on a surface of the anode foil by anodization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnodization: Anodising

Implementation Method 2

The cathode foil includes a first oxide coating film on an end surface of the cathode foil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS10734163B2Electrolytic capacitor and manufacturing method therefor
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US10734163B2 patent drawing
  • US10734163B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrolytic capacitor includes a cathode foil, an anode foil, a conductive polymer, and a liquid component. The anode foil has a dielectric layer on a main surface of the anode foil. The conductive polymer covers at least part of the dielectric layer. The conductive polymer is disposed between the cathode foil and the anode foil. The liquid component is in contact with the conductive polymer. The cathode foil includes a first oxide coating film on an end surface of the cathode foil.