Capacitor Electrode Element Structure for Tight Capacity Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage units for implantable electrotherapeutic devices face significant fluctuations in storage capacity due to variations in raw material quality and production processes, leading to increased production costs and assembly inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The electrode element features recesses, partial volumes of lower density, and cover materials to adjust the mass and surface area of the active electrode material, allowing precise control over storage capacity and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for complex testing and tool modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the filling mass of electrode bodies with active electrode material is varied to ensure required tolerance in storage capacity, then the storage capacity tolerance is improved, but the production costs are significantly higher due to experimental selection using test assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity toleranceVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the filling mass of active electrode material in electrode bodies to precisely control storage capacity within specified tolerances. By systematically varying the filling mass rather than using experimental test assemblies, the invention achieves required manufacturing precision while eliminating costly trial-and-error production methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the shape and tools are adjusted to attain a prespecified density with a modified filling mass, then the density requirement is met, but the production and modification of tools is very expensive and requires modifications going all the way back to the design process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedensity specificationVSAvoidtool modification costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-setting the optimal filling mass values for electrode bodies during the design phase. This eliminates the need for expensive tool modifications and redesigns later in production, as the filling mass can be adjusted through simple material loading variations rather than requiring changes to tooling or equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4606421A2Electrode element for a capacitor, capacitor and method for producing the electrode element
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG
  • EP4606421A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606421A2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4606421A2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrode element (1) for an energy storage unit (200), having an electrode body (100) made of an active electrode material (E), wherein the electrode body (100) comprises: - at least one recess (110) on its surface or in its interior, - at least one partial volume (120) of lower density, or, - a cover material (D) that covers a surface area of the electrode body (100), at least section-wise, so that the surface area covered by the cover material (D) remains unwetted when in contact with an electrolyte. The invention furthermore relates to a production method for the electrode element and to an energy storage unit (200) and an implantable electrotherapeutic device.