Annular Capacitor Retainer Assembly for Vibration and Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitors installed in vehicles or off-road equipment are susceptible to damage from mechanical stress, vibration, and thermal stress, leading to potential electrical failures and shorts due to deteriorating dielectric packaging.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor assembly design featuring dual annular retainers with compressible tabs and protrusions that securely mount capacitors without fasteners, providing mechanical and thermal stress resistance through elastic deformation and dielectric barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mounting methods are used to secure capacitors, then mechanical strength is improved, but vibration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible retainer ring with circumferential slots that allows the mounting structure to deform elastically under vibration, preventing rigid stress concentration on solder joints while maintaining secure mechanical attachment of the capacitor
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring's mechanical properties are optimized through material selection and geometric design (circumferential slots) to achieve appropriate flexibility and elastic deformation characteristics that accommodate vibration without compromising mounting strength
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting structures are used, then mechanical stability is improved, but thermal stress resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retainer ring accommodates thermal expansion and contraction of the capacitor and PCB by allowing elastic deformation, preventing rigid constraint that would lead to solder joint failure under thermal cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed to accommodate dimensional changes in the capacitor due to thermal expansion through the compliant retainer ring, which absorbs expansion stresses without compromising mechanical stability
3Ease of operation
If the capacitor body is used as a mounting lever, then ease of installation is improved, but mechanical stress on connection points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the capacitor body itself by introducing a separate retainer ring that provides dedicated mechanical attachment, eliminating the cantilever effect that would otherwise stress the electrical connection points
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
The design effectively secures capacitors, reduces vibration, and maintains electrical isolation, even under thermal extremes, eliminating the need for screws and enhancing reliability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first annular retainer has a plurality of tabs that extend radially outward from an outer diameter surface of the first annular retainer. Each of the tabs has a sloped surface or a peaked surface for compression of the first annular retainer against the capacitor.
Implementation Method 2
The second annular retainer has a plurality of protrusions that extend upward from the second annular retainer. Each of the protrusions has a slit for receiving a wedge, such that if the protrusions engage the wedge the second annular retainer is compressed against the capacitor.
Implementation Method 3
after experiencing many cycles of material thermal fluctuation (e.g., from ambient temperature to approximately 85 degrees Celsius) over time, the outer dielectric packaging (e.g., polyvinylchloride sheathing or shrink-wrap) of a capacitor may deteriorate or expose the interior electrical portion of the capacitor, which can lead to shorts with adjacent electrical components
Data Source
AI summary
A lower enclosure has a first recess. A first annular retainer is adapted for engaging a lower portion of a capacitor and the first recess. The first annular retainer has a plurality of tabs that extend radially outward from an outer diameter surface of the first annular retainer. Each of the tabs has a sloped surface or a peaked surface for compression of the first annular retainer against the capacitor. An upper enclosure has a plurality of second recesses. A second annular retainer is adapted for engaging an upper portion of the capacitor and the second recesses. The second annular retainer has a plurality of protrusions that extend upward from the second annular retainer. Each of the protrusions has a slit for receiving a wedge, such that if the protrusions engage the wedge the second annular retainer is compressed against the capacitor.