Carbon-Layer Capacitor Separator Density for Short-Circuit Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitors face issues with short circuits between positive and negative electrode foils due to carbon separation from the negative electrode foil, which adversely affects the insulating function of the separator.

Innovation Solution

A capacitor design incorporating a negative electrode foil with a carbon layer, using a separator with a density of 4.0×10−3×WPA or more, where WPA is the carbon amount per square centimeter, and preferably using a kraft separator to maintain insulation and prevent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a carbon layer is formed on the negative electrode foil to increase electrostatic capacitance, then the electrostatic capacitance is improved, but carbon separation occurs which deteriorates the insulating function of the separator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic capacitanceVSAvoidinsulating function of separator
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a minimum density threshold for the separator (ρ ≥ 4.0×10^-3×WPA g/cm³) to prevent carbon penetration. By adjusting the separator's density parameter based on the carbon amount on the negative electrode, the insulating function is maintained even when carbon is present, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high capacitance and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the negative electrode foil with carbon layer and the separator with specific density characteristics. This composite structure allows the carbon to provide electrostatic capacitance while the dense separator material prevents carbon separation, thereby maintaining both high capacitance and reliable insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the separator density is increased to prevent carbon penetration, then the insulating function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating function of separatorVSAvoidseparator specification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the complexity by establishing a clear quantitative relationship for separator density (ρ ≥ 4.0×10^-3×WPA g/cm³) based on carbon amount. This straightforward parameter specification makes it easier to control manufacturing processes and quality inspection, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a kraft separator is used to enhance short-circuit suppression, then the insulating function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort-circuit suppressing effectVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides flexibility in manufacturing by specifying a minimum density threshold rather than mandating kraft paper specifically. This allows manufacturers to choose from various materials (kraft paper, synthetic papers, films) that meet the density requirement, enabling cost optimization while maintaining effective short-circuit suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12437934B2Capacitor with negative electrode foil including carbon layer
Publication Date: 2025.10.07 NIPPON CHEMI CON CORP
  • US12437934B2 patent drawing
  • US12437934B2 patent drawing
  • US12437934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A capacitor includes a positive electrode foil, a negative electrode foil, and a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrode foils. The negative electrode foil includes a carbon layer, and the separator is in contact with the carbon layer. The separator has a density [symbol: ρ, unit: g/cm3] satisfying the formula:ρ≥4.0×1⁢0-3×WPA,where WPA is the amount of carbon per square centimeter of the separator [unit: μg/cm2].