Capacitor Housing Venting for Sintered Anode Lifetime

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a high demand for volume-efficient capacitors with improved capacitance and lifetime, as high volume efficiency often results in reduced lifetime due to gas formation and mechanical stress on sintered anodes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a gas dissipation element in the capacitor housing to reduce internal pressure and prevent damage, combined with a sintered anode and specific electrolyte composition to suppress gas evolution and enhance mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the volume efficiency of the capacitor is increased, then the capacitance per unit volume is improved, but the lifetime is reduced due to gas formation and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume efficiencyVSAvoidlifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful gas formation during capacitor operation into a beneficial outcome by providing a controlled release mechanism. The gas dissipation element allows gradual gas escape without compromising the sealed structure, transforming the harmful pressure buildup into a manageable process that extends capacitor lifetime while maintaining high volume efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas dissipation element acts as an intermediary component between the sealed capacitor housing and the external environment. It mediates the gas pressure issue by providing a controlled pathway for gas release, allowing the capacitor to maintain both high volume efficiency and extended lifetime without direct compromise to the sealed structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a sintered anode is used to increase volume efficiency, then the capacitance density is improved, but the mechanical stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitance densityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing mechanical support structures and controlled gas release pathways before gas pressure can cause damage. The gas dissipation element prevents pressure buildup that would otherwise compromise the fragile sintered anode structure, allowing high capacitance density to be maintained without mechanical failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by controlling gas pressure through the dissipation element. This parameter control prevents excessive pressure from damaging the sintered anode, allowing the capacitor to operate at high volume efficiency while maintaining mechanical stability through regulated pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the capacitor housing is sealed to protect the capacitive element, then the protection is improved, but the gas pressure buildup causes damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidgas pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the gas management function from the sealed housing structure by incorporating a gas dissipation element. This allows the housing to remain sealed for protection while simultaneously providing a controlled extraction pathway for gas release, resolving the contradiction between sealing and pressure management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas dissipation element provides multi-functionality by simultaneously maintaining the sealed protection of the capacitor housing and managing gas pressure release. This single component fulfills both protective and pressure-regulation functions, eliminating the need to compromise either sealing or gas management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances volume efficiency and extends the capacitor's lifetime by effectively managing gas pressure and reducing mechanical stress, particularly in capacitors with sintered anodes.

Implementation Method 1

The gas dissipation element is configured for reducing a gas pressure inside the capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The gas dissipation element is chemisorbed onto a contact surface of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemisorption: Chemisorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250385051A1Capacitor and method of forming a capacitor

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 TDK ELECTRONICS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a capacitor comprising a capacitive element arranged in a housing, wherein in or on the housing a gas dissipation element is arranged and/or wherein the capacitor has an electrolyte that comprises an organic acid having a pKa of 4.1 or higher and/or wherein the capacitor has an OMS of 20% or higher.