Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Self-Repairing Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors with nickel internal electrode layers can experience overheating and loss of insulation when a short-circuit occurs due to high voltage or mechanical stress, leading to potential damage and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer ceramic electronic component design featuring internal electrode layers made of copper and/or silver, with an exterior void ratio greater than the capacitance void ratio, allowing for self-repairing insulation properties by passing an electric current after a short-circuit, and additional voids in leading and side regions to prevent heat transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal electrode layers are made of nickel, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but insulation properties are lost after short-circuit due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of internal electrode layers from nickel to copper and/or silver, which have different electrical and thermal properties. This material substitution enables the self-repairing effect where the electrode material melts and redistributes to restore insulation properties after short-circuit, while the controlled void ratio manages heat transmission to prevent overheating.
2Temperature
If exterior void ratio is increased to prevent heat transmission, then thermal insulation is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different void ratios to different regions of the capacitor: the exterior region has a higher void ratio for thermal insulation, while the capacitance region maintains lower void ratio for electrical performance. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of thermal management and manufacturing precision in respective regions.
3Reliability
If copper and/or silver are used in internal electrode layers, then self-repairing insulation properties are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sintering temperature parameter to be lower than the melting point of copper and/or silver, which enables the unique self-repairing mechanism where electrode material can melt and redistribute during short-circuit events. This temperature parameter control is the key to achieving self-repairing 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 design effectively restores insulation properties and prevents overheating in multilayer ceramic capacitors after a short-circuit, ensuring continued functionality and safety by utilizing copper and/or silver internal electrode layers and strategically placed voids to manage heat and electrical flow.
Implementation Method 1
when an electric current passes through a capacitor (particularly, a multilayer ceramic capacitor having internal electrode layers made mainly of nickel) after a short-circuit is generated, the capacitor may be feverish and thereby heat a mounting substrate
Implementation Method 2
the heat in the capacity region is not easily transmitted to the outside, and self-repairing is thereby easy to occur
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes an element body. The element body includes a capacitance region and an exterior region. The capacitance region is formed by alternately laminating inner dielectric layers and internal electrode layers having different polarities. The exterior region is laminated outside the capacitance region in a laminating direction and formed by outer dielectric layers. The internal electrode layers contain a main component of copper and/or silver. An exterior void ratio is larger than a capacitance void ratio, in which the exterior void ratio is an area ratio of voids contained in the exterior region, and the capacitance void ratio is an area ratio of voids contained in the capacitance region.