Ceramic Electronic Device Asymmetric Cover Layer Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic electronic devices experience acoustic noise due to electrostriction when alternating current voltage is applied, making it difficult to discriminate the orientation and correct positioning during mounting, especially when discriminable layers on the surface of the lower cover layer have individual color differences.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic electronic device with a multilayer structure featuring alternating dielectric and internal electrode layers, where the side faces have distinct height regions with different colors, allowing for easy discrimination and reduced acoustic noise by positioning the low capacity section closer to the mounting substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a discriminable layer with a different color is provided on the surface of the lower cover layer, then the orientation of the ceramic electronic device can be discriminated, but individual differences in color may make it difficult to determine the correct orientation during extraction or mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing a discriminable layer with a different color on the surface of the lower cover layer. Specifically, the lower cover layer is configured to have a different color from the upper cover layer, enabling visual discrimination of the device orientation. This color differentiation allows operators to easily identify which side should face the mounting substrate, resolving the contradiction by making orientation determination reliable despite individual color variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by creating an asymmetric appearance between the upper and lower cover layers through color differentiation. The lower cover layer has a distinct color compared to the upper cover layer, creating an asymmetric visual characteristic that indicates the correct orientation. This asymmetric design ensures that even with individual color differences, the orientation can be reliably determined because the asymmetry is inherent in the structure rather than dependent on specific color values.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lower cover layer is made thicker to suppress acoustic noise, then acoustic noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the lower cover layer locally thicker compared to the upper cover layer. This localized structural modification is made only where needed (at the lower cover layer) to suppress acoustic noise generated during operation, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device structure. The asymmetric thickness distribution addresses the acoustic noise issue without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire device.
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 distinct color coding on the side faces enables accurate orientation and mounting of the ceramic electronic device, effectively suppressing acoustic noise and preventing false positioning.
Implementation Method 1
When an alternating current voltage is applied to a ceramic electronic device such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor mounted on a mounting substrate, expand and contraction occurs because of electrostriction. Thus, oscillation caused by the expand and contraction is conducted to the mounting substrate. In this case, acoustic noise phenomenon occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceramic electronic device includes: a multilayer chip having a multilayer structure and a cover layer, the multilayer structure having a structure in which each of dielectric layers and each of internal electrode layers are alternately stacked, respective one ends of the plurality of internal electrode layers being alternately exposed to a first end face and a second end face of the multilayer structure, the cover layer being provided on each of an upper face and a lower face of the multilayer structure in a stacking direction of the multilayer structure, a main component of the cover layer being ceramic, wherein in each of two side faces of the multiplayer structure, a color of a first region is different from a color of a second region that is positioned at a height different from the first region in the stacking direction.