Compartmented Capacitor Casing for Implantable Device Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern implantable medical devices, such as cardiac defibrillators, require compact and powerful power sources with high energy density and volumetric efficiency, posing a challenge in designing capacitors that can deliver the necessary electrical current for therapy applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel capacitor casing design featuring a surrounding sidewall with inwardly extending ledges supporting partition plates to create multiple compartments for anode and cathode active materials, with insulative seals for electrical connection and a working electrolyte, allowing for adaptable form factors suitable for powering implantable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single large anode is used to provide sufficient energy storage, then the energy capacity is improved, but the volume and weight of the capacitor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is divided into multiple compartments, each housing a separate anode (first anode, second anode, etc.). This segmentation allows the total energy storage capacity to be distributed across multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single large anode, thereby reducing the overall volume while maintaining the required energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-volume energy storage approach to a multi-compartment spatial arrangement. By organizing multiple anodes in separate compartments within the same casing, the design utilizes dimensional organization to achieve high energy density without proportionally increasing the external dimensions of the capacitor.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple anodes are housed in separate capacitors, then the energy density is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple capacitor compartments housing separate anodes are merged into a single integrated casing. The common casing, shared electrolyte reservoir, and unified separator structure combine multiple energy storage units into one device, maintaining high energy density while reducing structural complexity compared to using separate capacitor housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The common casing serves multiple functions: it houses multiple anodes, provides structural support, contains the electrolyte, and facilitates thermal management for all compartments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high energy density.
3Weight of moving object
If the capacitor is made smaller for implantable devices, then the weight and size are reduced, but the power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each capacitor compartment is optimized with specific local characteristics including appropriate anode material composition, separator configuration, and electrolyte volume. This localized optimization ensures that each small compartment contributes maximally to power delivery, allowing the overall compact capacitor to maintain high power capability despite reduced total size and weight.
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 achieves efficient energy storage and delivery, enabling the creation of smaller, lightweight capacitors capable of providing the required electrical current for medical devices, enhancing their functionality and structural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a working electrolyte provided in the first and second capacitor compartments in contact with the first and second anodes and the cathode active material
Implementation Method 2
respective first and second insulative seals supported by the sidewall on opposite sides of the partition plate. The insulative seals electrically insulate a respective first lead for the first anode housed in the first capacitor compartment and a second lead for the second anode housed in the second capacitor compartment from the casing serving as a terminal for the cathode active material
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor is described. A casing for the capacitor has a surrounding sidewall extending to opposed first and second open ends. An inwardly extending ledge of the sidewall is intermediate the first and second open ends. A partition plate is supported on the ledge. A first lid is secured to the first annular edge to close the first capacitor compartment bounded by the partition plate, the surrounding sidewall and the first lid, and a second lid is secured to the second annular edge to close the second capacitor compartment bounded by the opposite side of the partition plate, the surrounding sidewall and the second lid. At least one anode resides in each of the first and second capacitor compartments spaced from cathode active material supported on the casing walls facing the anodes. There is also a separator intermediate the anode and cathode. Insulative seals supported by the casing electrically isolate anode leads connected to the respective anodes from the casing serving as a terminal for the cathode. Finally, a working electrolyte is provided in the first and second capacitor compartments in contact with the anodes and cathode active material.