Interdigitated Capacitor Varying Digit Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interdigitated capacitors face challenges in maximizing capacitance density due to current loss issues, which are mitigated by shortening digit lengths, resulting in inefficient use of capacitor area and the need for additional electrodes outside the interdigitated structure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates conductive digits of varying widths, with wider digits closer to the ends and narrower ones closer to the center, allowing for increased capacitance density while minimizing current loss and electrode space consumption, and the widths can be determined based on magnetic H field distribution or current carried.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the length of the digits is increased to maximize capacitance density, then the capacitance density is improved, but the current loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the width of digits along their length. Digits are wider at regions where they carry more current (near the bars) and narrower where they carry less current (at the ends). This non-uniform width distribution optimizes the balance between capacitance density and current loss by concentrating conductive material where it is most needed for current carrying while maintaining long digit lengths for high capacitance density.
2Loss of energy
If the length of the digits is shortened to minimize current loss, then the current loss is reduced, but the capacitance density is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the digits by implementing non-uniform width variation along the digit length. This parameter change allows the digits to be made longer than conventional designs while compensating for current loss through strategic width distribution, thereby achieving high capacitance density without excessive current loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform width digits are used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the capacitance density and current loss optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through non-uniform digit widths that are optimized for electrical performance. The varying width profile is designed to match the current distribution, with wider sections at high-current regions and narrower sections at low-current regions, achieving superior capacitance density and current loss characteristics compared to uniform width designs.
4Device complexity
If digits of equal width are used, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the capacitor area is not utilized efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using digits with non-uniform widths that vary along their length. This asymmetric geometry allows more efficient packing and utilization of the capacitor area, with wider digits at the ends and narrower digits toward the center, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining the interdigitated structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An interdigitated capacitor having digits of varying width is disclosed. One embodiment of a capacitor (100) includes a first plurality of conductive digits (110) and a second plurality of conductive digits (110) positioned in an interlocking manner with the first plurality of conductive digits (110), such that an interdigitated structure is formed. The first plurality of conductive digits (110) and the second plurality of conductive digits (110) collectively form a set of digits, where the width of a first digit in the set of digits (110) is non-uniform with respect to a second digit in the set of digits.