MLCC Connection Structure for Uniform External Electrode Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multilayer ceramic capacitors face challenges in achieving a high effective volume ratio due to non-uniform external electrode thickness, which affects capacitance per unit volume and moistureproof reliability, and are prone to plating defects and chipping due to angled corners.
Innovation Solution
The capacitor component features a body with alternately stacked internal electrodes and dielectric layers, rounded corners, and connection portions with metal and ceramic layers, which allows for uniform external electrode formation and improved sealing characteristics, enhancing capacitance per unit volume and moistureproof reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the dipping method is used to form external electrodes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the external electrode thickness becomes non-uniform and excessively thin at corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the corners of the capacitor body. This rounded corner design allows the dipping method to form uniform external electrodes at corner regions, preventing the electrodes from becoming excessively thin while maintaining the simplicity of the dipping manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the local geometry of the body by rounding corners specifically, while maintaining other structural features. This localized geometric modification addresses the thickness uniformity problem at corners without changing the overall manufacturing process or other parts of the structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If external electrode thickness is increased to prevent thinning at corners, then electrode coverage is improved, but effective volume ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By rounding the corners of the body, the patent enables uniform external electrode formation at corner regions without increasing overall electrode thickness. This geometric modification allows the dipping process to deposit consistent thickness electrodes everywhere, maximizing the effective volume ratio while maintaining uniform coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If corners of the body are angled, then manufacturing is straightforward, but chipping and plating defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp angled corners with rounded corners. This curvature eliminates stress concentration points that cause chipping during handling and manufacturing, while also preventing plating defects. The rounded geometry maintains ease of manufacture through standard forming processes while significantly improving structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor component includes a body having a stacked portion in which first internal electrodes and second internal electrodes are alternately stacked with each other and with dielectric layers therebetween in a first direction, and having first and second connection portions disposed on opposite surfaces of the stacked portion, respectively, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. First and second external electrodes are disposed on the first and second connection portions, respectively. The first and second connection portions each include a metal layer disposed on the stacked portion and a ceramic layer disposed on the metal layer. Corners of the body have a rounded shape in a cross-section of the body extending in the first and second directions.