MLCC Outer-Surface Depressions for Moisture Blocking and Crack Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer ceramic capacitors face challenges in maintaining reliability and stability under harsh environments, such as high voltage and temperature, while minimizing size and preventing defects like cracks and delamination, and ensuring effective moisture and foreign matter blocking.

Innovation Solution

The capacitors feature a structure with alternating internal electrodes and external electrodes, covered by layers with depressions that disperse shear stress, absorb internal step differences, and prevent moisture penetration, allowing for stable manufacturing and improved design freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of multilayer ceramic capacitors is minimized, then the capacitance density is improved, but the reliability and strength are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesizeVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor structure is divided into multiple functional layers including cover layers, capacitance layers, and electrode structures. The cover layers are segmented into first and second cover layers with different thicknesses and properties, allowing each segment to address specific reliability concerns while maintaining overall miniaturization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the capacitor are given different properties: the first cover layer has greater thickness for mechanical strength, the second cover layer has specific properties for moisture blocking, and electrode protrusions are strategically positioned to reinforce critical areas. This local differentiation allows enhanced reliability in specific zones without increasing overall device size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the size of multilayer ceramic capacitors is minimized, then the capacitance density is improved, but the resistance to external shock and harsh environments is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesizeVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first cover layer with greater thickness acts as a pre-established protective cushion against external shocks and mechanical stress. The electrode protrusions extending beyond the capacitance region serve as beforehand-reinforced structural elements that absorb and distribute mechanical stress before it can reach critical internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor employs composite construction with multiple material layers having different mechanical properties. The cover layers and capacitance layers are made of ceramic materials with tailored compositions, and electrode structures provide metallic reinforcement. This composite approach enables enhanced strength and shock resistance in a miniaturized form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the manufacturing process is simplified, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and control over internal shrinkage are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies parameter ranges rather than exact values: the first cover layer thickness is 5-20 μm, the second cover layer thickness is 3-10 μm, and the electrode protrusion dimensions fall within specific ranges. These parameter specifications provide manufacturing flexibility and tolerance while ensuring functional performance, allowing simplified processes to produce acceptable results without requiring ultra-precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the structure is made more complex to block moisture and foreign matter, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second cover layer with thickness of 3-10 μm functions as a thin film barrier against moisture and foreign matter penetration. The electrode protrusions create a stepped configuration that physically blocks moisture pathways along the capacitor surfaces. These thin-film and geometric solutions provide effective environmental protection without adding bulky protective housings or complex sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12580129B2Multilayer ceramic capacitor including a depression on an outer surface of the body in which an external electrode is disposed

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a body including a capacitance region in which a first internal electrode and a second internal electrode are alternately stacked in a first direction with a dielectric layer interposed therebetween and first and second external electrodes spaced apart from each other with the capacitance region interposed therebetween and connected to the first and second internal electrodes, respectively. The body further includes cover layers disposed on the capacitance region in the first direction, a plurality of depressions are disposed in an outer surface of the body in the first direction, the depressions are spaced apart from outer end surfaces of the body in the second direction, and a bending length of each external electrode in the second direction is greater than a longest distance from each of the outer end surfaces of the body in the second direction to a closer one of the depressions.