Multilayer Capacitor Diagonal Electrode Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors face difficulties in loading due to the directionality of their external electrodes, which is exacerbated when the capacitors have abnormal sizes.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer capacitor design where the capacitor body has equal length and width, with internal electrodes exposed at opposing corners and covered by external electrodes, allowing for non-directional mounting on circuit boards, thereby eliminating the need for precise orientation during loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the multilayer capacitor has external electrodes with directionality (conventional design), then the internal electrode structure can be simply stacked, but it becomes difficult to load the capacitor due to directionality constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning external electrodes at diagonal corners rather than symmetric opposite corners, and by making lead portions of internal electrodes extend to corner regions. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates directional constraints during mounting while maintaining simple internal electrode stacking structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional electrode placement (opposite corners on same face) to three-dimensional diagonal corner placement across the capacitor body. This dimensional change allows external electrodes to be positioned at diagonally opposite corners, removing directional constraints and enabling flexible mounting orientations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multilayer capacitor has abnormal size, then the capacitor can meet specific application requirements, but the loading difficulty due to directionality is intensified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mounting solution by positioning external electrodes at diagonal corners, which allows the capacitor to be mounted in any orientation (0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°) on circuit boards of various sizes. This universal design eliminates the need for orientation-specific mounting procedures
3Reliability
If the lead portions extend to cover more than half the length of the capacitor body, then external electrode coverage is improved, but the risk of short-circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter of lead portion length by setting it to extend to diagonal corners but not exceed half the capacitor body length. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient electrical connectivity while maintaining safe clearance to prevent short-circuits between adjacent capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer capacitor includes: a capacitor body having a length and a width substantially equal to each other, including dielectric layers and a plurality of first and second internal electrodes, and having first to sixth surfaces; and first and second external electrodes disposed on third and fourth surfaces of the capacitor body and extending to cover a portion of fifth and sixth surfaces of the capacitor body, respectively; wherein the first internal electrode has a first lead portion exposed to a first corner of the capacitor body in which the third and fifth surfaces of the capacitor body meet each other and covered with the first external electrode, and the second internal electrode has a second lead portion exposed to a second corner of the capacitor body at which the fourth and sixth surfaces of the capacitor body meet each other and covered with the second external electrode.