Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Electrode Notches for Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors used in smaller electronic devices face mounting failures due to solder accumulation near ridge portions, causing rotation and misalignment during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The multilayer ceramic capacitor design includes specific dimensions and notch configurations in the outer electrodes, with L/W ratio of 0.85≤L/W≤1.0, enhancing self-alignment properties during mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If outer electrodes are disposed up to ridge portions of side surfaces, then the capacitor can be made thinner, but solder accumulation near the ridge portions causes rotation and mounting failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing notch portions in the outer electrodes that extend to the ridge portions. These notches create an asymmetric geometry that prevents solder from accumulating at the ridge portions during mounting, thereby eliminating the rotation problem while maintaining the thin profile of the capacitor. The notches break the symmetry that would otherwise cause uniform solder distribution and potential rotation.
2Area of stationary object
If outer electrodes extend to ridge portions, then electrode coverage is maximized, but self-alignment properties during mounting deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The notch portions create an asymmetric shape in the outer electrodes that provides directional guidance during mounting. This asymmetric geometry with L/W ratio between 0.85 and 1.0 creates a preferred orientation that improves self-alignment properties, allowing the capacitor to automatically orient correctly during the mounting process while maintaining maximum electrode coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the L/W ratio parameter to be between 0.85 and 1.0, which balances the electrode coverage area with the self-alignment capability. This specific parameter range ensures that the notched electrodes provide sufficient geometric guidance for self-alignment while maintaining adequate coverage area for electrical connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If L/W ratio is outside the range of 0.85-1.0, then manufacturing flexibility is increased, but self-alignment properties during mounting deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter range for L/W ratio (0.85-1.0) that optimizes self-alignment properties. Within this range, the notched electrodes provide sufficient geometric guidance for proper orientation during mounting. The patent maintains manufacturing flexibility by allowing any L/W ratio within this range, providing designers with adequate freedom to accommodate different package requirements while ensuring reliable self-alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body including first and second surfaces facing each other in a lamination direction, third and fourth surfaces facing each other in a first direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces facing each other in a second direction, a first outer electrode on the first, third, and fifth surfaces, a second outer electrode on the first, third, and sixth surfaces, a third outer electrode on the first, fourth, and sixth surfaces, and a fourth outer electrode on the first, fourth, and fifth surfaces. The multilayer body includes a first inner electrode exposed on the third surface and connected to the first and third outer electrodes. The first outer electrode includes a notch portion that opens toward the fifth surface, and about 0.85≤L/W≤about 1.0 is satisfied.