Multilayer Capacitor Assembly for Broadband Noise Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of multiple capacitors in parallel arrangements for applications requiring a broad frequency range results in bulky electric circuits and generates unwanted resonances due to high equivalent series resistance and inductance.

Innovation Solution

A capacitor assembly is designed with a set of terminals and a conductive structure comprising multiple conductive plates, where different gaps filled with dielectric materials are created between the plates, allowing for multiple capacitors with distinct capacitance values to be formed using a single compact conductive structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple capacitors are used in parallel arrangement to achieve broad frequency range filtering, then the filtering capability is improved, but the circuit becomes bulky and generates unwanted resonances due to high equivalent series resistance and inductance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range filtering capabilityVSAvoidcircuit bulkiness and equivalent series resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple capacitor functions into a single integrated multilayer capacitor assembly. Multiple conductive plates are arranged in parallel groups, where each group forms a capacitor with a different dielectric material or gap distance, achieving multiple capacitance values in one compact structure rather than using separate capacitor components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single capacitor assembly performs multiple filtering functions across different frequency ranges simultaneously. By incorporating multiple dielectric materials with different properties and creating capacitors with different capacitance values within one structure, the device provides broad frequency range filtering capability while maintaining a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple capacitors are used in parallel arrangement to achieve broad frequency range filtering, then the filtering capability is improved, but the equivalent series inductance increases causing unwanted resonances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range filtering capabilityVSAvoidequivalent series inductance and resonance control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple capacitor elements into a single integrated assembly with shared terminals and closely spaced conductive plates. This merging approach minimizes the loop area for current flow and reduces parasitic inductance compared to using separate capacitor components, while still providing multiple capacitance values for broad frequency filtering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor structure employs a nested arrangement where multiple conductive plates are interleaved and closely positioned. The plates are arranged in alternating groups with different dielectric materials between them, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes spacing and reduces equivalent series inductance while maintaining multiple capacitance functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The capacitor assembly achieves a compact design with low equivalent series resistance and inductance, enabling broad band characteristics and efficient noise filtering across a wide range of frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

a first gap filled with a first dielectric material; and a second gap filled with a second dielectric material, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance. Thus, a capacitor having a first capacitance value is obtained between the first terminal and the second terminal, and another capacitor having a second capacitance value, different from the first capacitance value, is obtained between the first terminal and the third terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first gap filled with a first dielectric material; and a second gap filled with a second dielectric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3876250B1Multilayer capacitor assembly
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3876250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3876250B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3876250B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A capacitor assembly comprises: - a set of terminals comprising at least a first terminal (6), a second terminal (26) and a third terminal (46); - a conductive structure (2) comprising a first conductive plate (13) and a second conductive plate (15), the first conductive plate (13) and the second conductive plate (15) being electrically connected to the first terminal (6); - a third conductive plate (22) electrically connected to the second terminal (26) and facing the first conductive plate (13) at a first distance, thereby forming a first gap filled with a first dielectric material; and - a fourth conductive plate (42) electrically connected to the third terminal (46) and facing the second conductive plate (15) at a second distance, thereby forming a second gap filled with a second dielectric material. The first distance is different from the second distance.