Orthogonal Electrode Variable Capacitor for Lower Control Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitors with variable capacitance require precise alignment of earth and DC bias electrodes, limiting flexibility in setting distances and leading to higher control voltages and larger sizes, while dielectric characteristics are not optimally utilized due to anisotropic properties.
Innovation Solution
The variable capacitor design features first and second control electrodes with a dielectric layer in between, where the lead-out electrodes face each other at an angle to the electric field vector, allowing independent distance settings and utilizing anisotropic dielectric materials like PVDF to vary capacitance based on control voltage direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional capacitor design with earth electrode and DC bias electrode is used, then capacitance can be varied by applying DC bias voltage, but the electrode alignment must be precise and the control voltage becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by arranging control electrodes and lead-out electrodes in orthogonal directions. The control electrodes are arranged in the first direction while lead-out electrodes are arranged in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, allowing independent optimization of electrode distances without requiring precise alignment in the same plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode arrangement where control electrodes and lead-out electrodes are positioned at different orientations relative to the dielectric layer. This asymmetric configuration allows the distance between control electrodes to be optimized for voltage reduction while the distance between lead-out electrodes is optimized for capacitance, eliminating the need for precise symmetric alignment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional capacitor design is used, then capacitance can be adjusted, but the size of the capacitor becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging control electrodes and lead-out electrodes in orthogonal directions, the patent enables independent optimization of electrode distances. The distance between control electrodes can be minimized for compact size while the distance between lead-out electrodes can be optimized for desired capacitance values, achieving both small size and precise capacitance adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the anisotropic dielectric characteristics by changing the orientation of electric fields. By applying control voltage in one direction and measuring capacitance in another direction, the patent exploits parameter changes in dielectric constant to achieve precise capacitance adjustment without increasing physical dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anisotropic dielectric materials are used, then capacitance can be varied by changing electric field direction, but the electrode arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode arrangement where control electrodes and lead-out electrodes are positioned at different orientations relative to the dielectric layer. This asymmetric configuration simplifies the exploitation of anisotropic dielectric properties by naturally creating orthogonal electric field directions without requiring complex multi-directional electrode arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by arranging control electrodes and lead-out electrodes in orthogonal directions. The control electrodes are arranged in the first direction while lead-out electrodes are arranged in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, allowing independent optimization of electrode distances without requiring precise alignment in the same plane.
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
This design enables lower control voltages, smaller size, and higher capacitance variability with optimized electric field application, enhancing capacitance adjustment and reducing power loss in non-contact power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer disposed at least between the first control electrode and the second control electrode; and a first lead-out electrode and a second lead-out electrode facing each other via the dielectric layer therebetween, in which the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are arranged at a portion which causes an electric field along a direction intersecting an electric field vector produced between the first control electrode and the second control electrode
Implementation Method 2
when a control voltage is applied between the first control electrode and the second control electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A variable capacitor includes a first control electrode; a second control electrode that faces the first control electrode; a dielectric layer disposed at least between the first control electrode and the second control electrode; and a first lead-out electrode and a second lead-out electrode facing each other via the dielectric layer therebetween, in which the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are arranged at a portion which causes an electric field along a direction intersecting an electric field vector produced between the first control electrode and the second control electrode when a control voltage is applied between the first control electrode and the second control electrode.