Multilayer Polymeric Sheet for Electrolytic Capacitor Sorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolytic capacitors face issues with harmful substances like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and water being produced during operation, which can damage the capacitors, and previous solutions using sorbing materials are limited by compatibility with the electrolyte, potentially leading to decomposition and conductivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer polymeric sheet with an intermediate layer containing getter materials and an external protective layer permeable to harmful substances but impermeable to the electrolyte, ensuring compatibility and effective sorption without interfering with the capacitor's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid sorbers are added to the electrolyte as particulate materials, then the sorption of harmful substances is improved, but the sheets may be damaged by the particles resulting in accidental short-circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorption effectivenessVSAvoidsheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymeric support material as an intermediary carrier that holds the particulate getter materials. This mediator prevents direct contact between the particles and the separator sheets, eliminating the risk of particle-induced sheet damage while maintaining the sorption functionality of the getter materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sorbing material is used to sorb harmful substances, then the harmful species are removed, but the sorbing material must be completely inert with respect to the electrolyte to prevent decomposition and maintain conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmful substance removalVSAvoidgetter material selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sorbing system into two distinct functional components: a polymeric support material that provides mechanical integrity and electrolyte compatibility, and getter material particles that provide sorption functionality. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric support material acts as an intermediary between the getter particles and the electrolyte, preventing direct chemical interaction while allowing the getter particles to perform their sorption function. This enables use of getter materials that would otherwise be incompatible with the electrolyte.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If getter materials are used for sorption, then harmful substances are bound, but the choice of getter materials is limited by compatibility requirements with the electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorption capacityVSAvoidgetter material compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric support material serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the getter materials from the electrolyte, eliminating compatibility constraints. This allows selection of getter materials based solely on their sorption performance for specific harmful substances without concern for electrolyte reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively sorbs harmful substances while maintaining the electrolyte's compatibility, preventing damage and ensuring the capacitor's functionality, allowing for a wide choice of getter materials and electrolytes.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate layer of polymeric material containing particles of one or more getter materials for the sorption of harmful substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSorption: Sorption

Implementation Method 2

at least one external protective layer of polymeric material being impermeable to the electrolyte, wherein all the polymeric materials are permeable to said harmful substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP1958222B1Electrolytic capacitors comprising means in the form of a multilayer polymeric sheet for the sorption of harmful substances
Publication Date: 2012.03.28 SAES GETTERS SPA
  • EP1958222B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP1958222B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1958222B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Electrolytic capacitors are described, comprising an airtight housing, electrodes immersed in an electrolytic solution, electrical contacts connected to the electrodes and a means for the sorption of harmful substances made of a multilayer polymeric sheet (10), which is formed of an inner layer (12) of polymeric material containing particles of one or more getter materials (11) for the sorption of the harmful substances, and at least one protective layer (13) of a polymeric material impermeable to the electrolyte, wherein all the polymeric materials are permeable to the harmful substances. A method for the removal of harmful substances from electrolytic capacitors is also described.