Segmented Multilayer Capacitor Structure for Crack Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic-based multilayer capacitors with piezoelectric properties face material fatigue and potential fracture due to deformations when voltage is applied, and existing designs suffer from mechanical stress accumulation leading to cracks.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer capacitor design featuring dielectric layers and electrode segments with relief regions that are not firmly connected, using materials with different elastic moduli or inserting harder materials to weaken the connection, thereby reducing mechanical stresses and preventing crack formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If segments are firmly connected through sintering to ensure structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but mechanical stress accumulates leading to material fatigue and fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is divided into multiple segments arranged in the stacking direction, with connection regions between adjacent segments. These connection regions include relief regions where the firm connection is intentionally weakened or interrupted, allowing segments to move independently under stress while maintaining overall structural integrity through the sintered connections in non-relief areas.
2Reliability
If relief regions are introduced to reduce mechanical stress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The connection regions between segments have non-uniform properties: relief regions with weakened or interrupted connections for stress relief, and non-relief regions with firm sintered connections for structural support. This local differentiation allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions - stress relief where needed and structural integrity where required.
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 design effectively minimizes mechanical stresses and enhances the robustness of the capacitor, preventing material fatigue and fracture, while maintaining high electrical performance.
Implementation Method 1
In ceramic-based multilayer capacitors with piezoelectric properties, deformations of the electrical ceramic material generally occur when the capacitor voltage is applied.
Implementation Method 2
The two dielectric layers are firmly connected to each other by sintering, for example. By sintering the superimposed segments together, the adjacent dielectric layers are physically and chemically bonded to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer capacitor including a capacitor element having at least two segments. Each segment includes multiple layer planes, including ceramic dielectric layers and electrode layers arranged therebetween, which are arranged in a layer sequence one above the other. The electrode layers include different electrodes, including at least first and second electrodes. The different electrodes overlap in active regions but not in passive regions. Multiple segments are arranged one above the other in a stack direction. The outermost dielectric layers of two segments form a connection region in which the segments are fixedly connected to each other parallel to the layer planes. The connection region contains a relief region. The relief region occupies at least the entire passive region of the capacitor.