Solid-State Capacitor Using CaCu3Ti4O12 Dielectric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capacitors used in implantable devices, such as cardiac rhythm management devices, face challenges in size reduction, energy storage capacity, and simplified construction due to limited dielectric strength and the need for complex electrolyte enclosures, which also shorten device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solid-state capacitor design featuring a dielectric comprising CaCu3Ti4O12 and BaTiO3, which provides a high dielectric constant and linear charging characteristics, allowing for a smaller, more efficient energy storage solution with pulse control electronics integrated into the implantable device housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional electrolytic capacitors are used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but device size increases and construction complexity increases due to housing requirements for electrolyte enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the capacitor from electrolytic (liquid electrolyte) to solid-state construction. This parameter change eliminates the need for housing to enclose electrolyte, reduces device size, and simplifies construction while maintaining energy storage capacity through the solid-state capacitor design with stacked ceramic capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the solid-state capacitor construction, combining ceramic dielectric materials with metal electrodes in a stacked configuration. This composite structure achieves high energy storage capacity in a compact form factor without requiring traditional electrolyte housing.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional electrolytic capacitors are used, then energy storage is achieved, but device complexity increases due to housing features needed to safely enclose electrolyte and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the housing component entirely from the capacitor assembly. By transitioning to solid-state construction, the housing that was needed to safely enclose electrolyte and electrodes becomes unnecessary, significantly simplifying the device construction while maintaining energy storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitor construction parameter from electrolytic to solid-state, which fundamentally simplifies the device structure. This parameter change eliminates the need for housing, sealing mechanisms, and other complexity-associated features, resulting in a simpler overall device construction.
3Reliability
If reformation processes are performed on capacitors, then capacitor functionality is maintained, but device service life shortens due to energy consumption and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid-state capacitors that are designed to be maintenance-free and eliminate the need for reformation processes. While individual solid-state capacitors have finite lifespans, their reliability and lack of reformation requirements extend the overall device service life compared to electrolytic capacitors that require periodic reformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state capacitor design is self-sufficient and does not require external reformation processes to maintain functionality. The capacitors operate autonomously without needing periodic maintenance interventions, thereby extending device service life and improving reliability.
4Volume of stationary object
If capacitor size is reduced, then device invasiveness decreases, but energy storage capacity is limited by dielectric strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar capacitor construction to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple ceramic capacitor layers. This dimensional change allows energy storage capacity to be increased vertically through stacking, enabling compact device size while maintaining adequate energy storage through the stacked ceramic capacitor architecture.
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 capacitors to store approximately 41 joules at 800 volts in a compact 2 cubic centimeter volume, improving energy density and reducing device size while extending lifespan by eliminating reformation processes.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric comprising CaCu3Ti4O12, the dielectric insulating an anode from a cathode
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric comprising CaCu3Ti4O12 and BaTiO3
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes an implantable device housing, a capacitor disposed in the implantable device housing, the capacitor including a dielectric comprising CaCu3Ti4O12 and BaTiO3, the dielectric insulating an anode from a cathode and pulse control electronics disposed in the implantable device housing and connected to the capacitor.