Ta-Mo-W Composite Charging Device for Capacitor Thermal Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging devices made of tantalum (Ta) suffer from low high-temperature and creep resistance, leading to insufficient dimensional stability, especially under long-term use or cyclic stress, and conventional high-alloy Ta alloys contaminate Ta capacitors when used.

Innovation Solution

A charging device comprising areas of high Ta content (>90% by mass) and areas of molybdenum (Mo) or tungsten (W) alloys (>90% by mass) with a layered composite structure, where Ta or Ta alloys are applied via cold gas spraying to prevent contamination and enhance heat and creep resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If charging devices are made of Ta to avoid cross contamination, then contamination of Ta capacitors is prevented, but high-temperature and creep resistance deteriorate leading to insufficient dimensional stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination of Ta capacitorsVSAvoidhigh-temperature and creep resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device employs a composite structure consisting of a Ta inner layer in contact with the capacitor and a Mo or W outer layer providing structural support. This composite design allows the Ta layer to prevent contamination while the Mo/W layer provides the necessary high-temperature strength and creep resistance that pure Ta lacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the charging device are assigned different material properties: the inner surface contacting the capacitor is made of Ta to prevent contamination, while the outer structural regions are made of Mo or W to provide thermal stability and mechanical strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between contamination prevention and structural performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If conventional high-alloy Ta alloys (e.g., Ta-10% W) are used to improve heat resistance, then creep resistance improves, but contamination of Ta capacitors occurs due to dissolved alloying elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecreep resistanceVSAvoidcontamination of Ta capacitors
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using high-alloy Ta where alloying elements dissolve into the Ta matrix and contaminate capacitors, the invention uses a composite of pure Ta combined with Mo or W layers. The Mo/W provide the necessary creep resistance without dissolving into the Ta, thus preventing contamination while maintaining structural integrity at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If micro-alloyed Ta (e.g., with Y or Si) is used to improve high-temperature stability, then dimensional stability improves slightly, but creep resistance remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidcreep resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Ta with Mo or W in a composite structure to achieve superior creep resistance compared to micro-alloyed Ta. The Mo/W layers provide the necessary high-temperature strength and creep resistance that cannot be achieved through minor alloying additions alone, while maintaining dimensional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a charging device with improved high-temperature and creep resistance, maintaining dimensional stability even at elevated temperatures and preventing contamination of Ta capacitors, with low interdiffusion and minimal material loss during the coating process.

Implementation Method 1

Ta or Ta alloys are applied via cold gas spraying to prevent contamination and enhance heat and creep resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold gas spraying:

Data Source

PatentEP3221874B1Charging device for the thermal treatment of tantalum capacitors
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 PLANSEE SE

AI summary

The invention relates to a charging device comprising at least one portion made of Mo, a Mo alloy containing > 90 wt% Mo, W, a W alloy containing > 90 wt% W, or a Mo-W alloy containing a combined total of > 90 wt% Mo + W, and at least one portion made of Ta or a Ta alloy containing > 90 wt% Ta. Said charging device has excellent dimensional stability when used in high-temperature furnaces. In addition, there is no cross-contamination of the burning material.