Hermetically sealed electrolytic capacitor with enhanced mechanical stability

Abstract

A capacitor assembly that is thermally and mechanically stable in high temperature environments is provided. Thermal stability is provided by enclosing and hermetically sealing the capacitor element within a housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the solid electrolyte of the capacitor. To provide the assembly with good mechanical stability, a polymeric restraint is also employed that is positioned adjacent to and in contact with one or more surfaces of the capacitor element. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the strength and rigidity of the polymeric restraint can help the capacitor element better withstand vibrational forces incurred during use without resulting in delamination. In this manner, the capacitor assembly is able to better function in high temperature environments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.