Attachment device comprisng flexible chambers and a pressure control layer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to attachment devices and methods of arranging such devices on a target surface, wherein the attachment device is removably attached to the surface. The device is detached from the surface by a detach mechanism and can be repeatedly reused. The attachment device comprises a surface-mountable layer configured to be removably mountable on the surface when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The surface-mountable layer further comprises one or more flexible chambers configured to undergo a first state of reversible volume change when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The attachment device further comprises a pressure control layer configured to reversibly seal the distal opening of the one or more chambers when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] ATTACHMENT DEVICE COMPRISNG FLEXIBLE CHAMBERS AND A PRESSURE CONTROL LAYER

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an attachment device as well as method of forming such an attachment device. Particularly, embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure relate to an attachment device configured to be removably attached to a surface.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] The field of wearable technology, particularly attachment of wearables to surfaces such as skin-attachable sensors, has proliferated across various sectors, including healthcare, fitness and sports, industrial manufacturing, entertainment, fashion, jewelry, and security, among others. These wearables have become vital for real-time health monitoring, tracking human motion, vital signs, biomarkers, and enabling diagnostic applications for various illnesses. The ability to non-invasively monitor such parameters has significantly revolutionized patient care, chronic disease management, and eldercare. In the realm of fitness and sports, such technologies facilitate performance monitoring, offering fitness trackers, smartwatches, and GPS devices as tools for wellness enhancement. The adoption of these devices extends to industrial sectors where they promote safety, efficiency, and productivity by collecting realtime data, enabling activity monitoring, and offering personalized experiences based on user needs. Wearables also play a pivotal role in the entertainment industry, enabling immersive gaming experiences, and virtual reality interactions. Concurrently, wearable technology has penetrated the fashion and jewelry industry, offering body health monitoring, fitness tracking, and personalized skin counseling integrated within fashionable accessories. In the security sector, wearable technology provides robust solutions for individual monitoring and tracking. Other notable applications encompass navigation, smart clothing, and smart tattoos. In summary, the utility of wearable technology has diversified remarkably, improving communication, health, fitness, and providing a broad spectrum of applications across multiple domains.

[0007] Attachment and adhesion methods form a critical part of the current wearable technology solutions, facilitating the effective application of skin-attachable sensors and electronic devices. Existing methods range from adhesive tapes, silicone adhesives, to polymeric materials without adhesive, among others. Adhesive tapes, commonly used for their easy application, breathability, and durability, vary in type. Alternatively, silicone adhesives offer long-term adhesion, with medical-grade silicone adhesives being widely employed in the medical industry. Polymeric materials without adhesive present an innovative approach, directly bonding to the skin without adhesive requirements. An example of such materials includes rubber-like polymers. Bracelets and crosslinking of viscous tips have also been used.

[0008] Indeed, while surface-attachable sensors and electronic devices have seen significant advancements, their attachment methods present several challenges that need to be addressed. Adhesive tapes, while widely used, can lead to several issues. For instance when mounted to skin of a user, various skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, skin stripping, and other side effects may be caused. This can particularly be a problem for individuals with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to specific adhesive materials. Moreover, poor adhesion is another major problem. Over time, adhesive tapes can lose their stickiness, especially with exposure to wet surfaces e.g. water (showering, bathing, swimming) and sweat. This can lead to the device falling off prematurely, compromising the reliability and effectiveness of the device. Silicone adhesives, although designed to be gentle on the skin, present their own challenges including difficulty removing without causing skin trauma. This can be a significant issue, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or for long-term use. Polymeric materials without adhesive offer a potential alternative but have limitations which restricts their usability and compatibility with different devices and surface types.

[0009] There is a need in the field of attachment devices for development of versatile solutions, which address some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is accordingly an objective of the present invention to improve the current state of the art and to mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] These and other objectives are achieved by providing an attachment device and methods of arranging such a device on target surfaces including attachment and detachment mechanisms as defined in the appended independent and dependent claims. The term exemplary is in the present context to be understood as serving as an instance, example or illustration.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an attachment device configured to be removably attached to a surface. The attachment device comprises a surface- mountable layer configured to be removably mountable on the surface when the attachment device is pressed against the surface by means of an external impetus applied in a first direction. The surface- mountable layer comprises a proximal side arranged to be mountable to the surface, and a distal side arranged opposite the proximal side. The surface-mountable layer further comprises one or more flexible chambers arranged therein, each flexible chamber having at least a distal opening arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer. Each of the one or more chambers is configured to undergo a first state of reversible volume change when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The attachment device further comprises a pressure control layer adjustably arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer, the pressure control layer configured to be pressed against a first surface of the distal side of the surface-mountable layer when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The pressure control layer is configured to reversibly seal the distal opening of the one or more chambers when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

[0014] In various exemplary embodiments, the surface-mountable layer may be further configured to undergo a reversible deformation when the attachment device is pressed against the surface in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction. The surface-mountable layer may be further configured to cause the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more chambers such that air is depleted from inside the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening of each flexible chamber. Volume change, within the context described, refers to the modification of the dimensions of one or more chambers in response to the external pressure or impetus applied, resulting in their compression from an initial resting state to an attached or engaged state. The volume change may also be understood as expansion of the chambers from the compressed state to restore the relaxed state in a released or detached state of the device.

[0015] According to several embodiments, the pressure control layer may further be configured to form a vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers by reversibly sealing the respective distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers. According to several embodiments, the pressure control layer may further be configured to reversibly unseal the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers when the external impetus is applied in a second direction, thereby releasing the vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers.

[0016] In several embodiments, the surface-mountable layer may further comprise at least a first and a second sub-layer formed within the surface-mountable layer, wherein the first sub-layer may be arranged proximal to the surface onto which it is removably attached, and wherein the first sub-layer may be configured to flexibly adapt to a shape of the surface.

[0017] In several embodiments, the pressure control layer may further comprise, or may be arranged to be adjustably mountable to, a first cover layer. The first cover layer may comprise one or more cover portions, each cover portion being associated with the distal opening of a respective flexible chamber of the one or more flexible chambers. Each cover portion may be arranged to adjustably extend over the distal opening of its respective flexible chamber and may be configured to enable reversible sealing of the distal opening of each chamber when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

[0018] In several embodiments, each cover portion may be configured to be arrangeable at a first operational position corresponding to a reversibly sealed state of the distal opening of each chamber in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction, such that the vacuum may be formed inside the one or more flexible chambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers. Each cover portion may be configured to be arrangeable at a second operational position corresponding to a reversibly unsealed state of the distal opening of each chamber in response to the external impetus applied in the second direction, such that the vacuum inside the one or more chambers is released.

[0019] According to several embodiments, at least one of the one or more chambers of the surface- mountable layer further comprises a proximal opening arranged at the proximal side of the surface- mountable layer.

[0020] According to several embodiments, the surface-mountable layer may further comprise or may be arranged to be coupled to a reversibly deformable membrane arranged at and extending over the proximal opening of the at least one of the one or more chambers of the surface-mountable layer. According to several embodiments, the external impetus may comprise any one of push, pull, pinch, slide or twist motions.

[0021] According to several embodiments, the surface onto which the attachment device is removably mounted may comprise a skin surface.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for arranging an attachment device according to any one of embodiments of the first aspect herein to a surface. The method comprises providing a surface-mountable layer configured to be removably mountable on the surface, wherein the surface-mountable layer comprises a proximal side arranged to be mountable to the surface, and a distal side arranged opposite the proximal side. The surface- mountable layer further comprises one or more flexible chambers arranged therein, each flexible chamber having at least a distal opening arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer. The method further comprises pressing the attachment device against the surface by applying an external impetus applied to the attachment device in a first direction. The method further comprises pressing a pressure control layer, comprised in the attachment device and adjustably arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer, against a first surface of the distal side of the surface- mountable layer when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. Further, the method comprises causing, each of the one or more chambers, to undergo a first state of reversible volume change by pressing the pressure control layer against the first surface of the distal side of the surface- mountable layer. The method further comprises reversibly sealing the distal opening of the one or more chambers by means of the pressure control layer; thereby removably attaching the attachment device to the surface.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person in the art realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those explicitly described hereinabove and below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Further embodiments of the different aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

[0025] It is to be noted that all the embodiments, elements, features and advantages associated with the first aspect also analogously apply to the second aspect of the present disclosure. These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will in the following be further clarified in the following detailed description.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Further objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale.

[0028] Figs, la-c show various schematic views of an attachment device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded illustration of the attachment device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figs. 3a-d show schematic perspective and cross-sectional side view illustrations of the attachment device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figs. 4a-c show a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations of the attachment device in attach operational mode according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figs. 5a-b show a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations of the attachment device in attach operational mode according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figs. 6a-c show a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations of the attachment device in detach operational mode according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figs. 7a-b show a schematic illustration of the attachment device and an exemplary surface having the attachment device arranged thereto according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of the attachment device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the present detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with the accompanying figures. In the following description of exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details and in any other types or variants of the elements or features than the embodiments shown in the appended drawings.

[0038] The following description may use terms such as "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "side", "edge", "ridge", "distal", "proximal", "front", "back", "left", "right" etc. Different components, layers and structures herein may be described as having one or more sides, each of which may be considered as having a respective surface. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting.

[0039] In the context of the present invention the directions and orientations such as vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, and lateral directions and extensions need to be interpreted broadly and generally refer to the geometrical extensions of objects in a coordinate system such as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The spatial extensions and positions of objects may be defined in at least one plane of the coordinate system e.g., by using x, y, z coordinates and their corresponding angles.

[0040] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may refer to more than one unit in some contexts, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. The term "and / or" is to be interpreted as meaning "both" as well and each as an alternative. The term "obtaining" is herein to be interpreted broadly and encompasses receiving, retrieving, collecting, acquiring, and so forth.

[0041] It should be noted that attachment devices presented in this disclosure may be constructed by methods, implementations, and processes encompassing any suitable fabrication technique in the art for producing attachment devices according to aspects and embodiments herein. Such methods may be utilized for fabricating devices comprising rigid or semi-rigid or flexible structures made of e.g. plastic, metal, wood, etc. with various known technologies in the art such as injection molding, 3D printing, etc.

[0042] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or features, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0043] Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

[0044] Figs, la-c show a schematic perspective view, a cross-sectional side view and a top view of an attachment device 1 according to several embodiments and aspects herein. The attachment devices 1 may be simply referred to as devices 1 in the remaining of this disclosure. The attachment device 1 is configured to be mountable to a surface 100 detachably or otherwise referred to as removably. By mountable in the present context it is meant that the device 1 is configured to be attachable or removably attached to the surface 100. By attachable or removably attached here it is to be understood that the device 1 may be repeatedly and on-demand attached to and detached from the surface by means of the mechanisms presented herein.

[0045] As show in Fig. la, the device 1 comprises multiple layers in a stack configuration arranged over and on top of each other forming the complete structure of the device 1. This is further illustrated in the exploded perspective view of the device in Fig. 2. The device 1 comprises a surface-mountable layer 11 configured to be removably mountable on the surface 100 when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The device 1 may be pressed against the surface 100 by means of an external impetus Fl applied in a first direction. By the external impetus it is to be understood a directional force which is applied to the surface-mountable layer 11. The impetus Fl may be applied in a perpendicular direction to the surface 100 and the device for instance as shown in the z-direction of arrow Fl in Fig. la. However, in some embodiments the impetus Fl may be applied to the device in any other direction than perpendicular direction. For example, the impetus may be applied to the device 1 in a lateral direction i.e. x-direction by a sliding motion applied to a portion of the device as will be described in detail, whereas that impetus will translate to a perpendicular force applied onto the surface 100 in order to removably attach the device 1 to the surface 100. The surface-mountable layer 11 comprises a proximal side 111 arranged to be mountable to the surface 100, and a distal side 112 arranged opposite the proximal side 111. The surface-mountable layer 11 further comprises one or more flexible chambers 113 arranged therein. Each flexible chamber has at least a distal opening 113a arranged at the distal side 112 of the surface-mountable layer 11. The respective opening 113a of each chamber connects the inner portion of each chamber to the distal surface 112 of the surface- mountable layer 11. Each distal opening 113a may in connection with other components e.g. a pressure control layer 12 comprising different components 12a, 12b, 12c as explained with reference to Fig. 2. The flexible chambers 113 may be referred to as suction chambers or cavities 113 herein. Multiple layers comprised in the device 1 performing core attach and / or detach mechanisms of the device 1 may be referred to as the core stack 201 as shown in Fig. 7a. Other external components, devices, interface layers, housing enclosures etc. may be attached to or encompass the core stack 201.

[0046] Each of the one or more chambers 113 is configured to undergo a first state of reversible volume change when the attachment device is pressed against the surface 100. In other words each chamber 113 is configured to be flexibly and reversibly deformed and undergo a compression when pressed. This way air inside the inner portion of the chamber is displaced and can be expelled from the respective distal opening 113a of each chamber 113. The attachment device 1 further comprises a pressure control layer 12 adjustably arranged at the distal side 112 of the surface-mountable layer 11. The pressure control layer 12 is configured to be pressed against a first surface 112a of the distal side 112 of the surface-mountable layer 11 when the attachment device 1 is pressed against the surface 100. The pressure control layer 12 is further configured to reversibly seal the respective distal opening 113a of the one or more chambers when the external impetus is applied in the first direction Fl. The extensions and orientations of the surface 100, the device 1 and components comprised in the structure of the device 1, e.g., pressure control layer 12 are explained relative to the Cartesian coordinate system shown in Fig. la. These terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting. For instance, the longest extensions of the device 1 are shown to be in the x-direction. Various layers and components of the device 1 comprising the surface-mountable layer 11, or the pressure control layer 12 arranged on top of each other extend parallel with the longest direction of the device 1. In some other examples, the longest extension of the device 1 may be in the y-direction.

[0047] The surface-mountable layer 11 may be further configured to undergo a reversible deformation as mentioned previously. When the attachment device 1 is pressed against the surface 100, in response to the external impetus Fl applied in the first direction (z-direction in this example), the surface-mountable layer 11 and chambers 113 devised therein are caused to experience the reversible deformation or otherwise a compressed state. The applied force will cause the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more chambers such that air would be depleted from inside 113b the one or more flexible chambers 113 through the distal opening 113a of each flexible chamber.

[0048] In several embodiments, the surface-mountable layer 11 may further comprises at least a first 11a and a second lib sub-layer formed within the surface-mountable layer 11 as shown in Fig. lc and Fig. 2. The first sub-layer 11a may be arranged proximal and in contact with the surface 100 onto which it is removably attached. The first sub-layer 11a may further be configured to flexibly adapt to a shape of the surface 100. The second sub-layer lib may be arranged to face the pressure control layer 12. In several embodiments, the first and second sub-layers may be attached together for forming the one or more chambers 113. Stated differently, the inner space 113b of the one or more chambers 113 may partly be formed by a first portion of each chamber 113 arranged in the first sub-layer 11a, and a second portion of the chamber 113 in the second sub-layer lib. the first and the second sub-layers 11a, lib may be attached by gluing by means of adhesives, by laminating, by partially melting the layers or by any other known methods in the art. It should however be clear to the skilled person that in several embodiments, chambers are integral in a main body surface-mountable layer 11, which is formed monolithically and does not necessarily comprise the first and the second sub-layers 11a, lib.

[0049] In some embodiments, the pressure control layer 12 may further comprise a first cover layer 12a. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure control layer 12a may further be arranged to be adjustably mountable to the first cover layer. The first cover layer may comprise one or more cover portions 12al, each cover portion 12al being associated with the distal opening 113a of a respective flexible chamber 113 of the one or more flexible chambers. Stated differently, each cover portion 12al may be arranged to coincide and entirely or partially cover a respective distal opening 113a. Each cover portion 12al may be arranged to adjustably extend over the distal opening 113a of its respective flexible chamber. The cover portion may be configured to enable reversible sealing of the distal opening 113a of each chamber 113 when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first cover layer may be a flexible or semi-rigid layer with cover portions 12al extending over the chamber openings 113a. The cover portions 12al may be flexible and capable of being at least partly pulled into the cavity (inner space) 113b of the chamber 113 when the device 1 is pressed against the surface 100 as shown in Figs. 4b-c. In some embodiments, the first cover layer 12a may be adjustably mountable onto a valve layer 12b. The valve layer 12b may comprise valves 12bl or otherwise valve flaps 12bl associated with and coinciding with each respective distal opening 113a of a respective flexible chamber 113, as well as its corresponding cover portion 12al as shown in Fig. lb and Fig. 2. The valve layer 12b may be adjustably movable over the first cover layer 12a and the surface- mountable layer 11 e.g. by a sliding movement as shown for a closed and open valve state in Figs. The sliding motion in one direction would close the valves and sliding motion in an opposite direction would open the valves. The external impetus may be applied at least partially by the sliding motion of the valve layer 12b over the distal openings 113a of the chambers 113. In several embodiments, the external impetus may comprise and be applied to the device 1 by any one of push, pull, pinch, slide or twist motions.

[0051] In several embodiments, e.g., as shown in Fig. 7a there may be a central control button 202, comprised in or connected to a springing, stretching or magnetic actuation means configured to actuate the valve layer 12b for engaging and / or releasing the valve layer 12b in the corresponding attached / detached states of the device 1. Other similar mechanisms may also be applied for actuation of the valve layer 12b. The central control button 202 may be a part of a central control layer 200 also referred to as an interface layer 200. The external interface layer may be adapted for printing or integration of other external devices such as wearable electronics. The external interface layer may also be configured to control the operation of the device 1. The external attach and / or detach impetus may accordingly be applied to the outermost layer of the device 1, in this example being the external interface layer 200. In some embodiments, the valve layer 12b or the motion control layer 12c may be operationally connected to the external interface layer 200 and / or the central control button 202 for applying the actuation motions.

[0052] The present inventor has realized that even though each suction chamber 113 may provide a weak coupling to the surface on its own, one can deliver a strong attachment by providing a plurality of connection points in the surface-mountable layer 11 in order to removably attach the device 1 to the target surface 100. The device 1 can be readily detached from the surface by the proposed detaching mechanisms herein, providing a reusable device 1, which can be used for attaching many different accessories e.g. wearable electronics to the surface. Furthermore, the present inventor has realized that by providing the control mechanism for attachment and detachment of the surface-mountable layers and the device 1, positive and negative pressure in each chamber can be controlled individually and with a great degree of precision.

[0053] The proposed technology herein provides a strong, reusable and non-invasive device 1, which is also more reliable than current adhesive pads. The proposed technology is adaptable to different product dimensions and shapes with modular sections. Attach / detach mechanisms may be controlled by a simple switch. The device 1 comprising flexible layers is adapted to follow the shape of the surface, e.g., the body curves when attached to the skin of a human or animal user.

[0054] The proposed solution may be utilized for connecting various sensor devices and wearable electronics to surfaces such as surface of skin of the users. Sports performance sensors, insulin pumps, EEG / ECG sensors, health-monitoring sensors such as pulse, sweat, temperature, Oxygen, etc., or ergonomics sensors may be attached by means of the presented technology. In general, the skin's inherent protective properties pose a significant challenge to all wearable sensors. Traditional stick-to-skin adhesives can lead to hair pulling at removal, skin stretching resulting in mechanical trauma, potential skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Frequent removal of pressure-sensitive adhesives can also result in medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI), like persistent erythema, skin stripping, blisters, or bleeding. This becomes a larger concern for patients with fragile or delicate skin like older adults, and those on specific medications like corticosteroids. The proposed solutions herein provide attachment devices that can be activated (engaged) for application and deactivated (released) for removal, providing a more comfortable and less traumatic experience for the user.

[0055] Moreover, haptic feedback devices, e.g., for visually impaired, gaming input / output sensors, hearing aid devices, personal alarms, fall detection and hazard sensors, UV and radiation sensors may also be attached / detached to surfaces by the proposed solution herein.

[0056] In several embodiments, the first cover layer 12a may comprise a plurality of vent holes 12a2. Each vent hole 12a2 may be arranged central or coinciding the cover portion 12al corresponding to the respective distal opening 113a of each chamber 113 as shown in Fig. 2 and lb. The vent holes 12a2 are configured for expelling the air from inside the chamber cavity 113b and / or allowing the air from a surrounding environment of the distal openings 113a to enter the cavity 113b. In several embodiments, the pressure control layer 12 e.g. the valve layer 12b may be either pressed in the z-direction or glide in the x-direction parallel to the surface 100 in order to control operation of the device i.e. sealing and unsealing the chambers 113 as will be further elaborated.

[0057] Figs. 3a-b, show a closed state of the valve layer 12b and the valve flaps 12bl. It is to be noted that the device 1 and the surface-mountable layer 11 is shown to be in a relaxed or unbiased state in this example. In other words, the device 1 is not engaged with the surface 100. However, when mounted onto the target surface 100 and engaged in response to the external impetus, the device 1 will also be set to the closed state of the valve layer 12b and valve flaps 12bl. The difference in the engaged state would be that the surface-mountable layer 11 and the chambers 113 would undergo a flexible deformation and a vacuumed state will be generated for removably attaching the device 1 and the surface-mountable layer to the intended surface 100. The process of device 1 being in operation and in the attachment operational state has been explained with reference to Figs. 4a-c and Figs. 5a-b.

[0058] In Figs. 3a-b, it is intended to demonstrate the operation of the pressure control layer 12 and more specifically the valve layer 12b and valve flaps 12bl. In some embodiments, a second cover layer 12c may be comprised in the pressure control layer 12.

[0059] In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in the example of Fig. 2, the second cover layer 12c may be arranged to maintain an operational position of the valve layer 12b. Stated differently, the valve layer 12b may be arranged to be sandwiched between the first cover layer 12a and the second cover layer 12c. The first cover layer 12a and / or the second cover layer 12c may be made of rigid or semi-rigid or flexible material with low friction surface properties. It should be clear that low-friction coatings may be used to achieve the low-friction surface properties. This way the valve layer 12b is enabled to slide and move freely on the first cover layer 12a from the sealed (engaged) to the relaxed (open / unengaged) state or vice versa repeatedly in operation. In some exemplary embodiments, the valve layer may be provided with openings or slots 12b2 as shown in Fig. 2. The second cover layer 12c may be provided with protrusions or studs 12cl corresponding to the openings 12b2 of the valve layer 12b. The valve layer 12b may thus be slid linearly and in a controlled manner such that the protrusions bound the valve layer 12b whining the provided slots 12b2 limiting the motion of the valve layer 12b to the linear x-direction. In other embodiments however, the protrusions 12b3 may be provided on the valve layer 12 and the slots 12c2 may be provided on the second cover layer 12c ash shown in Figs. 3a and 3c. This way another advantage is achieved by using the protrusions 12b3 as motion actuator means buttons 12b3. In some embodiments, the actuating buttons 12b3 may be connected to the central control layer 200 or button 202.

[0060] When the protrusions 12b3, 12cl are used as actuation means the second cover layer may be utilized as a motion control layer 12c comprised in the pressure control layer 12. In some embodiments, the motion control layer 12c may be the topmost layer of the device 1 and an interface to the outside and for user engagement. In some embodiments however, the external interface layer 200 as shown in Fig. 7a may be connected to the valve layer 12b or to the actuation protrusions 12b3 of the valve layer 12b in order to operate the device 1. In the examples including the external interface layer, this layer 200 may be the outmost layer of the device 1. In this case, a lower part 201 or core 201 of the device 1 may comprise all the other layers including the surface-mountable layer 11, pressure control layer 12, membrane layer 14, and all the other components comprised in the device 1.

[0061] The operation of the pressure control layer 12, the valve layer 12b and the valve flaps 12bl as well as the surface-mountable layer 11 may be controlled by the motion control layer 12c or the external interface layer 200. The motion control layer 12c may be configured for applying the external impetus to the surface-mountable layer 11 and the chambers 113. In some embodiments, actuation means 12b3 such as push or pull mechanisms or slide or pinch mechanisms may be included in the motion control layer 12c as mentioned above. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be connected to the external interface layer and be controlled by the single control button 202 as shown in Fig. 7a. In some embodiments, the control button may be a push button, a lever, or any other suitable actuating means known in the art. In some embodiments, the lower part 201 of the device 1 may comprise receptacles such as the opening 203 shown in Fig. 7a for receiving and arranging any external devices adapted to be mounted onto the surface 100. For instance, various types of sensor devices may be arranged in the receptacle 203 and brought in contact with the target surface.

[0062] In several embodiments herein, the surface 100 onto which the attachment device is removably mounted comprises a skin surface. The skin surface may be skin of an animal (not shown) or skin of a human 300 as shown in Fig. 7b. In several embodiments, the surface 100 may further comprise surface made of rubber, glass, or any other smooth surfaces. For example, the device 1 may be used as a part of a robotic arm for controlled attach / detach gripping of objects without the need of an active vacuuming device. This way the proposed devices herein may advantageously engage with objects and be used by robotic arms e.g. in production lines for placement and arranging objects.

[0063] The membrane layer 14 (or the bottom or proximal portion 111, 11a of the surface- mountable layer 11) in contact with the skin may be made of skin-friendly material e.g. silicone or hydro gel. The portion of the device in contact with the skin e.g. the membrane 14 may be reusable and washable. The membrane layer 14 may have adhering properties but without using adhesive. It may be a thin and flexible layer to be able to conform to the vacuum created by the chambers. The membrane layer 14 may deform when the chamber has lower pressure, being sucked into the chamber. Pattern and functional structure of the membrane 14 near the skin may change as e.g. shown in Fig. 4c. As mentioned previously, the membrane layer 14 may be fused to the bottom chamber layer i.e. first sub-layer 11a proximal to the surface 100.

[0064] The second cover layer 12c or the external interface layer may comprise flexible or otherwise referred to as wearable sensor devices or stimulating devices (e.g. for wound healing or therapeutic applications by sending electromagnetic signals to the surface 100) glued to or printed onto, in order to perform various measurements and operations. In some examples and embodiments e.g. as in the example of Figs. 5a-b, bodily fluids such as sweat may be allowed to come into contact with the device 1 such as inside the cavities of the chambers 113. Sweat sensors or other sensors like stretch sensors, optical sensors or the like (not shown) may be arranged in the device 1 e.g. in the chambers 113 in order to perform respective measurements e.g. electrolyte concentration measurements or other electrochemical measurements. This way easy attach / detach functions are provided for wearable sensor devices with a great degree of control and comfort. This is specifically noticeable when compared to conventional adhesive-based attachment solutions which not only are unreliable but may also pose damages, contamination or discomfort to the surface such as to a user's skin.

[0065] The actuation mechanism may be in form of a slide or push button 12b3 as shown in Figs. 3a- b configured for pushing the surface-mountable layer to the surface or operable to perform the opposite operation of detaching the device form the surface with reference to Figs. 3c- d. The actuation means may slide to the left or right in the x-direction to apply the motion F12 for closing the valves of the valve layer, sealing the chamber openings 113a. in this example, the motion F12 is applied to the button 12b3 to slide the button to the left and close the valves i.e. seal the chambers 113. As previously mentioned, this motion may be readily combined with the vertical force element Fl in the downward z-direction in order to press and removably attach the device 1 to the surface 100. The motion F12 may be an automatic motion, i.e. a springing motion may be applied to restore the valve layer 12b and the valve flaps 12bl to their resting position as shown in Fig. 3a. Therefore, simply pushing the device 1 to the surface by means of the vertical impetus force Fl as shown in Fig. 4a will start the attachment process of the device 1.

[0066] Figs. 3c-d, show an open state of the valve layer 12b and the valve flaps 12bl. It is to be noted that the device 1 and the surface-mountable layer 11 is shown to be in a relaxed or unbiased state in this example. In other words, the device 1 is not engaged with the surface 100. The opening of the valves 12bl and releasing a vacuum state of an attached device 1 may be performed by displacing the valve layer 12b of the pressure control layer 12 e.g. by means of the actuation means 12cl, 12b3. In several embodiments, the motion control layer 12c or the external interface layer coupled to the valve layer 12b may perform the action of releasing the vacuum and detaching the engaged device 1 from the surface 100. Similar to what was explained with reference to Figs. 3a-b, an opposite release-motion F21 to the attach-motion F12 for closing the valves and sealing the chambers 113, may be performed to release the device from the surface 100. By performing the release-motion F21, the actuating buttons 12cl, 12b3 may slide or be pushed to the left or right in the x-direction for breaking the vacuum seal of the suction chambers 113 and detaching the device 1 from the surface 100. In the example of Fig. 3c, the release force F21 is shown to the right in the x- direction. In several embodiments, a vertical force element F2 (such as pull motion) in the upward z-direction may be associated with the slide motion F21 in order to lift up the suction chambers 113 from the surface 100 and release the device 1.

[0067] As explained with reference to Figs. 4a-4c, the pressure control layer 12 may accordingly be further configured to form a vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers. The pressure control layer 12 may be configured to perform the attach operation by reversibly sealing the respective distal opening 113a of the one or more flexible chambers 113 under the state of compression i.e. first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers 113.

[0068] This is illustrated in Figs. 3a - 3c in more detail, wherein in Fig. 3a the device in a relaxed or otherwise uncompressed state. Application of the impetus Fl or pressure in the downwards z-direction, in conjunction with or associated with a slide or push motion F12 to the left in x- direction, causes the flexible surface-mountable layer 11 and the one or more flexible chambers 113 arranged therein to undergo a transition state where air is expelled from the inner portion of the chambers 113 and out of the distal opening 113a of each chamber 113. In some embodiments, only the downward push Fl would be needed in order to engage the surface-mountable layer 11 and attach the device 1. In several embodiments, the slide or push motion of the valve layer 12 by means of the slide or push motion F12 may be actuated manually or automatically. For instance, a springing or magnetic mechanism may be used to engage or release the valve layer by applying the motion F12 or F21 accordingly.

[0069] Stated otherwise, when pressed against the surface 100, the surface-mountable layer 11 as well as the integrated chambers 113 therein undergo a flexible squeeze enabling a volume change of each chamber such that the air is pushed out of each chamber when pressed thus creating a vacuum seal within each suction chamber 113. In a transition state (Fig. 4b) from the relaxed state (Fig. 4a) to an engaged state (Fig. 4c) the valve layer 12b and valve flaps 12bl, as well as the first cover layer 12a and cover portions 12al may be triggered in order to compress the surface-mountable layer 11 and removably attach the device 1 to the surface 100. In more detail, in response to the downwards force Fl pushing the device 1 to the surface 100, the corresponding valve flaps 12bl of the one or more chambers 113 may undergo a deflection or bend upwards in response to air being expelled out of the chamber cavities 113b. This is shown in Fig. 4b, for the exemplary flap 12bl being bent in the upward z-direction from its resting position in Fig. 4a.

[0070] In the relaxed or unengaged state, pressure inside the chambers 113 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. In response to the impetus Fl, the pressure balance between the inside and outside of the device 1 is disrupted. The air inside the inner space 113b of the chambers 113 is expelled due to the external pressure Fl, the valve flaps 12bl return to their initial position and seal the respective distal openings 113a and their associated vent holes 12a2. As a result, the device 1 is brought to the sealed state wherein the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure in the inner cavity space 113b of the chambers, keeping the device in the engaged state. In some embodiments, the first cover layer 12a may be integrated in the surface-mountable layer 11 (not specifically shown) i.e. in the distal side 112 and the sub-layer lib and the center vent hole then would correspond to the distal opening 113a of the chambers.

[0071] In several embodiments, at least one of the one or more chambers 113 of the surface- mountable layer 11 may further comprise a proximal opening 113c arranged at the proximal side 111 of the surface-mountable layer 11. The surface-mountable layer may further comprise or may be arranged to be coupled to a reversibly deformable membrane 14 arranged at and extending over the proximal opening 111 of the at least one of the one or more chambers 113 of the surface-mountable layer 11 as shown in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the membrane 14 may be integrated (not specifically shown) in the bottom proximal side 111 of the surface-mountable layer and e.g. in the sub-layer 11a. In an engaged device, the membrane 14 may be arranged to be deformed and adapt the shape of the surface-mountable layer such sub-layer 11a as shown in Fig. 4c. The surface 100 may also adapt its shape to the membrane 14 such that the portion 100a as shown in Fig. 4c is deformed and follows the shape of the flexible membrane 14.

[0072] In some embodiments, for instance as shown in the example of Figs. 5a-b, the device 1 may not comprise any flexible membrane 14. This way the surface-mountable layer 11 e.g. the sub-layer 11a may be directly placed on the target surface 100. This way the deformed portion 100a of the surface 100 may be pulled into the cavity 113b of the chambers 113 under the suction or engagement state of the device.

[0073] In the embodiments that the first cover layer may be integrated in the surface-mountable layer 11, then the top surface of the sub-layer lib facing and in physical contact with the valve layer 12b may be provided with low friction coatings in order to achieve the low friction surface characteristics and enable unhindered movement of the valve layer.

[0074] Even though the chambers 113 have been shown having a semi-trapezoidal shape with a slanted cross section, the chambers may be provided in any shapes e.g. having rectangular, circular, or oval cross-sections.

[0075] In several embodiments, each cover portion 12al may be configured to be arrangeable at a first operational position corresponding to a reversibly sealed state of the distal opening 113a of each chamber 113 in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction as shown in Figs. 4b and 4c.

[0076] The pressure control layer 12 may further be configured to reversibly unseal the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers when the external impetus is applied in a second direction, thereby releasing the vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. For instance if the pressure Fl is applied in the downward z-direction to seal the chambers 113, the unsealing impetus F2 may be applied in the opposite upward z-direction. Similarly, if gliding the pressure control layer 12 to the left in the x-direction seals (creates a vacuum in the cavity 113b) the vent holes and the distal chamber openings 113a, an opposite motion to the right in the x-direction would unseal the chambers 113 thus allowing air to enter to the cavity 113b as illustrated in Figs. 6a - 6c. In several embodiments, each cover portion 12al may be configured to be arrangeable at a second operational position as shown in Fig. 6c corresponding to a reversibly unsealed (open and unengaged) state of the distal opening of each chamber in response to the external impetus applied in the second direction, such that the vacuum inside the one or more chambers is released. This is shown in the transitioning of the device 1 from the engaged and attached state in Fig. 6a with the cover portion 12al being in the bent or engaged state towards the release state in Fig. 6c, wherein the cover portion returns to its initial resting position.

[0077] As mentioned previously, the slide motion F21 may be an automatic motion controlled by a springing or magnetic mechanism and the valve layer 12b may automatically revert to its resting initial position. For example actuation buttons 12b3 may be pulled by a user, the force F21 be applied to detach the device 1 and when the buttons are released, the valve layer 12b may return automatically to its initial position e.g. as shown in Fig. 6c. It is also conceivable the slide motion is manual and the valve layer 12b may be returned to its initial position by a push motion applied by the user. In some embodiments, the valve flaps 12bl may be formed in movable or bendable cut out portions in a flexible or semi-rigid material as e.g. shown in Figs. 2, 3a and 3c. The valve flaps 12bl may further comprise a gap 12b4 formed in the cut-out portion. The gap 12b4 of each respective valve 12bl may be configured to align and coincide with the respective vent hole 12a2 of the respective chamber 113 during the detach mechanism as shown in Figs. 3c, 3d and 6b. This way air would be allowed to be restored into the chambers through the gaps 12b4 thus breaking the vacuum state and enable release of the surface-mountable layer 11 from the surface 100.

[0078] Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method 800 according to several embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure. The method 800 is presented for arranging an attachment device 1 to a surface 100. The attachment device 1 herein is the attachment device 1 described with respect to any one of the embodiments in Figs. 1 - 7.

[0079] The method comprises providing 801 a surface-mountable layer 11 configured to be removably mountable on the surface 100, wherein the surface-mountable layer 11 comprises a proximal side 111 arranged to be mountable to the surface 100, and a distal side 112 arranged opposite the proximal side 111. The surface-mountable layer 11 further comprises one or more flexible chambers 113 arranged therein, each flexible chamber 113 having at least a distal opening 113a arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer. The method further comprises pressing 803 the attachment device 1 against the surface 100 by applying an external impetus Fl applied to the attachment device in a first direction. The method further comprises pressing 805 a pressure control layer 12, comprised in the attachment device 1 and adjustably arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer, against a first surface of the distal side of the surface-mountable layer when the attachment device is pressed against the surface. The method further comprises causing 807, each of the one or more chambers 113, to undergo a first state of reversible volume change by pressing the pressure control layer against the first surface of the distal side of the surface- mountable layer. The method further comprises reversibly sealing 809 the distal opening of the one or more chambers by means of the pressure control layer and thereby removably attaching the attachment device to the surface.

[0080] In several embodiments, the method may further comprise generating 811 a reversible deformation in the surface-mountable layer, when the attachment device is pressed against the surface in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction. The method may further comprise causing 813 the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more chambers by causing air to be depleted from inside 113b the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening of each flexible chamber. The method may further comprise forming 815, by means of the pressure control layer, a vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers by reversibly sealing the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers.

[0081] In several embodiments, the method may further comprise reversibly unsealing 817 the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers by applying the external impetus in a second direction. The method may further comprise causing 819, each of the one or more flexible chambers, to undergo a second state of reversible volume change, by causing the one or more flexible chambers to reversibly transition from the first state of reversible volume change to the second state of reversible volume change such that the vacuum inside the one or more chambers is released under the second state of reversible volume change. The method may further comprise causing 821 air to be restored into the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening of each flexible chamber; and thereby causing 823 the removably attached surface-mountable layer to be released from the surface.

[0082] In several embodiments as shown in Fig. 9 the device 1 or the external interface layer 200 may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid portion 15. The portion 15 may be a hard shell configured to be attached such that a gap 151 is formed between the portion 15 and the core stack 201 of the device 1 comprising the core components of the device (e.g. flexible and semi-rigid parts such as the layers 11, 12, 14) along a part of the extension of the portion 15.

[0083] The stack 201 may be the flexible and soft core of the device 1 that has contact with the surface. The more rigid shell 15 may be configured to surround the stack 201 to prevent or reduce the peeling effect, and thus increase reliability in use. In several embodiments, the shell may be comprised in or alternatively comprise the external interface layer 200. The shell may not be attached to the surface and can be made of materials with a higher hardness compared to the core stack 201. In several embodiments, the hard shell 15 may have specific connection points such as connection point 152 that are adapted to be further away from the contact points of the device 1 to the surface 100. This way, an advantage is achieved for further reducing the accidental pealing effect from the surface 100. In other words, even if the hard shell may be lifted from the surface, thanks to the arranged gap 151 there between, the core stack 201 will not be pulled from the surface unintentionally. The connection points 152 may e.g. be attached to one or more portions of the second cover layer 12c or to one or more portions of the external interface layer 200.

[0084] In several embodiments, the layers e.g. layer 11, 12, 14 in the stack 201 may designed to be manufactured on a roll and then be cut into desired sizes. The layers may be stacked and fused together (except the valve layer).

[0085] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Where method steps are explained, it should be appreciated that the order with which the steps are performed is not intended to be limited to the specific examples and thus, one or more steps of the methods herein may be performed in a different order or simultaneously with other method steps. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0086] Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not to be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment device (1) configured to be removably attached to a surface (100), the attachment device comprising: a surface-mountable layer (11) configured to be removably mountable on the surface when the attachment device is pressed against the surface by means of an external impetus (Fl) applied in a first direction; the surface-mountable layer comprising a proximal side (111) arranged to be mountable to the surface, and a distal side (112) arranged opposite the proximal side; and wherein the surface-mountable layer further comprises one or more flexible chambers (113) arranged therein, each flexible chamber having at least a distal opening (113a) arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer; wherein each of the one or more chambers is configured to undergo a first state of reversible volume change when the attachment device is pressed against the surface; wherein the attachment device further comprises a pressure control layer (12) adjustably arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer, the pressure control layer configured to be pressed against a first surface (112a) of the distal side (112) of the surface-mountable layer when the attachment device is pressed against the surface; and wherein the pressure control layer is configured to reversibly seal the distal opening (113a) of the one or more chambers when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

2. The attachment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the surface- mountable layer is further configured to undergo a reversible deformation when the attachment device is pressed against the surface in response to the external impetus (Fl) applied in the first direction; causing the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more chambers such that air is depleted from inside the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening (113a) of each flexible chamber.

3. The attachment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the pressure control layer (12) is further configured to form a vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers by reversibly sealing the respective distal opening (113a) of the one or more flexible chambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers.

4. The attachment device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the pressure control layer (12) is further configured to reversibly unseal the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers when the external impetus is applied in a second direction, thereby releasing the vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers.

5. The attachment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface-mountable layer further comprises: at least a first (11a) and a second (lib) sub-layer formed within the surface- mountable layer, wherein the first sub-layer is arranged proximal to the surface onto which it is removably attached, and wherein the first sub-layer is further configured to flexibly adapt to a shape of the surface.

6. The attachment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure control layer further comprises, or is arranged to be adjustably mountable to, a first cover layer; the first cover layer comprising one or more cover portions (12al), each cover portion being associated with the distal opening of a respective flexible chamber (113) of the one or more flexible chambers; wherein each cover portion is arranged to adjustably extend over the distal opening of its respective flexible chamber and is configured to enable reversible sealing of the distal opening of each chamber when the external impetus is applied in the first direction.

7. The attachment device (1) according to claim 6, wherein each cover portion is configured to be arrangeable at a first operational position corresponding to a reversibly sealed state of the distal opening of each chamber in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction, such that the vacuum is formed inside the one or more flexiblechambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers; and / or arrangeable at a second operational position corresponding to a reversibly unsealed state of the distal opening of each chamber in response to the external impetus applied in the second direction, such that the vacuum inside the one or more chambers is released.

8. The attachment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more chambers of the surface-mountable layer further comprises a proximal opening (113c) arranged at the proximal side of the surface-mountable layer.

9. The attachment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the surface- mountable layer further comprises or is arranged to be coupled to a reversibly deformable membrane (14) arranged at and extending over the proximal opening of the at least one of the one or more chambers of the surface-mountable layer.

10. The attachment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external impetus comprises any one of push, pull, pinch, slide or twist motions.

11. The attachment device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface onto which the attachment device is removably mounted comprises a skin surface.

12. A method (800) for arranging an attachment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 11 to a surface, the method comprising: providing (801) a surface-mountable layer (11) configured to be removably mountable on the surface (100), wherein the surface-mountable layer comprises a proximal side (111) arranged to be mountable to the surface, and a distal side (112) arranged opposite the proximal side; and wherein the surface-mountable layer further comprises one or more flexible chambers (113) arranged therein, each flexible chamber having at least a distal opening (113a) arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer; pressing (803) the attachment device against the surface by applying an external impetus applied to the attachment device in a first direction;pressing (805) a pressure control layer, comprised in the attachment device and adjustably arranged at the distal side of the surface-mountable layer, against a first surface of the distal side of the surface-mountable layer when the attachment device is pressed against the surface; causing (807), each of the one or more chambers, to undergo a first state of reversible volume change by pressing the pressure control layer against the first surface of the distal side of the surface-mountable layer; reversibly sealing (809) the distal opening of the one or more chambers by means of the pressure control layer; thereby removably attaching the attachment device to the surface.

13. The method (800) according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: generating (811) a reversible deformation in the surface-mountable layer, when the attachment device is pressed against the surface in response to the external impetus applied in the first direction; causing (813) the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more chambers by causing air to be depleted from inside the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening of each flexible chamber; forming (815), by means of the pressure control layer, a vacuum inside the one or more flexible chambers by reversibly sealing the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers under the first state of reversible volume change of the one or more flexible chambers.

14. The method (800) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the method further comprises: reversibly unsealing (817) the distal opening of the one or more flexible chambers by applying the external impetus in a second direction; causing (819), each of the one or more flexible chambers, to undergo a second state of reversible volume change, by causing the one or more flexible chambers to reversibly transition from the first state of reversible volume change to the second state of reversiblevolume change such that the vacuum inside the one or more chambers is released under the second state of reversible volume change; causing (821) air to be restored into the one or more flexible chambers through the distal opening of each flexible chamber; and thereby causing (823) the removably attached surface-mountable layer to be released from the surface.

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