3D Sticker Rigid Thermoformable Plastic Layer Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional thermoformed structures for promotional and aesthetic applications are limited by their flexibility, which requires anchoring methods like grommets and ropes, and lack support for maintaining shape, especially when reused or applied to curved surfaces, restricting their use to one-time applications and unsuitable for outdoor or larger dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional sticker with a rigid thermoformable plastic layer, a flexible ink layer, and a repositionable adhesive layer, thermoformed into a shape with an anchor region and an elevated region, allowing for repositioning and integration of electronics, and featuring a release liner for easy removal and reapplication, ensuring the structure retains its shape and supports the elevated region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible material is used for three-dimensional structures, then the structure can be rolled up for storage or transport, but the structure requires grommets and rope or cord for anchoring and cannot adhere to flat display surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible to rigid, transforming the banner from a flexible sheet requiring mechanical anchoring to a rigid structure capable of adhesive attachment. This parameter change enables the banner to adhere directly to flat display surfaces without grommets or rope, simplifying installation while maintaining the ability to be removed and repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical anchoring system (grommets and rope or cord) with an adhesive layer. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners and allows the banner to be attached to a variety of flat surfaces through adhesive bonding, significantly simplifying the anchoring process while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive layer is used for attachment, then the banner can adhere to flat display surfaces, but the three-dimensional structure lacks support underneath the raised area and cannot maintain shape when peeled away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid material base with an adhesive layer. The rigid material provides structural support and shape stability underneath the raised three-dimensional areas, while the adhesive layer enables versatile attachment to flat surfaces. This composite construction allows the banner to maintain its shape even when peeled away from the surface for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the banner into distinct functional layers: a rigid structural layer that maintains shape and a separate adhesive layer that provides attachment capability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently—the rigid layer ensures shape stability while the adhesive layer enables removable attachment—resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and shape maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If rigid material is used for three-dimensional structures, then the structure can adhere to flat surfaces with adhesive, but the structure cannot wrap around curved surfaces like bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the adhesive layer conformable while keeping the main banner structure rigid. The rigid material maintains its shape-adhering properties for flat surfaces, while the adhesive layer is designed to accommodate slight surface variations. This local differentiation allows the banner to adhere to flat surfaces with rigid stability while the adhesive provides flexibility for minor surface conformability.
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 reusable, repositionable, and durable three-dimensional sticker that can maintain its shape and integrate electronics, suitable for various environments and applications, including outdoor use and larger dimensions, without the need for traditional anchoring methods.
Implementation Method 1
A three-dimensional sticker is disclosed that includes a rigid body. In a first embodiment, the body has the following components: a rigid main sheet constructed from a thermoformable plastic layer
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional sticker is disclosed that includes a body. The body has the following components: a rigid main sheet constructed from a thermoformable plastic layer, and a flexible/stretchable ink layer adhered the main sheet. Additionally, the body may employ an adhesive layer comprising a repositionable adhesive adhered to the rigid main sheet and a thermoformable release liner detachably adhered to the adhesive layer. The body is thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape with an anchor region and an elevated region. The anchor region is substantially planar and defines an anchor plane, and the elevated region is outside of the anchor plane. The adhesive layer and release liner may be present in the anchor region and elevated region. Additionally, the three-dimensional sticker may comprise a multi-part construction wherein the parts can be separated from each other for easier transport and installation.