Adhesive Articles with Segmented Non-Adhesive Forms for Air Egress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive articles face challenges in achieving both repositionability and air egress characteristics, typically requiring separate systems, which can lead to deformation, tearing, or air trapping when applied to substrates.
Innovation Solution
A single system of discrete non-adhesive forms on the adhesive surface, arranged in a pattern with closely spaced lanes and more widely spaced forms adjacent to the lanes, provides both repositionability and air egress without the need for embossed passages in the adhesive surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pressure sensitive adhesive is used with high initial bonding tenacity, then strong bonding is achieved, but the adhesive article cannot be repositioned or slid without deformation or tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface is segmented into multiple discrete non-adhesive forms (dots, circles, or other shapes) arranged in a pattern. These segmented non-adhesive areas create channels that allow air to escape while the remaining adhesive areas maintain bonding strength. The segmentation enables the adhesive to be applied without trapping air bubbles, and allows for easier repositioning while maintaining overall adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the adhesive surface have different properties: non-adhesive forms in specific locations allow air egress and repositioning, while the surrounding adhesive areas provide bonding strength. The non-adhesive forms are strategically positioned to create air channels without compromising the overall adhesive performance, achieving local optimization of both bonding and repositionability.
2Strength
If adhesive article is applied to substrate, then bonding is achieved, but air may be trapped under the product forming bubbles or wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface is divided into non-adhesive forms that create channels or pathways. These segmented channels allow air to escape from under the adhesive article during application, preventing air bubbles and wrinkles while the adhesive maintains its bonding strength in the non-segmented areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-adhesive forms act as intermediaries or mediators that facilitate air escape. These forms create a pathway for air to move from the adhesive-substrate interface to the exterior, allowing the adhesive to bond effectively without trapping air, thus mediating between the adhesive and substrate to prevent harmful air entrapment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used to provide repositionability and air egress, then both characteristics may be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-adhesive forms simultaneously provide both air egress channels and repositioning assistance. By merging these two functions into a single structural feature, the invention eliminates the need for separate systems (such as embossed grooves for air egress and separate non-adhesive areas for repositioning), thereby reducing overall complexity while achieving both characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-adhesive forms are multi-functional elements that serve dual purposes: they create pathways for air to escape during application and provide areas that reduce initial bonding tenacity to enable repositioning. This universality means a single structural feature accomplishes what would traditionally require separate systems, reducing complexity while maintaining both air egress and repositionability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The disclosed technology provides an adhesive article with repositionability and air egress characteristics. The adhesive article comprises an adhesive layer having a surface comprising a plurality of spaced apart non-adhesive forms. The non-adhesive forms are arranged in a pattern comprising one or more lanes defined by adjacent rows of non-adhesive forms and a pattern of non-adhesive forms disposed in an area adjacent the lanes. The spacing between the non-adhesive forms in the area adjacent the lanes is larger than the spacing between the non-adhesive forms defining the lanes. The non-adhesive forms disposed within the area adjacent the lanes prevents sticking of the article prior to applying pressure. Upon application of pressure, air entrapped within the areas adjacent the lanes flows to the lanes, and the lanes provide the article with air egress.