Selective Adhesive Passivation via Ink Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive technologies lack the ability to selectively adjust adhesive functionality in specific areas of adhesive articles, limiting their application and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving printing an ink pattern onto a release liner, which is then transferred to the adhesive, creating a passivation layer that remains with the adhesive when the liner is peeled, allowing for the creation of areas with modified adhesive functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive functionality is uniformly applied across the entire adhesive surface, then the adhesive article maintains consistent bonding performance, but the ability to create selectively functional areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a passivation layer with spatially varying properties through inkjet printing. Different regions of the adhesive surface receive different ink formulations or concentrations, resulting in localized variations in adhesive functionality. This allows specific areas to be passivated (reducing adhesion) while other areas maintain full adhesive properties, enabling selective functionality without compromising overall adhesive application control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adhesive surface into distinct functional zones by selectively depositing passivation ink in specific patterns. The inkjet printing system divides the continuous adhesive surface into discrete regions with different adhesive characteristics, allowing independent control of bonding behavior in each segment. This segmentation enables complex functional patterns while maintaining ease of operation through digital printing control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a passivation layer is applied to the entire adhesive surface, then non-adhesive areas are created, but selective area control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical masking or stencil-based passivation methods with inkjet printing technology. This substitution enables precise digital control over passivation pattern placement, achieving high manufacturing precision through software-controlled ink deposition. The inkjet system can accurately position passivation ink in desired patterns without the alignment errors and material waste associated with mechanical masking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the inkjet printing process to achieve selective passivation. By controlling ink concentration, deposition volume, drying conditions, and curing parameters, the system can precisely regulate the extent and location of adhesive passivation. This parametric control allows fine-tuning of adhesive functionality in specific areas while maintaining overall pattern accuracy and enabling complex functional designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If ink is printed directly onto the adhesive, then passivation is achieved, but the release liner cannot protect the adhesive surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first printing the passivation ink pattern onto the release liner before applying the adhesive layer. This sequence allows the ink pattern to be established and protected on the liner surface prior to adhesive application. The release liner then serves dual purposes: protecting the printed ink pattern during handling and providing the traditional adhesive release function. This preliminary positioning of the passivation pattern ensures both manufacturing ease and adhesive surface protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The release liner acts as an intermediary substrate that carries the passivation ink pattern and transfers it to the adhesive surface during the lamination process. By using the liner as the intermediate carrier, the system protects the delicate ink pattern during printing and handling while ensuring accurate transfer to the adhesive. This intermediary approach resolves the conflict between ease of manufacture (printing on a stable surface) and reliability (protecting the adhesive surface).
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
This approach enables the creation of adhesive articles with selectively modified adhesive properties, enhancing their functionality and application range by creating areas with different adhesive characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
printing an ink pattern onto the release surface of the release liner to form a passivation layer including a pattern of passivation features projecting away from the release surface
Implementation Method 2
The passivation features are at least partially embedded in a major surface of the layer of adhesive such that when the release liner is peeled from the layer of adhesive
Implementation Method 3
when the release liner is peeled from the layer of adhesive, the passivation layer remains with the layer of adhesive to form one or more selected areas on the major surface of the layer of adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
Methods of passivating an adhesive via printing an ink onto a release liner, and adhesive articles or products made by the same are provided. An ink pattern is printed onto a release liner to form a pattern of features. The features are at least partially embedded in an adhesive layer such that when the release liner is peeled from the adhesive layer, the passivation features remain with the layer of adhesive to form selected areas having adjusted adhesive functionality. Articles including the passivated adhesive on a release liner are also disclosed.