Adhesive Layer Transfer for Poor Adherence Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face limitations in applying materials with poor adherence properties or those that cannot be printed directly onto substrates, such as carbon nanotubes, due to issues like sinking particles, electrode shorting, and the need for modification, which affects the material's original properties and appearance.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves applying an adhesive layer, such as transparent LEP ink, to the material to create a sticky polymer layer that adheres to the substrate, allowing the transfer of patterns onto various substrates without modifying the original material, using LEP-based presses to print a wide range of materials including decorative and functional ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If materials with poor adherence properties are printed directly onto substrates, then the printing process can be simplified, but the material fails to adhere properly to the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the material and the substrate. This adhesive layer has dual functionality: it adheres to both the material being printed and the substrate, thereby enabling proper adhesion without modifying the original material or complicating the printing process. The adhesive acts as a mediator that bridges the incompatibility between materials with poor adherence properties and the substrate.
2Reliability
If materials are modified to improve adherence, then adherence properties improve, but the original material properties and appearance are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adhesion function from the material itself by introducing a separate adhesive layer. This allows the material to retain its original properties and appearance while the adhesive layer independently provides the necessary adherence. The segmentation separates the concerns of material integrity and adhesion, enabling both to be optimized independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of materials including carbon nanotubes are printed, then material versatility increases, but printing reliability decreases due to sinking particles and electrode shorting
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer serves as a protective intermediary during the printing process. It prevents direct contact between problematic materials (such as carbon nanotubes) and the printing electrodes, thereby avoiding electrode shorting. The adhesive also prevents particle sinking by providing a stable medium that holds particles in place during deposition, thus maintaining printing reliability while enabling material versatility.
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 method enables the reliable transfer and fixation of materials with poor adherence properties onto substrates, expanding the range of printable materials and maintaining their original properties, suitable for applications like printed electronics and decorative features without the need for additional processing or modification.
Implementation Method 1
applying an adhesive layer, such as transparent LEP ink, to the material to create a sticky polymer layer that adheres to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
transparent LEP ink, to create a sticky polymer layer that adheres to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and an apparatus for forming on a substrate (214) a pattern of a material, a material layer is provided on an intermediate carrier (204) and an adhesive layer is provided on the material layer, wherein at least one of the material layer or the adhesive layer comprises a pattern corresponding to the pattern to be formed on the substrate (214). The material is transferred to the substrate (214) with the adhesive fixing the material to a surface (216) of the substrate (214).