Biomimetic Microstructure Adhesive Applicator with Offset Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomimetic microstructure adhesives (BMAs) lack a simple and convenient method for easy release from contact surfaces without causing discomfort or damage, particularly when used on human skin or delicate materials.
Innovation Solution
A BMA applicator device comprising an anchor portion, a peeler layer, and a biomimetic microstructure adhesive portion, where the anchor is offset from the BMA to allow for preloading and angled detachment, reducing the force required for release and minimizing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If BMA adhesive is applied to hold objects on surfaces, then high adhesion force is achieved, but release becomes difficult and may cause discomfort or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The BMA adhesive structure is segmented into multiple rows of setae, with the peeler layer exposing setae in a sequential manner during release. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be peeled back incrementally, reducing the force required for release while maintaining strong overall adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset anchor portion creates a preliminary peeling action that exposes setae sequentially from one end of the BMA portion to the other. This preliminary peeling mechanism reduces the force required for release by progressively disengaging setae rather than requiring simultaneous detachment of all setae.
2Reliability
If BMA adhesive is used on delicate surfaces like skin, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal may cause discomfort or pain
Solution Approach 1:
The offset anchor creates a preliminary peeling action that gradually disengages setae from the skin surface. This progressive release mechanism prevents sudden high-force detachment that would cause discomfort, while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The peeler layer creates a localized peeling zone where setae are progressively disengaged from the skin. This localized action concentrates the release force on a small area at any given time, preventing widespread discomfort while maintaining overall attachment security.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional BMA application methods are used, then simple application is achieved, but release requires excessive force and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The BMA portion is divided into multiple rows of setae that are exposed sequentially by the peeler layer. This segmentation enables simple peeling motion for release, avoiding the need for complex release mechanisms while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The peeler layer is designed to be flexible and movable, allowing it to dynamically expose setae sequentially during the release process. This dynamic peeling action simplifies the release mechanism while maintaining effective adhesion during use.
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
Enables high adhesion forces during attachment while allowing for easy, low-force detachment, preventing discomfort when removing objects from skin or delicate surfaces, such as eyewear from the nose, with a 'featherweight' feel.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism of toe adhesion to climbing surfaces used by geckos is attributed to the morphology of its unique toe hairs, called 'seta'
Implementation Method 2
The anchor portion is affixed to the peeler layer at a position offset from the position at which the BMA portion is affixed, so away at an angle to the surface and pulling on only an initial set of setae
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesion device is made up of three parts: an anchor portion; a peeler layer; and a “biomimetic microstructure adhesive” (BMA) portion. The anchor portion has one side affixed to a part of an object to be releasably adhered to a surface. The peeler layer has an inwardly facing side thereof affixed to the other side of the anchor portion. The BMA portion is affixed to an outward side of the peeler layer with its setae facing outwardly towards the surface to be adhered to. The anchor portion is affixed to the peeler layer at a position offset from the position at which the BMA portion is affixed, so that the object may be releasably detached from adhesion with the surface.