Coextruded Polymeric Article with Segmented Adhesive Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive systems with 'adhesion on demand' capabilities are limited by the need for specific chemical groups and triggers that restrict their application, are costly, and can be difficult for consumers to use, with triggers like solvents, UV light, or magnetic forces being inconvenient or costly.
Innovation Solution
A coextruded polymeric article with segments and protrusions made from different materials, where the adhesion level can be triggered by mechanical movement, allowing for universal applicability and ease of use, featuring a die with multiple cavities and orifices to create continuous segments and protrusions that extend for significant lengths, enabling tiered adhesive performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive systems use triggers such as solvents, UV light, or magnetic forces to achieve adhesion on demand, then adhesive performance can be controlled, but the system requires specific chemical groups, restricts application scope, increases cost, and reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical triggers (solvents, UV light, magnetic forces) with a mechanical trigger system. The adhesive layer is activated through mechanical action - specifically, the relative movement or separation of the releasable layer from the support substrate, which mechanically exposes the adhesive to the substrate. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for specific chemical groups and specialized triggers, making the system universally applicable across different adhesive chemistries and easier for consumers to use.
2Reliability
If adhesive systems use triggers such as solvents, UV light, or magnetic forces to achieve adhesion on demand, then adhesive performance can be controlled, but the system increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive chemical triggers and specialized adhesive formulations with a simple mechanical activation system. The multi-layer construction (support substrate, adhesive layer, releasable layer) can be manufactured using conventional coating and lamination techniques, avoiding the need for costly trigger chemicals or specialized equipment. This mechanical approach significantly reduces material and manufacturing costs while maintaining adhesive performance control.
3Reliability
If adhesive systems use triggers such as solvents, UV light, or magnetic forces to achieve adhesion on demand, then adhesive performance can be controlled, but the trigger is difficult or inconvenient for consumers to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex trigger application (spraying solvents, exposing to UV light, applying magnetic fields) with simple mechanical action. Consumers can activate the adhesive by simply peeling, rubbing, or pressing the product against the substrate, which mechanically exposes and activates the adhesive. This mechanical activation is intuitive, requires no special equipment, and is easily performed by consumers, dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If coextruded polymeric article uses multiple materials in segments and protrusions, then tiered adhesive performance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adhesive system into distinct functional segments: a support substrate, an adhesive layer with specific adhesive properties, and a releasable layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the adhesive layer provides the adhesive chemistry, while the releasable layer provides mechanical protection and ease of activation. This modular segmentation achieves tiered performance without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into a single integrated coextruded polymeric article. The adhesive layer and releasable layer are bonded together as a unified structure that can be manufactured in one process. This merging of functions into a single integrated component simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the tiered adhesive performance benefits of having distinct functional zones.
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 cost-effective, universally applicable adhesive system that can switch from low to high adhesion levels with mechanical triggering, suitable for various applications, including household products, without the need for specific chemical groups or triggers, enhancing usability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
providing via extrusion a first material to the first cavity of the extrusion die, a second material to the second cavity of the extrusion die, a third material to the third cavity of the extrusion die, and a fourth material to fourth cavity of the die
Data Source
AI summary
Coextruded polymeric article comprising first segments each having first and second opposed major surfaces and a thickness, the first segments comprising first material; second segments comprising second material, wherein adjacent first segments are joined together via a second segment, wherein the second segments extend from the second major surface past the first major surface of each first adjacent segment and has a distal end, the second segments having first and second oppose sides; first protrusions each extending from the first side of a second segment and extending no more than to the first major surface of the respective first segment adjacent to the second segment, the first protrusions comprising third material; and second protrusions each extending from the first side of a second segment, contacting the first protrusion extending from the second segment and extending not more than to the distal end of the second segment, the second protrusions comprising fourth material, wherein at least one of the second and third or second and fourth materials are different, and wherein the first segments, second segments, first protrusions, and second protrusions each extend continuously for at least 5 mm. Uses for coextruded polymeric articles described herein include adhesive articles and household cleaning products (e.g., a mop, a duster, a brush, a cleaning cloth, or a lint roller).