Detachable Adhesive Structure for Wall Climbing on Uneven Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall surface climbing aids face limitations such as requiring pressure reducing devices, being limited to ferromagnetic or smooth surfaces, and posing safety issues with easy detachment, especially when using suction cups or magnets.

Innovation Solution

A detachable structure with a support body, detachable parts, and a buffer section, utilizing adhesive films and skeletons to provide strong adhesion to various surfaces without a driving device, allowing easy detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If suction cups are used for wall surface climbing, then adhesion to smooth surfaces is achieved, but the device requires a pressure reducing device which increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidpressure reducing device
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction cup system with a biological mimicry system based on gecko foot structure. The adhesive pads with microscopic protrusions replicate the gecko's setae structure, enabling adhesion through van der Waals forces rather than mechanical suction, thereby eliminating the need for pressure reducing devices while maintaining strong adhesive strength on smooth surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the adhesion mechanism from pressure-based (suction cups) to surface-area-based (microscopic protrusions). By increasing the contact area at the microscopic level through numerous small protrusions, the adhesive strength is enhanced without requiring complex pressure control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If magnets are used for wall surface climbing, then adhesion force is provided, but the application is limited to ferromagnetic materials only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion forceVSAvoidsurface material compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal adhesion system that works on various surface materials (smooth surfaces, rough surfaces, non-ferromagnetic materials) by mimicking the gecko's adaptive foot structure. The microscopic protrusions can conform to different surface textures and materials, providing broad compatibility beyond the limitations of magnetic adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wedge-shaped microscopic adhesive structures are used for easy detachment, then detachment becomes simple, but safety is compromised as detachment occurs with slight upward movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidclimbing safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the adhesive system. The adhesive pads have a specific structure with protrusions optimized for strong adhesion, while the support structure provides mechanical stability. This local differentiation allows the adhesive function to be strong and secure while still permitting controlled detachment through deliberate action rather than accidental movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If suction cups are used for wall surface climbing, then adhesion to smooth surfaces is achieved, but the device is limited to smooth surfaces only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidsurface type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the microscopic protrusion structure that can conform to different surface topographies. The protrusions can adjust their configuration based on surface roughness, allowing the same adhesive structure to effectively bond to both smooth and rough surfaces, unlike rigid suction cups that require smooth surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 structure achieves strong adhesive strength on non-ferromagnetic and uneven surfaces, ensuring easy detachment and eliminating the need for pressure reducing devices, suitable for wall climbing aids and robots.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive film supported by the first skeletons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a buffer section corresponding to at least one of the plurality of detachable parts and disposed between the corresponding at least one detachable part and the working part in the laminating direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4681789A1Detachably attachable structure, method for producing same, wall surface climbing aid, robot, and conveyance aid
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NAT INST FOR MATERIALS SCI
  • EP4681789A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4681789A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4681789A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3

AI summary

A detachably attachable structure (100) with respect to a target surface (21a) has a support body (10) having a facing side (11) and a back side (12), a plurality of detachable parts (20) detachably attached to the target surface (21a), a working part (30), and a buffer section (40) disposed between the detachable parts (20) and the working part (30). Each of the plurality of detachable parts (20) has an end portion on one side, which is a fixed end (20a) fixed to the support body (10), and an end portion on the other side, which is a movable end (20b) movable in a direction away from the support body using the fixed end as a shaft in an arrangement direction (y). The plurality of detachable parts (20) have at least two first skeletons (22, 22A, 22B) that connect the fixed end (20a) and the movable end (20b), and an adhesive film (21) supported by the first skeletons.