Dual-Switchable Adhesive for Repositionable Medical Device Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switchable adhesives are limited to two phases, making them irreversible and difficult to reposition or reapply, leading to issues such as adhesive waste and patient discomfort during medical device application.

Innovation Solution

Development of dual switchable adhesives that transition through three phases, activated by moisture and light, allowing for repositioning and increased peel strength, with optional additional layers to filter activating wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional switchable adhesives are used with two phases, then the adhesive can be switched from tacky to non-tacky state, but the adhesive becomes irreversible and cannot be repositioned or reapplied

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverepositionabilityVSAvoidphase transition reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is divided into three distinct phases: Phase 1 (tacky, low cross-linking) for application and repositioning, Phase 2 (non-tacky, high cross-linking) for secure bonding, and Phase 3 (removable, moderate cross-linking) for painless removal. This segmentation allows the adhesive to perform different functions at different stages of the medical device lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive undergoes periodic transitions between three states through controlled exposure to moisture and light. The adhesive cycles between tacky and non-tacky states, enabling application, repositioning, secure bonding, and removal in a structured sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Strength

If conventional switchable adhesives are applied in high tack/peel strength state, then strong bond is achieved, but the dressing cannot be repositioned and adhesive waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidadhesive waste

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied in Phase 1 with low tack and peel strength, allowing easy repositioning and adjustment before final bonding. This preliminary low-strength state prevents adhesive waste by enabling correction of placement errors without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive properties are dynamically changed through phase transitions. The adhesive starts with low tack/peel strength for application, transitions to high tack/peel strength for bonding, and can be reverted to low strength for removal, optimizing performance at each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional acrylic adhesives are used, then sufficient bond strength is achieved, but the adhesive is not reusable and components cannot be disassembled and reconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidcomponent reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive transitions dynamically between three phases with different bonding characteristics. Phase 1 allows component assembly with easy adjustment, Phase 2 provides secure bonding for normal use, and Phase 3 enables painless removal and component disassembly for reuse or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive's physical and chemical parameters are changed through phase transitions controlled by moisture and light exposure, enabling the same adhesive material to provide different bonding strengths and reversibility characteristics at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If silicone adhesives are used, then repositioning during application is possible, but the bond strength and wearability time are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverepositionabilityVSAvoidbond strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive combines properties of both silicone and acrylic adhesives through its three-phase system. Phase 1 resembles silicone adhesives with high repositionability, Phase 2 achieves acrylic-level bond strength, and the phase transitions are controlled by moisture and light rather than temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 easy repositioning and removal of medical devices, reducing adhesive waste and patient discomfort, while maintaining strong bond strength and wear time.

Implementation Method 1

photo initiators configured to cause the one or more polymers to cross-link responsive to receiving light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

polymerization initiators configured to cause the one or more polymers to cross-link responsive to receiving moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12496230B2Moisture and electromagnetic radiation switchable adhesive and apparatuses, systems, and methods therefore

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to dual switchable adhesives, the manufacture thereof, and the use thereof. An exemplary dual switchable adhesive includes one or more polymers, photo initiators configured to cause the one or more polymers to cross-link responsive to receiving light, and polymerization initiators configured to cause the one or more polymers to cross-link responsive to receiving moisture.