Marking Tape Segmented Core for Removable Pavement Adhesion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pavement marking tapes lack durability and resistance to traffic and weather conditions, and are not easily removable without damaging the road surface, while also being costly and requiring expensive equipment for removal.

Innovation Solution

A marking tape comprising a core layer with a conforming thermoplastic material, a cross-linked marking layer, and a fibrous layer, such as a netting or nonwoven layer, embedded within the conforming layer or adhesive layer, which provides self-adapting shear strength and is removable without damaging the road surface, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If marking tape uses strong adhesive for secure attachment, then durability and resistance to traffic/weather conditions improves, but removal difficulty increases and road surface damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The marking tape is segmented into multiple functional layers: a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for secure attachment, a conforming layer for adaptation, a marking layer for visibility, and a protective layer for durability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while enabling clean removal without road damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conforming layer is made of thermoplastic material that dynamically adapts to pavement irregularities and weather conditions, maintaining secure attachment and durability while allowing for easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If marking tape uses thick and robust material for structural integrity, then resistance to traffic and weather conditions improves, but weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtape weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The marking tape employs composite materials consisting of multiple thin layers with specific properties: pressure-sensitive adhesive, thermoplastic conforming material, pigment-containing marking layer, and clear protective layer. This composite structure provides high structural integrity and weather resistance while keeping the tape lightweight and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The marking tape uses thin film structures for each functional layer, particularly the conforming layer made of thermoplastic material that flexes to match pavement contours, providing strength without excessive weight or material consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If marking tape uses simple single-layer structure, then manufacturing cost decreases, but durability and adaptability to pavement conditions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The marking tape is segmented into multiple functional layers: a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for secure attachment, a conforming layer for adaptation, a marking layer for visibility, and a protective layer for durability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while enabling clean removal without road damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marking tape employs composite materials consisting of multiple thin layers with specific properties: pressure-sensitive adhesive, thermoplastic conforming material, pigment-containing marking layer, and clear protective layer. This composite structure provides high structural integrity and weather resistance while keeping the tape lightweight and cost-effective.

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

The marking tape maintains high durability and optical appearance over long-term use, is lightweight and inexpensive, and can be easily removed without damaging the road surface, enhancing traffic safety and reducing removal costs.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer; wherein the adhesive layer is adapted for retaining the marking tape on the pavement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a conforming layer of a, preferably non bituminous, thermoplastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoplastic flow: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS11110695B2Marking tape, method of applying and method of manufacturing the marking tape

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A marking tape for application on pavement which comprises a core layer and an adhesive layer outside the core layer. The core layer is formed of a combination of a conforming layer of a thermoplastic material, a marking layer of a cross-linked material, and a fibrous layer. The conforming layer and the marking layer are contiguous and/or directly interconnected with each other.