Surface affix-able device incorporating mechanically actuated dry adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective solutions for removably adhering objects to various surfaces in any orientation using dry adhesive materials, particularly for consumer electronic devices like cell phones, which require secure and removable attachment.
Innovation Solution
A surface affixable device incorporating mechanically actuated dry adhesive tiles with directional microwedges, where an actuator and biasing element work together to generate adhesive force by displacing the tiles relative to each other, allowing the device to adhere to surfaces in any orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adhesive mechanisms are used, then objects can be attached to surfaces, but they cannot be securely attached in any orientation or easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable tiles with mechanically actuated dry adhesive elements that can be dynamically engaged and disengaged. The tiles are configured to move relative to the body, allowing the adhesive force to be activated only when needed, enabling attachment in any orientation while maintaining easy removal through simple mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry adhesive elements undergo parameter changes through mechanical actuation. By applying force to the movable tiles, the microwedges are deformed from a non-adhesive state to an adhesive state, changing the physical parameters of the adhesive elements to enable secure attachment, and can be reverted for easy removal.
2Reliability
If mechanically actuated dry adhesive with movable tiles is used, then adhesive force is generated and objects can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface is segmented into multiple independent movable tiles rather than a single continuous adhesive surface. Each tile can be independently actuated and contains its own array of dry adhesive elements. This segmentation allows the complex mechanical actuation to be distributed across multiple simple units, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable adhesive force through the collective action of all tiles.
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 device provides secure adhesion and easy removal of consumer electronic devices to various surfaces, including smooth and rough surfaces, with sufficient normal and frictional forces, ensuring reliable attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element that, upon displacement of the movable tile in a first direction, applies a bias to the movable tile in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of friction and adhesion forces, and can withstand normal and shear forces without de-adhering
Implementation Method 3
displacement of the movable tile relative to the fixed tile generating adhesive force between the movable tile and a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A surface affixable device incorporating mechanically actuated dry adhesive includes a body and a plurality of tiles affixed to the body. Each of the plurality of tiles includes an array of dry adhesive material elements disposed on front faces thereof. A first of the plurality of tiles is movably affixed to the body. An actuator is constructed and arranged to displace the first of the plurality of tiles in a first direction relative to a second of the plurality of tiles. A biasing element applies a bias to the first of the plurality of tiles in a second direction upon displacement of the first of the plurality of tiles in the first direction.