Microstructured Surface Geometry for Easier Microorganism Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microstructured surfaces used for reducing biofilm formation can be difficult to clean due to the size disparity between brush bristles or wipe fibers and the microstructures, leading to inefficient microorganism removal.

Innovation Solution

A microstructured surface with specific peak structures and valleys, characterized by side wall angles greater than 10 degrees and maximum widths ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns, facilitates improved microorganism removal and reduces microbial touch transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a microstructured surface with small features is used to reduce biofilm formation, then microorganism attachment is reduced, but cleaning difficulty increases due to size disparity between brush bristles/wipe fibers and microstructures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism attachment resistanceVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the microstructures, specifically increasing the valley width to at least 10 microns and setting side wall angles to at least 10 degrees. These parameter modifications make the microstructures large enough to be effectively cleaned by conventional brush bristles and wipe fibers while still maintaining the ability to prevent microorganism attachment and biofilm formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional smooth surfaces are used, then cleaning is easy, but microorganism removal efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidmicroorganism removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific geometric parameters for the microstructured surface, including valley widths of at least 10 microns and side wall angles of at least 10 degrees. These parameter changes create a surface topology that enhances microorganism removal during cleaning while maintaining ease of cleaning operations, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12434427B2Microstructured surface with increased microorganism removal when cleaned, articles and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.