Mycelium Leather Finishing Using the Bottom Surface for Coating Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mycelium-based leather substitutes lack homogeneity in their top surface, leading to non-uniform adhesion of coatings and poor water penetration due to high fiber density and hydrophobic nature.

Innovation Solution

The method involves flipping the mycelium sheet so that the bottom surface, which is less dense and more hydrophilic, is finished and used as the visible surface. This involves contacting the bottom surface with an aqueous solution containing lubricants, drying, and applying a finishing coating only on the bottom surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the top surface of mycelium-based leather substitute is used as the visible surface, then the material structure is maintained as grown, but the surface lacks homogeneity and has poor coating adhesion due to high fiber density and hydrophobic nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface homogeneityVSAvoidcoating adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by using the bottom surface of the mycelium sheet as the visible surface instead of the top surface. The bottom surface exhibits superior properties including homogeneity, hydrophilicity, and coating adhesion, effectively resolving the surface quality issues of the conventional top surface approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the top surface is used, then the material structure is preserved, but water penetration is poor due to hydrophobic nature and high fiber density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial structureVSAvoidwater penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the mycelium sheet and using the bottom surface as the visible surface, the patent achieves both structure preservation and improved water penetration. The bottom surface's inherent hydrophilicity and lower fiber density enable effective water penetration while maintaining the material's structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If finishing coating is applied to the top surface, then the surface is treated, but adhesion is non-uniform due to heterogeneous surface properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface treatmentVSAvoidcoating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves coating uniformity issues by applying finishing coatings to the bottom surface instead of the top surface. The bottom surface's homogeneous structure and hydrophilic properties provide uniform coating adhesion, eliminating the non-uniform adhesion problems associated with the top surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by utilizing the inherently different properties of the bottom surface - its homogeneity, hydrophilicity, and lower fiber density - to provide an optimal base for finishing coating application, thereby achieving uniform coating distribution and adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach results in a more homogeneous and hydrophilic surface, improving the adhesion and uniformity of coatings, and allowing for better water penetration and resistance to abrasion and flexion.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the sheet material with an aqueous solution comprising lubricants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

applying at least one finishing coating on the bottom surface only

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12276066B2Method for producing a finished leather substitute

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 HERMES SELLIER (SOCIETE PAR ACTIONS SIMPLIFIEE)

AI summary

A method for producing a finished leather substitute, finished leather substitutes obtainable by such method, and uses thereof are provided. Specifically, a method for producing a finished leather substitute is provided, comprising providing a sheet material grown from mycelium having a top surface layer and a bottom surface, and applying at least one finishing coating to the bottom surface only.