Nanofiber Sheet Attachment via Wet Surface Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Nanofiber sheets with low stiffness pose challenges in attaching them to surfaces, such as human skin, due to poor handling properties, which hinders the realization of their intended benefits.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a dual-layer nanofiber sheet with a polymeric nanofiber layer and a releasable air-permeable base layer, where the nanofiber layer is contacted with a wet surface using a fluid with specific probe tack properties to facilitate attachment and transfer of the nanofiber layer onto the surface, while the base layer is removable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If nanofiber sheets are used to achieve high transparency and other nano-size effects, then optical characteristics and functional properties are improved, but handling properties deteriorate due to low stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidhandling properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the nanofiber sheet into two functional layers: a nanofiber layer (providing transparency and functional properties) and a base layer (providing stiffness and handling properties). This segmentation allows each layer to independently fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the nanofiber layer with a base layer made of different material properties. The base layer acts as a support structure that complements the nanofiber layer, providing the necessary mechanical strength and handling ease while preserving the optical and functional characteristics of the nanofibers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If nanofiber sheets with low stiffness are used, then optical and functional characteristics are improved, but attachment to surfaces becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical and functional characteristicsVSAvoidattachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sheet structure into a functional nanofiber layer and a structural base layer, allowing the base layer to provide attachment capability while the nanofiber layer maintains its optical and functional properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base layer serves as an intermediary between the nanofiber layer and the target surface, facilitating attachment operations. The base layer can be removed after attachment, transferring the nanofiber layer to the surface while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If the nanofiber layer is made finer to enhance transparency, then optical properties are improved, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the functions of optical performance and mechanical strength into different layers: the nanofiber layer provides transparency through its fine structure, while the base layer provides the necessary mechanical strength and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines materials with different properties: the nanofiber layer contributes optical transparency and functional characteristics, while the base layer contributes mechanical strength, creating a composite that exhibits both sets of properties simultaneously.

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

This method enhances the handling and attachment of nanofiber sheets to surfaces, ensuring effective transfer and adhesion of the nanofiber layer without excessive strength, allowing for easy removal and improved manageability.

Implementation Method 1

bringing a side of the nanofiber layer of the nanofiber sheet into contact with the surface of the object under the condition that a surface of the nanofiber layer or the surface of the object is wet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 2

the probe tack is measured using a probe tack tester under conditions of a preload of 200 gf and a press time of 10 seconds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2371528B1Method for attaching nanofiber sheet
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 KAO CORP
  • EP2371528B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A method of attaching a nanofiber sheet (10) having a nanofiber layer (11) comprising a polymeric nanofiber and a base layer (12) located on one side of the nanofiber layer (11) to a surface of an object. The method includes bringing a side of the nanofiber layer (11) of the nanofiber sheet (10) into contact with the surface of the object under the condition that a surface of the nanofiber layer (11) or the surface of the object is wet. Preferably, the base layer (12) is releasably laminated to the nanofiber layer (11), and the base layer (12) is removed from the nanofiber sheet (10) that is attached to the surface of the object to transfer the nanofiber layer (10) onto the surface of the object.