Nanostructured Cylindrical Roll Patterning by Ionic Stamp Rolling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for creating structured surface features on cylindrical rolls, such as diamond turning and electrochemical patterning, face limitations in achieving precise nano-sized features with high fidelity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a compliant solid-state superionic stamp with a patterned surface, where the stamp is prepared with a thin layer of high ionic conductivity material like glassy silver iodide-silver metaphosphate, allowing for precise rolling contact with a metallic surface to create nano-sized features through electrochemical patterning, with techniques like laser machining and thermoforming for pattern imposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional planar or cylindrical rollers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface area contact with the substrate is limited and bacterial adhesion cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-bacterial adhesion performanceVSAvoidroller structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface is segmented into numerous cylindrical nanoscale protrusions (nanostructures) arranged in an array pattern. This segmentation creates a hierarchical structure where the macroscopic roller is divided into microscopic cylindrical elements, each contributing to the overall anti-bacterial function through their geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar surfaces or simple cylindrical surfaces to a three-dimensional hierarchical structure with nanoscale protrusions extending perpendicular to the roller surface. This adds a vertical dimension (z-axis) to the surface topology, creating cylindrical nanostructures that provide enhanced mechanical disruption of bacterial membranes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the roller surface is made smooth and uniform, then the manufacturing process is simple, but bacterial cells can adhere firmly and biofilm formation is promoted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-biofilm performanceVSAvoidsurface uniformity control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface exhibits local quality variations through the periodic arrangement of cylindrical nanoscale protrusions. Each local region contains nanostructures with specific geometric properties (diameter, height, spacing) that are optimized for mechanical disruption of bacterial membranes, while the overall distribution maintains a controlled pattern

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The array of cylindrical nanoscale protrusions creates a porous-like hierarchical structure on the roller surface. This structured porosity at the nanoscale provides mechanical disruption to bacterial cells while maintaining sufficient surface area for functional applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If conventional rolling methods are used, then the process is simple and fast, but selective rolling based on bacterial properties is not achieved leading to antibiotic resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective rolling capabilityVSAvoidrolling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical nanoscale protrusions provide localized mechanical properties that enable selective interaction with different bacterial types. The geometry and distribution of these nanostructures can be tailored to target specific bacterial cell wall structures, providing selective pressure that prevents development of broad-spectrum resistance

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

Enables the formation of high-resolution nano-sized features on cylindrical rolls with improved contact pressure distribution and pattern transfer fidelity, achieving precise and efficient nano-scale surface structuring.

Implementation Method 1

a solid state ionic conductor stamp is rolled in rolling contact against a metallic surface... The oxidation reaction at the film-stamp interface etches the metallic film through anodic dissolution. The resulting metal ions are transported through the solid state ionic conductor stamp to a counter electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Pattern transfer is accomplished with the application of an electric field. The oxidation reaction at the film-stamp interface etches the metallic film through anodic dissolution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The use of a compliant solid-state superionic stamp with a patterned surface, where the stamp is prepared with a thin layer of high ionic conductivity material like glassy silver iodide-silver metaphosphate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperionic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3512986B1Method of making a nanostructured cylindrical roll
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3512986B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3512986B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3512986B1 patent drawingFigure 2E~3

AI summary

A method of patterning a cylindrical tool, including providing a stamp including a base and a layer of solid state ionic conductor thereon, applying a negative of a predetermined pattern of features on a major surface of the solid state ionic conductor, providing a cylindrical tool having a metallic surface positioned proximate the stamp, and applying an electric field between the metallic surface and a cathode while moving the stamp against the metallic surface in rolling line contact so as to impart the predetermined pattern of features onto the metallic surface, wherein the cathode is either the base or a conductive element positioned adjacent to the base. The positive of the predetermined pattern of features may include a multiplicity of nano-sized features.