Porous Flow-Path Laminate Structure for Reliable Adhesive Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection devices face challenges in achieving complex flow path structures for multistage reactions, difficulty in bonding substrates, and instability in liquid flowability due to gaps and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A laminate structure comprising a first and second sheet-like structure with porous flow paths and an adhesive layer that ensures bonding without separation, using a water-resistant thermal adhesive in a mesh or parallel line configuration to maintain flowability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If multiple substrates are bonded using a double-sided tape to form a three-dimensional flow path, then the flow path complexity is improved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and gaps are formed between substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow path complexityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bonding function and the gap-filling function into a single adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is applied directly to the substrate surface and simultaneously performs both bonding and gap-filling operations, eliminating the need for separate gap-filling steps and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining complex three-dimensional flow path structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple substrates are bonded using a stapler to form a three-dimensional flow path, then the assembly process is simplified, but the bonding reliability is insufficient and liquid flowability becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidbonding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stapling system with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The adhesive layer creates reliable chemical bonds between substrates, ensuring stable liquid flowability through the three-dimensional flow paths, while the process remains simple and suitable for mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If an adhesive layer is used to bond substrates, then bonding is achieved, but the gap between substrates affects liquid flowability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidliquid flowability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous adhesive layer that contains voids or channels allowing liquid to flow through it. This porous structure enables the adhesive layer to simultaneously provide strong bonding between substrates and maintain liquid flowability by allowing liquid to pass through the adhesive layer via capillary action or pressure-driven flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous 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

The laminate structure facilitates easy bonding and ensures sufficient flowability without complex assembly, addressing the limitations of existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer that is arranged between the first sheet-like structure and the second sheet-like structure and is in contact with part of a surface of the porous structure of the first sheet-like structure and part of a surface of the porous structure of the second sheet-like structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a first sheet-like structure having a porous structure serving as a flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4624936A1Laminate structure and manufacturing method thereof, inspection device, and sheet-like structure-use adhesive sheet and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 DEXERIALS CORP
  • EP4624936A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4624936A1 patent drawingFigure 2B
  • EP4624936A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A laminate structure includes: a first sheet-like structure having a porous structure serving as a flow path exposed at a surface of the first sheet-like structure; a second sheet-like structure having a porous structure serving as a flow path exposed at a surface of the second sheet-like structure; and an adhesive layer that is arranged between the first sheet-like structure and the second sheet-like structure and is in contact with part of a surface of the porous structure of the first sheet-like structure and part of a surface of the porous structure of the second sheet-like structure such that the porous structure of the first sheet-like structure and the porous structure of the second sheet-like structure face each other, and the first sheet-like structure and the second sheet-like structure are not separated.