Fastening system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fastening systems, such as nails and double-sided adhesive strips, often leave unsightly holes or damage walls when removed, and are not suitable for heavy loads or large fixing surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system that applies a liquid application agent to create a smooth adhesive surface, allowing a microstructured functional part to be attached releasably using Van der Waals forces, which can be removed without residue and painted over, and includes a self-adhesive film with microstructures for enhanced adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nails or screws are used for fastening, then the fastening strength is sufficient for heavy objects, but unsightly holes are created in the wall upon removal requiring renovation work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidwall damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a double-sided adhesive strip as an intermediary element between the hook and the wall. This adhesive strip provides sufficient bonding strength to support heavy objects while allowing clean removal without damaging the wall surface, thus resolving the contradiction between fastening strength and wall damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (nails/screws) to chemical (adhesive), and specifically uses a removable adhesive formulation that maintains strong bonding during use but allows clean removal afterward, addressing both strength and damage concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If double-sided adhesive strips are used for fastening, then the wall surface is preserved without holes, but the load-bearing capacity is limited and they are ill-suited for heavy objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall damageVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a mechanical hook structure with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The hook provides the mechanical strength needed for heavy objects, while the double-sided adhesive strip provides the bonding interface that preserves the wall surface, merging both approaches to overcome their individual limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If permanent adhesive bonds are used, then the fastening is secure, but removal involves damage to the object and/or wall surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoiddamage upon removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies using a removable adhesive formulation rather than permanent adhesive. This changes the chemical parameters of the bonding agent to provide sufficient bonding strength during use while maintaining the capability for clean removal without damage to either the object or wall surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If the hook size is increased to support heavier loads, then the load-bearing capacity improves, but the size of the adhesive strip required increases limiting practical applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidadhesive strip area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fastening system into two functional components: a mechanical hook that provides load-bearing capacity and a separate adhesive strip that provides bonding. This segmentation allows the hook to be optimized for strength while the adhesive strip size can be independently optimized for the application, resolving the contradiction between load capacity and adhesive area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 secure and removable attachment to rough surfaces without damage, suitable for various applications including walls, ceilings, and even skin, with the ability to support heavy loads and large fixing surfaces, and allows for easy removal and repainting.

Implementation Method 1

a microstructured functional part (28) which can be releasably attached to the adhesion surface (26) via its functional surface (32), in particular by means of adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVan der Waals forces: Van der Waals Force

Data Source

PatentEP4302656A1Fastening system
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 GOTTLIEB BINDER
  • EP4302656A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4302656A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4302656A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Fastening system, comprising at least - an application agent which, when applied to a surface (12), in particular after hardening, forms a smooth bonding surface (26) relative to this surface (12), and - a functional part (28) which has a functional surface (32) on its side facing the bonding surface (26), which can be releasably fixed to the bonding surface (26).