Resilient Diaphragm Stamp for Patterning Pseudo-Spherical Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro-contact printing techniques are inadequate for printing on spherical or pseudo-spherical surfaces due to air bubble trapping and non-uniform strain distribution, leading to distorted pattern prints.

Innovation Solution

A stamp with a resilient diaphragm that can change shape to conform to pseudo-spherical surfaces, featuring a flexible peripheral edge and a more rigid central area, allowing for accurate pattern transfer by distributing strains mainly in the flexible peripheral part, and optionally using a sealed enclosure for pressure control to match the curvature of the receiver surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a convex stamping surface is used to avoid air bubble trapping, then the stamp can be used with pseudo-spherical receiving surfaces, but the pattern prints become distorted due to non-uniform strain distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with pseudo-spherical surfacesVSAvoidpattern printing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stamping surface is divided into two regions with different mechanical properties: a rigid central region that maintains pattern fidelity and a flexible peripheral region that adapts to curved surfaces and distributes strain. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the center to preserve printing accuracy while the periphery provides surface adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The stamping surface is segmented into a central rigid zone and a peripheral flexible zone, each performing distinct functions. The segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve pattern fidelity (through the rigid center) and surface conformability (through the flexible periphery), resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stamping surface is made flexible to conform to curved surfaces, then the stamp can print on pseudo-spherical surfaces, but the pattern becomes distorted due to strain in the stamping surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conform to receiver shapeVSAvoidpattern distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the stamping surface are assigned different flexibility characteristics: the central region maintains rigidity to preserve pattern geometry, while the peripheral region is made flexible to conform to curved surfaces. This local quality differentiation eliminates pattern distortion while maintaining surface adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral region of the stamping surface is designed as a flexible thin film that can bend and conform to curved receiver surfaces without transmitting strain to the central pattern-bearing region. This allows the stamp to adapt to pseudo-spherical surfaces while maintaining printing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid stamping surface is used, then the pattern can be printed with high accuracy on planar surfaces, but the stamp cannot adapt to pseudo-spherical surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern printing accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with curved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stamping surface combines a rigid central region for high-precision pattern transfer with a flexible peripheral region for surface adaptation. This local quality differentiation enables the stamp to maintain printing accuracy on planar surfaces while gaining the ability to conform to curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid stamping surface design enables the single stamp to function effectively on both planar and curved surfaces. The rigid center ensures accuracy on flat surfaces, while the flexible periphery enables adaptation to curved surfaces, providing universal applicability across different receiver geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high-accuracy pattern printing on pseudo-spherical surfaces with minimal distortion, suitable for a wide range of curvature radii, including convex and concave surfaces, using a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient diaphragm that can change shape so that it conforms to the shape of the receiver when pressed against the latter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8268544B2Stamp for patterning, method for manufacturing such stamp and method for manufacturing an object using the stamp

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A stamp for patterning onto a receiving surface of an object (101) according to a defined pattern (P) comprises a stamping surface (21) of a resilient diaphragm (20). The stamping surface is planar at rest. The pattern is reproduced on the stamping surface and the diaphragm is affixed to a rigid body (13) along a peripheral edge, so that a middle part of the diaphragm can move along a direction perpendicular to the stamping surface. The diaphragm (20) is more flexible near the peripheral edge than in the middle part. Then, the pattern (P) printed on a pseudo-spherical receiving surface (103) using the stamp exhibits few distortion.