Switchable Decor Adhesive System for Interchangeable Device Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative covers for portable devices are not easily customizable or interchangeable, requiring replacement when they become worn or when the user desires a change in design.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a fixation sheet with a permanent adhesive attached to the device and a decorative sheet without adhesive, using a non-permanent adhesive on the fixation sheet to securely attach the decorative sheet, allowing for easy removal and replacement without damaging the device or cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a permanent adhesive is used to attach the decorative sheet to the device, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of removal and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of removal and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is segmented into two distinct adhesive layers: a permanent adhesive layer attached to the device surface that provides strong bonding, and a removable adhesive layer that bonds the decorative sheet to the permanent adhesive. This segmentation allows the decorative sheet to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining strong attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the device surface and the removable adhesive layer. This intermediary structure enables the decorative sheet to be firmly attached during normal use while allowing for easy removal and replacement when desired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a non-permanent adhesive is used to attach the decorative sheet, then the ease of removal and replacement is improved, but the attachment strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removal and replacementVSAvoidattachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is divided into two functional layers: a permanent adhesive layer that provides strong bonding to the device, and a removable adhesive layer that enables easy removal and replacement. The segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different adhesive properties are applied at different locations/layers: the permanent adhesive layer provides strong attachment strength where needed, while the removable adhesive layer provides ease of removal where the decorative sheet contacts it. Each layer has locally optimized properties for its specific function.

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 users to easily change and personalize the appearance of devices by allowing the decorative sheet to be reused and easily applied, eliminating the need for frequent replacements of the entire cover or decal.

Implementation Method 1

a fixation sheet member having a third side configured to be attached to a surface of the article, the third side including a first adhesive with a first adhesion characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a fourth side, opposite the third side and configured to receive one of the first and second sides of the decorative sheet, the fourth side having a second adhesive with a second adhesion characteristic, the second adhesion characteristic being less permanent than the first adhesion characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2967200B1Switchable decor
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 SWAPONZ
  • EP2967200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2967200B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2967200B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An apparatus for decorating an article includes a decorative sheet member having a first side and a second side, neither of the first and second sides having an adhesive; a fixation sheet member having a third side configured to be attached to a surface of the article, the third side including a first adhesive with a first adhesion characteristic; and a fourth side, opposite the third side and configured to receive one of the first and second sides of the decorative sheet, the fourth side having a second adhesive with a second adhesion characteristic, the second adhesion characteristic being less permanent than the first adhesion characteristic.