Two-Layer Adhesive for Wearable Sensor Attachment and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesives used for securing wearable sensors to body surfaces, such as fingernails, are difficult to remove without causing damage or discomfort, and the removal process is often lengthy and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A two-layer adhesive system is introduced, comprising a fast-drying, permanent top layer (e.g., cyanoacrylate) for securing the sensor and a fast-drying, temporary bottom layer for easy removal, which is applied directly to the body surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a strong adhesive (e.g., cyanoacrylate) is used to secure the sensor, then the adhesion strength is improved, but the removal process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidremoval time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is divided into two distinct layers: a bottom layer applied to the body surface and a top layer securing the sensor. This segmentation allows each layer to have different removal characteristics, with the bottom layer being easily removable while the top layer provides strong sensor attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the body surface and the top adhesive layer. It provides temporary, easy removal capability while allowing the top layer to maintain strong sensor adhesion. The bottom layer mediates between the conflicting requirements of strong attachment and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a permanent adhesive is used to secure the sensor, then the duration of attachment is improved, but the removal process causes damage or discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment durationVSAvoiddamage or discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is divided into two distinct layers: a bottom layer applied to the body surface and a top layer securing the sensor. This segmentation allows each layer to have different removal characteristics, with the bottom layer being easily removable while the top layer provides strong sensor attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the body surface and the top adhesive layer. It provides temporary, easy removal capability while allowing the top layer to maintain strong sensor adhesion. The bottom layer mediates between the conflicting requirements of strong attachment and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If a fast-drying adhesive is used, then the application speed is improved, but the removal process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is divided into two distinct layers: a bottom layer applied to the body surface and a top layer securing the sensor. This segmentation allows each layer to have different removal characteristics, with the bottom layer being easily removable while the top layer provides strong sensor attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the adhesive system have different properties: the bottom layer is formulated for easy removal from the body surface, while the top layer is formulated for strong sensor attachment. This local differentiation of adhesive properties resolves the contradiction between fast application and easy removal.

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

The two-layer adhesive system allows for secure attachment and easy removal of wearable sensors without causing harm to the patient or the sensor, significantly reducing the time and effort required for removal.

Implementation Method 1

the bottom layer releases upon exposure to a first solvent after a first duration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive release upon solvent exposure: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

the top layer releases upon exposure to a second solvent after a second duration more than the first duration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive release upon solvent exposure: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

A non-limiting example of the method includes coating a surface of the nail with a first adhesive layer (bottom layer). The first adhesive layer is cured and a surface of the cured first adhesive layer is coated with a second adhesive layer (top layer).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12290384B2Two-layer adhesion of electronics to a surface
Publication Date: 2025.05.06 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US12290384B2 patent drawing
  • US12290384B2 patent drawing
  • US12290384B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a two-layer adhesive and methods of using the same to secure an electronic device to an organism. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a surface of the organism is coated with a first adhesive layer (bottom layer). The first adhesive layer is cured and a surface of the cured first adhesive layer is coated with a second adhesive layer (top layer). An electronic device is positioned on the second adhesive layer prior to curing the second adhesive layer. The second adhesive layer is then cured, thereby embedding the electronic device within the second adhesive layer. The bottom layer and the top layer are selected such that the bottom layer releases upon exposure to a first solvent after a first duration and the top layer releases upon exposure to a second solvent after a second duration more than the first duration.