Viscoelastic Polymer Adhesive for Residue-Free Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting solutions for dark or confined spaces are often cumbersome, require external power sources, generate heat, and leave residues when removed, failing to meet the needs for portable, reusable, and residue-free illumination.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting apparatus combining low-power LEDs with a thermoset viscoelastomeric polymer for self-adhesive properties, allowing temporary or permanent attachment to objects without leaving residue, and featuring a switch for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adhesives are used to attach lighting apparatus to objects, then the lighting apparatus can be securely attached, but residue is left on the surface upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the adhesive by using a viscoelastomeric polymer with specific molecular weight, crosslink density, and glass transition temperature. These parameter changes enable the adhesive to maintain strong bonding while allowing clean removal without residue, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and residue-free removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite adhesive system combining viscoelastomeric polymer with specific plasticizers and fillers. This composite material structure provides both strong adhesion to various substrates and controlled removal properties, eliminating residue while maintaining reliable attachment during use.
2Illumination intensity
If permanent electrical light systems are installed to provide sufficient lighting, then adequate illumination is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with a portable adhesive substrate into a single integrated device. The LED light source is directly mounted on the viscoelastomeric polymer substrate, eliminating the need for separate wiring, mounting hardware, and installation infrastructure required by conventional electrical lighting systems, thus reducing complexity while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive lighting apparatus is self-adhering and can be independently positioned and removed by the user without requiring professional installation or complex electrical infrastructure. The device serves itself by providing portable, rechargeable illumination that adapts to various locations and tasks.
3Ease of operation
If conventional adhesives are used for attaching lighting apparatus, then initial attachment is achieved, but adhesiveness is lost after repeated removal and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adhesive system where the viscoelastomeric polymer can transition between bonded and unbonded states. The material's viscoelastic properties allow it to maintain strong adhesion during use, then be cleanly removed and re-applied multiple times without significant loss of bonding strength, enabling repeated repositioning while retaining reliability.
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 solution provides reliable, low-heat, low-power illumination that can be easily positioned and repositioned, maintaining adhesiveness over time without residue, enhancing usability in dark spaces and freeing up hands for tasks.
Implementation Method 1
capable of adhering the lighting apparatus to a variety of objects, and further capable adhering a variety of articles thereto
Implementation Method 2
highly cohesive and adhesive thermoset viscoelastomeric polymer components
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus is provided including at least one light adhered to a releasably adhesive viscoelastic polymer component. The light may be disposed upon, or at least partially disposed within, the viscoelastic polymer. The viscoelastic polymer component has a unique adhesiveness and cohesiveness, which allows the lighting apparatus to be releasably adhered to a variety of objects. Upon release of the lighting apparatus from an object, the viscoelastic polymer component leaves substantially no residue remaining on the object. The lighting apparatus can then be re-adhered to the object with substantially the same degree of adhesiveness as when originally adhered. In addition, a variety of articles can be adhered to the lighting apparatus, as desired.