Production of Structured Surfaces

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a method for creating complex 3D-structured surfaces on elastic materials. The method involves stretching an elastic material, applying a two-dimensional pattern via selective hardening, masking, or exposure to UV light or plasma, and then relaxing the material. The different levels of hardening create regions with varied elastic properties, resulting in precise surface folds, channels, or other patterns when the material contracts. This technique enables the production of micro- and nano-scale surface features, which can also be transferred to other materials by molding.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Fabrication of microfluidic devices for biomedical diagnostics
• Production of self-cleaning surfaces (e.g., surfaces mimicking lotus leaf effect)
• Creation of haptic or textured surfaces for consumer electronics, automotive interiors, or ergonomic tools
• Generating anti-reflective or light-manipulating surfaces for optical applications
• Development of advanced adhesive surfaces based on biomimetic principles (e.g., gecko-inspired materials)
• Manufacturing templates or molds for nano- and micro-scale structuring of various materials (epoxy, thermoplastics, concrete, etc.)
• Customization of flow properties and wettability in industrial components

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables high-precision surface structuring at micro- and nanoscales with a single-step process
• More cost-effective and faster than traditional lithographic or laser methods
• Allows the creation of complex 3D features such as overhangs, hierarchical structures, and curved channels not achievable with other techniques
• Highly versatile—applicable to a wide range of elastic materials and transferrable to other substrates
• Easily scaled for large-area and high-throughput manufacturing (e.g., roll-to-roll processing)
• Adaptable for both experimental and simulation-driven (including machine learning) design and optimization of surface patterns
• Reduces material waste and speeds up development cycles due to the ability to predict and iterate surface designs computationally

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Three-dimensionally structured surfaces on the basis of a resilient material by stretching, selective treatment of various surface regions and relaxation.