Adhesive Element with Capillary Absorption Layer for Clean-Release Bonding

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

This patent describes a specially designed adhesive element that allows parts to be bonded together and then easily separated with minimal adhesive residue left behind. The core design leverages layers: a carrier layer that holds the adhesive and a connected absorption layer that preferentially absorbs the adhesive when it is liquefied (e.g., by heat or other physical changes). This capillary action pulls the adhesive away from the bond area, enabling clean and residue-free separation. The invention is particularly useful for creating easily openable and resealable seals, such as in valve assemblies and fluidic channels.

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

• Temporary bonding of microfluidic device parts for biomedical and analytical applications
• Valve technology where openings must be repeatedly sealed and unsealed without clogging channels
• Manufacturing processes requiring removable and clean separation of joined parts
• Packaging solutions where easy and residue-free opening is desired
• Prototyping and assembly aid in electronics or mechanical systems where clean part removal is important
• Dosage devices and pumps (e.g., medical implants) needing reliably clean fluid passage upon seal opening

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows for strong yet easily reversible bonding of parts
• Minimizes or eliminates adhesive residue after separation, protecting sensitive surfaces and microchannels
• Prevents channel clogging in microfluidic or small-scale systems
• Enables selective detachment, even of individual adhesive areas, by choosing different adhesives or materials
• Compatible with various actuation methods for adhesive release (heat, UV, electric or magnetic fields, ultrasound, etc.)
• Materials and build can be tailored for specific requirements (biocompatibility, porosity, etc.)
• Improves maintenance, recyclability, and reusability of parts and devices

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an adhesive element (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) for bonding to at least one component surface (3a, 4a), comprising at least one first carrier layer (1a, 1b) which carries a layer of a first adhesive material (A, B) at least on a first outer side in a first adhesive region (8) and which is permeable to the adhesive material, and comprising at least one absorption layer (2a, 2b) connected to the first carrier layer (1a, 1b), wherein the first adhesive material and the first carrier layer are coordinated with each other such that the adhesive material (A, B), when in liquid form, is at least partially drawn into the first carrier layer (1a, 1b) by capillary action, and wherein the absorption layer (2a, 2b) is designed such that it is wetted by the liquid first adhesive material due to capillary action at least as strongly as the first carrier layer, in particular more strongly wetted than the first carrier layer (1a, 1b). Through absorption of the first adhesive material in the absorption layer, the adhesive bond can be dissolved with very little residue.