Microstructured surface film assembly for liquid acquisition and transport

• US 20030102076A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 06/05/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Johnston, Raymond P., Huntley, Douglas A., Mortenson, Sara B., Castiglione, Stephanie B.
• Application Number:
  US10/325,376
• Publication Number:
  US 20030102076A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 156/219
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0056 using evaporative effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/53708 the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53778 with grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53782 with holes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 1/00 Evaporating evaporation in general, e.g. of liquids for gas phase reactions B01B1/005 ; removal of incrustation B08B; preparation of starch C08B30/00; sugar industry C13; prevention of incrustation C23F; drying solid materials or objects by evaporating liquids therefrom F26
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/30 characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs apertured layer B32B3/266; layer with cavities or internal voids B32B3/26
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 15/02 Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of webs E04F15/16
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 15/02161 Floor elements with grooved main surface
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 15/10 of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard , or with a top layer of other materials
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 5/00 Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 13/18 by applying coatings, e.g. radiation-absorbing, radiation-reflecting; by surface treatment, e.g. polishing
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 17/005 Means for draining condensates from heat exchangers, e.g. from evaporators F28B9/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 2245/02 hydrophilic
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 2245/04 hydrophobic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1039 Surface deformation only of sandwich or lamina [e.g., embossed panels]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1064 Partial cutting [e.g., grooving or incising]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/23979 Particular backing structure or composition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24562 Interlaminar spaces
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2457 Parallel ribs and/or grooves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24587 Oblique to longitudinal axis of web or sheet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24612 : Composite web or sheet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24744 : Longitudinal or transverse tubular cavity or cell

Abstract

A film or tape has one of its major surfaces defined by microstructured features including a plurality of channels defined by spaced apart protrusions. The microstructured film is able to acquire liquids and to control the directional transport of such liquids for subsequent removal therefrom. The transport can be passive or active (i.e., caused or enhanced by an applied potential). The inventive microstructured films and tapes have applications in laminate floor assemblies (for spill removal) and industrial articles such as computer keyboards and other devices and assemblies that benefit from fluid removal. The invention also has application in evaporative and condensation applications. In one embodiment, at least one cross-channel is formed on the microstructured surface to join adjacent channels for liquid flow therebetween.

Claims

1. A method of defining an alternate liquid flow path on a polymeric microstructured liquid transport surface of the type having a plurality of channels which are formed to divert a liquid thereon in a first desired directional path and which are formed to control the displacing or evaporating of a liquid disposed on the surface, the method comprising:

forming at least one cross-channel on the polymeric microstructured liquid transport surface to join at least two adjacent channels of the plurality of channels for liquid flow therebetween.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the forming step comprises:

applying heat to the polymeric microstructured fluid transport surface to define the cross-channel thereon.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the forming step comprises:

applying pressure to the polymeric microstructured fluid transport surface to define the cross-channel thereon.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the channels are defined by generally parallel ridges including a first set of ridges having a first height and a second set of ridges having a second, taller height, wherein an upper portion of each ridge of the second set has a lower melting temperature than a lower portion thereof, and wherein the forming step comprises:

applying heat to the polymeric microstructured surface along a liner cross-channel segment thereof, to a temperature high enough to melt the upper portions of the ridges of the second set but not high enough to melt the lower portions thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the channels are defined by generally parallel ridges with liquid flow valleys therebetween, and wherein the forming step comprises:

cutting away portions of the ridges between adjacent channels.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymeric microstructured liquid transport surface defines a top side of a layer having top and bottom opposite sides, and further comprising:

forming a liquid removal aperture through the layer, from top to bottom sides thereof, which is in communication with the cross-channel.

7. The method of claim 6, and further comprising:

urging liquid across the polymeric microstructured liquid transport surface toward the liquid removal aperture.

8. The method of claim 7, and further comprising:

coupling the liquid removal aperture to a liquid collection receptacle.

9. The method of claim 1, and further comprising:

adhering a cap layer onto the polymeric microstructured liquid transport surface.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the cap layer is porous.