Microstructured surface film assembly for liquid acquisition and transport

• US 20030104170A1
• 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:
  US10/325,410
• Publication Number:
  US 20030104170A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/167
• 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 laminate liquid disposal assembly comprising:

a liquid control layer having a top side and a bottom side, the top side having a liquid landing zone for receiving liquid thereon and a liquid removal zone, and the top side having a microstructure-bearing surface with a plurality of channels thereon that facilitate directional flow control of the liquid across the top side from the liquid landing zone to the liquid removal zone;

a substrate layer;

means for attaching the bottom side of the liquid control layer to the substrate layer; and

means for removing the liquid from the liquid removal zone of the top side of the liquid control layer.

2. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1, and further comprising:

a porous cap layer disposed over the landing zone of the top side of the liquid control layer.

3. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the channels have channel ends, and wherein the removing means withdraws the liquid from the channels adjacent one of the channel ends thereof.

4. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 3 wherein the removing means withdraws the liquid from the channels adjacent both channel ends thereof.

5. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the removing means comprises:

an absorbent material disposed in communication with the liquid removal zone.

6. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the channels are substantially parallel throughout their lengths.

7. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the removing means includes a fluid collection manifold in communication with the channels in the liquid removal zone.

8. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 7 wherein the removing means includes means for creating a pressure gradient along the channels and through the fluid collection manifold.

9. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the liquid control layer is a polymeric film.

10. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the microstrucure-being surface of the liquid control layer has a characteristic-altering coating thereon.

11. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the polymeric film includes a characteristic altering additive.

12. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 11 wherein the additive is selected from the groups consisting of flame retardants, hydrophobics, hydrophylics, antimicrobial agents, inorganics, metallic particles, glass fibers, fillers, clays and nanoparticles.

13. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the attaching means is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

14. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 13 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is formed as a microstrucuture-bearing surface.

15. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the removing means includes a liquid drip collector.

16. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the liquid landing zone is at a temperature sufficiently lower than ambient to cause liquid to condense on the channels thereon.

17. The laminate liquid disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, ink, lubricant, lavatory fluid, fuel, fragrance or combinations thereof.