DE20114878U1 - Surface with improved properties - Google Patents

Description

Surface with improved properties Int. Patent Classification B29C59/00 Description

The invention described relates to surfaces which are provided with structures according to the invention and thereby have improved properties.

In particular, surfaces that can come into contact with fluid media and can also become dirty/contaminated with any materials and particles or can be soiled or covered in any other way.

State of the art

When it comes to improving the properties of surfaces, attempts have been made for some time to find ways to reduce contamination or increase the self-cleaning power.

Well-known examples on this topic are the patent applications EP 0772514 and WO 00/58410.

They describe self-cleaning surfaces in the form of elevations and depressions, which have at least partially hydrophobic properties, in different manufacturing processes and forms, for example with permanently applied but also with surface structures that can be removed with detergents.

There are also applications for surfaces that describe reducing frictional resistance with flowing media. For example, the patents DE 19650439 Cl, DE 3609541 C2, in which rib structures influencing the flow boundary layer are shown.

Disadvantages of these self-cleaning surfaces are the limitation of the particle size of the structures applied, the limited manufacturing variants, the restriction of the cleaning effect to water, and no safety aspects are taken into account. 5

The disadvantages of applications for friction-reducing structures are that they generally describe very specific surface structures that are limited to very specific applications or forms in terms of both size and application. They are also limited to specific areas of application (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), and above all almost exclusively to properties that influence interfaces and, in particular, to friction-reducing properties, e.g. to increase speeds or reduce the amount of energy required.

Compared to the surface according to the invention, other surfaces, especially those with structures, have many disadvantages.

None of the existing structures can completely cover all the tasks that the surface according to the invention fulfills.

Furthermore, the surface according to the invention enables additional solutions for applications that neither currently known friction-reducing surfaces (such as patents DE 19650439 Cl, DE 3609541 C2) nor the self-cleaning surfaces in the respective embodiments described can achieve.

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The invention is based on the object of describing a novel surface which combines all the advantages of the different structures described above and also has new, improved properties and opens up new application possibilities through corresponding inventive combinations and inventive forms and functions of the surface structures to be described. This is achieved through inventive combinations and design as well as material properties of various surface structures.

For many surfaces, it is desirable, for example due to the application of the surface of an object, as well as several or all surfaces of objects of a body, to assign several identical or different properties simultaneously, for example, both friction-reducing properties, with one or more different fluid media, possibly even with different flow velocities and even different flow directions, as well as certain self-cleaning properties with regard to different media.

This can also vary in that, for example, the self-cleaning supporting surface on one and the same object can be designed to be both hydrophobic and lipophobic in order to best fulfil the desired tasks.

In addition, the surface according to the invention can also take on tasks other than self-cleaning, such as making it easier to prevent heavier materials from settling and sticking to the bottom of objects (e.g. containers), and by combining it with corresponding direction-oriented structures according to the invention, improving, facilitating and also accelerating the pouring of materials, or removing material that has settled on side walls.

It is often also useful to provide a surface, an object or other substrate with technical features that cannot be adequately achieved by the state of the art or that can only be achieved with great technical effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention in conjunction with the preamble of patent claim 1 by the characterizing features of the patent claim.

The present invention describes surfaces with structures according to the invention, which can have both friction-reducing and self-cleaning surface properties, as well as can influence flow speeds and flow directions through targeted characteristics, and can also delay the transition from laminar to turbulent flows or, if necessary, accelerate them, and can be designed in any combination of structures designed according to their tasks.

The surfaces according to the invention also have other advantages. Depending on the application, they can be used to exchange fluid media, e.g. for selective through-flow processes. In addition, the surfaces according to the invention can be equipped with functionalized surface structures or materials in a special form. In addition, the combination of directional and non-directional structures offers other advantages: In special forms, it is possible to use, supplement and improve the respective advantages and areas of application of the individual structures by using the other structure. For example, the friction-reducing surface can be improved in its functionality with the help of the self-cleaning surface in such a way that the friction-reducing surface structure can be protected from dirt and deposits by the self-cleaning surface structure, so that the functionality can be guaranteed and maintained even under the influence of contaminating fluids. Likewise, the self-cleaning surface structure in combination with the friction-reducing surface structure can be optimized, for example, in such a way that the cleaning substances, e.g. water, can be guided by the direction-influencing, friction-reducing surface structure to where optimal cleaning is guaranteed or must take place.

The advantages of the surfaces according to the invention are very diverse; they make it possible to assign new application possibilities to surfaces and objects, as well as to improve and expand existing applications.

This invention can be applied to all surfaces of objects which are exposed to frictional resistance during movement, e.g. due to air friction [gas mixture] or liquid friction (water), but also due to friction processes on, in or with solids, or any combination of these states of aggregation, or combinations of mixtures or mixtures of the same states of aggregation.

The purpose of this invention is to achieve improved frictional resistance values, particularly in static and sliding friction processes, or any combination of these types of friction with one another. Furthermore, this invention includes the reduction of all sliding friction effects that occur between moving bodies with moving or non-moving materials/media, as well as between all non-moving bodies with moving materials/media.

Another important part of the surfaces according to the invention are the various forms of self-cleaning structures, which can be designed in different design variations (shape, size, material, coating, etc.) due to special microstructures, mainly in the form of undirected elevations or depressions or elevations and depressions, e.g. in the form of knobs. These structures have, among other things, the property of forming very low wettability values under certain conditions (correct size of the structures, distances between the elevations or depressions, as well as the appropriately adjusted heights of the elevations in relation to the distances, and the correct choice of material, suitable for the expected contaminating media and cleaning fluids, etc.) with the respective corresponding, mainly fluid media (e.g. water) with the help of which the self-cleaning is to be promoted, particularly visible through large contact angles/edge angles.

This means that, for example, water droplets form almost spherical surfaces on these structures, which cannot adhere to the substrate and, as a result, run off very quickly, and which do not or

poorly adhering contaminants bind to themselves through adhesive forces and thereby take them with them when they roll off and are thus removed. Due to the individual elevations and the gas-filled (usually air) depressions in between, contaminating particles (e.g. dirt particles) have a very small contact surface (boundary layer), since the majority of the particles do not form a contact surface with the solid surface. This means that the contaminating particles form greater adhesion forces with water droplets with which they come into contact during the cleaning process than with the solid surface, which has only minimal contact, and are therefore caught, absorbed and transported away by the water droplets.

It can therefore be assumed that through appropriate surface structures in the form of elevations and depressions made of the appropriate materials (suitable both for the contaminating materials and for the respective medium supporting the cleaning), in combination with contact-preventing gas inclusion between the elevations and a mostly liquid moving medium that supports the cleaning, it can be achieved that the surface practically no longer becomes dirty or can be cleaned very easily.

If required, the surface according to the invention can also be supplemented by a targeted increase (corresponding combination with the friction-reducing, flow direction-influencing, speed-increasing variant of the surface according to the invention) of the speed, the friction, and the energy with which the medium that supports the cleaning impacts on the self-cleaning surface structure, thereby allowing the cleaning effect to be used in a targeted manner, improved, and made possible in individual application forms.

The invention described here consists of several improvements that do not necessarily have to be used in one and the same product, but each individual improvement can also be used separately. However, if all possibilities are exploited, the result is optimal.

The microstructures described below mainly refer to the range < 1 mm, whereby the rib structures in the μδι range, but the microstructures to prevent soiling, contamination, icing, etc. can be considerably smaller, i.e. the smallest structures reach into the nano range depending on the application.

The respective degree of wettability of a solid by a certain liquid always shows a state of equilibrium between cohesion and adhesion, i.e. it shows a state form between the interaction with the wall molecules and the molecules of the respective fluid medium.

An example of a liquid that forms a large contact angle with many surfaces is mercury. This property is based on the extremely high surface tension that exists between the individual mercury atoms. An example of a solid on which liquids form very large contact angles is PTFE.

The low adhesion tendency of PTFE is due to its extremely low surface energy. At 18 mN/M, it has the lowest surface energy known for a solid.

A contact angle of 0 degrees means complete wetting, an angle of 180 degrees means complete non-wetting.

Certain types of microstructured surfaces ideally achieve a contact angle/edge angle of up to 160° (e.g. with waxy substances). These extremely hydrophobic surfaces are called ultraphobic.

These microstructured surfaces have special structures that prevent water droplets from sticking or ensure that dirt particles can be easily washed away by water.

It can therefore be stated that such a surface would create almost ideal water-repellent conditions, depending on the application in conjunction with suitable hydrophobic or lipophobic measures, such as in the form of hydrophobic or lipophobic repellents (e.g. anionic, cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactants), but would also be able to cope with other self-cleaning tasks, for example in oily environments.

In fluid media, the flow speeds are such that the edge zones, i.e. the areas in the fluid media that are in contact with other, e.g. solid materials, are areas where the friction, due to the cohesion between the different materials, means that the liquids flow much more slowly here than inside, e.g. a pipe, where only molecules of the fluid are present and the intermolecular friction forces are much lower and therefore the highest flow speed is achieved.

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless number for the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in a flowing fluid. Re = wl/v, where w is a characteristic speed, I is a characteristic length (pipe diameter or diameter of a body flowing around) and ν is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.

The critical Reynolds number is a turbulence criterion; it indicates when a laminar flow turns into a turbulent one. At small values, a flow is laminar, at larger values, it is turbulent.

The order of magnitude of the rib spacing of the groove/rib structuring according to the invention to be selected on one of the surfaces of the sliding element depends, among other things, on the kinematic viscosity (quotient of viscosity of the fluid and its density) of the fluid that mainly causes frictional resistance.

The arrangement of the ribs according to the invention, with the depressions located between two ribs, is mainly to be applied to the respective surfaces in such a way that these ribs are arranged mainly in the longitudinal direction to the expected main flow direction of the respective fluid, or the direction of movement or travel of the object, so that the expected friction with the respective media can be minimized.

The lower the viscosity of the expected fluid flowing around it, the smaller the dimensions of the structures are, which means that both the distances between the ribs, the spatial shape of the elevations, and the heights of the individual ribs can be adapted to the respective fluids.

Since air is a gas and water is a liquid, it can make sense to structure the surfaces of an object that are mainly exposed to air more finely than the surfaces that are mainly exposed to water.

The rib-shaped surface structures have the advantage over all other surface structures, as well as over completely smooth surfaces, of having a clearly positive influence on all flow around the body, both through turbulence-influencing effects and, under certain circumstances, through detachment delays compared to smooth surfaces, for example. Both effects influence the gliding behavior of the body around which fluids flow, in a positive way, especially when gliding within a uniform fluid (air), for example when ski jumping.

A longitudinally oriented rib structure on all surfaces of objects, whereby the fineness of the structures can be made dependent on the respective fluid medium flowing around them, achieves a general improvement in frictional resistance. The separation of the fluid flow can be influenced by a targeted structural change or adaptation of the structure at certain points on the surface of an object, where flow separation behavior is most likely to occur.

At these locations, it is useful to apply a particularly large number of rib structures with recesses that are adapted to the rib structures (in terms of size and function) in order to influence the respective surrounding fluid medium in such a way that the flow separation is delayed as far as possible.

What is important for the application of the structures according to the invention is mainly the relationship between these structures and the particularly friction-affected boundary layer flow, since this is where the different properties of laminar and turbulent flows come into play, including in particular the transition between these states, especially from laminar to turbulent. The separation of the boundary layer also influences the sliding behavior of an object. The boundary layer flow arises due to the frictional forces between the flowing fluid and the body around which it flows.

Directly at the body the velocity is zero, at the outermost edge of the boundary layer the velocity of the fluid is then exactly the same as the flow velocity of the flowing medium (without frictional resistance on bodies).

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The ideal body is represented by the streamlined body. Its drag coefficient is 0.055. This value is achieved because the flow neither breaks off nor there are any large pressure differences that could create vortices and thus turbulence. The laminar flow is maintained throughout the entire body.

Through the inventive application and design of the longitudinal ribs, which are mainly oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body, it can be assumed that the grooves and edges of the structure hinder the formation of cross-flows in the viscous sublayer and thus a reduction in turbulence in the boundary layer is achieved. This in turn leads to less momentum exchange and, as a result, a generally lower turbulent shear stress is to be expected.

It can also be assumed that if the flow towards the ribs is slightly oblique, this will influence the flow near the body in such a way that it will run more in a direction parallel to the body.

Ideally, a main structural variant of the surface should have rib-like structures that are arranged in the direction of movement so that a density of approximately 10-25 e.g. trapezoidal, U-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped grooves per mm is achieved.

The factor s = 2h has proven to be a good ratio of the height h of the elevations to the distance s between the elevations h, but this value can vary greatly depending on the application.

Particularly useful are trapezoidal grooves with raised areas, which have a triangular shape with a side inclination of approx. 30 - 45°, or other angles of inclination if required. Of course, both the external shape of the raised areas and the angle, the distance between the raised areas and the material from which these microstructured surfaces are made can be adapted to the requirements.

In contrast, according to the invention, certain, for example supplementary, structures can be applied in certain zones of the surface, for example structures that are diagonal to the direction of movement, which

excess fluid can be drained away in a targeted manner. In addition, a refined or coarser structure in individual areas of the surface can provide other, improved properties of the object equipped with these surfaces.

Examples: Example 1 :

The first embodiment represents, for example, surfaces of objects such as buildings, structures and comparable bodies, which can be exposed primarily to fluid friction forces from different flow directions and materials, as well as having surfaces intended to perform self-cleaning functions.

An advantageous embodiment of the subject matter of the invention provides, for example, to provide the surfaces of objects which can be exposed to fluid media with surfaces according to the invention.

These surfaces and the objects they surround then have enormous advantages over other surfaces, for example in buildings or other bodies.

A specific example can be given here using a bridge over a river.

One embodiment of the surface according to the invention can consist of a body that is made of different materials and is also exposed to different fluid media. Furthermore, contamination should be largely prevented, the total material expenditure should be kept low and the stability of the structure should be optimized. All of these requirements can be supported with the surface according to the invention.

Thus, the surfaces which are under water (support elements, etc.) can be structured with a shape of the surface according to the invention in such a way that friction-reducing surfaces adapted to the fluid medium water, predominantly applied in the direction of flow, are applied, which reduce the flow friction of the impacting and flowing water masses.

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and they can also be used in a channeled manner (and of course combined with any other structures and surfaces if required). This means that by reducing the water pressure, a stabilizing effect on the entire bridge system can be achieved, thereby increasing stability and safety. The overall material consumption can also be reduced, as the same static stability can be achieved with less material by reducing the water pressure.

By using the surface according to the invention, a friction-reducing surface can also be applied to all desired surfaces of components in the area of the bridge that is above the water, combined with surface structures with self-cleaning properties that can ensure that dirt, ice, etc. can be cleaned very effectively in relevant areas, especially by wind and water. The same naturally applies to all areas that are under water. By using the surfaces according to the invention, an improvement in properties can also be achieved under water, such as the reduction of moss and algae growth and of dirt in general.

Another example of a group of objects that can be constructed with the surfaces according to the invention are all types of scaffolding, masts and support elements.

For example, scaffolding, which can be structured with the surfaces according to the invention, gets dirty much less, which should be of great interest in the construction industry, and on the other hand, its function is improved in that fewer friction forces (e.g. due to wind loads,

Rain, storms) occur, which leads to better stability. Furthermore, any deposits that occur, especially dirt, snow, ice, etc., are significantly reduced by the self-cleaning properties of the surfaces, compared to the currently usual surfaces in this area. 30

These self-cleaning properties have a wide range of advantages, which can not only include savings in cleaning costs and aesthetic design, but also, for example, safety-related aspects.

Thus, with the help of appropriate designs of the surface according to the invention, corresponding surfaces can dry more quickly, freeze less and also otherwise accumulate less dirt, which could lead to accidents, dangers and malfunctions, among other things.
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Example 2

Different surface structures can also be advantageous for moving or moving objects, such as vehicles (water, land, air). For example, in watercraft, a reduction in friction with the fluid medium of water is desirable, but also with the surrounding air is of interest. The structures can vary depending on the fluid, and it can also be of interest to apply different orientations of the structures to a surface (ship's hull), since not only the direction of movement itself, but also the direction of flow created by the shape of the moving body at individual points on the body is of interest and corresponding different types of structures can be combined accordingly and thus be advantageous. The self-cleaning properties of the surfaces according to the invention are relevant in all areas anyway.

However, many surfaces should also be provided with self-cleaning structures in order to be able to remove adhering particles quickly and as completely as possible, especially for safety-related, user-friendly, work-facilitating, etc. functions. Friction-reducing capabilities are obviously useful and important, especially for surfaces and objects that move relatively quickly or are subject to air flow, for example to save energy, but also to increase performance, and if necessary also for optical and decorative purposes. The surface according to the invention can also be applied to all structures and additional bodies on the objects described, for example on sails, masts, wheels, etc.

This is especially true for purposes and applications that require maximum performance, such as the optimized use of equipment and objects used in competitions. But these structures according to the invention are also advantageous for all other surfaces.

An example of this can be explained using a bicycle. Here it is possible to improve the surfaces of every element of the bicycle with variations of the surface structures according to the invention. Every surface of every part of the bicycle that is exposed to air friction resistance can be provided with the corresponding structures, if necessary in different combinations, as well as in combination with self-cleaning surfaces in order to prevent dirt and deposits that could, for example, impair the functionality in general as well as that of the friction-reducing structures.

But of course there are also surfaces that can be particularly relevant for self-cleaning surfaces, especially parts of the device that can come into contact with the user, or parts whose function could be impaired by contamination.
An important element of this type can be, for example, the saddle.

Here, by appropriate application of the self-cleaning form of the structures of the surface according to the invention, it can be ensured that the saddle neither becomes dirty nor, by appropriate combination with friction-reducing surface features, for example on the surfaces that are not occupied by the rider (underside, edges, etc.), creates unnecessary air turbulence.

Furthermore, the combinations of two or more structures can ensure that the remaining, predominantly self-cleaning surfaces of the saddle can also be equipped with additional capabilities.
By combining the right surfaces, a friction-reducing effect on the top can be achieved, which is particularly important when riding standing up. But these surfaces also have many other advantages, including better evaporation of sweat, which can then evaporate very easily or flow away in a targeted manner thanks to the corresponding structures.

Similar applications apply to the handlebar area, etc., as well as to all surfaces of objects and other substrates on or near the objects described.

The same applies to all other surfaces of objects, for example sports, work and leisure equipment and objects that can be moved,

can move independently or be surrounded by moving materials such as inline skates, kickboards, surfboards, kite boards, parachutes, hang gliders, etc.

Example 3

A further field of application for the surfaces according to the invention are surfaces in areas where hygienic improvements are desired, e.g. in the medical field.

This is particularly important for all surfaces that can be soiled, but especially contaminated, since corresponding surface structures according to the invention even prevent or at least make it more difficult for germs and other pathogens to adhere and, above all, make cleaning easier and faster. In addition, other problems can be solved by the 5 surfaces according to the invention, for example the problem of friction with materials should not be underestimated.

For all surfaces that may come into contact with fluid materials in particular, friction-reducing properties are advantageous, especially if these properties can be coupled with direction-influencing properties with respect to the media flowing around them.

A corresponding application example can be illustrated using a catheter.

These are usually tubular elements that are inserted into a body, for example, and are often used in the medical field to transport any kind of media, mainly fluid ones.

In this special case, applied to the surfaces of an object, the following surface combinations according to the invention can be used to achieve the advantages described below. It is entirely possible that a relatively viscous product is to be transported inside the cannula, while the outside of the cannula mainly comes into contact with the body's own materials and liquids.

Both the inside and the outside of the object can be provided with the surface according to the invention. Furthermore, both soiling and contamination by foreign bodies and in particular

by pathogenic germs can be prevented or at least minimized, so it is important here too to supplement or combine the friction-reducing surfaces with self-cleaning surfaces.

This brings many advantages: the objects can transport materials more easily, are easier to empty and get less dirty.

Furthermore, these objects are easier to insert into and remove from a body, as it is also possible to prevent materials from sticking to the outside. The hygienic properties can also be improved. Remaining in a body for a longer period of time will also cause fewer problems, for example in the special case of a catheter in the area of bypasses, which is intended to continuously transport fluid media (blood), provided that there are no problems with fluctuating flow rates, new deposits on the inner walls, pathogenic germs, rejection reactions, etc. All of these properties and capabilities can be used for all surfaces of medical objects in the appropriate combinations. Of course, they can also be supplemented by any other surfaces and properties that may be advantageous for the respective applications.

Another application example is a surgical device, such as can be used for liposuction. Here too, the use of the surface according to the invention will lead to improved properties. A friction-reducing surface brings advantages both inside and outside these devices. The materials to be suctioned off can be suctioned off more quickly, more easily and more effectively. The outer surface of the device, on the other hand, can be moved back and forth along the tissue inside the body more effortlessly and, above all, more gently for the patient. Of course, the hygienic aspect of self-cleaning surfaces also plays a very important role in this area.

In addition to the medical surfaces mentioned, the surfaces according to the invention can also be applied to other surfaces of objects that are also used medically and that are not obviously classified in this category.

This specific application example concerns all surfaces of objects that can be absorbed by a body (living being).

A striking example of this would probably be all objects that are to be ingested orally, especially medicines in the form of capsules, tablets, pills, etc.

Here too, the surface according to the invention opens up new possibilities. For example, all forms of capsules, tablets, pills, suppositories, etc. can be formed using the surface combinations according to the invention. Depending on the application, different combinations may be required to achieve optimal results.
To make capsules etc. easier to swallow, they usually have a cylindrical shape with, for example, hemispherical ends on both sides.

On closer inspection, these objects in particular can be compared to flow-optimized torpedoes, etc., since in both cases the aim is to achieve a forward movement in the respective medium with as little friction as possible. In the case of the torpedo, this is undoubtedly water, while in the case of the medication capsule, it is the body fluids, particularly in the esophagus, and its walls.

It is therefore a huge advantage if the medication capsule is easier to swallow. This is achieved by using the surface according to the invention by applying a friction-reducing surface that meets these application requirements to the medication capsule.

Furthermore, in certain applications it is also possible to combine additional self-cleaning properties (here, for example, certain hydrophobic/lipophobic properties) with the friction-reducing properties, e.g. by means of hydrophobic surfaces that delay the dissolution of the capsule in corresponding water-containing media for a certain period of time.

The capsule can also be designed in such a way that only individual parts, e.g. the two hemispherical shell-shaped ends, are provided with the self-cleaning surface structure, so that, for example, the hydrophobic properties cause repulsion (the capsule "beads up") on the walls of the mucous membranes, automatically causing the capsule to always assume the optimal position in the esophagus, i.e. never across, but always lengthways to the intended direction of movement. All of these applications and the resulting advantages can of course be applied and used on all surfaces.

The application of the surfaces according to the invention in any shape can also be transferred to all other objects that are moved in a medium, are moved in a moving medium, or are surrounded by a medium.
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Furthermore, the surfaces according to the invention can of course also take on additional tasks, for example they can be designed to produce certain other effects and can of course also consist of all materials and be combined with all other surfaces.

It is also possible, for example, to produce elevations of individual or all structures from medically or otherwise (depending on the application or task) effective materials that can perform certain tasks in addition to or in addition to the medication inside the capsule.

Example 4

All types of containers and tubes that can come into contact with moving media can also be structured in appropriate combinations with the surfaces according to the invention.

A suitable embodiment of the subject matter of the invention can have the following design features with regard to containers. Many exemplary containers are intended to hold materials and usually also to release them again.

If one now provides any container with a design of the surface according to the invention, one can achieve that it can be filled and emptied, cleaned and generally kept clean more easily and quickly, and furthermore, emptying and filling can be handled in a more controlled manner.

If, for example, one assumes a garbage container, it is possible to make the bottom area predominantly self-cleaning, but alternatively to make the inner wall elements with friction-reducing surfaces, as well as the upper edge area (filling and emptying area) again with self-cleaning surface features and the outsides, for example, with

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a mixture of friction-reducing and possibly self-cleaning surfaces.

This embodiment has many advantages.

The self-cleaning floor area can prevent dirt and even larger objects from adhering, the container can be completely emptied and is easy to clean, especially with water, and above all, contaminating substances such as fungi, pathogens and other hazardous substances are prevented from adhering to the floor of the object for a long time and then multiplying there.

The wall area with the predominantly friction-reducing surface has the task of being able to empty the contained material quickly and completely, with the support of the self-cleaning floor surface.

The upper opening area, on the other hand, should not get too dirty and can therefore be provided with self-cleaning surface features so that nothing gets stuck to it after emptying or can be easily removed again. The outer area of the object, on the other hand, should also not get dirty, as garbage containers are often left outside for long periods of time and are exposed to many different materials such as dirt, snow, ice, etc. It is also advantageous if it also has a friction-reducing surface, which has the advantage, among other things, that the container is less susceptible to being knocked over by wind or gusts of wind.

In a further embodiment of an object which can be filled and emptied, for example, further advantages in use can be achieved by, for example, adapting the surfaces according to the invention to the respective use and supplementing them with further features. For example, by using the surfaces according to the invention, they can be optimized so that, for example, when emptying an object, the speed of emptying can be accelerated or turbulence within the material being poured out can be reduced.

In order to increase the emptying speeds through the surfaces according to the invention, beyond the friction-reducing capabilities, artificial mechanisms can be used, such as pumps, etc., but also naturally occurring forces, such as gravity, pressure, etc. or the Coriolis force.

This can be used in such a way that, particularly during emptying processes which are ideally carried out perpendicular to the earth's surface, the Coriolis effect can be used by the surface according to the invention in such a way that the emptying can either be accelerated or, if desired, can also be used to cause, for example, increased frictional forces of the material to be emptied with the wall of the vessel.

This can be achieved, for example, as follows.

For example, the friction-reducing surface structures inside the container can be applied in such a way that, since they also have a direction-influencing effect, they can be used to set the material to be emptied into a rotational movement that can accelerate the Coriolis force occurring there, so that these two processes can complement each other. This leads to a faster rotational movement of the medium to be emptied, which can be used to empty the entire medium much more quickly.

The friction-reducing surface, for example in the form of grooves and rib structures, can be used in such a way that, for example, the direction of movement of the material to be emptied can be influenced by a helical, spiral arrangement of the structures, either in such a way that acceleration takes place, or in such a way that the flow and rotation speed can be slowed down and the friction can thus be increased, so that, for example, any additional particles adhering to the vessel wall can be repeatedly removed by increased friction, or the turbulence generated thereby can be used (e.g. gas admixture).

Furthermore, for example, the pouring area of the object can be provided with self-cleaning surfaces so that it can always be kept free of contamination.

Example 5

Another important area of application is pipes in general and, in particular in this application example, pipe constrictions.

An exemplary embodiment of constrictions of pipes are all kinds of nozzles, valves, etc. Here too, the aim is to improve the surfaces of constrictions,

Inlet and outlet openings, for example in nozzles and adjacent surfaces.

This example of the application of the surface according to the invention involves an improvement in both the spray properties and the tendency for nozzles and associated surfaces to become dirty and sticky.

A nozzle is essentially a flow channel with a changing diameter. Since this is a flow channel, a friction-reducing surface is always a good option in order to achieve optimized flow values.

Furthermore, the adhesion of disruptive particles or liquids should be prevented as far as possible both in the outlet area and in the area of the narrowest part of the nozzle. This is achieved by using surface structures according to the invention. Only through the targeted combination of the surface structures according to the invention can the entire product (nozzle) be optimized in its properties.

All shapes of nozzles, as well as all adjacent surfaces, can be structured in the microstructuring according to the invention in order to obtain the most ideal surface structures possible.

A special embodiment can be presented in the form of an aerosol nebulizer for the administration of fluid media (e.g. suspensions).

This object can be provided with the surfaces according to the invention, for example, as follows:

The inlet area of the nozzle and the outlet area of the pressure vessel can be provided with friction-reducing surfaces, as can the entire interior for atomizing the aerosol in order to achieve the most friction-free flow possible. In addition, the direct outlet area of the nozzle and also the edge area of the interior, where materials can settle, can be provided with the surface according to the invention in such a way that no adhering dirt or deposits occur or that these can be easily removed. It is also very important to provide the outside, which gets into the mouth during use, with self-cleaning surface structures according to the invention.

so that germs, pathogens and other deposited materials can be easily removed and thus improved hygiene properties are achieved.

Example 6

Another interesting application of the surface according to the invention can be that, for example, in the area of objects susceptible to contamination, e.g. in the form of apparatus and devices, the surfaces according to the invention are used in the following embodiment on the following apparatus:

This example concerns razors, particularly wet razors, which usually become very dirty when used and a surface that slides easily is desired. The surfaces can be designed as follows, for example: at least part of the surface of the razor head serves to allow the blade or blades to slide over the skin at a generally defined distance with as little friction as possible. For these surfaces, a surface is suitable which generates relatively little sliding friction resistance with the surface, so that sliding that is as frictionless as possible can be achieved. Furthermore, the extremely dirty spaces between multiple blades and all other surfaces of the razor that tend to get dirty are particularly suitable for being designed with self-cleaning surfaces. By combining and designing the surface according to the invention accordingly, it can also be ensured that the blades themselves, if necessary on the top and bottom, have corresponding structures that allow the dirtying materials to slide more easily in the intended direction and also allow these contaminating materials to be removed more easily with running water.

These application examples of the surfaces according to the invention can of course be varied as desired and offer the advantage of enabling a gentler, easier shave, since the friction-reducing surfaces achieve ideal friction-reducing effects with the media usually used for shaving, such as water, soap, foam, etc.

And the inventive application of the self-cleaning surfaces in connection with the mentioned media and the additional soiling objects (hair, skin flakes, etc.) also has the effect of

that all dirt can be easily cleaned with water (which is involved in the process anyway).

With corresponding surface structures according to the invention, especially in the blade area, the hygienic properties can also be improved to the extent that inflammation tendencies caused by germs adhering to blades are minimized.

Example 7

The surface according to the invention also offers many advantages in the jewellery sector.

For example, the surface can be combined in such a way that, for example in the case of a wristwatch, all surfaces that can come into contact with the wearer's skin can be equipped with friction-reducing surfaces, and all other surfaces, in particular the visible surfaces facing outwards, can be equipped with self-cleaning surfaces.

For example, the ribbed/grooved surfaces on the underside of the watch can ensure that the contact surface on the skin is relatively small, which can mean, among other things, that the wearer sweats less, that any sweat that does occur can evaporate more quickly and thus the materials of the watch are less susceptible to attack (acids, salts, fats, etc. from the skin), and that the materials themselves can retain their original appearance for longer.

Furthermore, there is a possibility that a lower probability of allergic reactions may occur.

The self-cleaning surface can also help the piece of jewellery to retain its original appearance for longer, be easier to care for and get less dirty.

Of course, this example of the combination of the surface according to the invention can also be varied as desired.

A second area of application is body jewelry that is applied through the surface of the body.

This includes all types of piercings.

The application of the surfaces according to the invention is particularly suitable for hygienic reasons and also for the application advantages mentioned in the above example.

Example 8

The surfaces according to the invention are also advantageous for all surfaces of objects that can become dirty, especially when these objects are exposed to different conditions, for example outdoors. For example, the surface according to the invention is of decisive advantage for furniture, etc., which can be left outdoors for a time.

The advantages of self-cleaning surfaces do not need to be explained in detail in this application example.

But the friction-reducing, flow-direction-influencing surfaces are also very important in this context.

By combining the different surfaces accordingly, the stability of the objects can be increased and a supporting effect on the self-cleaning surface can be achieved.

The directional effect of the friction-reducing surface can support the self-cleaning effect of all bodies, since when this structure is used, the fluid supporting the self-cleaning can be directed in certain directions, thereby achieving a particularly good cleaning effect.

In particular, objects that offer a high resistance to possible currents are also better protected against damage by the friction-reducing surfaces, as they are normally less likely to fall over or even tear (parasols, flower pots, etc.).

Example 9

The structures according to the invention can be applied to all types of surfaces.

Some application examples are surfaces that are part of people’s living, working and leisure environments (e.g. furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.).

In all these areas and all other areas, self-cleaning effects are always very beneficial. However, by combining them with other aspects of the surface according to the invention, further advantages are achieved. Irrespective of this, all variations of the surface according to the invention can also be used for decorative and design purposes.

Example 10

The surfaces according to the invention are also suitable for use on shoes, since, for example, in football boots, a surface combination in the manner according to the invention allows both the soiling and thus also the weight during wear to be kept as low as possible and, in addition, the friction-reducing surface has the advantage that the foot can be moved with much less air friction, which enables higher launch speeds when shooting the ball, for example.

Example 11

In all molding processes (e.g. toolmaking/thermoforming/injection molding), the surface according to the invention can be designed in all variants on the mold templates, which leads to products molded according to the invention that can have all the advantages of the surface according to the invention.

Example 12

Friction-reducing structures can achieve faster flow rates or require less pressure to move a fluid medium through an object. It is also possible to fill foaming fluids (e.g. beer) more quickly by influencing the type of flow (laminar/turbulent), which can lead to less foaming of the fluid. In addition, by combining it with self-cleaning surfaces, particularly at the inflow and outflow areas, it is possible to achieve better cleaning and a lower tendency to contamination.

26

Example 13

Films in the sense of independently usable surfaces or surfaces to be applied are also suitable for the application of the surfaces according to the invention, in all variations and combinations.

Since both the reduction of contamination and the friction-reducing effect of the surface according to the invention are advantageous for practically all applications.

It does not matter whether it concerns packaging or surfaces in general, since in any case the surface according to the invention offers advantages and often even enables completely new applications.

Another example of use in this area is protective films that are intended to protect against dirt, damage, etc., e.g. films that are only removed once an object has survived transport, installation, etc. In addition to all the other advantages, the use of the direction-influencing surface in the surface according to the invention can ensure that contaminating or soiling objects can be diverted in a certain direction, away from the object to be protected. This can, for example , mean that a surface with self-cleaning and friction-reducing properties has structures such that contaminating material can be diverted both when attempting to clean it, e.g. with water, but also with the help of natural processes (gravity, wind, rain, etc.).

Example 14

Accelerated bodies (spears, boomerangs, arrows, etc.) or other objects located in fluid media or moving are also nothing other than objects with surfaces, but since the usually very rapid movement, especially through fluid media, plays a considerable role in the application, and avoiding or minimizing contamination of the object is also advantageous, this product group is also suitable for being provided with the surfaces according to the invention.

Furthermore, all surfaces of the possibly required ejection, acceleration or launching devices for the application of the accelerated bodies can of course also be provided with the surface according to the invention, since here too both

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friction-reducing and self-cleaning, as well as all the other advantages of these surfaces can make them easier to use and also increase performance.

Example 15

Structures to reduce drafts but also options to improve breathability and gas and fluid exchange.

A simple example of these possible applications can be demonstrated using glasses, for example.

Here, for example, a form of training can be designed such that glasses for use in sporting activities, such as cycling, are designed as follows:
Any part of the glasses, but for example the entire frame, which can be designed to be relatively wide to protect against drafts, dust and wind, etc., can be designed in such a way that the surface can be made of any material with friction-reducing surfaces, for example in a rib/groove structure that can be designed predominantly in the direction of travel. This enables reduced air friction with the surrounding media (especially wind/rain, etc.).

In addition, any surface of the glasses can also be provided with self-cleaning surfaces, which in any case lead to a reduced tendency to become dirty, but in addition to this, these self-cleaning surfaces can also take on other important tasks.

If these self-cleaning surfaces are designed, for example, in the form of knob-like elevations, they can be combined separately or directly in connection, for example with the friction-reducing structures. One possible design can be that the knob-like surface structures can be provided with openings that allow air to be exchanged with the relatively still, warm, moist air under the glasses and the air outside the glasses, above all without any possible problems with dirt, direct wind, other irritating substances or materials, etc., because the friction-reducing surface creates a kind of calm air cushion between the elevations and thus no problems with draughts, etc.

can occur, but gas and moisture exchange (preventing fogging of the inner surface of the glasses) can be ensured.

Example 16

In the field of textiles, clothing and other equipment elements, work or leisure clothing could be an interesting area of application.

A self-cleaning surface is particularly suitable where there is very heavy soiling, dangerous soiling and contamination, but also where there is troublesome soiling. In addition, a friction-reducing surface can complement the self-cleaning surface, improve it and enormously expand the application possibilities.

For example, many applications in work and leisure time also depend on being influenced as little as possible by surrounding media. In many areas, this is actually very important and also increases safety. Many people are exposed to strong currents of moving, particularly fluid media, such as water currents, air currents, but also sudden gusts and other changing currents, often in connection with their own or other people's movements.

Some examples are motorcycle clothing, swimming and diving suits, clothing for platform workers, canal workers, and general rain and wind protection clothing, as well as leisure clothing such as that worn by hang gliders, winter sports clothing, wetsuits for surfers, fishing clothing, especially for river fishing, etc., as well as all suitable equipment such as gloves, helmets, boots, etc.

Of course, the application of the surfaces according to the invention can be applied to all clothing, textiles and equipment, including for aesthetic and design purposes.

Example 17

Another possible application is in the area of filters, for example filter bags.

As a special example, simple coffee filter bags can be used here, in combination with the filter holder necessary for their use.

The surface according to the invention is suitable for several reasons, since the usual filtering process can be optimized in several areas by using the surface according to the invention in the corresponding embodiment. Filter bags are usually made of water-permeable, porous, fibrous material. During the brewing process, the coffee grounds particles are suspended in water, whereby the water-soluble, flavor-containing substances are washed out (end product: coffee). The disadvantages of these filter bags include the fact that parts of the brewed coffee grounds settle on the walls of the filter and remain stuck there. This means that both suspended material (dry coffee grounds), sometimes completely unwashed, remains stuck on the upper edge areas, and coffee powder that has been partially washed out also settles on the upper edge areas. The reasons for this behavior are both physical in nature (density, etc.) and due to the structure of the filter.

By using the surface according to the invention, these problems can now be eliminated, along with other advantageous properties. A possible design of a coffee filter bag in this regard can be constructed as follows:

In particular, the inside of the filter paper can be equipped with a combination of the designs of the surface according to the invention in order to both reduce or prevent the coffee grounds from sticking and to ensure that the coffee is transported in the direction of flow with as little friction as possible. This ensures that the coffee grounds can be completely washed out, as they always slide down to the bottom of the filter, and that the coffee grounds cannot form a pore-closing, stuck mass on the bottom of the filter, so that the unhindered flow of the finished coffee is fully guaranteed. In addition, the finished coffee is also guided in a friction-reducing and targeted manner in the direction of flow with the help of the surface according to the invention.

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directed, as well as in conjunction with a surface of the filter bag holder also designed according to the invention, the outflow of the end product can be influenced in a targeted manner.

By means of structuring according to the invention in the area of the outside of the filter, as well as the inside of the filter holder element, it can also be achieved that adhesion of the filter in the filter holder element can be prevented due to the enclosed air.

Example 18

It is particularly advantageous to apply the surface according to the invention to surfaces of objects that show perceptible reactions under the influence of moving media.

The advantages that can be achieved can be clearly demonstrated using the example of musical instruments, and here using the example of wind instruments. In wind instruments, a human-generated air stream is introduced through a tube-like body, usually in conjunction with resonance-generating body shapes, which ultimately causes perceptible resonances (music). The air stream, mixed with particles (saliva), moisture and germs, among other things, creates vibrations in certain areas of the object and is released through an opening.

By using an advantageous shape of the surface according to the invention, such as a design that accelerates or reduces the air flow, the way the instrument works can be influenced. In combination with self-cleaning surfaces, particularly in the area of the mouthpiece, as well as those areas that are intended for collecting and emptying the above-mentioned particles and materials mixed with the breathing air, the function, hygiene and care can be made easier. The surface according to the invention can also be applied to all other surfaces of such an object. Here too, advantages can be achieved in terms of care, function and optical characteristics.

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Example 19

A further field of application of the surface according to the invention can be objects whose surfaces are intended, among other things, for influencing the direction, controlling and transporting existing and emerging media, in particular fluid media.

A corresponding application example is the surface of solariums, which, by their very nature, are suitable for self-cleaning properties. These self-cleaning properties offer many advantages over the currently standard devices, but significant improvements are only achieved by combining them in the manner according to the invention with additional surface features.

This can look like this:

In a special embodiment of the application of the surface according to the invention, in addition to other surfaces of the object, in particular the support surface can be designed in a corresponding manner.

The mainly transparent overlay can be designed as an application form of the surface according to the invention as follows:

A large number of advantages can be achieved through an advantageous combination of the surface features according to the invention. It is possible to use appropriate raised and recessed structures to specifically drain fluid media (sweat) away from the body and then to drain them into certain designated areas.

By combining it with self-cleaning surfaces, all surfaces contaminated with particles, germs and other media can be cleaned quickly and easily. The same applies to all other areas and surfaces, but especially those that may be contaminated with germs or other undesirable materials.

For example, the removal of unwanted materials can be accelerated or influenced by specifically promoting or influencing the flow properties.

Likewise, self-cleaning promoting applications, mechanisms, etc. can be combined in any combination with the application of the surface according to the invention.

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In addition, the surface structures according to the invention can also be used, for example in the case of transparent surfaces with transparent elevations, to specifically direct electromagnetic waves (e.g. electromagnetic radiation in the form of light) so that desired effects (e.g. uniform tanning through uniform scattering of the corresponding UV light) can be achieved.

This design variant can of course also be applied to any application.

Character description

Further details of the invention are described in the drawing using schematically illustrated embodiments, which are not to scale. 15

This shows:

Figure 1 is a cross-section, not to scale, through a possible embodiment of an element of the surface according to the invention in the form of a predominantly directional friction-reducing surface.

The rib-shaped elevations are marked with h , the distance between the trapezoidal depressions between the ribs with s and the angle that the ribs form with the base with cc.

Figures 2a-2f show non-scale plan views of possible embodiments of a further element of the surface according to the invention in the form of predominantly undirected self-cleaning surface features.

Figures 2a-2d show relatively regular surfaces with different dimensions of the elevations, whereby uniform but undirected distributions are present.

Figure 2e shows a plan view of an embodiment of a surface variant according to the invention, which consists of at least two different undirected types of

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elevations, whereby this is only an example embodiment, which may be made of two different materials, the same materials are entrusted with the same (self-cleaning) tasks, or can take on different tasks.
5

Figure 2f also shows a plan view of an embodiment of a surface variant according to the invention, which consists of at least two different undirected types of elevations, whereby this represents only one embodiment, which may be made of two different materials, the same materials are entrusted with the same (self-cleaning) tasks, or can take on different tasks.

In this case, however, the smaller elevations are not applied everywhere, but only between the larger elevations.

Figures 2g-2m also show variants of non-directional, predominantly self-cleaning surfaces, but in cross-sectional drawings that show only some different characteristics of this surface variant consisting of elevations and depressions.

Figure 2g shows a non-scale surface variant consisting of knob-like elevations of equal size with equal distances between the elevations.

Figure 2h shows a surface variant, also not to scale, which consists of two knob-like elevations of different heights with similar distances but differently arranged elevations.

Figures 2i-2l show further surface variants, also not to scale, which consist of at least two knob-like elevations of different heights with similar or different distances as well as differently shaped and differently arranged elevations.

Figure 2m now shows a surface variant that is also not to scale and is comparable to the top view figure 2e, which consists of at least two different knob-like elevations with similar or different distances as well as

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also consists of differently shaped and differently arranged elevations, whereby smaller elevations can also sit, at least partially, on larger elevations.

Figures 3a - 3n all show cross-sectional drawings of possible shapes of predominantly directional, interface-influencing surface structures in different shapes, whereby all materials and shapes can be used in all combinations. They show various shapes, not to scale, of predominantly longitudinal rib/groove microstructures.

Figure 3a shows trapezoidal structures consisting of triangular elevations, which lead to trapezoidal depressions due to certain distances between the elevations.

Figure 3b shows comparable triangular structures of the elevations, but located so close to each other that the depressions in between only have triangular structures.

Figure 3c also shows triangular elevations, but in different sizes and arrangements, and at different locations on the surface. The smaller structures can be microstructures on top of depressions of other coarser rib microstructures, as well as rib structures on top of depressions that form coarser structures on the surface of an element.

Figure 3d shows comparable longitudinal microstructures as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, but in the form of finer, steeper triangular structures.

Figures 3e - 3h also show longitudinal triangular microstructures in different forms, such that structures of the same type (triangle) are shown here, but with different inclination angles of the individual smallest ribs, as well as different distances between the ribs, as well as combinations of structures with the same inclination angles and the same basic shapes of the ribs, but different heights and distances between the individual structures.

Figures 3i and 3j show comparable longitudinal microstructures, which, however, consist of rectangular structures as the smallest elevations.

Figures 3k - 3m also show longitudinally directed microstructures, the smallest elevations of which are shown here in the form of round-walled elements. Figure 3n shows another form of longitudinally directed microstructures, the smallest elevations of which here, for example, have the form of very slender ribs.

Figures 4a - 4e show perspective top views of a surface structured, for example, with triangular ribs.

Figure 4a shows in principle the comparable surface as Figure 3a.

Figure 4b shows a similar surface as 4a, but with the difference that here the rib structures are not applied continuously, but with gaps, but still in a line (alignment) one behind the other.

Figure 4c shows a similar surface as 4b, where different zones on the surface can be characterized by elevations of different lengths.

Figure 4d shows a similar surface to 4c, but here another zone with finer structuring is shown, also in the longitudinal direction and also in line with the other elevations, but e.g. with twice the number of elevations (of the same height but different angles of inclination or of different heights but the same/or different angles of inclination) per unit area.

Figure 4e shows a similar surface to 4d, but here, for example, a series of elevations are arranged on the surface in such a way that they are no longer in line with the other elevations.

This example shows the possibility of having different rib heights as well as different rib heights and groove valleys that are not in a row one after the other to generate a certain amount of turbulence if required

Figure 5a shows a section of a perspective top view of a longitudinal rib structure, which is provided with a variant of the self-cleaning, dirt-repellent nub structure both in the area of the elevations and in the groove valleys.

Figure 5b shows a cross-section through a longitudinal rib structure, which is provided with a variant of the self-cleaning, dirt-repellent nub structure both in the area of the elevations and in the groove valleys. However, in this example the nubs consist of elevations of different sizes and shapes, in contrast to Figure 5a.

Figure 6a shows the top view of a surface with two different combinations of longitudinal structures according to the invention. This figure shows two rib structures with different rib spacings, as well as a smooth surface in the edge area.

Figure 6b also shows the top view of a surface, whereby this surface is equipped with three different structure combinations according to the invention. It represents a surface which is moved in the direction of the arrow.

The right side represents a longitudinally directed structure (1) made of ribs and grooves oriented in the direction of movement. Next to this is a similarly directed structure (2) made of ribs and grooves, but which runs diagonally to the structure mentioned above. The third structure (3) according to the invention is in the form of longitudinally directed rib and groove structures provided with self-cleaning, non-directional elevations. Comparable to the examples in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 7 shows a top view of another embodiment of the surface according to the invention in the form of rib and groove structures, which, however, in contrast to the above applications, are no longer designed to run parallel, but rather to approach one another or run away from one another. In addition to this figure, any other structural forms of the directed surface structure can be implemented, such as ribs that completely converge, as well as sloping or rising heights of the ribs, etc.

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Claims (7)

1. Surfaces, as well as combinations of surfaces, which have at least two different structural forms, the smallest structural units of which can be in the nanometer range, but the smallest structural units of which are predominantly in the micro range, the largest structural units of which can even be in the small millimeter range, which consist of elevations or depressions or elevations and depressions, as well as all combinations of these structural forms, whereby a structural variant consists predominantly of somewhat larger, predominantly directional structural elements with boundary layer-influencing effects, mainly in rib/groove form, and a structural variant consists predominantly of non-directional, normally smaller structures with self-cleaning, adhesion-reducing structures, mainly in nub form, and both non-directional structures can be combined with directional structures, and different forms of directional structures can be combined with each other, and different forms of non-directional structures can also be combined with each other, furthermore there is the possibility of combining any combination of at least two different structural variants or the same structures with different tasks or made of different materials, furthermore all structures and surfaces can consist of any material, whereby any combination of materials within a structural form is possible, in addition, all or individual elements of the surface can be provided with recesses, e.g. in the form of holes, and can also be provided with all other surface materials, shapes, structures and properties, in addition, all possible surface variations can be produced using all manufacturing processes. 2. Surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that all surfaces including all structures can be made of any materials, in particular if required they can also be treated with corresponding materials which produce certain properties, which have hydrophobic or lipophobic properties, or which impart these properties to the treated surfaces, and can also be provided with all other properties. 3. Surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that all surfaces can be equipped with undirected elevations and depressions, for example in the form of knobs, as well as with longitudinal, predominantly parallel elevations in the form of ribs and depressions, the elevations of which can consist of movable, sharp-edged and non-sharp-edged structured materials of any kind, which can be connected to the substrate both rigidly and movably, as well as partially movably, and furthermore all or individual parts of any structural form can be made of elastic materials. 4. Surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that all surfaces which are equipped with longitudinal, parallel elevations in the form of ribs and depressions are equipped in such a way that some, several or all of these structures consist of structural elements which are conditionally movable relative to one another, which can be constructed in such a way that they can be applied in a fixed location on the respective substrate, connected to one or more of the surrounding comparable structures, for example in the form of scales, but can nevertheless be movable in relation to external influences, and that these structures, despite the possible movements, always remain arranged in such a way that the elevations of the ribs are always maintained, but can carry out slight wave-like movements in the direction of movement. 5. Surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that all surfaces can be equipped with mainly body- or flow-length-directed elevations in the form of ribs and depressions, which do not always have to be aligned parallel, but can also be constructed at least partially approximating each other, merging with each other, diverging again, disappearing and/or continuing parallel again. 6. Surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that all structured surfaces can also be in the form of prefabricated, microstructured according to the respective application requirements, as well as from materials and material combinations that also correspond to the application requirements, in the form of carrier materials such as films, fabrics, coatings, varnishes, as well as all other types of application of structures to surfaces that are suitable for this application. 7. Surfaces with combinations of individual or multiple structures, whereby boundary layer-influencing, e.g. friction-reducing, and self-cleaning properties, effects, structures, etc. can be achieved or made possible with any other surface structures, materials, applications, processes, methods, etc. that produce comparable properties, supplemented or combined, and partially or completely replaced. Examples of this are phobic substances and materials, but also e.g. extremely hydrophilic coatings (no-drop coatings) suitable for the respective fluid media, as well as coatings of the surfaces with any boundary layer-influencing or self-cleaning, or self-cleaning-supporting materials, structures, etc. Furthermore, a boundary layer-influencing, friction-reducing effect can also be achieved, e.g. by gas or liquid bubbling, as well as by applying adhesive or partially adhesive materials (oils, slimy substances, etc.), which can have a boundary layer-influencing effect due to their properties.