Importance

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Abstract

An adhesion device incorporates element block assemblies partially disposed within an element support body having an engagement surface. Each element block assembly may include an element activation sheet, an element deployment sheet, a plurality of engagement elements, and an element transition mechanism operatively coupled to the engagement elements. The element transition mechanism is reversible to transition from a neutral configuration wherein the element activation sheet is substantially adjacent to the element deployment sheet, and an expanded configuration wherein the element activation sheet and the element deployment sheet are separated by a transition gap. The element support body, in the neutral configuration, constrains each engagement element in a deployment state with a substantially straightened configuration perpendicular to the engagement surface and suitable for insertion into (or removal from) a target material. The element support body, in the expanded configuration, constrains each engagement element in an engagement state eccentrically tensioned as the result of the transition gap into a reactive flexure to capture surrounding target material.

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First Claim