Antimicrobial Coupling Profiles for Hygienic Interlocking Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlocking floor panels are less preferred in humid environments due to the risk of bacteria growth between the panels, which compromises hygiene standards in areas like hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A decorative panel design featuring a core with antimicrobial coatings on the coupling profiles, which are designed to interlock with adjacent panels, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and enhancing health safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If interlocking panels are used to replace vinyl rolls, then ease of installation is improved, but risk of bacteria growth between panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
An antimicrobial coating is applied to the coupling profiles of the interlocking panels. This coating acts as an intermediary substance that prevents bacterial growth in the gaps between panels while maintaining the interlocking mechanism's functionality. The coating contains biocidal agents that eliminate or inhibit microorganisms without interfering with the mechanical coupling of panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling profile is transformed into a composite structure by combining the base material (e.g., plastic or metal) with an antimicrobial coating layer. This composite material retains the mechanical properties needed for interlocking while adding the biological protection function to prevent bacterial colonization in the panel gaps.
2Ease of operation
If coupling profiles are added to panels, then ease of installation is improved, but susceptibility to bacterial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial coating serves as a protective intermediary on the coupling profile surfaces. It creates a biocidal barrier that prevents bacteria from adhering to or colonizing the coupling profiles, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the mechanical interlocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the coupling profile are changed by applying the antimicrobial coating. This modifies the chemical and biological parameters of the surface (e.g., adding biocidal properties, changing surface energy) without altering the mechanical geometry needed for interlocking, thus preventing bacterial contamination while maintaining installation ease.
Data Source
AI summary
In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known having a MDF (Medium Density Board) or HDF (High Density Board) based core layer on top of which a decorative substrate is attached to provide the panels a desired appearance. The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled panels.