Conductive Flooring Using Glass and Carbon Fiber Composite

Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive flooring materials face challenges in achieving long-term electrical conductivity and appearance due to the limitations of using conductive plasticizers and carbon, which either degrade over time or are difficult to incorporate effectively into products.

Innovation Solution

A conductive flooring material is developed using a conductive deformation-preventing layer composed of glass fibers and carbon fibers, combined with a polymer resin and additional layers such as a conductive chip layer, UV coating layer, and backing layer to enhance electrical conductivity and stability, while maintaining a desirable appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive plasticizer is used to enhance electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved and product preparation is easier, but cost increases and migration occurs causing long-term property retention problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidlong-term property retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the form of conductive additive from soluble plasticizer to insoluble fiber form, fundamentally altering the parameter of material state from dissolved to dispersed, thereby preventing migration while maintaining conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite flooring material comprising base material and conductive fibers dispersed within, creating a composite structure that combines the electrical conductivity of carbon fibers with the mechanical properties of the base material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conductive carbon is used to improve electrical conductivity, then cost is reduced and migration is prevented, but product preparation becomes difficult and appearance deteriorates due to black color

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidproduct preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical form of conductive carbon from powder to fiber, altering parameters of shape and surface area, which enables better dispersion and easier product preparation while maintaining conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive fibers are dispersed locally throughout the flooring material at optimized concentrations, creating localized conductive pathways that achieve desired electrical properties without requiring uniform black coloring throughout the entire product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conductive carbon is used to improve electrical conductivity, then cost is reduced and migration is prevented, but appearance deteriorates due to inherent black color

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive fibers are dispersed locally throughout the flooring material at optimized concentrations, creating localized conductive pathways that achieve desired electrical properties without requiring uniform black coloring throughout the entire product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite flooring material comprising base material and conductive fibers dispersed within, creating a composite structure that combines the electrical conductivity of carbon fibers with the mechanical properties and aesthetic appearance of the base material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The material achieves improved electrical conductivity with stable deformation-preventing properties, reducing the risk of electron static discharge and maintaining dimensional stability, suitable for various applications including electronic device assembly and fire-prone areas.

Implementation Method 1

conductive flooring materials can have improved properties, i.e., reduced electrical resistance, by the use of a conductive plasticizer and conductive carbon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

conductive deformation-preventing layer containing conductive fibers comprising glass fibers and carbon fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical reinforcement:

Data Source

PatentUS9677286B2Conductive flooring material and a production method therefor

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 LG HAUSYS LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a conductive flooring material containing a conductive deformation-preventing layer containing conductive fibers comprising glass fibers and carbon fibers, and to a production method therefor. The present invention can provide a conductive material which is useful not only in the form of tiles but also in the form of long sheets because the conductive fibers comprise glass fiber and carbon fiber impart not only outstanding electrical conductivity but also stable deformation-preventing properties.