Decorative Surface Covering Element Printed Grout Line Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative surface covering elements, such as tiles, require labor-intensive processes for creating grout lines, which are either not realistic or lead to material waste and health hazards, and lack the structural integrity and visual appeal of actual grout lines.
Innovation Solution
A surface covering element with a core and a decorative top structure featuring a printed peripheral portion that forms a recessed bevel or grout line, created using a transparent or translucent ink or varnish, allowing for improved design freedom and realistic tactile and visual properties without material removal during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If material is mechanically removed from tile edges to create faux grout lines, then the visual appearance of grout lines is improved, but material waste increases and health hazards arise from dust exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation of grout lines through printed patterns and optical effects rather than physically removing material. The covering structure includes printed peripheral portions that simulate the appearance of grout lines, achieving the desired visual effect without material waste or dust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of material removal (milling, cutting) with a non-mechanical printing and optical illusion system. Instead of physically carving grooves to create grout line appearances, the invention uses printed patterns, refractive index variations, and optical effects to simulate grout lines, eliminating dust and material waste entirely.
2Shape
If material is mechanically removed from tile edges to create faux grout lines, then the visual appearance of grout lines is improved, but health hazards increase due to dust exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of material removal (milling, cutting) with a non-mechanical printing and optical illusion system. Instead of physically carving grooves to create grout line appearances, the invention uses printed patterns, refractive index variations, and optical effects to simulate grout lines, eliminating dust and material waste entirely.
3Reliability
If traditional tile installation with cement and grout is used, then structural integrity and realistic grout lines are achieved, but installation time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tile body and grout line structures into a single integrated component. The covering structure includes peripheral portions that form both the tile edge and the simulated grout line simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate grouting operations and reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation of grout lines through printed patterns and optical effects rather than physically removing material. The covering structure includes printed peripheral portions that simulate the appearance of grout lines, achieving the desired visual effect without material waste or dust generation.
4Manufacturing precision
If separation between adjacent tiles is created during installation, then alignment and uniformity are improved, but the appearance of seams or micro grooves is created that does not resemble real grout lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation of grout lines through printed patterns and optical effects rather than physically removing material. The covering structure includes printed peripheral portions that simulate the appearance of grout lines, achieving the desired visual effect without material waste or dust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and optical properties by incorporating printed patterns with varying refractive indices that simulate the visual appearance of grout lines. The peripheral portions of the covering structure are designed with specific optical characteristics that create the illusion of depth and separation similar to real grout, enhancing realism without physical gaps.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a decorative surface covering element, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel. The invention also relates to a panel covering, such as a floor covering, ceiling covering or wall covering, comprising a plurality of panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method of producing a decorative surface covering element according to the invention.