Electroconductive Floorboard with Segmented Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor coverings with electrically conductive properties for ESD environments require preparation of the support and are not free-standing, offering low resistance to traffic and puncturing, and are not easily removable or installable without delay.
Innovation Solution
A floor covering element with a stack of layers, including a conductive wear layer, reinforcement armatures coated with carbon black, and a conductive sub-layer, allowing for continuous electrical conductivity and grounding, which is adhesive and removable, suitable for heavy traffic areas, and meets UPEC and ESD standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive slabs or strips are used for ESD floor covering, then electrostatic charge evacuation is achieved, but the installation requires gluing to the floor and support preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering is divided into modular slabs that can be independently installed without requiring complete support preparation. Each slab functions as an independent ESD unit, allowing flexible installation and removal while maintaining electrostatic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive slabs are designed to be self-sufficient with integrated conductive layers and reinforcement structures that provide both ESD functionality and structural integrity, eliminating the need for additional gluing or support preparation during installation.
2Reliability
If conductive resins are deposited on the ground for floor covering, then electrostatic conductivity is achieved, but the support must be prepared and the room sealed off during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic conductive properties are pre-integrated into the slab structure during manufacturing, with conductive layers and reinforcement armatures incorporated before installation. This eliminates the need for on-site support preparation or room sealing during installation.
3Reliability
If rolls of conductive polyvinyl chloride are used for floor covering, then electrostatic protection is achieved, but the installation requires support preparation and room condemnation, and the flooring is not removable
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering is segmented into individual slabs that can be easily installed, removed, and reconfigured. This modular approach provides adaptability for different installation scenarios while maintaining electrostatic protection, unlike fixed roll installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The slab design enables dynamic installation and removal without permanent attachment to the support structure. The slabs can be freely positioned and reconfigured based on changing requirements while maintaining their ESD functionality.
4Reliability
If conventional conductive floor coverings are used, then electrostatic charge evacuation is achieved, but the resistance to wear and puncturing is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The slab combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a plastic matrix providing flexibility and comfort, conductive granules (carbon black) providing ESD functionality, and reinforcement armatures (glass fiber or metal mesh) providing enhanced mechanical strength and puncture resistance. This composite structure achieves both ESD performance and high durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement armatures are strategically positioned within the slab structure to provide localized strength where needed, particularly in areas subject to heavy traffic or puncture risks, while maintaining overall electrostatic conductivity throughout the slab.
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 solution provides a floor covering with high resistance to wear and puncturing, easy and quick installation, and modularity, allowing for effective electrostatic charge evacuation while meeting stringent ESD standards, such as EN 1081 and IEC 61340, with a transverse resistivity of 10^4 to 10^6 Ohms and suitable for environments like clean rooms and electronic assembly areas.
Implementation Method 1
comprises granules of conductive material, such as carbon black, preferably but not limited to coated in a plastic material, in particular polyvinyl chloride, and distributed in the thickness of said wear layer (2) so as to conduct static electricity from its upper face to its lower face
Implementation Method 2
the first and/or the second reinforcing armature is (are) coated with a conductive binder, preferably in an amount between 2 and 50 g/m2 The conductive binder comprises carbon black in an amount between 30% and 80% by weight
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an element (10), such as a tile or a blade, having electro-conductive properties for the production of a floor covering, or similar, particularly for a medium sensitive to static electricity, said element (10) comprising a stack of layers bonded to one another comprising successively: - a wear layer (2) of plastic material comprising granules of conductive material distributed in the thickness of said wear layer (2), - a first reinforcing reinforcement (4) of textile, - a middle layer (5) of plastic material comprising granules of conductive material distributed in the thickness of said middle layer (5), - a second reinforcing reinforcement (6) of textile, - an underlayer (7) of plastic material comprising granules of conductive material distributed in the thickness of said underlayer (7)