Embedded Anti-Slip Particles in Polymer Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer-based decorative floor covering elements, such as those made from PVC, have poor slip resistance, especially when wet, making them unsuitable for humid environments like bathrooms and outdoor spaces, where they can lead to slips and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A decorative anti-slip floor covering element with a core composed of a thermoplastic polymer and embedded anti-slip substances, which texture the upper surface, providing improved traction and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer-based materials (PVC) are used for floor covering elements, then waterproof properties and processability are improved, but slip resistance deteriorates, especially when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer-based core material with anti-slip particles to create a composite floor covering element. The core provides waterproof properties and structural integrity, while the embedded anti-slip particles (such as aluminum oxide, carborundum, or silica) provide friction and prevent slipping, especially when wet. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip particles are specifically concentrated in the upper surface region of the floor covering element where contact occurs. This localized placement ensures that slip resistance is enhanced precisely where needed (at the surface) without compromising the overall waterproof properties of the polymer core. The particles may be embedded partially or fully, with at least some exposed at the surface to provide friction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-slip particles are applied on top of the floor covering element, then anti-slip properties are improved, but durability deteriorates due to loosening during temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-slip particles with the core material by embedding them within the polymer matrix during the manufacturing process. This integration ensures that the particles remain firmly anchored and do not loosen during temperature fluctuations or normal use. The particles may be partially or fully embedded, creating a unified structure where the anti-slip function is permanently integrated into the floor covering element.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip particles are incorporated into the core material during the manufacturing process, before the floor covering element is installed or used. This preliminary embedding ensures that the particles are properly positioned and securely anchored in the polymer matrix, preventing subsequent loosening or detachment during temperature changes or wear.
3Shape
If decorative top structure is applied on the core, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but anti-slip performance deteriorates because the decorative layer is more vulnerable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that the upper surface region of the core material, which is visible and contacts footwear, contains the anti-slip particles. This localized concentration of friction-providing particles in the surface-exposed area maintains anti-slip performance even when a decorative top structure is present. The decorative layer can be applied over or between the particles, but the particles remain at the effective surface to provide grip.
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 achieves enhanced anti-slip performance, durability, and sound dampening properties, making the floor covering suitable for various environments, including humid areas, without significant loss of anti-slip effectiveness over time.
Implementation Method 1
a wear-resisting anti-slip substance at least partially embedded in said base material, in particular said main polymer, wherein said anti-slip substance textures the upper side of the core
Implementation Method 2
the core has relatively good sound dampening properties due to the presence of the anti-slip substance, in particular the anti-slip particles. This leads to interfaces between the base material, in particular the main polymer, and the anti-slip substance which hinders the sounds transmission and stimulates the sound absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative anti-slip floor covering element, in particular a floor panel, including a core provided with an upper side and a lower side. A decorative anti-slip floor covering, including a plurality of, preferably interconnected, floor covering elements according to the invention.