Expandable Edge Sealing for Moisture-Resistant Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor panels are prone to moisture penetration through panel joints, leading to bacterial and fungal growth, and existing solutions complicate installation or compromise aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an expandable material layer at the panel edges that swells upon moisture contact to form a tight seal, ensuring easy installation and improved moisture resistance without additional friction during interlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional floor panels are installed with tongue and groove coupling, then easy installation is achieved, but moisture penetration through panel joints occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an expandable material layer that changes its physical state upon moisture contact. The material transitions from a compact unswollen state during installation to an expanded swollen state during use, automatically adjusting to seal the joint and prevent moisture penetration without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable material layer performs self-service by automatically responding to moisture presence. When moisture contacts the panel joint, the material layer expands and swells to tighten the seal, eliminating the need for additional sealing components or complex installation procedures while effectively preventing moisture ingress.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If expandable material layer is applied to panel edges, then moisture resistance is improved, but friction during interlocking may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable material layer is applied in its unswollen, compact state during the manufacturing and installation phases. This preliminary application in a compact form ensures that the material does not create friction or interference during the interlocking process, while still providing moisture resistance when activated by moisture contact during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The material layer exhibits dynamic behavior, remaining in a compact state during installation and interlocking operations, then transitioning to an expanded state upon moisture contact. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain ease of operation during installation while achieving superior moisture resistance during use, as the material only expands when needed to seal against moisture.
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 expandable material layer effectively seals panel joints, preventing moisture ingress and reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal growth while maintaining ease of installation and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one expandable material layer which comprises at least one material configured to expand or swell upon contact with moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A panel and a method of manufacturing a panel, such as a floor panel, a wall panel or a ceiling panel, in particular a decorative floor panel including at least a first edge having a first coupling part configured to be coupled to a second coupling part of another panel. At least one expandable material located adjacent at least a part of an upper portion of the first edge. A covering, in particular a floor covering, comprising multiple interconnected panels is also provided.