Floor Structure with Adhesive Bonded Motif Layer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor structures for leisure activities fail to balance legal requirements for fall protection with the need for an attractive, customizable visual appearance, particularly in environments like hotels and playgrounds.

Innovation Solution

A floor structure comprising an elastic damping underlay and a motif top layer connected over a large area using a polyurethane adhesive, with the underlay plates or webs providing impact sound insulation and fall protection, and a multilayer motif top layer for visual customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a floor structure uses a stable connection between top layer and underlay, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to adhesive application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the motif top layer and damping underlay to achieve stable connection. The adhesive layer is applied to the upper side of the damping underlay, allowing the motif top layer to be connected over a large area while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to mechanical fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the motif top layer is connected over a large area to the damping underlay, then structural stability is improved, but adhesive material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadhesive material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is applied to cover a large area of the damping underlay's upper side, extending beyond the minimal required connection area. This excessive action ensures stable connection of the motif top layer during leisure activities while maintaining practical adhesive consumption levels through optimized application coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the floor structure provides fall protection and impact sound insulation, then safety is improved, but the visual appearance and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protectionVSAvoidvisual customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The floor structure is segmented into two independent functional layers: a motif top layer for visual appearance and customization, and a damping underlay for fall protection and impact sound insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping underlay serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing fall protection, impact sound insulation, and a stable base for the motif top layer. The motif top layer can be customized with different motifs, colors, and designs while maintaining the safety functions of the underlying damping structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures a stable and visually appealing floor structure that meets both fall protection and aesthetic requirements, preventing displacement during activities and offering adaptable visual designs.

Implementation Method 1

the motif top layer can be connected to the damping base by a first adhesive layer, with the first adhesive layer being able to comprise polyurethane adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an elastic damping underlay on a solid subsurface and a motif top layer which is connected to the elastic damping underlay over a large area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic damping: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the main task of which is to provide the damping characteristics or impact sound insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3783168B1Floor structure
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 KRAIBURG RELASTEC
  • EP3783168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3783168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A floor structure comprises an elastic damping underlay (18) on a solid substrate (22) and a motif top layer (12) on the elastic damping underlay (18) which is connected to the elastic damping underlay (18) over its entire surface and provides a walking surface (14).