Flooring tile collections and methods of making and installing same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flooring solutions lack the ability to efficiently create discernible patterns on floors for functional and aesthetic purposes, such as defining walking paths or designating specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A collection of flooring tiles, including uniform tiles and transition tiles, where the transition tiles are divided into three portions: two portions matching the visual fields of the uniform tiles and a third portion with a different appearance, allowing for the creation of borders, edges, and designs on the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional uniform flooring tiles are used, then the floor surface is simple and easy to install, but the ability to create discernible patterns and define specific areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tile surface is segmented into multiple distinct visual fields or patterns within a single tile. Each tile contains different visual zones that can be arranged to create larger patterns on the floor, enabling pattern creation without requiring multiple different tile types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tile surface have different visual properties (colors, patterns, textures) to serve different functional purposes. Specific visual fields are placed in specific locations on tiles to create directional cues or define areas when tiles are installed in particular orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of tiles are used to create patterns, then floor design versatility is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single tile type with multiple visual fields serves multiple functions that would traditionally require different tile types. The tile can be installed in different orientations and positions to create various patterns, eliminating the need to inventory and install multiple specialized tile types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile design allows for flexible arrangement and orientation during installation. The same tile can be positioned differently to create different patterns, providing dynamic design possibilities without requiring multiple static tile types, thereby simplifying installation logistics.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for pattern creation, then pattern accuracy is improved, but installation difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tile design incorporates asymmetric visual fields or non-uniform patterns that naturally indicate orientation and positioning. This asymmetric design allows installers to achieve accurate pattern formation through intuitive placement rather than requiring precise measurement and alignment, as the visual asymmetry provides built-in positioning cues.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to collections of flooring tiles, such as carpet tiles, that can include (1) a first group of tiles that has a first uniform appearance, visual field, and/or pattern across the entire tile, (2) a second group of tiles that has a second uniform appearance, visual field and/or pattern across the entire tile, and (3) a third group of tiles that are divided into three portions: a first portion that bears the first visual field, a second portion that bears the second visual field, and a third portion generally interposed between the first portion and the second portion and that has an appearance different from both the first and the second visual field. Tiles from the collections can be installed to create a desired appearance on a floor.