Hydraulically-Bonded Multilayer Panel Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current production techniques fail to efficiently produce large-size, thin multilayer panels with satisfactory mechanical properties and usability, particularly those with a high edge-length-to-thickness ratio, which are required for outdoor applications like floor coverings.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a hydraulically-bonded multilayer panel production process where a flowable face mixture and a dry to earth-moist core mixture are introduced into a mold, with specific component compositions and interactions to achieve optimal packing density and water demand, allowing for immediate stripping and processing of panels with edge-length-to-thickness ratios greater than 20.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional pressing processes are used with core mixture layers having high compaction, then good pressing of water from face mixture layer is achieved, but excess water arises at panel edges and incomplete activation of hydraulic binder occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution uniformityVSAvoidpressing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the compaction parameter of the core mixture layer to a specific range (0.90-0.98) and adjusts the water binder ratio (0.10-0.30) to optimize water distribution. This parameter optimization allows complete water absorption without excess water formation, resolving the contradiction between good water pressing and avoiding excess water at edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite core mixture layer combining hydraulic binder, fines (0-100 μm), and aggregate (>100 μm) in specific proportions. This composite structure enables controlled water absorption and distribution, preventing both incomplete activation and excess water formation while simplifying the pressing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If large-size panels with high edge-length-to-thickness ratio are produced, then outdoor application suitability is improved, but mechanical strength and usability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor application suitabilityVSAvoidbending tensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the thickness parameter (25-35 mm) and edge-length-to-thickness ratio (>20) while maintaining mechanical strength through controlled compaction (0.90-0.98) and water binder ratio (0.10-0.30). This allows production of large-size panels suitable for outdoor applications while preserving required bending tensile strength and breaking load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure with face layer and core layer having different compositions. The core layer contains hydraulic binder, fines, and aggregate in optimized ratios to provide structural strength, while the face layer provides weather resistance. This composite approach enables large-size panels to meet both dimensional requirements and mechanical strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If core mixture layer with low voids content is used, then panel density is improved, but water distribution and hydraulic binder activation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel densityVSAvoidhydraulic binder activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention sets the voids content parameter within a specific range (0.02-0.10) rather than minimizing it completely. This controlled voids content allows sufficient space for water absorption and hydraulic binder activation while maintaining adequate panel density. The water binder ratio (0.10-0.30) is simultaneously optimized to ensure complete binder activation without compromising density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables the production of multilayer panels with high characteristic bending tensile strength and breaking load, suitable for large-size outdoor applications, overcoming issues of void content and water distribution in previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

pressing the face mixture layer with the core mixture layer into the mold to form a hydraulically-bonded, directly strippable multilayer panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic bonding: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20240059614A1Hydraulically-Bonded Multilayer Panel
Publication Date: 2024.02.22 METTEN CONSULTING GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a hydraulically-bonded multilayer panel with at least one face layer and at least one core layer, wherein the method comprises the following stepsa. introducing a flowable face mixture into a mold. The face mixture contains at least the following componentsi. face paste containing at least1. hydraulic binder and2. water; andii. aggregate. The aggregate has a mean diameter d50 determined according to ISO 13320:2009 and/or according to EN 12620 of greater than 100.0 μm;whereby a face mixture layer is formed;b. introducing a dry to earth-moist core mixture into the mold, wherein the core mixture contains at least the following componentsi. core paste containing at least1. hydraulic binder,2. fines, wherein the fines have a mean diameter d50 determined according to ISO 13320:2009 of up to 100.0 μm, and3. water; andii. aggregate, wherein the aggregate has a mean diameter d50 determined according to ISO 13320:2009 and/or according to EN 12620 of greater than 100.0 μm;whereby a core mixture layer is formed, andc. pressing the face mixture layer with the core mixture layer into the mold to form a hydraulically-bonded, directly strippable multilayer panel with at least one face layer and at least one core layer, wherein water contained in the face mixture layer is partially or completely pressed into the core mixture layer