Layered Floor Covering for Slip Resistance and Impact Sound Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor coverings either lack slip-resistance or sound attenuation properties, requiring separate installations that are costly, complex, and prone to differential thermal expansion and movement issues.
Innovation Solution
A single floor covering with a particulate material-based transparent wear layer for slip-resistance and a foam-based sound attenuation layer, combined with additional layers for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal, addressing both slip-resistance and sound reduction needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single floor covering provides both slip-resistance and sound attenuation properties, then installation complexity and production costs are reduced, but achieving both properties in one layer creates material and design challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering is divided into multiple functional layers: a wear layer containing particulate material for slip-resistance, a foam-based sound attenuation layer, and a backing layer. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the complex requirements to be met through layered construction rather than attempting to combine all properties in a single homogeneous material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties: particulate material (such as aluminium oxide or silica) embedded in a polymer matrix for slip-resistance, foam materials for sound attenuation, and various backing materials. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its specialized properties to the overall floor covering system.
2Reliability
If separate acoustic underlayment and anti-slip floor coverings are installed, then both sound attenuation and slip-resistance properties are achieved, but production costs and installation expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of separate acoustic underlayment and anti-slip floor coverings into a single integrated floor covering product. The slip-resistant wear layer with embedded particulate material and the foam-based sound attenuation layer are combined in one construction, eliminating the need for two separate products and their associated installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor covering is designed as a multi-functional product that simultaneously provides slip-resistance through the particulate-containing wear layer, sound attenuation through the foam layer, and structural support through the backing layer. This universal design allows one product to replace multiple specialized products.
3Reliability
If separate acoustic underlayment and anti-slip floor coverings are installed, then both properties are achieved, but differential thermal expansion and movement issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the sound attenuation layer and slip-resistant wear layer into a single integrated floor covering with a unified backing, the invention eliminates the interface between separate products. This unified construction ensures that all layers expand and contract together as a single unit, preventing differential thermal expansion and movement issues that would occur with separate installations.
4Shape
If the foam layer density is increased to reduce residual indentation, then slip-resistance may be compromised, but sound attenuation requires adequate foam density
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by having the wear layer with embedded particulate material provide slip-resistance at the surface interface, while the foam layer provides sound attenuation and structural support in the bulk. The particulate material in the wear layer compensates for any reduction in slip-resistance that might occur with optimized foam density, allowing each layer to excel at its specific function.
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 combined floor covering effectively reduces sound impact by at least 15 decibels and provides sustainable slip-resistance, improving safety and comfort while reducing installation and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the second layer is capable of providing a sound attenuation effect with an acoustic impact sound reduction of at least about 15 decibels
Implementation Method 2
Floor coverings having higher coefficients of friction are one way of trying to reduce the number of such injuries
Data Source
AI summary
A floor covering having slip-resistance and sound attenuation properties, particularly for reducing levels of sound resulting from high impact interactions. The floor covering includes at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer includes a particulate material at least partially embedded therein, and the second layer is capable of providing a sound attenuation effect with an acoustic impact sound reduction of at least about 15 decibels.