Removable Ceramic Floor Covering via Magnetic Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing ceramic floor coverings are difficult to remove and require extensive demolition, leading to damage and the need for costly screed restoration, while floating laying systems lack sufficient toughness and require levelled subfloors, complicating the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a thinset composition applied to the subfloor with ceramic covering elements placed on it in an uncured or partially cured state, using an intermediate magnetic or magnetic receptive layer for removability and adjustability, allowing for levelled installation and simplifying the process by adhering to the thinset after curing, eliminating the need for external adhesives and facilitating easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mortar fixation is used, then the floor covering is securely fixed, but removal requires extensive demolition and causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the floor covering into separable components: the ceramic tile, the intermediate layer with magnetic elements, and the thinset mortar. The intermediate layer acts as a removable interface that can be detached from the thinset mortar after curing, allowing easy removal without damaging the ceramic tile or requiring extensive demolition.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves as a mediator between the ceramic tile and the thinset mortar. It provides magnetic attachment during installation and then allows clean separation after curing, enabling both secure fixation and easy removal. The intermediate layer absorbs the stress of removal, protecting the ceramic tile from damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If floating laying is used, then installation is simplified and speeded up, but the covering element lacks sufficient toughness
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a composite structure where the ceramic tile is combined with an intermediate layer containing magnetic elements and reinforcing materials. This composite provides both the simplicity of floating laying and enhanced toughness through the intermediate layer's magnetic attachment mechanism and structural reinforcement.
3Ease of operation
If floating laying is used, then no attachment to screed is needed, but a perfectly levelled screed is required
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is prepared in advance with magnetic elements and adhesive properties before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the thinset mortar to be applied without requiring perfect screed levelling, as the intermediate layer compensates for irregularities and provides a stable base for the ceramic tile.
4Ease of repair
If conventional demolition is performed, then the floor covering is removed, but the screed must be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is designed to be extracted from the thinset mortar through magnetic separation. When removal is needed, the intermediate layer with the attached ceramic tile can be pulled away from the cured thinset mortar, leaving the screed and thinset base intact. This eliminates the need for extensive demolition and screed restoration.
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
This method enables the installation of ceramic floor coverings in a removable and floating manner, simplifying the process, reducing damage, and saving time by achieving levelled subfloors and installation in a single step, while providing improved toughness and ease of replacement.
Implementation Method 1
said covering element has a magnetic or magnetic receptive element (11) on its lower side (1b) and said intermediate layer (14) comprises a magnetic or magnetic receptive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a floor covering comprising the steps of:—providing a thinset composition (21) on top of a subfloor (20)—providing a covering element (1) on top of said thinset composition (1) when the thinset composition (21) is in an uncured or partially cured state, wherein said covering element (1) has an upper side and a lower side (1b) and is removably attached to an intermediate layer (14) at its lower side (1b), so that said intermediate layer (14) enters into contact with the thinset composition (21).