Covering system for a floor, a wall and/or a ceiling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering systems for floors, walls, and ceilings lack the ability to integrate multiple functions and are limited in their versatility for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A covering system with a base body and a detachable cover layer, incorporating conducting elements that can conduct physical quantities, materials, or signals, allowing for integration of various functions and easy access for maintenance or decoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conducting elements are integrated into the covering system for multiple functions (heating, power, signals), then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The covering system integrates multiple functions (heating, power distribution, signal transmission) into a single unified structure. The conducting elements serve multiple purposes simultaneously, allowing the system to perform various tasks through one integrated covering rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate systems (heating cables, power conduits, signal wires) into a single integrated covering system. The conducting elements are merged within the covering structure, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the conducting element is made visible and accessible on the visible side, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the aesthetic appearance may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The covering system allows different portions to have different properties. The conducting elements are visible and accessible in specific locations where functionality is needed, while other portions maintain their aesthetic appearance. This localized approach allows accessibility where required without compromising overall aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The covering element itself acts as an intermediary that provides both aesthetic coverage and functional accessibility. It serves as a mediator between the conducting elements and the environment, allowing controlled access to conducting elements while maintaining visual appeal through its design as a covering component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If the cover layer is detachably attached to the base body, then the ease of repair and maintenance is improved, but the structural integrity and stability may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaintainabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The covering element is divided into separate components: a base body and a detachable cover layer. This segmentation allows the cover layer to be removed for maintenance of conducting elements while the base body remains intact. The modular design enables easy access to internal components without damaging the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment between cover layer and base body is designed to be dynamically changeable - firmly attached during normal use to maintain structural integrity, but easily detachable when maintenance is required. The connection mechanism transitions between a stable state for aesthetic and structural purposes and an easily separable state for maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the integration of multiple functions such as underfloor heating, electrical power distribution, and signal transmission, while allowing for easy decoration changes and maintenance, enhancing the system's versatility and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one conducting element is designed to conduct a physical quantity, a material or signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one covering element has a base body and a cover layer detachably attached thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical attachment: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4133142B1Covering system for a floor, a wall and/or a ceiling
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 FLOORING TECH LTD
  • EP4133142B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4133142B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a covering system for a floor, a wall and/or a ceiling, the covering system comprising • - a visible side (20), • - a lower side opposite the visible side and • - a plurality of interconnected covering elements (4), wherein: at least one line element (6) is located between at least two of the covering elements such that the at least one line element can be at least partially seen on the visible side; the at least one line element is designed to conduct a physical quantity, a material or signals; and at least one line element comprises an interface with a source or with a consumer of the physical quantity, the material or the signals.