Multi-Layer Floor Covering for Slip-Resistance and Sound Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor coverings either lack slip-resistance or sound attenuation properties, requiring the installation of two separate products to achieve both, which is costly, time-consuming, and prone to installation issues due to differential thermal expansion and movement.
Innovation Solution
A single heterogeneous floor covering with a first layer of particulate material for slip-resistance and a second foam layer for sound attenuation, featuring a combination of micro- and macro-scale emboss patterns, and additional layers for reinforcement and aesthetics, addressing both slip-resistance and sound reduction in a single product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate products (acoustic underlayment and anti-slip floor covering) are installed to achieve both sound attenuation and slip-resistance, then both sound attenuation and slip-resistance properties are improved, but device complexity, installation time, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acoustic underlayment layer and the anti-slip floor covering layer into a single integrated floor covering product. The acoustic layer is positioned beneath the wear layer, creating a multi-layer composite structure that simultaneously provides sound attenuation (reducing impact noise by at least 15 decibels) and slip-resistance (coefficient of friction of at least 0.42) without requiring separate installation of two discrete products
Solution Approach 2:
The single floor covering product performs multiple functions: the acoustic layer provides sound attenuation for high impact interactions, the wear layer with embossed surface patterns provides slip-resistance, and the transparent top layer provides wear resistance and aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate acoustic underlayment and safety flooring installations
2Reliability
If a transparent top layer with embedded particulate material is used to provide slip-resistance, then slip-resistance is improved, but the surface becomes more prone to staining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to different regions of the transparent top layer: raised embossed surface patterns are provided in a first region to provide slip-resistance, while a second region contains a different surface pattern or finish that is less prone to staining. This local differentiation allows the floor covering to simultaneously achieve slip-resistance and stain resistance in different areas
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and ergonomically designed floor covering that reduces sound impact by at least 15 decibels and maintains high slip-resistance, improving underfoot comfort and reducing installation complexities while being resistant to stains and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer comprising a foam material capable of providing a sound attenuation effect... the second layer provides an acoustic impact sound reduction when an object impacts upon the floor covering of at least about 15 decibels
Implementation Method 2
the surface finish comprises a combination of micro- and macro-scale emboss patterns
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floor covering (2) having slip-resistance and sound attenuation properties, particularly for reducing levels of sound resulting from high impact interactions, the floor covering comprising at least a first layer (12) and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a particulate material (14) at least partially embedded therein, and the second layer (4) is capable of providing a sound attenuation effect with an acoustic impact sound reduction of at least about 15 decibels.