Multicolour PVC Welding Rod for Seamless Floor Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative welding rods for PVC-based surface coverings struggle to seamlessly integrate multicolour patterns, as extruded single-colour rods create contrasting seams, and compositions with coloured particles are difficult to produce without damaging extrusion devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mixture of PVC-based components A and B with different k-values, viscosities, and colours, where component A has a higher melt viscosity and melting point than component B, is used to create a multicolour decorative welding rod through a process of mixing and extruding these components in specific ratios and forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multicoloured particles or granules are used in the welding rod composition, then the decorative pattern continuity is improved, but the extrusion process becomes difficult and may damage the extrusion device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the coloured components from solid particles to a melted state during extrusion. By heating the mixture to a temperature where the binder and coloured components are molten, the material becomes extrudable through standard equipment. After extrusion and cooling, the coloured pattern is replicated in the welding rod, achieving decorative continuity without damaging the extrusion device.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-colour extruded welding rod is used, then the extrusion process is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seam creates a contrasting colour that disrupts the decorative pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of a binder phase and dispersed coloured phases (oil pastels, crayons, or pigments). This composite structure allows the welding rod to be extruded as a homogeneous mixture while containing multiple colours within it. When the rod is applied and heated, the coloured components melt and replicate the floor covering's decorative pattern, ensuring visual continuity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the welding rod has high flexibility at low temperatures, then it is easier to handle and install, but it may compromise the adhesion strength to the covering elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in the binder material. At room temperature, the binder maintains a flexible, pliable state that allows easy handling, cutting, and installation of the welding rod. When heated during the welding process, the binder transitions to a softened or melted state that enables strong adhesion to the covering elements. This temperature-induced parameter change resolves the contradiction between low-temperature flexibility and high-temperature bonding strength.
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 resulting welding rod is visually integrated with the surface covering, offering improved aesthetic continuity, strong seam strength, and ease of installation, while maintaining mechanical properties like flexibility and adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
the composition of said component A comprises a PVC having a higher melt viscosity than the PVC of said component B
Implementation Method 2
a hot-air welding device which heats the welding rod so that it penetrates into the space between two pieces of adjacent floor-covering elements and joins them together
Implementation Method 3
heats the welding rod so that it penetrates into the space between two pieces of adjacent floor-covering elements and joins them together
Implementation Method 4
Once cooled-down, the excess of welding rod is cut off
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multicolour decorative welding rod (3) and a method to produce a multicolour decorative welding rod, said welding rod comprising a PVC-based component A and a PVC-based component B, in a ratio of component A / component B comprised between 10/90 to 50/50, said components A and B being associated in such a way that the composition of said component A comprises a PVC having a higher melt viscosity and/or a higher melting point, than the PVC of said component B, said components A and B being of a different colour.