Nubbed Flooring Membrane for Low-Height Moisture Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional decoupling mats for floor structures require thick adhesive layers for load transfer, leading to increased height and prolonged drying times, especially when laying moisture-sensitive coverings like parquet, and they are unsuitable for moisture-resistant coverings like tiles due to moisture migration issues.
Innovation Solution
A mat or sheet with a water- and water-vapor-impermeable flexible plastic layer featuring nubs on the upper side and discharge channels on the underside, allowing load transfer via nubs and moisture drainage, reducing the need for thick adhesives and enabling faster installation of both moisture-resistant and moisture-sensitive coverings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional decoupling mats are used with thick adhesive layers for load transfer, then load transfer capability is improved, but construction height increases and drying time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic layer is segmented into multiple nubs (at least 200 nubs per 10 cm²) that are distributed across the surface. Each nub acts as an independent load transfer element, collectively providing sufficient load transfer capability without requiring thick adhesive layers. This segmentation allows load distribution through numerous small contact points rather than relying on thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The nubs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the plastic layer to create local contact points for load transfer. The discharge channels are positioned at the underside to locally manage moisture. This localized feature distribution provides functional efficiency without increasing overall construction height.
2Strength
If conventional decoupling mats are used with thick adhesive layers, then load transfer is improved, but drying time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nub structure provides multiple discrete contact points that facilitate faster moisture evaporation and drying compared to continuous thick adhesive layers. The distributed nubs create numerous small ventilation pathways for moisture to escape, reducing drying time while maintaining load transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge channels are pre-formed at the underside of the plastic layer to actively drain moisture before it can accumulate and prolong drying. This preliminary moisture removal mechanism prevents the need for extended drying periods and eliminates moisture-related issues.
3Strength
If conventional decoupling mats are used, then load transfer is achieved, but moisture migration causes issues with moisture-resistant coverings
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful moisture migration pathway is extracted and redirected into dedicated discharge channels at the underside of the plastic layer. These channels collect and channel moisture away from the floor covering, separating the moisture transport function from the load transfer function and preventing moisture damage to moisture-sensitive coverings.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic layer with integrated discharge channels acts as an intermediary barrier between the screed layer and the floor covering. It provides load transfer capability through nubs while simultaneously managing moisture through discharge channels, preventing direct moisture contact with moisture-sensitive coverings.
4Strength
If nubs are densely distributed to improve load transfer, then load transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nub density is optimized to at least 200 nubs per 10 cm², which provides sufficient load transfer capability while remaining manufacturable. This specific parameter threshold balances performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility, avoiding excessive complexity while ensuring adequate load distribution.
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 enables thinner adhesive layers, lower construction heights, and eliminates the need for prolonged drying times, allowing immediate installation of moisture-sensitive coverings while preventing moisture damage.
Implementation Method 1
The nubs (7) can serve for transferring loads from the upper side (5) to the underside (6)
Implementation Method 2
Water or water vapor discharge channels (9) can be formed on the lower side of the plastic layer (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A flooring membrane (1) includes a water- and water-vapor-impermeable flexible plastic layer (4) of film-like plastic having an upper side (5) and an underside (6), and an anchoring layer (11) firmly bonded to the underside (6) of the plastic layer (4). The plastic layer includes a plurality of nubs (7) present on the upper side, each of the nubs forming a nub cavity (8) on the lower side. Water or water vapor discharge channels (9) are formed on the lower side of the plastic layer (4). A maximum height (hmax) of the membrane (1) is at most about 5 mm, and at least 200 nubs per 10 cm2 are provided in areas having nubs (7).