Segmented Adhesive Liner for Resilient Tile Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Residential resilient tile is difficult to remove, replace, repair, and recycle due to full adhesion, requires extensive subfloor preparation, and is not easily customizable or resistant to water infiltration and fatigue failure.
Innovation Solution
A flooring system comprising a plurality of tiles and a grid-patterned liner that allows for easy installation and removal, with adhesive tabs or spray adhesive for tile attachment, and a clear liner for centering and customization, along with a high modulus liner to prevent buckling and water entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tile is fully adhered to subfloor with adhesive, then tile installation is stable and secure, but tile becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented into discrete adhesive tabs rather than continuous full-spread adhesive. This allows the tile to be securely attached at multiple points while enabling easy removal by lifting corners, resolving the contradiction between stable installation and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tab acts as an intermediary layer between the tile backside and the subfloor. It provides sufficient bonding for stability during use but can be easily overcome by lifting forces, enabling removal and replacement without damaging the subfloor.
2Loss of substance
If tile is removed in multiple pieces, then some tile can be saved for recycling, but recycling becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tile installation is segmented into modular units that can be removed as complete assemblies (tile with adhesive tabs intact), preserving the adhesive material for recycling while maintaining the ability to separate and recycle individual components efficiently.
3Reliability
If adhesive is fully spread on tile backside, then tile adheres securely to subfloor, but subfloor preparation becomes complex requiring scraping and patching
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied only at discrete tab locations rather than fully spreading adhesive across the entire tile backside. This reduces the amount of adhesive material needed and simplifies subfloor preparation by eliminating the need to scrape and patch large areas of subfloor.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tabs are designed as inexpensive, easily replaceable elements that can be applied to the subfloor and then removed without damaging it. This disposable approach eliminates the need for permanent, complex subfloor preparation and allows for easy replacement.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive tabs are used for tile installation, then tile can be easily removed, but water can get trapped under the tile in wet areas
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof membrane or sheet is placed between the tile and the subfloor, creating a water barrier that prevents water infiltration while allowing the adhesive tabs to remain effective for easy tile removal. The membrane acts as a continuous protective layer that adapts to the tile assembly geometry.
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 system shortens the floor replacement cycle, simplifies recycling, and enhances durability by allowing tiles to be removed and replaced in one piece, reducing buckling and water infiltration while maintaining subfloor integrity.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive to adhere the tiles to the liners
Data Source
AI summary
An easy-to-install and remove flooring system comprises three components: 1) a plurality of rolled-out liners, 2) a plurality of tiles, particularly resilient tiles, and 3) an adhesive adhering the tile to the liner. A grid pattern matching the size of the tiles is printed on the liner to enable easy centering and balancing of the tile in the room. The edge portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapped. At least some of the tiles are adhered to two of the liners.