Stone Surface Infiltration via Frictional Heat and Pore Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving surface properties of ceramic, artificial, and natural stone surfaces are not cost-effective and do not allow for selective influence on these properties, despite some advancements in the field.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a hydrophobizing infiltration composition onto the surface, rubbing it in to achieve homogeneous distribution and filling of pores, followed by drying and polishing to remove excess material, which enhances surface smoothness, gloss, hardness, and chemical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods for improving surface properties are used, then surface properties are improved, but the methods are not cost-effective and do not allow for selective influence on properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface properties improvementVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different infiltration compositions to different regions or types of pores in the stone surface, allowing selective modification of surface properties. The composition can be tailored to infiltrate specific pore sizes or distributions to achieve desired local effects such as enhanced gloss, hardness, or chemical resistance in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies parameters of the infiltration composition (such as chemical composition, viscosity, concentration of active ingredients) to optimize both the effectiveness of surface property improvement and the cost-effectiveness of the process. By adjusting these parameters, the method achieves reliable surface enhancement while controlling material and process costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing methods for improving surface properties are used, then surface properties are improved, but the methods do not allow for selective influence on properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface properties improvementVSAvoidselective influence on properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The infiltration composition is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can enhance gloss, increase hardness, improve chemical resistance, and modify pore structure all through a single application process. This multi-functionality allows selective influence on different surface properties without requiring multiple separate treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If hydrophobizing infiltration composition is applied and rubbed in, then homogeneous distribution and filling of pores is achieved, but the process requires multiple steps (applying, rubbing, drying, polishing)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneous distribution and pore fillingVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the single infiltration composition application: the composition simultaneously fills pores, provides hydrophobic protection, and prepares the surface for polishing. By merging these functions into one treatment step, the method achieves homogeneous distribution and complete pore filling while reducing the overall process complexity compared to separate treatments for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method significantly improves surface properties by increasing smoothness, gloss, hardness, and resistance to dirt and chemicals, with the potential for high-value surfaces and cost-effective production.

Implementation Method 1

rubbing in the hydrophobizing infiltration composition, preferably until a homogeneous distribution and filling of the pores in the surface is achieved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a material forming a bond with valences (i.e. a covalent or ionic bond) on the surface is applied and rubbed onto the surface, whereby frictional heat is generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11667582B2Method for infiltrating a ceramic, artificial or natural stone surface

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 COSENTINO RES & DEV

AI summary

The object of the invention is a method for infiltrating a ceramic, artificial or natural stone surface, wherein a material forming a bond with valences on the surface is applied and mechanically rubbed onto the surface, whereby frictional heat is generated, wherein the material is used as a solution or suspension, and which comprises applying a hydrophobizing infiltration composition onto the surface to be coated, followed by rubbing it in until a homogeneous distribution and filling of the pores in the surface is achieved for improving the surface properties.