Studded Impermeable Floor Mat for Thin Moisture-Draining Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional decoupling mats for floor coverings require thick tile adhesive layers for load transfer, contradicting the desire for slim designs and are unsuitable for moisture-sensitive floor coverings like parquet, the adhesive layer can be eliminated entirely, and the adhesive layer can be used to describe the properties of the mat or panel.
Innovation Solution
A mat or panel with a water- and water-vapor-impermeable flexible plastic layer featuring protruding studs and water vapor drainage channels, allowing for thin or adhesive-free load transfer and moisture drainage, suitable for both tile and parquet installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional decoupling mats with depressions are used, then load transfer is achieved through stilt-like supports formed by thick adhesive, but the adhesive layer becomes several millimeters thick, increasing floor construction height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional depression structure into a protrusion structure. Instead of having depressions on the upper surface with channels on the underside (conventional mats), the invention has protrusions on the upper surface with channels on the upper side. This inversion eliminates the need for thick adhesive layers while maintaining load transfer capability through the protrusions themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the adhesive layer and transfers it to the protrusions of the plastic layer. By taking out the need for thick adhesive, the invention reduces floor construction height while maintaining structural integrity and load transfer capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If decoupling mats are used for moisture-resistant floor coverings, then rising damp is channeled away through channels, but the screed layer requires long drying time before installation can proceed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the plastic layer with drainage channels as an intermediary between the screed layer and the floor covering. This intermediary layer actively manages moisture through channels on its upper side, preventing rising damp from reaching the floor covering while allowing installation to proceed without long drying waits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional decoupling mats are used, then tiles can be installed with load distribution, but the same structure is unsuitable for moisture-sensitive floor coverings like parquet due to adhesive incompatibility and moisture accumulation between adjacent mats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution that works for both tiles and moisture-sensitive floor coverings like parquet. The plastic layer with protrusions and drainage channels provides a moisture-managing interface compatible with various floor covering types, eliminating the need for different systems for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different locations: the upper side has protrusions for load bearing and moisture management, while the lower side has channels for drainage. This local differentiation of properties allows the same structure to serve multiple functions for different floor covering types.
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
Enables efficient load transfer and moisture management, reducing construction height and eliminating the need for thick adhesive layers, while allowing for rapid installation of both tile and parquet without damage from rising damp.
Implementation Method 1
water or water vapor drainage channels which are formed on the underside... Moisture rising from the screed is drained away via the water or water vapor drainage channels
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer firmly bonded to the bottom of the plastic layer... loads acting on the upper surface can be transferred to the underside via the studs
Data Source
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AI summary
Mat or plate (1) comprising a water- and water vapor-impermeable flexible plastic layer (4) made of film-like plastic, having a top (5) and a bottom (6), and an adhesive layer (11) firmly bonded to the bottom (6) of the plastic layer (4), which is in particular a non-woven or woven layer, or a self-adhesive layer, wherein the plastic layer (4) is provided with a structure such that nubs (7) protrude from the top side, each forming a nub cavity (8) on the underside, and that water or water vapor drainage channels (9) are formed on the underside, wherein the maximum height (hmax) of the mat or plate (1) is a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maximum of 3 mm, and wherein at least 200, preferably at least 250, better still at least 350 nubs per 10 cm² are provided in areas having nubs (7).