Surface covering system and method for producing such a system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating a decline towards a drainage point on flat surfaces, such as floors and roofs, are time-consuming, require heavy lifting, and result in uneven surfaces, making it difficult to lay tiles and leading to water puddles and waste due to cutting and shaping of materials.
Innovation Solution
A surface covering system using prefabricated plates with a circular decline from every point to a drainage point, allowing for even drainage and easy installation without cutting tiles, featuring a radial slope that creates a cavity resembling a blunt cone, and optionally a second steeper slope near the drainage point for improved local drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If liquid filler is used to create a decline towards the drainage point, then the decline can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires lifting heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The decline is pre-formed in the plate during manufacturing, so the action of creating the decline is performed in advance rather than during installation. The plate is supplied ready-made with the required slope towards the drainage point, eliminating the time-consuming on-site work of creating the decline with liquid filler.
2Ease of manufacture
If liquid filler is used to create a decline, then drainage can be achieved, but the surface becomes uneven making it difficult to lay tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The decline is pre-formed in the plate during manufacturing with precise control, ensuring an even surface. The plate is supplied ready-made with the required slope, eliminating the on-site work that creates uneven surfaces and making it easy to lay tiles.
3Productivity
If prefabricated elements with milled envelope decline are used, then installation is simplified, but edges are created between plates that complicate tile laying and are uncomfortable to stand on
Solution Approach 1:
The plate has different surface characteristics in different areas: a first circular decline area providing a smooth, comfortable standing surface, and a second linear decline area at the edge for drainage. This local differentiation eliminates uncomfortable edges while maintaining installation efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If circular segments are used to create a circular decline, then drainage towards the sewer is achieved, but cutting must be made in situ which is time-consuming and creates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The plates are pre-formed with the required circular decline and shape during manufacturing, so no cutting or shaping is needed during on-site installation. The plates are supplied ready-made in the correct geometry, eliminating material waste from cutting and the time-consuming in-situ work.
5Productivity
If prefabricated elements are used, then installation is simplified, but the first decline creates edges between plates that are uncomfortable to stand on
Solution Approach 1:
The plate has different surface characteristics in different areas: a first circular decline area providing a smooth, comfortable standing surface, and a second linear decline area at the edge for drainage. This local differentiation eliminates uncomfortable edges while maintaining installation efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a surface covering system intended for a surface in the form of a wet room floor, a roof or another substantially flat, delimited surface which is exposed to water and needs drainage, and to methods for preparing such a system. The surface covering system comprises at least one plate (1, 1a, 1 b, 1c) with a mark (2) showing a drainage point and a substantially flat lower surface (3) and an upper surface (4) with a first decline towards the mark (2). The invention is characterised by that the first decline is circular and has a radial slope (a) directed towards the mark (2) from every point on the at least one plate (1, 1a, 1 b, 1 c). In this way the decline creates a cavity in the plate (1, 1a, 1 b, 1c) in the shape of at least a part of a blunt virtual cone with the apex of the cone directed towards the mark (2). This solution achieves a modular surface covering system with an even circular decline, starting from the placement of the drainage point/points in a specific limited space. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such a surface covering system.