Three-Layer Primary Carpet Backing to Prevent Latex Bleeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional carpet tile production faces issues with the visibility of polymer coatings and flatness stability due to the placement of reinforcement layers, leading to problems like latex bleeding and dishing or doming, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A primary carpet backing structure comprising at least three layers, with a reinforcement layer between two nonwoven layers of fibers, where the first layer has a lower air permeability and the third layer has a higher air permeability, preventing latex bleeding and improving flatness stability by controlling the diffusion of precoat and polymer coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the reinforcement layer is moved onto the secondary carpet backing, then the number of polymer coating layers is reduced and total polymer mass is reduced, but additional adhesives are required and flatness stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal polymer massVSAvoidflatness stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The primary carpet backing is segmented into three distinct layers: a first nonwoven layer, a reinforcement layer, and a second nonwoven layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the first layer provides bonding interface, the reinforcement layer provides structural stability, and the second layer provides breathability while preventing adhesive migration to the carpet face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers are assigned different air permeability properties tailored to their specific functions. The first layer has low air permeability to prevent adhesive migration, while the second layer has high air permeability to maintain breathability. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between reducing polymer mass and maintaining flatness stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a layer of polymer coating has high affinity to the primary carpet backing, then bonding is improved, but the polymer coating becomes visible on the carpet face (latex bleeding)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidlatex bleeding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first nonwoven layer acts as an intermediary between the polymer coating and the second nonwoven layer. It provides a surface with high affinity for the polymer coating, ensuring strong bonding, while simultaneously serving as a barrier that prevents the polymer coating from migrating to the carpet face through the breathable second layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The second nonwoven layer is designed with asymmetric properties - it has high air permeability to allow breathability and prevent moisture buildup, but its structure and positioning create a barrier effect that prevents polymer migration. This asymmetric design allows the system to achieve both strong bonding and prevention of latex bleeding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 proposed solution effectively reduces latex bleeding and enhances the flatness stability of carpet tiles by utilizing the asymmetry in air permeability between the layers, ensuring adequate bonding and minimizing the mass of polymer coatings while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the nonwoven layer of fibers of the first layer has an air permeability of at most 8000 l/m2·s... preventing latex bleeding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 2

the nonwoven layer of fibers of the third layer has an air permeability of at least 3500 l/m2·s... ensuring adequate bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20220195662A1Primary carpet backing
Publication Date: 2022.06.23 LOW & BONAR INC

AI summary

A primary carpet backing including a structure of at least three layers, wherein a first layer and a third layer including a nonwoven layer of fibers, and wherein a second layer which includes a reinforcement layer of fibers and is located between the first and the third layer, wherein the nonwoven layer of fibers of the first layer has an air permeability of at most 8000 L/m2·s and the nonwoven layer of fibers of the third layer has an air permeability of at least 1000 L/m2·s measured according to ISO 9237:1995, wherein the nonwoven layer of fibers of the first layer has a lower air permeability as the nonwoven layer of fibers of the third layer.