Tile Panel Curved Recesses for Seamless, Hygienic Grout Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile panels with imitation grout lines have a compromised visual appearance due to flat, angled recess surfaces and visible seams, which detract from the overall look and can lead to moisture seepage and microbial growth.
Innovation Solution
A decorative tile panel with a channel-shaped recess along its side edges, featuring an upwardly facing recess surface that is concavely curved and partially formed by a separate grout covering layer, enhancing the appearance and preventing moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rectangular groove with flat surfaces is milled to create an imitation grout line, then a grout line appearance is achieved, but the visual appearance becomes artificial and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the recess surface with a concave curvature that extends along the side edge of the tile panel. This curved surface mimics the natural rounded appearance of traditional grout lines, eliminating the artificial look of flat-angled surfaces while maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturability of the tile panel.
2Ease of operation
If adjacent tile panels are coupled with abutting side edges, then installation is simplified without cement or grout, but visible seams split the imitation grout line into two halves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imitation grout line feature into both adjacent tile panels, with each panel having a recess along its side edge. When panels are coupled together, these recesses align to form a continuous grout line appearance that spans across the joint, eliminating the visual disruption of seams while maintaining the simplified coupling installation method.
3Shape
If a recess is provided along the side edge to create an imitation grout line, then traditional grout appearance is mimicked, but moisture can seep through and lead to microbial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a waterproof coating or membrane layer over the recess surface and along the side edge of the tile panel. This thin film barrier prevents moisture from penetrating into the recess and reaching the core layer, while maintaining the visual appearance of the grout line. The coating seals the recess structure, eliminating the moisture ingress pathway that would otherwise lead to microbial growth.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a decorative tile panel for covering a floor, ceiling, or wall. Furthermore, the invention relates to a surface covering for a floor, ceiling or wall surface which is constructed by a multitude of neighbouring tile panels according to the invention, wherein the plurality of tile panels are preferably interconnected.