Underside Functional Layer Surface Panels for Hidden Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface elements with integrated electrical functionality face high production and installation costs due to complex cable connections, exposure to contamination and mechanical stress, and visible relief structures that can be damaging over time.

Innovation Solution

The functional layer is positioned on the underside of the carrier plate, protruding beyond the side edge in the installed state, allowing for simplified and cost-effective integration and protection from contamination, with electrical contacting achieved through the protruding area, eliminating the need for manual wiring and visible relief structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the functional layer is arranged on the top side of the carrier plate, then electrical functionality can be integrated into the surface element, but the functional layer is exposed to contamination, mechanical stress, and moisture which reduces lifetime and disturbs electrical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical functionalityVSAvoidlifetime of electrical functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the functional layer on the underside of the carrier plate instead of the top side. This inversion protects the functional layer from contamination, mechanical stress, and moisture while maintaining electrical functionality through protruding contact areas that extend beyond the side edges of the carrier plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer is extended in the lateral dimension by projecting beyond the side edges of the carrier plate. This dimensional extension enables electrical contact between adjacent surface elements while keeping the functional layer protected on the underside, solving both protection and connectivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cable connections are used to connect all surface elements, then electrical functionality can be implemented, but production and installation costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidproduction and installation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical joining of surface elements. The protruding functional layer areas serve dual purposes: they provide electrical contact between adjacent elements and are integrated into the same structure that mechanically connects the elements, eliminating the need for separate cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface elements automatically establish electrical contact with each other through the protruding functional layer areas when mechanically joined. This self-contacting mechanism eliminates the need for manual wiring or external cable connections, reducing both production and installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the functional layer is arranged above the carrier plate, then it can provide luminescent functionality, but contact between interconnected surface elements is difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminescent functionalityVSAvoidcontact between interconnected surface elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the position of the functional layer from above to below the carrier plate. This inversion naturally ensures contact between interconnected surface elements through the protruding areas that extend beyond the side edges, making electrical contact automatic and reliable when elements are joined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the functional layer produces a relief structure on the usable side, then electrical functionality is achieved, but the relief structure becomes visible after use and damage to the functional layer cannot be ruled out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidsurface structure visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the location of the functional layer to the underside of the carrier plate. This placement eliminates visible relief structures on the usable top side while maintaining electrical functionality through the protruding areas that extend beyond the side edges and make contact with adjacent elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11982581B2Surface element

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 PARADOR

AI summary

The invention relates to a surface element (1), intended for use as a floor, wall and/or ceiling surface element for a floor, wall and/or ceiling covering, having at least one carrier plate (2) and at least one functional layer (3), wherein the carrier plate (2) comprises a top side (5) facing a usable side (4) and an underside (7) opposite the top side (5) and facing the underground (6). According to the invention, it is provided that the functional layer (3) is provided underneath the carrier plate (2), and that the functional layer (3) is designed in such a way that, in the installed state, it projects beyond the side edge (10) of the side (8), in particular of the long side (9), on at least one side (8), especially on at least one long side (9).