UV-Curable Seam Sealing for Resilient Flooring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seam sealing systems for resilient surface coverings, such as hot weld and cold weld systems, require extensive drying times and delayed application, leading to prolonged installation processes and inefficiencies in providing a waterproof seal during maintenance like wet mopping and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a radiation-curable composition, specifically using UV-curable acrylate-functionalized compounds, which can be immediately applied and cured with radiation sources like UV lamps or LEDs, allowing for continuous installation and a rapid waterproof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hot weld or cold weld systems are used to seal seams, then waterproof sealing is achieved, but installation time is prolonged due to extended drying and curing periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal or chemical welding systems with a radiation-curable composition system. The composition is applied to the seam and immediately cured using radiation (such as UV or electron beam radiation), eliminating the need for extended drying or heating periods. This substitution of the curing mechanism resolves the contradiction by achieving waterproof sealing without prolonged installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing parameter from thermal/chemical processes (which require hours) to radiation-induced curing (which occurs in seconds or minutes). By using radiation-curable compositions with specific photoinitiators or electron beam sensitivity, the curing time parameter is dramatically reduced while maintaining sealing effectiveness, thus resolving the time-delay contradiction.
2Reliability
If traditional weld systems are used, then seam sealing is achieved, but continuous installation is delayed due to waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation-curing system replaces traditional welding methods, enabling immediate curing of the seam sealing composition. This allows the installation process to continue without interruption or waiting periods, as the radiation cure occurs instantaneously upon application, thereby maintaining both sealing reliability and installation continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous installation by implementing a sealing process that does not require interruption. The radiation-curable composition is applied and cured in sequence without idle waiting time, allowing the installation workflow to maintain continuous momentum. This eliminates the breaks required by traditional systems, thus improving productivity while preserving sealing quality.
3Reliability
If hot weld systems are used, then waterproof seal is provided, but application must be delayed several hours after floor covering installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the delayed thermal or chemical curing process with immediate radiation curing. The radiation-curable composition can be applied right after seam formation and cured instantly, providing complete flexibility in application timing. This eliminates the constraint of waiting several hours, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining waterproof seal reliability.
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
This solution enables immediate and cost-effective sealing of seams in resilient surface coverings, reducing overall installation time while ensuring a durable and waterproof seal, as demonstrated by successful water infiltration tests and seam strength measurements.
Implementation Method 1
application of radiation to the curable composition
Data Source
AI summary
Included are methods for sealing seams of resilient surface covering including the application of a curable composition at a seam and applying radiation to the curable composition. The radiation may be any suitable source such as UV or visible light.