Vinyl Decal Floor Graphics Permanent Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying permanent floor graphics in basketball gyms are time-consuming and limited in color, shape, and design options, with hand-painted graphics requiring extensive downtime and temporary decals being prone to peeling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a vinyl decal to a prepared hardwood floor using a series of specialized steps, including surface preparation, multiple coats of waterborne polyurethane sealer, and a final finish, allowing for intricate designs and rapid installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand-painted graphics are used for permanent floor graphics, then the graphic can be permanently applied to the floor, but the process requires extensive downtime for paint to dry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional paint to vinyl decal, which fundamentally alters the application process. The vinyl decal does not require drying time like paint, eliminating the downtime issue while maintaining permanent application through proper sealing with waterborne polyurethane sealer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a waterborne polyurethane sealer that can be quickly applied and dried compared to traditional paint. The sealer provides permanent protection but dries faster, allowing the floor to be used sooner while maintaining the permanence of the graphic.
2Reliability
If hand-painted graphics are used, then the graphic can be permanently applied, but the process is burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming hand-painting process with vinyl decal application followed by quick-drying waterborne polyurethane sealer. This substitution dramatically increases application speed while maintaining permanent graphic integrity through the sealing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the application method from manual painting to decal application with chemical sealing. This parameter change in the application process fundamentally improves productivity by eliminating the slow, manual painting steps while maintaining permanent results through the sealer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temporary decals are applied to the finished floor surface, then color and design capabilities are improved, but the decals are susceptible to peeling and easy removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies waterborne polyurethane sealer to the floor surface before applying the vinyl decal. This preliminary sealing action creates a stable, non-porous base that prevents the decal from peeling or being easily removed, while still allowing the decal to maintain its design flexibility and color capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the vinyl decal with waterborne polyurethane sealer layers. This composite material approach provides both the design flexibility of the decal and the permanent adhesion of the sealed floor surface, preventing peeling and easy removal.
4Reliability
If traditional paint is used for floor graphics, then the graphic can be permanently applied, but there are limitations to color, shape, and design options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional paint with vinyl decal material that offers superior design options. The vinyl decal can be made in various colors, shapes, and intricate designs that are difficult or impossible to achieve with paint, while the waterborne polyurethane sealer ensures permanent application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from paint to vinyl decal, which fundamentally expands the design options. The vinyl material allows for greater creativity in color, shape, and complexity while the sealing process maintains permanence, resolving the contradiction between design freedom and permanent application.
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
Results in a permanent, aesthetically pleasing floor graphic that can be installed in a fraction of the time of traditional hand-painted methods, offering greater design flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
multiple coats of waterborne polyurethane sealer
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer, with the adhesive layer working to adhere the decal to the finished floor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for installing a graphic design on a flooring surface, where a vinyl decal displaying the graphic design is applied to a flooring surface that has been coated with multiple layers of sealer, and where after application of the vinyl decal to the sealed floor, one or more additional layers of sealer are applied to the floor, covering the vinyl decal and the areas surrounding the vinyl decal, and finally one or more layers of floor finish are applied to the surface to result in a finished floor displaying the graphic design. Application of the vinyl decal may vary depending on characteristics of the graphic design, with some applications using a specially designed applicator device, some applications using a wet application method, and other applications using a hinged application method.