Wall Plank with Segmented Back Channels for Adhesive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching planks to walls, such as nail-based systems and peel-and-stick adhesive systems, face issues with aesthetics, stability, and adhesive waste, particularly in high humidity or temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

A plank system featuring a back member with predetermined channels for precise adhesive application, ensuring the right amount and location of adhesive is used, combined with pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for enhanced flexibility and adherence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If double-sided adhesive tape is used in conventional peel-and-stick system, then installation convenience is improved, but bond stability deteriorates over time especially in high humidity or temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidbond stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back member is segmented into multiple plateaus and channels, creating discrete adhesive application zones. This segmentation allows controlled adhesive distribution while maintaining overall bond stability through multiple localized bonding points rather than a single continuous adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of adhesive application by defining channels with specific width, depth, and volume. This parameter control ensures optimal adhesive quantity and distribution, improving bond reliability in varying environmental conditions while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If construction adhesive is applied liberally to ensure plank remains fastened, then attachment reliability is improved, but adhesive waste increases and cleanup work increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidadhesive waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The channels are pre-formed on the back member before adhesive application. This preliminary structuring of the adhesive bed allows the user to apply only the necessary amount of adhesive that fits within the channel volume, preventing both waste and insufficient bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure serves itself by defining the exact volume and location where adhesive should be placed. The geometry of the channels automatically regulates adhesive quantity, eliminating the need for user judgment or measurement and preventing both waste and insufficient application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If construction adhesive is applied liberally to ensure adequate bonding, then attachment reliability is improved, but cost of installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidadhesive quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The channels are pre-formed on the back member before adhesive application. This preliminary structuring of the adhesive bed allows the user to apply only the necessary amount of adhesive that fits within the channel volume, preventing both waste and insufficient bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure serves itself by defining the exact volume and location where adhesive should be placed. The geometry of the channels automatically regulates adhesive quantity, eliminating the need for user judgment or measurement and preventing both waste and insufficient application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If excessive adhesive is applied to ensure plank remains fastened, then attachment reliability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to adhesive oozing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The channels are pre-formed on the back member before adhesive application. This preliminary structuring of the adhesive bed allows the user to apply only the necessary amount of adhesive that fits within the channel volume, preventing both waste and insufficient bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure serves itself by defining the exact volume and location where adhesive should be placed. The geometry of the channels automatically regulates adhesive quantity, eliminating the need for user judgment or measurement and preventing both waste and insufficient application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a stable, long-lasting attachment without adhesive waste, suitable for various environmental conditions, and allows for the use of reclaimed lumber while maintaining aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for enhanced flexibility and adherence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The location of the channels and the volume defined by the channel walls serve as a guide in applying the proper amount of construction adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11788301B2Plank for wall or surface covering and methods thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 FULTS KEVIN
  • US11788301B2 patent drawing
  • US11788301B2 patent drawing
  • US11788301B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A plank and plank system for covering a wall or other surface is provided. Each longitudinally extending plank comprises a generally planar front façade and a back member. The back member comprises multiple plateaus interspersed with channels. Each plateau provides a flat surface that will be adjacent to the wall/surface when the plank is installed and onto which, optionally, a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive tape may be applied. The channels provide a predetermined location and predetermined holding capacity to regulate the location and amount of construction adhesive to be applied by a user. In an aspect of the invention, the channels also provide a degree of flexibility that allows the plank to adhere securely to the wall and that allows the depth of the plank to be greater than conventional wood wall covering panels.