Waterproof Click-Lock Flooring Planks with Composite Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof flooring options, such as laminate and wooden flooring, are inadequate in resisting sustained moisture exposure, leading to issues like swelling, warping, and irreversible damage, while alternative materials like ceramic tile and rubber/vinyl flooring suffer from limited visual choices, high costs, and poor comfort.

Innovation Solution

The development of a rigid waterproof flooring plank utilizing a core composed of bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust combined with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinylchloride (PVC), which provides moisture resistance and dimensional stability, along with a reversible click-lock edge fastening system for easy installation without adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laminate flooring or wooden flooring is used, then the appearance and comfort are desirable, but the flooring becomes damaged when subjected to sustained moisture exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidswelling and warping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinylchloride (PVC) to create a core layer that resists moisture. This composite structure allows the flooring to maintain dimensional stability and prevent swelling and warping when exposed to moisture, while still achieving the desired appearance and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ceramic tile or stone is used for waterproofing, then moisture resistance is achieved, but the cost of materials and installation is high and the floor is cold and hard to stand on

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidcost of materials and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust combined with HDPE or PVC to create a core layer that provides moisture resistance at a lower cost than ceramic tile or stone. This composite material achieves the desired moisture resistance while being more economical in both materials and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If rubber or vinyl flooring is used, then the cost is relatively low, but imperfections from the subfloor transfer through and adhesives are compromised by moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidadhesive strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a rigid core layer made of bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust combined with HDPE or PVC that acts as a stable base, preventing subfloor imperfections from transferring through. The rigidity of this composite core layer maintains adhesive strength and prevents curling damage, even in moisture-prone areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If traditional waterproofing methods are applied to laminate flooring, then moisture resistance is improved, but the installation time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates moisture resistance directly into the core layer material composition during manufacturing, rather than applying waterproofing treatments afterward. The core layer is pre-formed with bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust combined with HDPE or PVC, providing inherent moisture resistance that eliminates the need for additional waterproofing steps during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution achieves significant moisture resistance and dimensional stability, eliminating issues like swelling and warping, while offering a wide range of visual appearances and being environmentally friendly, thus addressing the limitations of existing flooring materials.

Implementation Method 1

a rigid and relatively environmentally friendly core... that does not absorb moisture and does not expand or contract

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture resistance: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

reversible click-lock edge fastening system so that the flooring can be reversibly snapped together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20250146303A1Engineered waterproof click-locking flooring and wall covering planks
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 CLYX BV
  • US20250146303A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146303A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146303A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A click floor system can provide reversibility in combination with improved waterproof flooring utilizing bamboo, plastic, or other waterproof materials. The plank can include a veneer layer adhered to two surfaces of a waterproof core and a first waterproof adhesive layer that bonds the veneer layer to the surfaces of the waterproof core.