Waterproof Floor Tile With Nested Seal Fin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular flooring systems with interlocking tiles are not fully waterproof, allowing water to seep through the joins and causing tiles to buckle or lift.
Innovation Solution
A new generation of loose lay tiles with a hidden interlock system, featuring a base substrate with a laminate layer, upstanding flexible seal fins, and sealing channels, which form a waterproof seal when connected, eliminating the need for adhesive or grout and providing ceramic aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular flooring systems use interlocking tiles, then ease of installation is improved, but waterproofness deteriorates as water can seep through the joins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested waterproofing structure where an upstanding flexible seal fin on one tile fits inside a sealing channel on the adjacent tile. This nested configuration creates a waterproof seal while maintaining the interlocking mechanism, allowing tiles to be easily installed without compromising waterproofness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible seal fin that can deform to conform to the sealing channel geometry. This flexible element creates a reliable waterproof barrier at the tile joints, preventing water ingress while allowing for installation tolerances and substrate irregularities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional interlocking tiles are used, then ease of installation is improved, but tile stability deteriorates causing tiles to buckle and lift
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the seal fin within the sealing channel creates a mechanically interlocked waterproof seal that prevents tile buckling and lifting. The interlocking nature of this nested structure provides stability while maintaining ease of installation through the modular tile system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal fin adapts to substrate irregularities and tile variations, creating a stable waterproof seal that prevents tile movement, buckling, and lifting while maintaining the ease of installation characteristic of modular flooring systems.
3Reliability
If adhesive or grout is used to achieve waterproofing, then waterproofness is improved, but ease of installation and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service waterproofing mechanism where the seal fin automatically engages with the sealing channel upon tile placement, creating a waterproof seal without requiring external adhesives or grout. This enables easy installation and tile reusability while maintaining reliable waterproofness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive/grout) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of the seal fin and sealing channel. This mechanical waterproofing solution provides ease of installation and tile reusability while achieving the same waterproofing effect, eliminating the need for messy installation materials.
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 tiles create a completely waterproof floor covering that is easy to install and reusable, preventing water ingress between tiles and maintaining their integrity during removal and reinstallation.
Implementation Method 1
the waterproofing means comprises at least one upstanding flexible seal fin on a top surface of the bottom layer of the base substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A floor tile comprising a base substrate and a laminate layer, wherein the base substrate comprises a top layer with a laminate layer receiver on a top surface thereof and a bottom layer with connecting means for engaging with connecting means of a base substrate of a further tile to form an interconnected flooring system. The top layer of the base substrate extends over connecting means on at least one side of the base substrate, characterized in that the base substrate further comprises waterproofing means for engaging with waterproofing means of a base substrate of at least one further tile to provide a waterproof seal between the tile and at least one further tile.