Waterproof Flooring Adhesive for Non-Porous Subfloors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interlocking flooring systems, such as click-lock, are vulnerable to moisture wicking due to lack of physical connection to the subfloor, and adhesives require a porous subfloor surface, necessitating costly and time-consuming surface modifications like removing epoxy coatings.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof adhesive composition comprising silane modified polymers, reinforcing extenders, thixotropic agents, and adhesion promoters that can adhere to non-porous surfaces without prior modification, allowing for a 'Dry-Set' installation method with extended tack time and interlocking planks that funnel adhesive into channels for a monolithic floor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing adhesives are used to secure flooring material to subfloor, then bonding is achieved, but the subfloor surface must be porous requiring removal of epoxy coatings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidsurface preparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive chemistry is changed from water-born to silane-modified polymer chemistry, which fundamentally alters the bonding mechanism to work on non-porous surfaces without requiring surface porosity or removal of coatings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive is formulated as a composite material containing silane-modified polymer, reinforcing extender, thixotropic agent, and adhesion promoter, where each component contributes specific properties that enable bonding to non-porous surfaces while maintaining ease of application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If water-born chemistry adhesives are used, then bonding is achieved, but sensitivity to elevated pH and moisture emissions requires expensive moisture barriers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive bonding reliabilityVSAvoidpH and moisture sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical composition parameters are changed by using silane-modified polymer instead of water-born chemistry, creating an adhesive that is inherently resistant to pH and moisture rather than sensitive to them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive formulation converts potential harmful effects of moisture and pH into beneficial curing mechanisms, where moisture actually promotes curing through silane hydrolysis rather than degrading the adhesive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If floating floor installation is used, then quick installation is achieved, but liquid penetrations at seams wick under the flooring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmoisture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the speed advantage of floating floor installation with the moisture resistance of glued-down installation by using adhesive only at critical locations (seams and edges) rather than full coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive application is localized to specific areas where moisture resistance is critical (seams and edges) rather than uniform application, optimizing both moisture protection and installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If adhesive tack time is extended for adjustment flexibility, then installation flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to longer working time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive exhibits dynamic properties where it remains tacky and repositionable for an extended period, then transitions to a cured state, allowing flexible adjustment during installation without permanently slowing the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 adhesive composition provides secure, moisture-resistant flooring installation on non-porous surfaces like polished concrete and glass, reducing installation time and costs by eliminating surface preparation steps and enabling flexible installation methods.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive composition comprising a silane modified polymer, a reinforcing extender, one or more thixotropic agents, and an adhesion promoter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

one or more thixotropic agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThixotropy: Thixotropy

Implementation Method 3

a cured product of the adhesive composition is waterproof, hydrolytically stable, and pH-resistant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260055619A1Waterproof adhesive compositions and flooring systems

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 DICKENS CARROLL BENFORD

AI summary

Adhesives and flooring material that provides a waterproof flooring system. The adhesive composition allows for dry setting by remaining sticky for at least 3 hrs before hardening. The adhesive composition can bond to non-porous substrates. The flooring material includes interlocking planks that have a V-shaped or wider groove on the bottom surface to allow for the adhesive composition to flow into a fluid channel between the interlocking planks.