Waterproof Decorative Wall Sheath for Moist Surface Renovation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waterproofing solutions for moist indoor environments, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, face challenges in compatibility of components, requiring removal of existing coatings and failing to provide a finished decorative aesthetic without additional elements, compromising both waterproofing and appearance over time.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof decorative sheath system comprising a layer of waterproofing material, specific adhesive layers, decorated glass fibre tissue, and transparent protective finishing layers, applied in a kit form to existing surfaces, combining waterproofing and decoration in a single process without removing pre-existing coatings, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional waterproofing solutions (cementitious elastic sheaths, polymeric bands) are applied under ceramic tiles, then waterproofing performance is improved, but the complexity of the construction process increases and existing coatings must be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidconstruction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines waterproofing function and decorative function into a single integrated sheath system. The sheath comprises a waterproofing layer, a reinforcement layer with decorative pattern, and a protective finishing layer, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing and tiling operations. This resolves the contradiction by merging multiple construction steps into one unified system that maintains reliable waterproofing while simplifying the construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproofing protection, structural reinforcement through the glass fibre tissue, and aesthetic decoration through printed patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single product to replace traditional multi-component systems (waterproofing sheath + tiles + adhesive), reducing construction complexity while maintaining or improving waterproofing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If waterproofing is applied over existing coatings without removal, then construction time and cost are reduced, but compatibility issues between different materials may compromise waterproofing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidwaterproofing seal effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layers are formulated with specific chemical-physical parameters optimized for bonding to diverse existing surfaces (ceramic tiles, plaster, concrete, wood). The adhesive composition and curing characteristics are adjusted to ensure reliable adhesion regardless of the substrate material, enabling direct application over existing coatings without compromising waterproofing seal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath system uses composite materials including glass fibre tissue embedded in adhesive matrices, combining materials with complementary properties. The glass fibre reinforcement provides mechanical strength and crack resistance, while the adhesive layers provide chemical bonding to various substrates. This composite structure ensures compatibility and reliable performance when applied over existing coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If decorative elements (ceramic tiles) are applied separately after waterproofing, then aesthetic results are improved, but the number of construction steps and overall complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidnumber of construction steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative pattern is integrated directly into the sheath structure by printing or embedding designs on the glass fibre reinforcement layer. This merges the decorative function with the waterproofing sheath itself, eliminating the need for separate tile installation steps. The aesthetic appearance is achieved as an inherent feature of the sheath rather than as an add-on element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath incorporates printed patterns, colors, and decorative motifs directly on its surface during manufacturing. This allows aesthetic customization without requiring post-installation decorative elements. The color and pattern application occurs before final installation, reducing on-site construction steps while providing diverse aesthetic options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 system provides a cost-effective, quick, and simple method to achieve optimal waterproofing and desired aesthetic results on existing surfaces, maintaining impermeability and resistance to water, mould, and mechanical stress, while enhancing the surface's appearance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a first transparent protective finishing layer (15) applied in two successive coats on the second layer of specific adhesive material (14a), made from a material suitable for giving the layer of glass fibre tissue (14) a partly translucent aspect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Implementation Method 2

a first layer of specific adhesive material (13a) applied on the layer of waterproofing material (13)... a second layer of specific adhesive material (14a) applied on the layer of decorated glass fibre tissue (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9617737B2Waterproof decorative sheath system for walls of moist environments, and method for making it
Publication Date: 2017.04.11 WALL&DECO
  • US9617737B2 patent drawing
  • US9617737B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A waterproof decorative sheath system for walls of moist environments, including at least one layer of waterproofing material applicable on the wall surface of the moist environment, a first layer of specific adhesive material applied on the layer of waterproofing material, a layer of glass fiber tissue, applied on the first layer of specific adhesive material, having the final decorative aspect to be given to the walls, a second layer of specific adhesive material applied on the layer of glass fiber tissue, a substantially transparent first protective finishing layer, applied on the second layer of specific adhesive material, suitable for giving the layer of glass fiber tissue a partly translucent aspect, and a second substantially transparent scratch-resistant protective finishing layer, applied on the first protective finishing layer, to obtain a finished system that does not require the application of further additional decorative elements to obtain the desired final aspect.