A movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices for ceramic tiles are not versatile enough to support tiles of various sizes, particularly those with different widths, and cannot effectively support both one tile and a pair of tiles of the same thickness simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A novel movable support system for display devices that includes a pair of separate support devices, allowing adjustable distance between them based on the width of the ceramic tile, enabling support of tiles with different widths in both storage and display configurations, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed support system with a single profiled element is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot support tiles of various widths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capability for various tile widthsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single profiled element is divided into two separate support devices (first support device with first wheel, second support device with second wheel). Each support device can independently engage with the grooves, allowing adjustable spacing between them to accommodate different tile widths while maintaining structural simplicity through modular repetition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both support devices use identical components (wheels, connecting elements, profiled sections) that can perform the same function of supporting tiles. This universal design allows the system to adapt to various tile widths by simply adjusting the position or number of active support devices without requiring different structural components

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the profiled element length is increased to support wider tiles, then more tile widths can be supported, but the device becomes more complex and harder to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of supported tile widthsVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one long profiled element, the system uses multiple shorter profiled elements (first connecting element, second connecting element) that can be independently assembled. Each element can be manufactured and prepared separately, then quickly connected to form the complete support structure for wider tiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the wheels to roll along the grooves and adjust their positions. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility for different tile widths without requiring multiple fixed-length profiled elements, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support devices are used to support various tile widths, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in supporting different tile configurationsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both support devices use identical universal components (wheels with rotation axes, connecting elements with profiled sections, grooves) that can perform the same supporting function. This universality allows the system to handle various tile configurations (single tile, paired tiles, different widths) using the same component set, preventing complexity increase despite having multiple support devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support devices can be nested or stacked vertically, with multiple support systems arranged at different heights or positions. This nesting approach allows multiple support functions to be integrated in a compact space, maintaining simplicity while providing versatility for different tile widths and configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 versatile support for ceramic tiles of varying widths, is cost-effective, and allows rapid substitution of tiles, maintaining them in a vertical position safely and efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

a wheel (16, 17), in turn comprising: a rotation axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Wheel

Implementation Method 2

the first recesses (39) together defining, a first seat (41) conformed to house the terminal portion of a first planar ceramic element (2) arranged perpendicularly to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support and positioning:

Implementation Method 3

the first fixing element (241), the second fixing element (251) and the fourth fixing element (35) are couplable, obviously to one another, (and preferably are coupled) so as to rotatably fix the wheel (16, 17) to the coupling wall (27)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4589572A1A movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 V E P 87 SAS DI CANALI MARIALUISA & C
  • EP4589572A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4589572A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4589572A1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A novel movable support system (21) is described for a novel display device (22) for tiles (2). This latter comprises a fixed support system (3, 23) and at least a movable support system (21) according to the invention. The novel display device (22) is able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration. The movable support system (21) is characterised in that it comprises a pair of support devices, separate from one another. This allows the novel display device (22) to be able to act as a vertical support, in the storage configuration and in the display configuration of the tiles (2), independently of the width thereof.