Adjustable Concrete Leveling Tool with Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for leveling concrete layers, such as those on balconies, are difficult and time-consuming to use, especially when ensuring the tiles are coplanar with perimeter edging, and lack efficient height adjustment and locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a fixed and movable part, where the movable part can adjust and lock to define the leveling height, and a detachable straightedge that can be interchanged for different lengths, allowing easy and precise leveling of concrete layers and plasterwork.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual leveling with improvised systems is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but leveling precision and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidleveling precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tool allows adjustment of the distance between the support element and the straightedge through the movable part mechanism, enabling adaptation to different tile thicknesses and leveling requirements while maintaining precise control over the leveling plane

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The movable part can be positioned at different locations along the straightedge and locked in place, providing dynamic adaptability for various leveling scenarios while ensuring stable and precise positioning when locked

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed straightedge systems are used, then leveling consistency is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling consistencyVSAvoidapplication versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into separable components including the straightedge, support element, and movable part with locking mechanism, allowing the straightedge to be detached and replaced with different lengths or types for various applications while maintaining consistent leveling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support element with adjustable movable part serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different straightedge lengths, adjust to various tile thicknesses, and work with different reference surfaces, making the tool universally applicable across different leveling scenarios

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

3Manufacturing precision

If height adjustment mechanisms are added, then leveling precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable part provides adjustable height positioning along the straightedge that can be locked in place, offering precise height control without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism replaces complex continuous adjustment systems with a simpler discrete positioning approach, where the movable part can be positioned and secured at required heights using straightforward locking means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3246492B1A tool for leveling a concrete layer or the like in construction work
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 LOMBARDO
  • EP3246492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3246492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3246492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool that allows constant and regular leveling of a concrete layer or the like in construction work, characterized in that it comprises: - a fixed part (10) intended to be placed against a reference surface (M) with respect to which the required leveling is established; - a movable part (11), movable with respect to the fixed part (10) able to move along the body of the fixed part (10) from a rest position up to a position of maximum stroke and configured to adjust and define a required leveling height (L), the movable part (11) is associated with a straightedge (S) to be able to achieve the leveling of concrete layers or the like; - locking means (12, 13) of the movable part (11) to the fixed part (10) in the position that defines the required leveling height (L).