Apparatus and method for maintaining a gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
During cabinet installation, maintaining a precise and consistent gap between cabinets is challenging, as leveling can cause encroachment, leading to unsightly and functional issues like crumb and dirt traps.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated rail with adjustable stops and clamps that maintain a fixed distance between cabinets, ensuring accurate spacing and parallel alignment, even during leveling, using a system of rods, clamps, and stops to secure the cabinets in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cabinets are leveled during installation, then the cabinets achieve proper alignment and stability, but the gap between cabinets becomes inconsistent and too small for appliance installation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is installed between cabinets before the leveling process begins. The stops are positioned at the desired gap distance and secured to the rail, establishing the correct spacing in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures that when cabinets are leveled, the stops prevent encroachment and maintain the intended gap width throughout the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary element between two cabinets, physically preventing them from moving too close together. The stops serve as mediators that transmit the spacing requirement from the design stage through the installation process, ensuring the gap is maintained despite the leveling adjustments being made to the cabinets.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gap between cabinets is made smaller to accommodate appliances, then appliance installation is facilitated, but the gap becomes too small and cabinets encroach on each other
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus serves as a physical intermediary that enforces the correct gap width. The stops, positioned at the precise distance needed for appliance installation, act as barriers that prevent cabinets from encroaching on each other. This intermediary structure maintains the designed gap width while allowing cabinets to be properly positioned and leveled.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus applies preliminary anti-action by preventing cabinets from moving closer than the desired gap distance. The stops are positioned to counteract any tendency of cabinets to encroach on each other during installation, thereby maintaining the correct spacing before appliance installation occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stops are made adjustable along the rail, then the apparatus accommodates various gap distances, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct components: an elongated rail, multiple adjustable stops, and clamps. Each stop can be independently positioned along the rail at different locations, allowing the same simple rail structure to accommodate various gap distances. This segmentation provides versatility without requiring a completely different apparatus for each gap size.
Solution Approach 2:
The stops are designed to be adjustable along the length of the rail, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different spacing requirements. This adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical means that allow stops to be repositioned and secured at various locations, providing versatility while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for maintaining a fixed distance between two cabinets during installation are provided. An elongated rail with two stops and two clamps are used. The stops are fixed to the elongated rail with opposing faces placed the fixed distance apart. The assembly is placed between the cabinets and a clamp is used to pinch a cabinet wall of each cabinet against a stop. The cabinets are installed and the apparatus is removed. In some embodiments a second apparatus may be used, one at the top of the cabinets and one at the bottom.