Adjustable Screeding Element for Tile Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools for ceramic tile installation are inefficient, cumbersome, and often disposable, requiring multiple custom shapes and being time-consuming to manufacture, which complicates the tile installation process.
Innovation Solution
A tile installation tool with a base and screeding element that can be configured in multiple positions, featuring locking mechanisms and guiding grooves to allow precise longitudinal and transverse movements, enabling efficient use as a bed-width gauge, bed-depth gauge, and screeding tool, and is manufacturable at low costs and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple custom shaped templates are used for tile installation, then tile alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single tile installation tool with a base that can accommodate multiple screeding elements of different shapes and sizes. The base includes various mounting positions and configurations, allowing one tool to perform multiple functions that previously required several separate templates, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tool into a reusable base and interchangeable screeding elements. This allows the screeding elements to be separated and replaced based on specific installation needs, while the base remains a permanent fixture, reducing overall handling complexity while maintaining precision for different tile configurations
2Measurement precision
If custom shaped wood scraps are used for tile installation, then tile alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a pre-manufactured base with predetermined mounting positions, guiding structures, and attachment mechanisms. This eliminates the need to manually cut and shape wood scraps during installation, as the base is already prepared with all necessary features for precise tile alignment, significantly reducing manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the screeding elements as interchangeable, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and swapped. While individual screeding elements may be simple and potentially disposable, the overall system eliminates time-consuming custom fabrication by using pre-made components
3Adaptability or versatility
If screeding element is made movable longitudinally relative to base, then adaptability for different tile configurations is improved, but stability and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the screeding element to be selectively movable along the base in the longitudinal direction, allowing adjustment to different positions based on tile configuration requirements. The movable design enables adaptability while maintaining stability when positioned and secured at the desired location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by introducing guiding structures and positioning mechanisms as intermediaries between the movable screeding element and the base. These intermediaries ensure that the screeding element moves along a precise path and can be accurately positioned and secured, maintaining positioning accuracy while enabling adaptability
4Measurement precision
If locking mechanisms are added to secure screeding element to base, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the locking mechanism into simple, modular components such as separate locking protrusions and recesses, or individual adjustment elements. This modular approach allows the locking function to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as each component is simple and can be independently manufactured and assembled
Data Source
AI summary
A tile installation tool comprising a base defining substantially opposed base first and second end edges and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; and a screeding element including a central portion and first and second screeding protrusions extending therefrom away from the central portion along respectively first and second directions that are angled relative to each other, the first and second screeding protrusions having different dimensions perpendicularly to the first and second directions. The screeding element is mountable to the base in a first configuration and in a second configuration, the screeding element being substantially transversally substantially fixed relative to the base in both the first and second configurations and at least part of the first and second screeding protrusions protruding substantially longitudinally from the base first end edge with the screeding element selectively movable substantially longitudinally relative to the base in the first and second configurations respectively.