Annular Tile Fixing Groove for Rapid Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tiled floors with conical protrusions on tile supports are time-consuming to install due to the need for precise orientation and rotation of the tile supports.
Innovation Solution
A tiled floor design featuring annular segment-like protrusions and fixing grooves on the tiles and supports, allowing for easier placement without requiring precise orientation, and the absence of separate spacers for spacing tiles, enabling quicker installation and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conical protrusions are used on tile supports for fixing tiles, then the tiles can be mutually fixed, but the installation becomes time-consuming due to the need for precise orientation and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conical protrusion design with an annular (ring-shaped) fixing groove design. The annular groove receives a fixing ring that has a circular cross-section, allowing the tile to be rotated freely during installation without affecting the fixing engagement. This curved, rotationally symmetric design eliminates the orientation problem inherent in conical designs, thereby speeding up installation while maintaining reliable tile fixing.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise orientation of tile support is required before placing tiles, then proper alignment is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The annular fixing groove design serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning for the fixing ring, allows free rotation during installation, and ensures proper tile alignment. The circular symmetry of the annular groove makes the system universally adaptable to any rotational orientation, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment of the tile support while maintaining accurate tile placement.
3Reliability
If separate spacers are used to hold tiles spaced apart, then proper drainage gaps are maintained, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spacing function directly into the annular fixing groove and fixing ring structure. The fixing ring, when received in the annular groove, naturally maintains the required spacing between adjacent tiles due to its circular geometry and the way it engages with the groove. This eliminates the need for separate spacer components, reducing device complexity while ensuring proper drainage gaps are maintained between tiles.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tiled floor comprises at least three tiles (2) and at least one tile support (14). The tiles (2) each comprise an underside (8) and a top side (6), have a polygonal form in top view and are designed for outside use. The tiles (2) are separated from each other by an at least partially open join (24) for the purpose of draining rainwater from above the tiled floor to below the tiles (2). Each of the tiles (2) comprises on its underside (8) and close to its said corner point an annular segment-like protrusion and an annular segment-like fixing groove, which co-act respectively with a complementary annular fixing groove (10) in a top side of the tile support (14) or with a complementary fixing ring (16). The annular segment-like protrusions or the fixing ring (16) are at least partially received in respectively the annular fixing groove and the annular segment-like fixing grooves (10) for restricting the relative movement of the tiles (2) at least in a plane of the tiled floor.