Appliance with a base wall having a contact surface including at least three internal leveling extension platforms and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting appliances on non-level floors or walls, such as toilets and sinks, often result in displacement over time due to uneven contact and require cutting excess shims, which can damage the appliance's surface.
Innovation Solution
An appliance base with a contact surface and at least three internal leveling extension platforms that create a stable planar foundation, using adjustable two-part shims to ensure level mounting without damaging the appliance's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional external shims are used to level appliances on non-level floors, then the appliance can be leveled initially, but the narrow contact point causes the appliance to slide down the shim over time, resulting in displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point contact system to a distributed multi-point contact system by introducing three extension platforms at different locations within the base wall void. This dimensional distribution across multiple points prevents sliding by creating a stable triangular support geometry that distributes the appliance weight and resists gravitational sliding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension platforms are nested within the base wall void space, utilizing the existing structural cavity. The platforms extend from the contact surface into the void, creating internal support structures that are integrated within the appliance's own base wall rather than requiring external additions.
2Ease of manufacture
If excess shims are cut off using sharp instruments, then the shim fits the appliance perimeter, but the exterior surface of the appliance may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trimming operation from the appliance exterior surface and relocates it to the excess shim material. By positioning the extension platforms internally and allowing shims to extend beyond the appliance perimeter, the cutting operation is performed on the shim rather than the appliance, eliminating the risk of surface damage while maintaining proper fit.
3Measurement precision
If levelling shims are hammered in to raise appliance sides, then the appliance achieves level mounting, but mounting seals or gaskets are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The extension platforms are pre-positioned and secured to the contact surface before the appliance is fully mounted. This preliminary action establishes the level mounting geometry in advance, allowing the appliance to be placed directly onto the pre-leveled platforms without requiring subsequent hammering that would disrupt seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension platforms serve as an intermediary element between the contact surface and the appliance base. They mediate the leveling function by providing a pre-leveled interface that transfers the leveling adjustment from the shim to the appliance, eliminating the need for direct hammering against the appliance-mounted seal area.
4Ease of operation
If a single contact surface is used on non-level floors, then the appliance can be mounted, but the uneven contact causes displacement over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single contact surface into three separate extension platforms positioned at different locations within the base wall void. This segmentation creates multiple independent contact points that collectively provide stable support, preventing the appliance from shifting or rotating on uneven surfaces while maintaining straightforward mounting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for easily and permanently leveling an appliance is described. The apparatus involves a modification to the appliance to support shims, and preferably the two-part adjustable leveling shims. Alternatively, a template for affixing two-part adjustable leveling shims is used between the appliance and the mounting surface.